WPGA 2022 Graduate Scholarship Recipient

Meet Paul Gabriel, a Molecular Biology/ Pecan Root Microbiome Graduate Student at New Mexico State University. Paul’s research will concentrate “on the influence of soil microbiome on the nutrient and water uptake of pecan tree roots since they lack root hairs. Different orchard floor treatments are applied to monitor the shift in root zone microbial population and abundance of the beneficial microbial population. Here, the horticultural and tree health outcomes would be used to measure the efficient nutrient and water acquisition from the various orchard floor treatments and microbial inoculation. Likewise, the symbiotic activities of these microbes and pecan trees would be evaluated based on their leaves’ physical and chemical characteristics. Both molecular and microscopy approaches would be used to monitor the microbiome changes over a given period. Since many concerns of pecan farmers center on the reduced use of chemical fertilizers and how to improve pecan water uptake, this research would be a solution to these growing concerns.”

WPGA 2022 Graduate Scholarship Recipient

WPGA 2022 Graduate Scholarship Recipient

Meet Alex Armijo a Graduate Student at New Mexico State University. His research focuses on “three species of pecan aphids (yellow complex and black pecan aphid) and what cultural practices influence aphid populations throughout the growing season. He also focuses on economic and physical damage” left by aphids in the Southwest.

Another study he is involved with concerns black pecan aphids and novel approaches to managing and controlling this pest. According to Alex, this study utilizes “OMRI-labeled formulations to find a new management approach that would benefit both organic and conventional growers in the Mesilla Valley.”

WPGA 2022 Undergrad Scholarship Recipient

Before graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree from New Mexico Military Institute Junior College in Business Administration and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 2021, Zachary was influenced by his Grandfather’s passion for pecan farming. During his time at New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in Roswell, New Mexico. He volunteered as a ranch hand for the Diamond T out of Hondo, NM, while attending classes from the ranch. Working in ranching during the pandemic has awakened an interest in agriculture. Currently, Zachary is attending New Mexico State University as an undergrad. His field of study is in Agricultural Business Administration. Zac is also part of the NM National Guard Reserves and NMSU ROTC and is a Maintenance Officer assigned to the NM Army National Guard in Santa Fe.