Researchers from the University of Tennessee in collaboration with Clemson University are interested in studying the genetics of Callery pear that has escaped cultivation in order to help with future management. These escaped pears cause problems in natural areas as they crowd out native plants.
They need YOUR help collecting samples for their research.
Basics for collecting include:
Collecting 10-12 disease-free leaves from 10 different Callery pear trees at each sample site.
Placing each tree’s leaf samples in a single paper envelope and allowing them to dry.
Taking the GPS coordinates of each tree and writing them on the corresponding envelope.
Noting if the tree has thorns or not and writing this information on the envelope.
Placing the 10 envelopes from one site in a paper bag.
Shipping samples to the address provided.
If you are collecting from more than one site, your collection locations should be at least 15 miles apart. Additionally, samples should only be from naturally grown populations. This means trees should be in a naturalized landscape, field, or right-of-way area. Avoid trees planted in a row, yard, or other “domesticated” setting.
If you are interested in collecting and curating samples to be part of this research, the shipping cost is covered by the researcher. A FedEx account is provided for your use.
This and the more detailed collection protocols can be found at (https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/INDNR/2019/06/10/file_attachments/1227851/Callery_Pear_Collection_Details.pdf )