Pinyon pine is a species of great concern to the dine people of the navajo nation

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Navajo Technical University $643,775 on January 1, 2026, under the 1994 Institutions Research Grants program (CFDA 10.227) to expand research capacity in plant genomics focused on pinyon pine.

The project will transfer RNA sample collection, processing, and analysis methods to NTU students and faculty to detect expressed genes in pinyon pine under drought stress and uranium exposure conditions. Undergraduates will conduct sampling from up to 45 locations across the Navajo Nation, perform ultracold RNA processing, and analyze RNA sequence data to identify genes related to drought resistance and seed production. The work will also assess how uranium contamination affects pinyon pine gene expression. This research addresses the cultural and economic importance of pinyon pine to the Diné people—used in ceremonies, traditional medicine, food, and wood products—and the documented decline in pine productivity and pinyon jay populations linked to long-term drought.

The award period runs through December 31, 2028, with place of performance in Crownpoint, New Mexico. The 1994 Institutions Research Grants program supports fundamental and applied agricultural research at eligible tribal land-grant colleges to develop research capacity and prepare students for agricultural and related careers.

IT is traditionally used in cultural ceremonies, as a natural remedy and as source of food and wood products. Due to long term drought, pinyon pine forests have been reduced in area and productivity of the prized pine nuts has suffered in many areas where the trees remain. Additionally, the pinyon JAY (a species of special concern) has undergone a sharp reduction in numbers and possibly range over the last few decades. The environmental effects of uranium contamination continue to be of great concern on the navajo nation. There are many sites across the navajo nation contaminated during the cold war uranium mining. This project will expand research capacity at navajo technical university through the transfer of research methods in plant genomics, specifically the collection, processing, and analysis of RNA samples to detect expressed genes in pinyon pine. MR. Chischilly started a similar project years ago, but recent advances in genetic technology will enable greater progress at this time. His students will learn how to use modern genomic tools to help understand the effect of genetics on pinyon pine productivity under drought conditions. Undergraduates at NTU will conduct most of the sampling which will include ultracold sample storage and transportation safety, RNA sample processing under ultracold conditions and the analysis of RNA sequence data. Additionally, we willsurvey for changes in gene expression in pinyon pine due to uranium exposure. We are proposing to assess the effect of uranium and drought on the genome of pinyon pine across the navajo nation. For this survey, we will collect pinyon pine needles from up to 45 locations and conduct an analysis of expressed genes using RNA analysis. The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, we are interested in identifying genes related to drought resistance and seed production to have better tools for identifying the pinyon best suited as seed sources for restoration. Secondly, we would like to study whether uranium contamination has any effect on gene expression in pinyon pine. Sampling and data sharing will be decided with extensive consultation with navajo nation agencies to ensure consideration and respect for cultural concerns and tribal sovereignty.