Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources – FY 2005 Research Abstracts
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
Improving the Efficiency of Markets and Institutions
The goal of this project is to increase the use of marketing tools, which can help producers increase income or reduce risk. The project will also increase the efficiency of the marketing system in terms of providing incentives for producers to produce what consumers want and will determine the efficiency of public institutions such as public schools and public data collection. (2170)
PI: Wade Brorsen
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Oklahoma State University Foundation
Costs, Returns, Feasibilities and Risks of Producing Cucurbit Crops in Oklahoma
The overall objective of the project is to determine for Oklahoma researchers and
farmers the economic and financial feasibility of cucurbits (watermelon, cantaloupe, muskmelon, squash, cucumber, and pumpkin) under alternative production strategies. Specific objectives are as follows: 1) Identify economically viable and sustainable production practices and enterprise budgets for cucurbits in Oklahoma similar to those developed for other crops. These production practices and budgets will reflect a whole farm approach including other crops involved in the rotations. The budgets will estimate land, capital, equipment, and labor physical input requirements and associated costs for cucurbit crops under Oklahoma conditions for a variety of production strategies, including meeting organic certification requirements. 2) Determine the potential financial and economic feasibility that cucurbit crops have for providing a main or supplemental source of income for Oklahoma farmers. Estimates of the variability in economic returns will be determined as well as point estimates of average returns. (2348)
PI: Merritt Taylor
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Texas A&M University
Evaluating Opportunities for Oklahoma’s Value-Added Food and Agricultural Products Processing and Distribution Industries
The overall objective of this project is to analyze ways to develop and enhance the value-added food and agricultural products industries in Oklahoma. The project will examine factors affecting the location and/or relocation of agribusiness of Oklahoma. More specifically, it will identify factors that have led to an industry’s presence, expansion, and/or decline in the state. It will also assess the market potential for new and/or niche value-added food and agricultural products that may present opportunities for Oklahoma’s production agriculture. These assessments are a crucial component of the strategic planning process that will help ensure the success of small/niche agribusiness firms (Phillips and Peterson, 1999). The project will identify and evaluate the opportunities for and feasibility of value-added activities for Oklahoma’s primary agricultural commodities (i.e. livestock, wheat, poultry, corn, and milo) and alternative crops (e.g. guar, eastern red cedar, high-antioxidant horticultural crops, etc.), including assessments of business and market risks. To achieve the objectives, research projects are proposed for testing the following hypotheses. Hypotheses associated with factors affecting agribusiness processing activities and distribution center location decisions include: 1) Policymakers and community leaders do not fully understand the many factors that play a role in the location, relocation, expansion, and/or statewide exit of value-added processing/distribution centers. For example, state policymakers and agencies often inquire as to why a state with extensive cattle and wheat production has no large cattle slaughtering facilities and a very small flour milling industry. Limited understanding of location factors and their impacts on plant locations has led to the disappearance of some industry sectors and many state-supported business failures. 2) Given the diversity of Oklahoma’s production agriculture and the increasingly innovative industrial uses for co-products from production agriculture, unexplored market opportunities exist for technology-generated derivatives from Oklahoma agriculture. 3) Opportunities exist for producer coalitions to generate additional income from their raw agricultural production through the development of producer-owned processing operations in Oklahoma. (2349)
PI: Rodney Holcomb
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma Food and Agricultural Products Center, Oklahoma Wheat Commission, University of Arkansas
Economic Analysis of Alternative Agricultural Production Systems for Oklahoma
The overall objective of this project will be to evaluate the economic consequences of agricultural production alternatives for Oklahoma. Impacts of alternative practices and systems on expected net returns, variability of returns, and input requirements will be investigated. In addition, compatibility of the alternative production practices and enterprises with conventional practices and enterprises, resources, and institutional constraints, and potential external costs will be considered. Specific objectives are to: 1) determine the economic and institutional feasibility, with respect to expected net return, production and financial risk, and rate of return on resources, of alternative production systems compared to existing ones, and 2) determine environmental tradeoffs between alternative and contemporary production systems. (2403)
PI: Francis Epplin
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA
The Evolution of Institutions and Coordination in Agricultural Production and Marketing Systems
The specific objectives of this project are to: 1) create a revised paradigm that integrates cultural change, values and norms, psychology, value differentiation, and complementarities into a comprehensive theory of institutional change in agricultural markets; 2) determine how producers experienced with various contracting identity preservation, alliances, and value-based pricing systems and evaluate the costs and benefits of participating in those systems; 3) evaluate the characteristics, attitudes, and beliefs of producers that are most likely to participate or not participate in alternative coordination systems; 4) determine whether rural elevator managers and directors could adopt value-based pricing and identity preservation storage and shipment strategies that would provide higher prices for specific types of food and feed grains and better serve the needs of grain processors; 5) identify and describe the characteristics of strategic alliances in agricultural industries; 6) estimate the costs, benefits, and net benefits of existing strategic alliances in beef and wheat; and 7) determine whether beef processors would adopt value-based pricing that provides rewards for producers in strategic alliances for supplying higher quality products and allows the processors to better serve developing branded product, institutional, and restaurant markets. (2404)
PIs: Dan Tilley, Clement Ward, Phil Kenkel
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service
Changes in Ag Input and Output Markets as a Result of Scientific Developments in and Regulation of Biotech
This project analyzes the effects of biotechnology developments on farm costs, returns, competitive positions, spatial location of production, and marketing institutions. It describes federal and international policy developments in the biotechnology sector and determines how those policies affect the market for U.S. agricultural products. Project will also determine the market shares, size and number of firms, types of alliances, product mix, number of patents of firms in the farm supply sector, and the effects of proposed mergers and alliances on industry concentration. It will determine the impacts of business conduct, including tying arrangements, contract prohibitions, aggressive patent enforcement, and other practices on structure and performance in the agricultural input supply sector. (2406)
PI: Marcia Tilley
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Systems for Controlling Air Pollutant Emissions and Indoor Environments of Poultry, Swine, and Dairy Facilities
Project will develop and improve sustainable systems to reduce air pollution emissions from poultry, swine, and dairy buildings and improve indoor air quality. (2419)
PI: Arthur Stoecker
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Resource and Environmental Economics of Animal Production and Land Use
The objectives of this research program are twofold: 1) to address natural resource and environmental issues of relevance to Oklahoma and the nation, and 2) to contribute to the developing theoretical and empirical economic literature on contracting and policy design over natural resource and environmental issues. (2431)
PI: Tracy Boyer
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Management and Information Support for Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers
The goal is to determine and report average Oklahoma land values for cropland and pasture by region. A further goal is to collect and report typical cropland and pasture rental arrangements for Oklahoma and to collect and report normal custom rate charges for fieldwork and planting, haying, harvesting, and livestock management activities. (2432)
PI: Darrel Kletke
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma Tax Commission
Providing Essential Rural Infrastructure with Emphasis on Health
The overall objective of this research project is to develop economic tools and incorporate them into educational materials and technical assistance programs for rural decision makers as they make decisions relative to structural changes in their community delivery systems. More specifically, the objectives are discussed by service. They are as follows: PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: to develop budgets of primary care health services that enable decision makers to design a financially sound system meeting needs of their population, to further research the importance of the health sector on a rural economy, and to measure the impact of critical access hospitals on health delivery and the community's economy. SOLID WASTE: to develop budgets that enable decision makers to design a financially sound system and to further investigate rural collection systems, which address illegal dumping problems. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (part of Primary Care, but problem is such that it needs special attention): to update budgets such that decision makers can evaluate costs of alternative delivery systems and to study alternative systems to determine if they are cost efficient and medically effective. (2433)
PIs: Gerald Doeksen, Michael Woods
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Economics of Oklahoma’s Swine Industry, Selecting Swine Production Waste Management-Marketing Systems and Strategies
The overall objective of this project is to identify resource requirements and management practices associated with economically feasible swine production systems. In addition, this project will determine the economic feasibility of increased swine production and processing and the impacts of economic, community, and environmental resources in Oklahoma. The objectives studied are dependent on evolving support and interest. The project will: 1) determine resource requirements, operating costs, and economic returns for selected swine production systems under alternative management systems and ownership structures; 2) identify management and human capital, financial, land (crop) base, and other resource characteristics of farms where each swine production system would best fit; 3) identify and evaluate financial, production, marketing, and personnel management strategies that enable independent and contract swine producers to reach management objectives in an uncertain environment; 4) delineate the economic conditions under which Oklahoma producers have a comparative advantage in swine production and the conditions necessary for and upper limits of economically feasible swine industry expansion (production and processing) in Oklahoma given a global market for both swine and pork and increased concern for environmental resources; and 5) identify, update, and evaluate the impact of the swine industry on economic, community, and environmental resources. (2434)
PIs: Bailey Norwood, Derrell Peel, Arthur Stoecker, Michael Woods
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Missouri-Colombia
The overriding objective of this project is to generate information enabling individual producers and groups of producers to make informed marketing-related decisions. Specific objectives are as follows: 1) evaluate production-marketing alternatives on the basis of their potential for enhancing producer profitability, 2) determine how to effectively use alternative methods of price discovery and coordination, and 3) assess impacts from consolidation and related issues from alternative market or legislative remedies. (2471)
PI: Clement Ward
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Costs, Benefits, and Risks of Integrated Pest Management in Grain Storage and Food Processing Facilities
The general objective of the proposed research is to improve the ability of the grain marketing system to respond to increased pesticide regulations and to consumer demands for wholesome, insect-free foods. The specific objectives are: 1) estimate costs and risks associated with chemical-based and IPM-based pest-control strategies in stored grain facilities, and 2) estimate costs and risks associated with chemical-based and IPM-based pest-control strategies in food processing facilities. These objectives directly address the following priorities in the Division’s Strategic Plan (DASNR, 1999): Priority Area 3 – Enhance Agriculture’s Profitability, Competitiveness, and Sustainability, (Goal 2: Improve Farm, Ranch, and Agribusiness Management Practices), Priority Area 4 – Protect and Sustain the Environment, (Goal 3: Expand and Promote Strategies for Integrated Pest Management in Rural and Urban Environments). (2489)
PI: Brian Adam
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Providing Information and Decision Support Tools to Increase the Effectiveness of Traditional and Nontraditional Cooperatives
The overall objective of this project is to increase the effectiveness of traditional and non-traditional cooperatives. Additionally, the project will measure the efficiency gains of coordinating cooperative grain handling, fuel and fertilizer delivery, fertilizer and plant protection application, and other key services over larger geographic areas and develop information and decision support tools to firms considering these arrangements. This objective will contribute to the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources strategic plan in Priority Area 3 – Enhance Agriculture’s Profitability, Competitiveness, and Sustainability (Goal 2: Improve Farm, Ranch, and Agribusiness Management Practices). Project will determine the factors affecting the success of mergers and other collaborative arrangements among Oklahoma cooperatives during the past 10 years and the factors affecting the success of these arrangements. Factors hypothesized to have an impact on merger success include the debt and equity and profitability characteristics of the cooperative firms, the size of cooperative, similarity in operations and departments and management style. This objective will also contribute to the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources strategic plan in Priority Area 3 – Enhance Agriculture’s Profitability, Competitiveness, and Sustainability (Goal 2: Improve Farm, Ranch, and Agribusiness Management Practices). Project will determine the factors impacting the feasibility of value-added processing activities and develop information and decision support tools to help producer groups determine the feasibility and risk of New Generation Cooperatives and other producer-owned value-added efforts. This objective will contribute to the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources strategic plan in Priority Area 3 – Enhance Agriculture’s Profitability, Competitiveness and Sustainability (Goal 3: Enhance Market Opportunities for Oklahoma’s Commodities and Value-Added Products and Goal 4: Expand Food and Agricultural Product Processing and Product and Process Development). Investigate the feasibility of common types of shared-service cooperatives in Oklahoma and develop information and decision support tools to assist farmer producer groups, businesses, and public agencies evaluate the potential for shared-service cooperatives. This objective will contribute to the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources strategic plan in Priority Area 5: Strengthen Rural Oklahoma (Goal 1: Increase the Economic Competitiveness and Sustainability of Rural Communities and Industries and Goal 2: Improve Capacity of Elected Officials and Other Local Leaders to Deal with Economic Development and Quality of Life Issues in Both Urban and Rural Areas.) (2491)
PI: Phil Kenkel
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Oklahoma State University Foundation, USDA/CSREES, Kansas State University
The overall objective of this project is to provide an economic assessment of supply chain management, traceability, and commodity promotion in food and agricultural industries. Specific objectives include: 1) estimate economic impacts of supply chain management (via contracts, joint ventures, cooperatives, partnerships, and alliances) and traceability on livestock and its related food industries, and 2) evaluate economic impacts of various commodity check-off programs and assess effects of generic advertising programs in differentiated product markets. (2516)
PI: Chanjin Chung
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Impacts of Trade and Domestic Policies on the Competitiveness and Performance of Southern Agriculture
The project objectives are to determine the impacts of changes in domestic policies on the competitiveness of southern agriculture; to determine the impacts of international institutions and trade agreements on the competitiveness of southern agriculture; and to determine the impacts of market behavior, performance, and expansion on the competitiveness of southern agriculture. (2537)
PI: Shida Henneberry
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
The purpose of this proposed research is to develop a procedure that enables the county FSA field agent to develop a management system for haying and grazing management of CRP lands. More specifically, the objectives of this research are to: 1) determine the change in value of the CRP rental rate where limited use is allowed, 2) develop a procedure for measuring the benefits/costs of a CRP acre within a changing landscape, and 3) develop a procedure for developing the limited use management scheme to maximize net returns and environmental benefits. (2541)
PI: Mike Dicks
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Local Strategies and Policy Options to Develop Rural Communities in Oklahoma
The overall objective of this proposal is to analyze alternative development strategies for rural Oklahoma communities to aid in diversifying and strengthening the local economy. Specific objectives include: 1) develop methodologies for targeted economic development of rural areas building upon the components of cluster analysis, industry linkages, and impact analysis, and 2) assess trends and forces shaping retail/small business performance in Oklahoma communities, focusing on specific sector detail (2552)
PI: Mike Woods
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Fruit and Vegetable Supply-Chain Management, Innovations, and Competitiveness
The overall objective is to analyze the relative costs and competitiveness of fruit and vegetable sub-sectors, both regionally, nationally, and/or globally using new and established analytical paradigms that incorporate theories from business schools and other fields. (2560)
PI: R. Joe Schatzer
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, COMMUNICATIONS, AND 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Do Grades Matter? A Case Study of the Effects of Grade Neutrality on Adult Learners
The purpose of the case study was to document student behavior, motivation, and learning outcomes under the condition of grade neutrality. Every teacher at one point or another has asked the question: do grades matter? Value laden and tied to emotion, the grading of students is never a neutral event. Some teachers have used grades to motivate students while others use them as punishments and rewards for student behavior. Adult educators separate themselves from pedagogical practitioners by using unique educational approaches to drive student-centered learning. Students are coached into lifelong learning habits. Research has documented that rewarding intrinsically motivated behavior will convert the behavior to the less desirable extrinsically rewarded type. This study asks the questions: what will happen to adult student motivation, behavior, and learning outcomes when the external reward of a grade is removed by guaranteeing students an A grade on the first day of class regardless of future behavior or performance? (2422)
PI: Kathleen D. Kelsey
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Exploring Classroom Teams and the Link between Leadership Style and Team Culture
The purpose of the study is to examine student learning within the context of classroom teams. Specifically, leadership styles of assigned student leaders are correlated with current and ideal team cultures emerging from semester-long project teams. Research questions include: Is there a relationship between leadership style and team culture? Does leadership style of assigned leaders impact team culture? Do differences between current team culture and ideal team culture impact student learning? Does participating in a semester-long team project impact student learning? The study follows a mixed-method case study design with the case one graduate level agricultural education course delivered spring 2005 (AGED 6223: Program Evaluation). Both quantitative data (LPI-Self or LPI-Observer, Team Culture, and Assessment of Team Member’s Performance surveys) and qualitative data (face-to-face long interviews) were collected and analyzed to form conclusions and recommendations for praxis. (2504)
PIs: Kathleen D. Kelsey, Penny Pennington
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
ANIMAL SCIENCE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of season on behavioral estrus, to determine the time of ovulation relative to the onset of estrus, and to determine the influence of body condition score at calving. The study also compared postpartum nutrient intake on behavioral estrus, ovarian function, and reproductive performance at the first postpartum estrus in spring calving beef cows. Evaluation of fall calving on cow and calf performance was also included. (2331)
PIs: Bob Wettemann, David Lalman
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Pharmacia and Upjohn, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Evaluation of Degradable Intake Protein Sources for Cattle Consuming Low Quality Forages
This research studies the yearly changes in ruminal available protein from forages commonly grazed by beef cattle. The goal is to develop practical methods for addressing deficiencies in ruminal available protein in grazing situations and the use of different protein sources to overcome these deficiencies. Research data will document the effect of energy and protein supplementation on forage protein utilization and fiber digestion. (2365)
PI: Hebbie T. Purvis, II
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
National Animal Genome Research Program
This work contributes to the growing
body of information on genes of economic importance in swine and their expression
pattern. Identification and comparative mapping of these genes will provide
many new candidates for QTL detected in genomic scans. (2389)
PI: Udaya DeSilva
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Enhancing the Value and Consistency of Lesser-Used Beef Muscle
This study evaluates and characterizes the traits of the three primary
muscles that comprise the beef bottom sirloin. Using professional meat fabricators,
“time and motion” information was collected and utilized to estimate the costs
associated with innovative fabrication of the chuck and round. The study
also investigates and documents the impact of various palatability improvement
procedures (i.e., blade tenderizing, marinating, calcium injection, and extended
postmortem aging) on bottom sirloin beef cuts differing in U.S. Quality grade
and how they affect public acceptance. (2436)
PI: J. Brad Morgan
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Impact of Nutrition on Metabolism, Performance, Carcass Merit, and Nutrient
Balance by Feedlot Cattle
Research trials were conducted to determine the effect of previous management
(e.g., type, quality, quantity, and duration of forage grazed) by growing
steers on grazing and feedlot performance, carcass traits, body composition,
critical organ mass, tissue oxygen consumption, liver enzymes, and net portal
and hepatic flux of nutrients. The results of the trial will determine the
effect of limit feeding on adaptation to a high-grain diet and determine the
effects of protein source and level on performance and carcass merit, ruminal
and postruminal nutrient digestion, and nitrogen balance by cattle fed high-grain
diets. (2438)
PI: Clinton R. Krehbiel
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Alternative Beef Cow/Calf Nutritional Management Systems to Improve Beef Production
Efficiency and Carcass Traits
When considering
beef production costs from conception through the finishing phase, the largest
single costs are investment costs in land for the cowherd, and purchased feed,
and harvested forage costs. One purpose of this experiment is to explore
the use of nontraditional, unprocessed feed resources to reduce purchased
and harvested feed costs. A second purpose is to explore management systems
that have the potential to minimize inputs while optimizing animal performance
and beef product quality. (2464)
PI: David Lalman
Sponsor: Oklahoma
Agricultural Experiment Station
Gene Expression in the Peri-Implantation Porcine Conceptus and Endometrium
Early embryonic loss contributes to reduced reproductive efficiency in pigs.
Regulation of early embryo development in the pig is largely unknown. The
purpose of this study is to identify genes expressed in porcine conceptuses
during peri-implantation development. This project examines uterine genes
involved with maintenance of pregnancy in the pig. (2465)
PI: Rod Geisert
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Analysis of Gene Expression during Adipogenesis in Cattle
Intramuscular fat deposition (marbling) is considered highly desirable in
cattle industry, whereas subcutaneous fat deposition is considered undesirable.
The purpose of this study is to understand the genetic regulation of adepogenesis
in cattle. (2486)
PI: Udaya DeSilva
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Role of the Inter-Alpha-Typsin Inhibitor Family and Kallikren-Kinnogen-Kinin
System in Establishment and Maintenance of Pregnancy
The discovery of plasma kallikrein and HMW-Kininogen gene expression by the
endometrium indicates that kinins can play a major role in the development
and survival of porcine embryos. Development of possible methods to enhance
kinin production during pregnancy may improve litter size in the pig. Understanding
the role of estrogen in pregnancy loss in the pig will help establish therapies
to inhibit the effects of environmental estrogens on embryonic mortality in
the pig. (2495)
PIs: Rod Geisert, Udaya DeSilva
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Genetic and Functional Analysis of Antimicrobial Peptides in Food Animals
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention
in the food animal industry has been accompanied by contamination of food
products and the environment with unwanted drug residues and rapid emergence
of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The purpose of this study is to identify
efficacious antimicrobial peptides that can be used as alternative non-antibiotic
means to prevent and control various infectious diseases and to enhance preharvest
food safety in the food animal industry. (2507)
PIs: Guolong Zhang, Stanley Gilliland
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Dietary Manipulation to Reduce Nutrient Excretion from Swine
Excess excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus from swine facilities has the
potential to effect water and air quality. This project examines the effects
of dietary manipulation on nitrogen and phosphorus excretion. Development
of dietary regimens that decrease nitrogen and phosphorus excretion limits
the potential for water and air pollution. (2508)
PI: Scott Carter
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins and Their Proteases:
Role in Ovarian Follicular Development in Cattle
Poor reproductive efficiency in cattle ultimately results in lost income
to farmers. Understanding the mechanisms of ovarian follicular growth may
help devise ways to increase reproductive efficiency and hence farm profits.
The goal of this research is to understand the role of the insulin like growth
factor binding proteins and their proteases in follicular development in cattle.
(2510)
PI: Leon Spicer
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Evaluation of Breed-Type of Lamb on Utilization of Wheat
Pasture
When young lambs are first placed on winter wheat pasture, weight gains are
negative to the first two to three weeks. This project examines the impact
of breed type on the weight changes that occur when lambs are first placed
on winter wheat pasture. (2514)
PIs: Gerald Horn, Bill Phillips, M. Brown
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Beef Cattle Production Systems in the Southern Great Plains
Pre-weaning management environment, animal genetics, and their interactions
have a dramatic impact on productivity and profitability of beef cattle production
systems. The purpose of this project is to identify and document the impact
of breed type, predicted genetic potential, pre-weaning livestock management,
and post-weaning livestock management on stocker and feeder cattle performance.
(2515)
PIs: David Lalman, M. Brown
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Effective Caloric Value Applications for Poultry
The research seeks to place calorie values on husbandry so that ration formula
may be adjusted. Adjustments will help broiler rations better match the husbandry
environment and provide consumers with leaner birds. This project focuses
on the following: 1) seeking to establish the caloric value of husbandry
and management so that poultry rations may be better formulated to achieve
specific body compositions, and 2) seeking to modify current nutrient table
so that essential nutrients may be fed according to the provision of energy
by the diet and corrected for management and husbandry. (2549)
PI: Robert Teeter
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Influence of Dietary Yeast on Nutrient Digestibility, Fermentation, and
Microbial Populations in Horses
The addition of yeast culture to equine diets has been shown to increase
nutrient digestion, enhance production responses, and significantly alter
fermentation parameters. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects
of yeast culture supplementation on nutrient digestibility, cecal fermentation,
and subsequent production parameters in equine rations. (2550)
PI: Steven Cooper
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Characterization of the Interactions of Solubilized Proteins in Processed
Meat Formulations
Low-binding meats typically have a discounted value. Alternative processing
techniques using protein solubilization have demonstrated that the binding
ability of these meats can be significantly improved. The purpose of this
study is to understand how proteins extracted by solubilization interact with
ingredients typically added to processed meats. (2551)
PI: Christina DeWitt
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
BIOCHEMINSTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Project will synthesize and evaluate the biological activity of analogs (heteroarotinoids) of vitamin A relative to cellular growth and differentiation and as chemopreventative and chemotherapeutic agents for various types of cancers. This should result in compounds with higher activity and lower toxicity than natural retinoids and provide additional insight into structure-activity relationships. (1250)
PI: Eldon C. Nelson
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
We are studying the kinetic, association, and structural properties of dehydrogenase enzymes. The major objective this year is to elucidate the mechanism for NADH transfer between donor and acceptor pairs of dehydrogenases. In the classical mechanism, the acceptor enzyme can utilize only free NADH (i.e., NADH that is not bound to the donor enzyme). However, a possible alternative is channeled NADH, whereby NADH is transferred directly from donor enzyme to the acceptor enzyme without release of NADH into the bulk medium. The criterion of channeling from the channeling test is R = experimental reaction velocity/velocity predicted assuming the classical mechanism only. We have found that the enzymes tested (glyceraldehye-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and alpha glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) do not channel NADH in contrast to previous appearances. The previous appearances resulted from: 1) side reactions that are present at the very high enzyme concentrations used, and 2) a light-scattering artifact unavoidably interfering with the 340nm-signal in the presence of high protein concentration. The most likely results, when artifacts are avoided, are R values not significantly higher than 1 or 2 (i.e., no channeling within probable experimental errors). (1393)
PI: H. Olin Spivey
Sponsor: National Science Foundation, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
The Biochemical Basis for Resistance of Cotton to Pathogens and Pests
Disease resistance is being studied with a set of closely related cotton lines that have different genes for controlling the plant’s response to bacterial infection. Those resistant responses differ in strength and phenotype. The molecular biology and biochemistry of these responses are being compared. (1504)
PIs: Margaret Essenberg and Margaret Pierce
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Factors affecting survival of Brucella abortus in macrophages and other cells will be investigated by studying effects on survival in macrophages of loss of specific genes involved in carbohydrate, purine, pyrimidine, and amino acid metabolism. The mechanisms and signals that control the expression of these genes will also be studied. (1565)
PI: Richard Essenberg
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
We test hypotheses about how viruses spread and decline and how new viruses emerge. To achieve this, we: analyze the evolution of viral sequences integrated in chromosomes, refine methods for detecting multiple viruses in one, characterize plant viruses by nucleotide sequences, explore the functions of conserved viral nucleotide sequences, and study the distribution of viruses in nature with respect to each other and host and vector species. (1789)
PI: Ulrich Melcher
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA-ARS, National Science Foundation, OSU Foundation, IBIS Therapeutics
Multiple approaches have been used to study the structure, function, and mechanism of quinone-mediated electron and proton transfer complexes of mitochondrial and photosynthesis electron transfer chains. Significant progresses have been made on the atomic structure of the mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex. The structural information obtained has been further confirmed by the study of the site-directed mutagenesis, fast kinetic measurement of electron transfer between the two neighboring components, and other biophysical methods. Cytochrome bc1 complex from photosynthetic bacterium has been crystallized and its structure determined. With this 3-D information, more structure-based mutagenesis will be performed. (1819)
PIs: Chang-An Yu, Linda Yu
Sponsors: National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, Dupont Company, Sarkey's Foundation, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
We will determine the mechanism by which heat shock protein (hsp) 90 and its co-chaperones mediate the maturation of protein kinases, and whether maturational process can serve as a pharmacological target. Also, we will determine whether the maturational pathways for protein folding of these kinases overlap pathways regulation. Identification of novel co-chaperone partners and client proteins will take place. We will develop a high-through put drug screen to identify new lead compounds for inhibition of Hs90. (1975)
PI: Robert Matts
Sponsors: American Heart Association, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, OCAST, National Institutes of Health, Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
The study will include a complete structural analysis of the rhamnogalacturonan region of cotton cell wall pectin. The study will determine how the various subsections of pectins associate with each other, characterize crosslinks between pectin and xyloglucan, and characterize mode of action of fungal cell wall degrading enzymes. (2099)
PI: Andrew Mort
Sponsors: U.S. Department of Energy, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Improving the Industrial Uses of Oklahoma Wheat
The long-term goal of this research is to understand the basic properties of gliadin, high and low molecular weight glutenin subunits that form the wheat gluten and are directly related to the performance of wheat flour in yeasted baked products. Specific goals include the understanding of the performance of gliadin, high and low molecular weight glutenin subunits in different products, characterization of the interaction of specific groups or subunits with carbohydrates, and the possible correlation of proteins synthesized during the grain filling period to the synthesis of prolamins in wheat. (2351)
PI: Patricia Rayas-Duarte
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
The overall objective of this research is to elucidate the role of the supernumeral subunit, subunit IV (Mr = 14,384), in the cytochrome bc1 complex from a photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The specific aims of this project are: 1) to identify amino acid residues of subunit IV involved in interaction with the three-subunit core complex, 2) to identify amino acid residues of cytochrome b involved in interaction with subunit IV, 3) to investigate the effect of subunit IV on the protein conformation and thermostability of the cytochrome bc1 complex by circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry; 4) to investigate the protein:lipid interactions in three- and four-subunit complexes, e) to examine the Q sequestering role of subunit IV using synthetic Q-derivatives, 5) to explore the possible association of supernumeral subunit function with extra segments in the bacterial core subunits, and 6) to compare the 3-D structures of three- and four-subunit bc1 complexes. (2372)
PI: Linda Yu
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, National Sciences Foundation
Exchangeable apolipoproteins are essential structural and functional components of lipoproteins. The stability of the lipoprotein particles, the activity of lipolytic enzymes and lipid transfer proteins, and the binding of the lipoprotein to receptors are among the processes regulated, to a great extent, by the properties of the apolipoproteins, which bind to the lipoprotein lipid surfaces as well as to cell membranes. Apolipoproteins modulate all those processes, and consequently, the homeostasis of the lipid metabolism, by means of their lipid binding activity, rate and extent of binding, and their structure in the lipid-bound state. The long-term goals of this project are the identification and characterization of the functional domains of the insect apolipophorin-III and human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) as well as studying the structure of these proteins in the lipoprotein bound state. (2398)
PI: Jose Soulages
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, National Institutes of Health
Structural Studies of Midline-1 by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
My lab is focusing on the three-dimensional structure determination of the zinc-binding domains of Midline-1, which is associated primarily with X-linked Opitz-GBBB syndrome. Mutations in Midline-1 result in physical anomalies along the body's ventral midline that include wide-spaced eyes, defects with the heart, kidney, cranio-facial region, and genitalia. The first zinc-binding domain is called Ring Finger and it facilitates the ubiquitination of the catalytic domain of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac), a central enzyme in many cellular signaling pathways that dictate cell cycle and viability. Two additional zinc-binding domains are called B-boxes and they interact with alpha-4, a regulator of PP2Ac. Together, these domains are absolutely critical for Midline-1's overall functions. Determining the structures of these domains will allow us to better understand their mechanism of action and allow for additional mutational and binding studies to probe this mechanism. (2527)
PI: Michael Massiah
Sponsors: Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Oxidative Stress Signaling in Plants
Ozone, the most abundant air pollutant, poses a serious threat to crops and forest ecosystems. We are analyzing the molecular basis of oxidative stress induced by ozone using the tools of functional genomics in two model plant systems—Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula. Identification of key redox regulated genes from this research will facilitate the production of crop plants with improved tolerance to multiple stresses. (2528)
PI: Ramamurthy Mahalingam
Sponsors: National Science Foundation-EPSCoR, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
BIOSYSTEMS AND AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
Design of Experimental Equipment
This research will provide a ready mechanism for preliminary investigation of problems not covered by existing projects. It will also provide the vehicle for inter-departmental cooperation and be the means by which prototype machines can be designed, constructed, and tested. (1414)
PI: Ronald L. Elliott
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Monitoring and Modeling Evapotranspiration and Soil Moisture: Applications of the Oklahoma Mesonet
Automated soil moisture measurements at Oklahoma Mesonet sites will be calibrated and validated. Methods for quantifying evapotranspiration rates will be assessed. Estimates of evapotranspiration and irrigation water requirements for various Oklahoma crops will be developed. Monitoring and modeling to assess severity and spatial extent of drought conditions will be integrated. (2448)
PI: Ronald L. Elliott
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Development of Real-Time Sensor Based Variable Rate Applicators and Systems for Wheat and Other Crops
Integral-lighting, high resolution, optical sensor/variable applicators for N fertilizer application will be designed and constructed. In-season optical sensor-based algorithms will be developed and verified to predict potential wheat yields and N fertilizer application rates. Research will determine the agronomic and economic cost/benefits of this system compared to other optical sensor based systems. (2453)
PI: John Solie
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Exploitation of Micro-Electronics Technology to Enhance Profitability and Minimize Environmental Impacts in Agricultural Systems
Prototype Zigbee and IEEE 802.14.5 based networks have been examined for application in agricultural applications. An improved sensor network protocol has been developed based on 802.14.5 for these applications. Prototype network nodes have performed very well with regard to function and power consumption. (2468)
PI: Marvin Stone
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Determination of Operational Parameters for a Full-Scale Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor (ASBR) Used to Treat Swine Waste
This research will characterize fractions of raw waste and determine laboratory scale ASBR operational parameters for optimum gas production and sludge settlability. Research will optimize operational parameters of full-scale ASBR as well as determine operational parameters under different temperature conditions. ASBR technology will be integrated into agricultural systems using a mathematical model. (2469)
PI: Jerald Lalman
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Weather-Related Research and Modeling for Decision Support in Agriculture and Natural Resources
Research will be conducted to improve and develop weather-based models for use in agriculture and natural resources. Numerical weather forecast output will be incorporated into these models, which will be implemented operationally on the Oklahoma Mesonet. This will ensure effective dissemination of weather-related information to agricultural and natural resources clientele. (2477)
PI: J. D. Carlson
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Development and Evaluation of TMDL Planning and Assessment Tools and Processes
Watershed models and other approaches for TMDL development and implementation will be developed, improved, and evaluated. Potential economic benefits, costs, and equity issues associated with TMDL implementation at the watershed and individual landowner scale will be assessed, as well as the potential ecological benefits/implications. (2479)
PI: Daniel Storm
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Linking Regional Scale Hydrologic/Water Quality Models with Biodiversity Models for Environmental Decision Making
A tool will be developed to improve decision making concerning land use change and ecosystem impact. Models will be modified so simulations can be made of aquatic ecosystem structure/function changes resulting from changing land use. An integrated hydrology/water quality/geomorphology model will be developed to evaluate the impact of land use and land use change. An aquatic ecosystem model will be modified to use output from this model to predict impact to the ecosystem. (2531)
PI: Daniel Storm
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Hydrologic Influences to Dryland Wheat Yield in Oklahoma
The research will test the hypothesis, “Wheat grain and forage yields are impacted by the specific hydrologic conditions of initial soil moisture and season precipitation, and not by annual or seasonal totals,” and will focus on the development, testing, and proof of improved models and methods to predict dryland wheat yield. (2532)
PI: Glenn Brown
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
ENTOMOLOGY & PLANT PATHOLOGY
Insect Survey and Detection
Insect surveys assist farmers and others to more adequately protect their crops from insect attack. Surveys also assure more prompt detection of newly introduced insect pests. Survey data may lead to the development of a workable insect pest forecasting service. Survey reports may aid manufacturers and suppliers of insecticides and control equipment to determine areas of urgent need. In case of necessity, we provide a countrywide skeleton structure to be expanded as needed to combat any attempt at biological warfare. (0914)
PI: Don Arnold
Sponsors: USDA, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Interactions among Insects and Plants in the Alfalfa Community
The goal of this project is to describe life systems of key insect pests and beneficial species in alfalfa. The role of these species as determinants of productivity and stand longevity of alfalfa is assessed. Influence of management practices, including host resistance, grazing, and use of insecticides on insect populations and alfalfa productivity is determined. Comprehensive economic thresholds for key insect pests are developed. (1527)
PIs: Richard Berberet, Jack Dillwith, John Caddel
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Development of Improved Methods for Evaluating Reaction of Peanut to Soilborne Fungal Pathogens
Objectives of this research are: 1) to develop methods to identify and quantify resistance in peanut to the Sclerotinia and southern blight fungi, 2) to determine the pathogenicity of the two blight fungi against weed species common in Oklahoma, and 3) to assist breeders in developing resistant cultivars. New sources of resistance were identified in peanut germplasm. (1661)
PIs: Hassan Melouk, Ken Jackson, Mark Payton
Sponsors: Oklahoma Peanut Commission, Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Development of Disease Resistant Wheat and Studies of Selected Wheat Diseases
During the past year, more than 2,500 wheat lines from breeding programs in Oklahoma, Kansas, and other states were tested for reaction to wheat leaf rust and/or wheat soilborne mosaic virus (WSBMV). Results were provided to private and public wheat breeders to facilitate selection of lines for advancement. Additionally, about 20 hard red winter wheat lines were provided to the Oklahoma State University Wheat Improvement Program that are resistant to WSBMV, stripe rust, and leaf rust, with the leaf rust resistance due to Lr 19, which is a gene obtained from South African wheat germplasm that appears to confer resistance to all current races of the leaf rust pathogen present in the United States. Greenhouse and field studies involving the bird cherry-oat (BCO) aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) barley yellow dwarf virus complex indicated that viruliferous BCO aphids affected tillering and yield of winter wheat more than aviruliferous BCO aphids. Additional research involving Sclerotium rolfsii on wheat and peanuts has indicated that host cultivar does not affect disease severity and that isolates from peanut are more pathogenic than isolates from wheat on both hosts. This could affect the disease caused by this pathogen when wheat and peanuts are used in a rotation. (1871)
PIs: Robert M. Hunger, Brett F. Carver, Kris Giles, Jeanmarie Verchot, Tom Royer, Art Klatt
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agriculture Experiment Station, Oklahoma Wheat Research Foundation
Biochemistry of Arthropod-Host Interactions
Newly developed analytical approaches including proteomics and metabolomics are being used to study the interaction of aphids with important crop plants including alfalfa and wheat. An emphasis is being placed on understanding the response of insects to susceptible and resistant plants. Similar methods are being used to study the proteins in tick saliva and their role in feeding and disease transmission. (2001)
PI: Jack Dillwith
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, USDA-ARS Laboratory Stillwater
Virulence Factors in Phytopathogenic Bacteria
A genetic approach that encompasses both host and pathogen will be used to define the role of coronatine (COR) in the pathogenesis of edible Brassica spp. and tomato. The specific objectives are to: 1) characterize the COR genes in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000; 2) investigate the role of COR, coronafacic acid (CFA), and coronamic acid (CMA) in the pathogenesis of Brassica and tomato; 3) utilize functional genomics and DC3000 mutants to investigate the role of COR, CFA, and CMA on host responses; and 4) analyze the effect of COR, CFA, and CMA on plant cell biology. (2009)
PI: Carol Bender
Sponsors: National Science Foundation, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
Managing Arthropod Pests on Vegetable Crops in the South Central U.S.
The objectives of this project are to develop and evaluate IPM strategies for insect pests in “organic” vegetable cropping systems; evaluate alternative insecticides for use in IPM programs for watermelon and leafy greens crops; and to determine action thresholds for insect pests on processing greens crops. Results of these research projects are incorporated into management strategy recommendations for vegetable crop producers in the south central U.S.A. (2040)
PI: Jonathan Edelson
Sponsors: Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, USDA-IR4, CSREES
Pathogen-Host Interactions of Phytopathogenic Mollicutes in Selected Plant and Insect Host Systems
The project will investigate: 1) the molecular basis of pathogenicity, insect transmissibility, and niche adaptations of the phytopathogenic Mollicutes, 2) transmission factors and niche-specificity determinants of Serratia marcescens, the bacterium causing cucurbit yellow vine disease, 3) technology for strain discrimination among plant pathogenic bacteria for forensic applications, and 4) Oklahoma-related problems involving phytopathogenic prokaryotes. (2052)
PI: Jacqueline Fletcher
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, USDA
Biology, Epidemiology, and Integrated Management of Peanut and Vegetable Crop Diseases
The project will conduct basic studies on the biology and epidemiology of peanut and vegetable crop diseases and identify and evaluate sources of genetic resistance to important peanut and vegetable crop diseases. We plan to develop integrated management programs for peanut and vegetable crop diseases that utilize cultural practices, efficient spray programs, and genetic resistance. (2159)
PI: John Damicone
Sponsors: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, CSREES/So Region IPM, Vegetable processing and seed industries, University of Arkansas
Centralized Tick Rearing
The objectives of this project are to maintain research tick colonies in sufficient quantities and quality to provide specimens for research. Specifically, the lab initiates new colonies of ticks or arthropods of medical/veterinary importance as needed by research scientists at OSU or cooperating agencies. As part of the rearing process research is conducted to determine optimum rearing conditions and artificial tick rearing techniques are refined and/or developed as needed. (2172)
PI: Jonathan Edelson
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Squash Powdery Mildew Effects of Polyculture
Combined effects were characterized, including: 1) density of plants, and 2) the proportion of each constituent crops species on the productivity of a biculture of summer squash and cucumbers. Effects of the proportion of each of the constituent crop species on increase of squash powdery mildew in a biculture summer squash and cucumber were also quantified.
PI: Jim Duthie
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Control of Zoosporic Pathogens of Nursery Crops in Recycling
Irrigation Systems
The primary objective
is to: 1) determine
if repeated emergence is prevalent among waterborne Phytophthora spp.
that are commonly found in recycling irrigation systems used for ornamental
nursery production, 2) evaluate the ability of zoospores of Phytophthora
spp. that are produced by repeated emergence from cysts to produce disease
as compared with zoospores produced by the most common method (i.e., within
sporangia), and 3) investigate the lateral and vertical distribution of motile
and encysted zoospores of Phytophthora spp. in model systems imitating
water flow conditions in capture and retention basins of nursery recycling
irrigation systems. (2319)
PI: Sharon von Broembsen
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Integrated Pest Management of Aphid Pests in Wheat
The primary objective is to develop management programs for insect pests. Specifically, the research will evaluate: 1) the relationship between aphid infestation and wheat yields and quality; 2) the relationship among aphids, crops, and natural enemies; 3) the presence-absence method of sampling for aphids and parasites; and 4) the ecology of natural enemies in diverse agroecosystems. (2334)
PI: Kris Giles
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Mechanisms Controlling the Spread of Soilborne Wheat Mosaic Virus in Hard Red Winter Wheat
The project will investigate virus host interactions required to facilitate movement of soilborne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) in wheat plants. These studies will provide insight into the requirements for host susceptibility to SBWMV infection and may lead to novel strategies to control virus infection in the field. The project will also investigate genetically controlled resistance in wheat plants to SBWMV. At least one cultivar is resistant to SBWMV and uses a defense mechanism that blocks virus movement. The studies will investigate how the wheat host can naturally combat the spread of virus infection and characterize genetic mechanisms that are agronomically useful. (2371)
PI: Jeanmarie Verchot
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management of Turfgrass Diseases Caused by Fungi and Nematodes and Insect Pests
Objectives are to describe the biology and ecology of turfgrass pests in Oklahoma and develop integrated management strategies for these pests. Further objectives are to evaluate the diversity of turfgrass pests and describe specifically the pathogenic and non-pathogenic interaction between fungi and grasses and how environmental conditions influence these interactions. The project will also evaluate the diversity and seasonal occurrence of white grub pests of turfgrass in Oklahoma. (2420)
PIs: Nathan Walker, Tom Royer, Stephen Marek, Dennis Martin
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Molecular Aspects of Insect Immunity
We have cloned 27 hemolymph proteinases from Manduca sexta. Seventeen of them contain one or two regulatory clip domains. After an immune challenge, mRNA levels of 14 proteinases and protein levels of nine proteinases increased. These results revealed a complex serine proteinase network in the hemolymph. (2450)
PI: Haobo Jiang
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Biological Control of Arthropod Pests and Weeds
Objectives are to characterize and quantify the impact of indigenous natural enemies on pest and beneficial species. Evaluation of indigenous natural enemy efficacy is a key component of biological control programs. The hypothesis is that to be efficacious, natural enemies must have significant individual or additive impacts in reducing pest populations. The role of existing natural enemy complexes in reducing pest populations must be explored thoroughly. Studies will measure host/prey suppression by natural enemies in selected commodities and assess the impact of existing natural enemies on the efficacy of introduced biological control agents. (2455)
PI: Kris Giles
Sponsor: Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Transmission of Phytopathogenic Bacteria by the Squash Bug: A New Role for Anasa Tristis
The project will determine whether Serratia marcescens is transmitted non-circulatively or circulatively by the squash bug, Anasa tristis. Contrary to our original hypothesis, data now suggests that the bacterium must be internalized and circulate through the body of the vector before deposition via the salivary secretions. We will identify strains of S. marcescens, including the strain that causes disease in cucurbits, that are pathogenic to A. tristis. (2472).
PIs: Astri Wayadande, Jacqueline Fletcher, Benny Bruton, Sam Pair, Forrest Mitchell
Sponsors: USDA/NRI, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station
Biology, Ecology, and Pest Management of Wood-Destroying Subterranean Termites
The project will elucidate taxonomy, distribution, and biology of indigenous subterranean termites in Oklahoma. The project will also conduct a survey to determine if the exotic, destructive Formosan termite has arrived in Oklahoma from the southern