2009 Graduate Student ProjectsSouthern SARE recieved 52 Graduate Student proposals in 2009. After review of the proposals, the Administrative Council chose 10 projects for funding with a funding total of $96,821. There's no magic formula for a winning proposal. Reviewers are peers of the applicants, knowledgeable about sustainable agriculture as well as the current problems growers face in the different sectors of agriculture. Reviewers compare the proposals to the guidelines set forth in the CFP. Many factors go into the rankings, but in general a competitive proposal is one that clearly explains how it will evaluate a sustainable solution to an agricultural problem. Projects that seek to prove how a sustainable practice works can build additional credibility for sustainable methods while providing more ffoundation for future research, so it's not surprising that reviewers awarded a grant to GS09-078 to examine why vermicompost helps plants resists insect pests. Similarly project GS09-084 will examine microbial soil changes that make brassica cover crops act as on-site biofumigants for strawberries. Extending sustainable farming technology to areas where there have been serious barriers of typography or geography can greatly improve farm income and quality of life. That's one of the winning qualities reviewers saw in project GS09-079 that aims to help Appalachian farmers diversify by identifying the best strains of honeylocust trees to provide shade and food pods for the livestock as well as timber for the farmer. Another project GS09-080 also addresses needs in a mountain community, but this time taking a look at how the farmers develop, rather than adopt, innovations to help solve problems in their local food system. Sometimes just plain and simple well-designed scientific detective work gets the nod, particularly if it will help conventional farmers move toward more sustaiable solutions as in GS09-081 where investigators will be identifying trap crops preferred by harlequin bugs. This project aims to help both organic farmers and conventional farmers manage a costly pest that is becoming resistant to pesticides. Project GS09-082 also tackles a pest that is decimating both organic and conventional farms; the grape root borer. If the research determines that disrupting mating behavior reduces the GRB population, more conventional farmers could be another step closer to transitioning. Sometimes reviewers take into account the magnitude of a problem as one reason to rank a sound proposal even higher. This was the case for the proposal that became project GS09-086 which is evaluating natural ways to combat nosema disease in honeybees. One reviewer mentioned how crucial it is to address the decline of honeybees because of their importance to pollination. Project GS09-085 aims to isolate why a naturally occurring fungus helps combat soybean rust, the 27-billion-dollar industry's most devastating disease. Reviewers also mentioned that project GS09-087, which is looking at biogas production from the organic waste on small farms has the potential for environemntal impact beyond the agricultural community. Buiilding on previous SARE research contributes to a proposal's success. GS09-083 further refines SARE-funded research that showed copper wire particles could reduce internal parasites in small ruminants. This new project will examine two sources of copper for effectiveness and potential toxicity in sheep. The following abstracts introduce the new projects. The project investigators will be entering their new projects into the data base and following up with annual reports throughout the life of the project. Keep up with the reports at www.sare.org
GS09-078Evaluating vermicompost mediated host plant resistance as a sustainable alternative to manage agricultural insect pests Organic waste can be fed to various species of earthworms which digest them, resulting in the production of organic compost containing increased microbial activity and enhanced nutritional content (vermicompost), which promote plant growth and mass accumulation. Earthworms are capable of digesting many types of organic materials; so this is an environmentally friendly alternative for managing accumulation of wastes in landfills. The castings produced as a result of this process (termed vermicompost) are high in nutrients readily available to plants. Vermicompost has been determined to increased plant growth, health, flower and fruit yield (Atiyeh et al., 2000; Gajalakshmi and Abbasi, 2002; Arancon et al., 2004b, Arancon et al., 2005; Gutiérrez-Miceli et al., 2007; Peyvast et al., 2007; Zaller, 2007), as well as, increase resistance to arthropod herbivores (Arancon et al., 2004a; Arancon et al., 2007). The characterization of the vermicompost resistance to various insect pests, as proposed in this study, will yield valuable insights into the plant defense mechanisms involved in this resistance. Scientific documentation of the potential beneficial effects of vermicompost amendments can lead to the widespread adoption of vermicompost as an agricultural production aid. This in turn could result in greater demand for vermicomposts as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and as part of pest management programs. Yasmin Cardoza Amos Little
GS09-079Optimal Nutritive Value of Honeylocust Seed Pods Within Temperate Silvopasture Farm sustainability in Appalachia often is limited by severe topography, , farm size, and lack of diversification. Incorporating trees into pasture-based production systems (silvopasture) may improve the economic viability of small, livestock farms by increasing productivity and diversifying the product base. Trees such as honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), produce energy-rich seed pods that may provide a source of supplemental feed for ruminants. Our project evaluates the productivity and nutritive value of honeylocust seed pods throughout pod development and after pod-drop.
John Fike Jacob Johnson
GS09-080Emerging Local Food Systems – The Role of Locally Developed Innovation in Small-scale Sustainable Farming in Northeast Georgia Innovation adoption is an important process in the spread of sustainable agriculture practices. Application of the innovation diffusion model to sustainable and organic agriculture has primarily focused on challenges faced by transitioning farmers and suggest that the complexity or “suite of practices” required is a major limiting factor to adoption (Padel 2001). Little attention however has been directed at understanding the role of innovation amongst the most rapidly growing segment of sustainable farmers; small scale, resource limited, and newer farms engaged in the creation of local food systems. This research project investigates how locally adapted innovation development (a distinct process from innovation adoption) promotes local problem solving capacity while maximizing creative use of available resources, skills and relationships within local food systems. In the literature innovation tends to be treated as aspatial, equally beneficial to all adopters and production focused. This study will expand and revise this view to examine how innovation development may solve problems unique to local food system producers such as low capital and broader social and marketing needs. The research site for this study is two communities in the blue ridge mountains of Northeast Georgia with similar climates and geographies and differing agricultural histories and economies. Carl Jordan Justin Ellis
GS09-081Trap cropping for management of Harlequin bug in cole crops. Harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica (Hahn) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a pest of cole crops (Brassicaceae). Cole crops are grown in all Southeastern states and include broccoli, brussel sprouts, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, daikon, horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, turnip, watercress, etc. This study seeks to identify plant species/varieties that are preferred by this pest species in order to develop a trap crop system for its management, to attract pests away from the protected crop to a nearby preferred “trap crop.” This method of management has potential in both conventional integrated pest management as well as in organic vegetable systems. This method also has potential to save natural enemy complexes within the protected crop, may play a role in slowing the rate of pesticidal resistance and will reduce pesticide exposure to the applicator and surrounding habitats/watersheds. This study also attempts to identify olfactory cues used by Harlequin bug in host plant selection. Thomas Kuhar Anna Wallingford
GS09-082The Smells and Sounds of a Subterranean Sessid: Mating disruption and acoustic detection of grape root borer The grape root borer is a destructive subterranean pest of grapes in Eastern US, but is especially harmful in the southeast. It is the key pest of grapes in Florida and Georgia and a considerable problem in North and South Carolina. Currently, the only financially viable control method available to growers is the soil drench Lorsban 4E, a formulation of a dangerous organophosphate. This study examines two alternative control methods; a cultural control, mounding, and mating disruption. Oscar Liburd William Sanders
GS09-083Effect of copper oxide wire particles compared to copper sulphate on Haemonchus contortus infection in lambs Infection with gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites, particularly Haemonchus contortus, a blood-feeder, is the most important constraint to profitable small ruminant production in the southeastern US and worldwide. Weanlings are especially susceptible to infection during their first grazing season. Infection with H. contortus can rapidly lead to lost production and even death. Over use of anthelmintics (dewormers) has resulted in high levels of dewormer resistance in GIN throughout the southeast and other regions where H. contortus is a problem. The problem has become so severe that it is threatening viability of small-scale and limited-resource small ruminant farm operations in this region despite continued high demand for sheep and goat products. A more sustainable approach to parasite control involves integrating targeted, limited use of anthelmintics with non-chemical alternative control methods that reduce GIN numbers in the host animal and lower pasture contamination with eggs and larvae. Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) have been shown to reduce infection in sheep and goats. Preliminary evidence has shown that copper sulphate (CS), as a drench, may also be useful. Since copper can be toxic to sheep, the question of which form of copper has the least impact on toxicity has become an issue. In the proposed study, COWP and CS will be evaluated for affect on naturally acquired H. contortus infection and potential toxicity. Results will be disseminated to scientific and producer groups via producer workshops, the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control web page (SCSRPC.org), and various scientific and extension publications. James Miller Javier Garza
GS09-084Microbial changes associated with use of brassica cover crops compared to traditional production systems for strawberry Brassica spp. have the potential to reduce soilborne diseases of strawberries when grown as a summer cover crop. Certain brassica amendments are described as “biofumigants” because they produce volatile products from glucosinolates that are inhibitory to a range of microorganisms including nematodes, fungi and bacteria. When grown in rotation or as a cover crop, these brassica crops have provided an advantage for the subsequent crop either due to disease suppression or yield increases. Annual strawberry production systems could incorporate a brassica crop, since strawberries are uprooted every year, and the field is left fallow for 3-4 months. Currently, most strawberry producers in Arkansas fumigate with methyl bromide or methyl iodide for disease and weed suppression. Soilborne diseases that have been of concern are black root rot, crown rot, leather rot, red stele and Verticillium wilt. This research will be conducted as part of a larger study to develop a sustainable and less chemically dependent, annual production system. The research outlined will determine if strawberry soilborne diseases are suppressed and how the soil microflora is changed in response to summer brassica cover cropping. Microbial populations, including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and pathogen levels, will be assessed. Determining the mechanism and associated microbial shifts by which Brassica spp. reduce soilborne pathogens will improve our understanding of the sustainability of this production system. In addition, brassica cover cropping should be more cost efficient, allowing limited-resource farmers to grow an on-site biofumigant crop to aid in disease suppression. Craig Rothrock Mandy Cox
GS09-085Evaluation of Simplicillium lanosoniveum as a Biological Control Agent Soybean is susceptible to a variety of pathogens, and their control requires large amounts of fungicides, especially in the Southeast and Mid-Gulf regions. Perhaps the most devastating disease is Asian soybean rust (ASR), which was discovered in the US in 2004. With fears of catastrophic yield losses, growers rely on preventative fungicide programs to ward off the disease. Consequently, millions of pounds of fungicides are applied to soybeans every year. Raymond Schneider Nicole Ward
GS09-086Testing the efficacy of three new alternative treatments for Nosema disease of honey bees in Tennessee Alternative treatments for Nosema disease in honey bees will be evaluated using experimentally infected honey bees isolated in cages. Pathology and biotic potential of two species of Nosema infecting honey bees will be evaluated at various temperatures and under different treatment regimens. John Skinner Paul Rhoades
GS09-087Bioenergy and Biofertilizer for Small-Farm Enterprises Sustainable agriculture is a critical component of a sustainable society. Essential to sustainable agriculture is the sustainability of the small farm. Effective use of energy and nutrients are two ingredients that determine the success or failure of small farms. By creating their own energy and fertilizer, small farms can have a competitive edge. Many farmers are now turning to energy production to gain a foothold in the renewable energy sector. There is also growing demand for organically grown food. Both of these solutions can be achieved through a process known as anaerobic digestion, or biodigestion. Biodigestion converts organic matter into biogas energy and an organic fertilizer. Biogas is a sustainable alternative to natural gas and the effluent that is produced is a nutrient-rich biofertilizer. With biodigestion, nearly any type of organic material can be used, including most organic wastes produced on the farm (e.g. manure, crop residues, and culled crops). There is also potential to use waste products from other bioenergy production (oilseed press cake, glycerin, etc.). Farms of any size can utilize biodigestion as the technology is fully scalable. Biogas can be put to many uses on the farm, such as cooking or water heating. Utilizing biodigestion on a small farm, allows farmers to become more energy independent and to produce their own organic fertilizer. This project will study the various feedstocks for on-farm biodigestion and develop, maintain, and demonstrate a functioning small-farm-scale system of biofertilizer production and biogas production, clean-up, storage, and use. Dr. Ann C. Wilkie Ryan E. Graunke |
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