1890 INSTITUTION TEACHING AND RESEARCH CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS PROGRAM
FY 2008
Description of
Funded Projects
Multicultural Alliances
Science and Education Resources Development
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.
Research
AWARD NO.: 2008-38814-04772 / GRANT AMT.: $450,000
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Kit Chin / PROJECT DURAION: 36
Adaptability, Flavonoid Properties and Value Addition of Hibiscus sabdariffa
Summary:
The emergence of global economy for traditional horticultural crops has compelled Southern University to undertake research to explore alternative crops for niche market production to enhance small farm sustainability. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), one of the highest volume specialty botanical products in international commerce, has favorable market demand because of its demonstrated medicinal properties and its adaptability as a high cash value crop as evidenced by two-year studies at Southern University. The goal of this grant is to screen for most adaptable varieties with high quality and antioxidant activities for niche market production under an organic system. Calyces of selected varieties will be used to produce value added health food products. The approach includes plant production, flavonoid analysis, and evaluation of antioxidant activities, effects on in-vitro cancer cell survivability and vitality, and food products development. The proposal employs multi disciplinary and institutional collaboration approaches to address CSREES strategic goal # 1 and 5 to enhance international competitiveness and to improve the nation’s nutrition and health, respectively, and CBG Program Priority Area # 1, 2 and 3 pertaining to human nutrition, food and agricultural sciences.
Results will enhance science-based knowledge and education in natural plant products, and stimulate new sustainable agriculture entrepreneurships. Results will benefit USDA/ARS by adding technical information to the natural plant products data-base. The acquired research experiences and collaboration will strengthen Southern University research capabilities and competitiveness. This project will impact on the livelihood of sustainable agriculture farmers.
INSTITUTION: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University / PROPOSAL NO: 2008-02500AWARD NO.: 2008-38814-04729 / GRANT AMT.: $499,272
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Lijun Wang / PROJECT DURAION: 36
An Integrated Process for Production of Ethanol and Bio-based Products
from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Summary:
This is a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary project to investigate an integrated, technically and economically favorable bioprocess for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into fuel ethanol and biobased products of xylo-oligosaccharides and activated carbon. Purdue University will lead the effort in characterization of the physical and chemical properties of biomass feedstock and quantification of supply economics of biomass to support the further efforts of biofuel and bioproduct development. Ohio State University will develop a technically and economically favorable method such as mechanical cavitation and ultra-sonic cavitation for biomass pretreatment. The liquid stream collected from pretreatment will be enzymatically hydrolyzed to produce xylo-oligosaccharides at Alabama A&M University. The research teams at Ohio State University and NC A&T will convert the solid stream from the pretreatment to fuel ethanol with simultaneous hydrolysis, fermentation and membrane separation process. Both the commercially available and newly developed microorganisms in USDA-ARS-NCAUR will be tested for the enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation process.
The solid non-fermentable residue will be separated and dried for activated carbon production through a pyrolytic process at NC A&T. Finally, a bench-scale integrated process will be demonstrated at NC A&T. A mathematical model will be developed to qualify the integrated process and the model will be used to analyze the economics of the integrated process at different scales at NC A&T. The successful completion and implementation of this project will enhance the rural economy, reduce the US dependence on imported petroleum, and improve air quality.
INSTITUTION: Florida A&M University / PROPOSAL NO: 2008-02602AWARD NO.: 2008-38814-04725 / GRANT AMT.: $299,996
PROJECT DIRECTOR: MOSES KAIRO / PROJECT DURAION: 36
Developing a Prototype Digital Commodity-Based Identification Resource for Pests:
A Model Using Cultivated Palms
Summary:
This project addresses program Agricultural Bio-security. By focusing on risks to agricultural and environmental bio-security, the project addresses USDA-CSREES’ forth goal, which is geared to enhancing the protection and safety of the nation’s agriculture and food supply by delivering scientifically-based information and technologies to support identification/diagnosis of existing and potentially harmful invasive pests. The main project objective is to develop a framework for digital commodity-based identification and diagnostic tools, using cultivated palms as a model.
Palms are an important traded commodity with many existing and potential pest threats. It is anticipated that the model framework developed through this project will be invaluable to researchers wishing to develop similar tools. Additionally a critical assessment of the current status of such technologies will be carried out and recommendations for the future identified.
The project will also assist FAMU to realize the overall goal of developing capacity through training of minorities and establishment of enduring partnerships and create new opportunities for student research linking biosystematics and knowledge delivery. The project will contribute to the re-tooling of traditional taxonomic capacity and training approaches at FAMU to embrace new opportunities offered through digital technologies such as revisions of existing curricula in animal systematic and development of distance courses in this area. The partnerships developed are expected to attract additional support for future developments towards safeguarding the nation and mitigate the continuing decline and attrition of taxonomic capacity.
INSTITUTION: Tennessee State University / PROPOSAL NO: 2008-02657AWARD NO.: 2008-38814-04728 / GRANT AMT.: $291,990
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Xiaofei Wang / PROJECT DURAION: 36
A genomic and proteomic search for segregating adipose genes in broilers
Summary:
In the last several years, meat produced by poultry industry has exceeded the pound amount produced by pork industry. American per capita consumption of poultry products remained constant while foreign export has markedly increased. Critical to the successful expansion has been the competitiveness of the poultry industry. Sustainable capability of expansion depends on further genetic improvement of the birds. Extensive genetic selection for rapid growth and feed conversion had led to increased fat accumulation. To prevent value loss, genetic manipulation of animals for reduced adiposity is attractive to industry and basic research.
This project addresses the lack of knowledge about the segregating genes that govern chicken adipose tissue accretion. Genes identified in this project may be applied in marker assisted selection for reduced adiposity in broiler chickens. The specific objective is to test the hypothesis that segregating adiposity genes regulate tissue gene expression, causing differences in mRNA and protein profiles between extremely fat and extremely lean birds of similar weight. Discovery of the differentially expressed genes will facilitate the refinement of fat quantitative trait mapping. In addition, 2-3 graduate students will be trained such that they will have core competencies using genomics approaches for careers in animal and plant sciences. A genomics course for graduate students (BIOL5420) will be developed using materials obtained through this project.
INSTITUTION: Fort Valley State University / PROPOSAL NO: 2008-02492AWARD NO.: 2008-38814-04737 / GRANT AMT.: $434,258
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Nirmal Joshee / PROJECT DURAION: 36
Scutellaria as a medicinal crop: Cryopreservation, hairy root culture, organic
farming and anticancer activity
Summary:
Natural products are major source of innovative therapeutic agents impacting human health and economy. In this grant, the investigators will develop rapid and efficient micropropagation systems for biomass production and preservation protocols for short - and long-term conservation of seeds, tissues, somatic embryos, and select hairy root clones in general and specially for threatened / endemic species. Organic field production to develop a premium crop for growers will be carried out for S. lateriflora and S. baicalensis as they have strong market demand. Genetic transformation using Agrobacterium rhizogenes and selection of higher flavonoids producing hairy root clones will be attempted. Organically and Liquid Lab Rocker grown Scutellaria and lechates of hairy root cultures will also be analyzed for chemical profile focusing on flavonoids and diterpenes. The investigators will systematically examine anti-cancer activity of Scutellaria extracts in vitro as well as in rat xenograft models of human gliomas. They will also study the effect of Scutellaria extracts on the inhibition of established tumor growth, either alone or in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent Temodar (Temozolomide). Various potential mechanisms of anti-cancer activity, including the involvement of specific intracellular cell signaling pathways, will also be studied. The proposed research is significant because it would allow scientific evidence-based usage of Scutellaria for developing novel adjuvant therapy for human malignant tumors. This project will also impact the food and agricultural sciences higher education by helping institutional capacity building through providing biotechnology education and training to students.
INSTITUTION: Tennessee State University / PROPOSAL NO: 2008-03129AWARD NO.: 2008-38814-04736 / GRANT AMT.: $500,000
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Fisseha Tegegne / PROJECT DURAION: 36
Developing Pigeonpea as a Viable Cash Crop on Small Farms
Summary:
This three-year integrated multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional proposal, based on a pilot study, is aimed at introducing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp), a warm season grain legume, to small farmers. Tennessee State University is the lead institution and Alabama A&M and Virginia State Universities are partners. The Agricultural Research Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Services are USDA cooperators.
The Objectives of this project are: 1) to evaluate a wide range of pigeonpea breeding lines for adaptation and agronomic traits desirable for production as food and forage crop, 2) to assess acceptance of the crop by small producers and fill knowledge gap about it, 3) to conduct economic analysis of pigeonpea production and identify markets and marketing strategies, 4) to disseminated information about adaptability, production practices, marketing and nutritional aspects of pigeonpea using Web site, fact sheets, and field days, and 5) to strengthen collaboration among teaching, research and extension faculty and provide student experiential learning. Field trials will be conducted on research stations and selected farms.
INSTITUTION: Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center / PROPOSAL NO: 2008-02732AWARD NO.: 2008-38814-04771 / GRANT AMT.: $448,877
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Yadong Qi / PROJECT DURAION: 36
Application of Nanotechnology in Forest Health Management
Summary:
Nano-materials have generated tremendous interest because they offer an opportunity to deliver unprecedented material performance. The CCCSNs as new generation nanomaterials have received increasing attention because of their low cost, unique stabilities, and demonstrated performance against Formosan termite and fungal diseases.
This joint proposal, among UAREC, LSU-CAMD, LSU Ag Center and USDA-FS, focuses on using CCCSNs to improve health and quality of forest and its end products. The objectives are: 1) characterizing physical and chemical properties of CCCSNs and their interactions with environment; 2) examining the impacts of CCCSNs on ecophysiology and disease suppression in loblolly pine and water oak and understanding CCCSNs uptake/distribution patterns within seedlings and mature trees; 3) investigating the effects of CCCSNs on southern pine beetles (SPB) and associated fungi, water oak rotten diseases, and termites both for living plants and for wood products made from these trees.
This research offers an opportunity to advance USDA-FS research on SPB and forest pests, develop safe technologies to protect valuable forest resources, and help secure our natural resources and economy. This effort will lead to the development of a new research area in nanotechnology application in forestry and natural resource management.
INSTITUTION: Lincoln University of Missouri / PROPOSAL NO: 2008-02584AWARD NO.:2008-38814-04727 / GRANT AMT.: $467,435
PROJECT DIRECTOR: John Yang / PROJECT DURAION: 36
Reducing Arsenic Uptake by Domestic Rice Plants
Summary:
Human exposure to arsenic causes many severe health problems including various types of cancers. A recent survey indicated that rice produced from South Central US such as Missouri and Arkansas contained elevated concentrations of arsenic. This project will develop an effective strategy to reduce arsenic content in rice grains. Soil samples will be collected from historically cotton growing field where high concentrations of arsenic are present. They will be characterized for composition, particle surface property, and other parameters related to plant growth. The speciation, total availability, and the binding strength of arsenic in soil, which are believed to be among the most significant factors impacting arsenic uptake by rice plants, will be quantified. Greenhouse experiments will be conducted using these soils, and the correlation between the arsenic concentration in rice and the arsenic availability/mobility in soil will be determined. Impacts of phosphate and iron-based materials on arsenic uptake by rice plants will also be evaluated. Outcomes of this research can help rice growers to develop suitable management strategies to reduce the arsenic concentration in rice grain, and help consumers to reduce the potential health risk caused by rice consumption. It will also protect and promote the agriculture-based regional economy through producing better marketable products. This joint research project will help Lincoln University to build appropriate research capacity in this significant but less studied area.
INSTITUTION: Virginia State University / PROPOSAL NO: 2008-02554AWARD NO.: 2008-38814-04730 / GRANT AMT.: $498,886
PROJECT DIRECTOR: Stephan Wildeus / PROJECT DURAION: 36
Effect of management practices on alapca fiber production
Summary:
The alpaca industry in the U.S. has exponentially grown, and now exceeds 8,500 breeders with 100,000 animals. Although it must be expected that prices for breeding stock will decline in the future as the U.S. population increases, alpaca fiber has the potential to develop into a viable, high-value commodity for niche and specialty fiber markets.
Alpacas originate in the South American high plains under production conditions quite different from those in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern U.S. Research is needed to determine the impact of this new environment on animal performance. This project, with the strong support of the alpaca industry, will evaluate current alpaca production practices and develop cost-effective parasite control and grazing management schemes.
The project will be implemented through a multi-institutional/disciplinary approach combining expertise in small ruminant production (Virginia State University and Fort Valley State University), parasitology (VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine), grazing management (Virginia Tech), and fiber analysis (Texas A&M University). The project will involve training of students at all degree levels at the various cooperating institutions, and expand the scope and research capacity of the Small Ruminant Program at Virginia State University.