1890 INSTITUTION TEACHING AND RESEARCH

CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS PROGRAM

DESCRIPTIONS OF FUNDED PROJECTS

FISCAL YEAR 2002

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

MULTICULTURAL ALLIANCES

NATIONAL PROGRAM LEADER

 RICHARD M. HOOD (202) 720-2186

RESEARCH

Institution: Alabama A&M University — Project Director: Chandra Reddy

Proposal Number: 02-02902 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12554

Award Amount: $297,315 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — D. Wayne Reeves and NRCS — Jerrell L. Lemunyon

Evaluating and Modeling Soil Carbon Dynamics in Conservation Tillage Cotton Production Systems. Scientists at Alabama University (AAMU) will study carbon sequestration in conservation tillage cotton production systems receiving poultry waste. The goal is to develop technologies to reduce pollution from agricultural industries (cotton and poultry) and to increase carbon sequestration. The objectives of this project are: 1) to measure and document carbon dioxide CO₂ loss and carbon storage in tilled and non-tilled cotton soils receiving poultry litter as a nutrient source; 2) to model soil carbon dynamics in tilled and non-tilled cotton soils receiving poultry litter as a nutrient source; and 3) to educate and train students in carbon sequestration for the mitigation of global warming. The results of this study will provide the data needed to understand carbon sequestration in cotton production under different tillage systems. Moreover, the data generated recording the effects of various management strategies on soil quality will be useful for resource planning agencies such as USDA/NRCS. This project should improve agricultural productivity and reduce greenhouse gases such as CO₂ in the atmosphere. Studies and experiments will be done collaboratively with personnel from AAMU, USDA/NRCS, and USDA/ARS. This research project will strengthen AAMU’s environmental sciences program, particularly in the area of computer modeling.

Institution: Alabama A&M University — Project Director: Zachary Senwo 

Proposal Number: 02-02925 — Grant Number: 2002-3881-12553

Award Amount: $292,725 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Karamat Sistani

Poultry Litter Effects on Soil Microbial Community Structure and Enzyme Activities of the Phosphorus Cycle. This project will strengthen the research capacity of Alabama A&M University’s (AAMU) Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. The major goal of the research is to develop new data collection techniques to provide a rational and environmentally sound basis for management of land-applied animal manure. Researchers will evaluate the mobility and distribution of poultry litter-P (phosphorus) in soils under various climatic field conditions over a period of application time, and also determine the microbial community structure and the activities of the enzymes involved in P cycling in poultry litter-treated soils. Researchers will be sampling from long-term experimental treatments that are based on different farm timetables for different farms and on research sites of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Stations (established in 1994, and receives yearly fresh and composted litter). Maintaining an environmentally sound livestock production system is critical to the economic viability of agriculture in Alabama, the Southeast, and the Nation. This enhanced waste management system will attract more graduate students to AAMU and forge new partnerships with USDA/ARS, Oklahoma State University, and Iowa State University.

Institution: Tuskegee University — Project Director: Kokoasse Kpomblekou-Ademawou Proposal Number: 02-02927 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12733

Award Amount: $300,000 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): NRCS — M. Dewayne Mays

Biochemical Processes in the Soils Treated with Trace-Element-Enriched Broiler Litter.

The poultry industry produces an estimated 1.8 million tons of broiler litter (BL) per year in Alabama alone. Application of BL to agricultural land may result in a considerable accumulation of trace elements (TE) in topsoil and in the food chain. Researchers at Tuskegee University will study the effects of TE-loading on biochemical reactions in soils. Understanding the chemistry of TEs in BL-amended soils will assist in preventing surface and groundwater pollution. The objectives of this project are to: (1) determine total TE concentrations and the distribution of their chemical forms in soils under long-term BL treatments, (2) study under laboratory and greenhouse conditions the effects of TEs on biochemical processes and their fate in TE-enriched BL-treated soils, and (3) use this project as a significant training opportunity for students majoring in plant and soil and environmental sciences at Tuskegee University. The research results will be used to establish safe limits of TE loading in soils. Results will also provide needed information to governmental and private agencies involved in risk assessment of contaminated soil and water resources. This project will enhance partnership ventures among various disciplines (soil chemistry, soil microbiology, soil biochemistry, agronomy, and poultry nutrition). Moreover, partnerships will be strengthened between Tuskegee University, USDA, Oklahoma State University, Alabama Farmers, and other Alabama Poultry and Egg Association members.

Institution: Tuskegee University — Project Director: Louis E. Jackai       

Proposal Number: 02-02999 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12624

Award Amount: $296,720 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Michael Jackson

Studies on the Spread and Possible Existence of Intra-Specific Variation of the Sweet Potato Weevil in the Southern United States. The sweet potato weevil (SPW), Cylas formicarus, is the most devastating insect pest of sweet potato worldwide. In the United States, the devastation by this pest costs the sweet potato industry several million dollars in crop and income loss each year. The overall goal of this project is to increase and sustain the production of sweet potatoes in the U.S. and elsewhere by limiting or curtailing the spread and devastation of the SPW. Scientists at Tuskegee University (TU) will examine the modalities through which this insect spreads, and also investigate the existence of intra-specific variation in the SPW population in the U.S. and selected overseas countries. The results of this study will make quarantine enforcement more efficient and the model can be applied to other pests of quarantine importance. The findings will further enhance other sweet potato research at TU, and provide students innovative training and multidisciplinary research opportunities. This project will include the USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC, and USDA/APHIS in Riverdale, MD.

Institution: Florida A&M University — Project Director: Alfredo B. Lorenzo

Proposal Number: 02-02966 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12610

Award Amount: $238,751 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): Forest Service — David N. Wear and Paul H. Gobster

Sustaining Vegetation and Natural Environments in Urban Landscapes. Florida A&M University’s College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) have ongoing research projects dealing with various aspects of landscape management and horticulture. The research areas deal with improving the environment through effective links between plants and landscape planning and design. One of the most important research areas identified by the College is developing a decision support system for assessment of fragmentation in response to urban growth patterns. Funding this project will assist policy makers, planners, and managers anticipate trends in the preferences for natural environments and natural resource-based activities by urban residents. The project objectives are to: 1) develop and test simple and inexpensive methods that could be widely applied for rapid assessment of land-use change dynamics at a small scale, e.g., around city core, residential centers, or commercial areas; 2) quantify how much of urban forests and natural environments are cleared through urbanization and for what purposes; 3) characterize major land-use types, e.g., size and frequency, their stage of development, and their impact on vegetation; and 4) construct and evaluate a predictive model for land-use change dynamics capacity as a function of land cover, social and economic factors, and physical land attributes. Such a tool will aid in developing the capacity of CESTA in addressing widespread loss of vegetation and natural resources in urbanized landscapes.

Institution: Florida A&M University — Project Director: Mehboob B. Sheikh

Proposal Number: 02-02969 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12756

Award Amount: $299,995 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Barbara Smith and Rosemarie Hammond

Identification of DNA Sequences from Grape for Pierce’s Disease Tolerance. Pierce’s disease (PD) is a major disease of bunch grapes (Vitis vinifera L., V. Labrusca L., and other Vitis spp.), which has been proven to be a major factor responsible for degeneration and death of grapevines in the southeastern United States. Researchers at Florida A&M University (FAMU) will investigate the genetic mechanism of resistance to this deadly bacterial disease in grape. The objective of this project is to demonstrate differential expression of mRNA transcripts between resistant and susceptible grape genotypes before and after infection with PD, and to identify, isolate and clone specific transcripts expressed in resistant lines and/or in response to bacterial infection as a defensive mechanism. The expected results are identification and isolation of gene/s specific to PD resistance. Results from this research will benefit grape breeders and help other plant researchers, specifically molecular biologist and biotechnologists to understand the plant defense resistance/response. Linkages will be established with USDA/ARS scientists. Such linkages helps FAMU to maintain continuity in their research because of the availability of plant material, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and technical services.

Institution: Fort Valley State University — Project Director: Anand K.Yadav

Proposal Number: 02-02989 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12612

Award Amount: $300,000 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Stephen O. Duke

Harnessing Agri-Biotechnology to Establish Scutellaria as a Medicinal Crop. This project will enhance the knowledge on Scutellaria germplasm for growing as a medicinal crop in the United States. Researchers at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) will: 1) Collect and screen Scutellaria species for contents of flavones; 2) develop in vitro protocols for Scutellaria spp. Multiplication and preservation; 3) assess bioactivity of Scutellaria flavones using human cell lines in vitro; and 4) develop agrotechnology for cultivating selected species of Scutellaria. The following are products, results and measurable outcomes: a) protocols to regenerate Scutellaria species using various explants; b) protocols for somatic embryogenesis (leading to synthetic seed production), suspension culture, and hairy root culture of Scutellaria species; c) protocols for Abrobacterium-mediated hairy root culture system to produce flavones and enhance plant regneration; d) rare, threatened and endangered Scutellaria species will be in vitro micropropagated in order to achieve plant production, maintenance, and regeneration; and e) suitable crop production practices will be throughly investigated in order to develop agrotechnology for Scutellaria as a medicinal crop and package it for use by farmers. This project will advance the research of FVSU by providing support for state-of-the-art- equipment, laboratory supplies, and funds to attract first-rate research personnel. Further, this project will provide an impetus for cost-effective research on medicinal plants to increase growers income and improve job potential.

Institution: Kentucky State University — Project Director: Kirk W. Pomper                  

Proposal Number: 02-02978 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12700

Award Amount: $139,374 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Michael A. Grusak and Kim Hummer

Development of Seedless Papaw Fruit by Germplasm Enhancement. Kentucky State University (KSU) serves as the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Asimina spp. to preserve unique pawpaw germplasm. This project will improve the genetics of pawpaw. Researchers will: 1) identify triploid and tetraploid pawpaws in the wild, via flow cytometry, that produces parthenocarpic fruit; and 2) develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers to examine the genetic diversity of pawpaw patches containing tretraploid and triploid plants and compare it to diversity in other patches in the repository collection. They will also attempt to link the identification of polyploidy populations with the assessment of genetic diversity among populations during the proposed research effort. Development of seedless pawpaw varieties will greatly enhance the commercial potential of fresh market fruit, expedite pulp extraction, and possibly fruit shelf-life by reducing flesh break down around the seeds. Promising genotypes will be incorporated into the repository collection and distributed to the public. This project provides research opportunities in molecular biology for minority undergraduate students at KSU and high school students in KSU’s Research and Extension Apprenticeship Program.

Institution: Alcorn State University — Project Director: Michael Ezekwe 

Proposal Number: 02-2990 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12625

Award Amount: $298,350 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Si- Yin Chung

Transgenic Improvement of Peanut for Lipid Content and Nutritional Quality. Funding of this project will advance Alcorn State University’s capacity to conduct research in agricultural biotechnology, human nutrition, and animal nutrition. Scientists will conduct studies that may lead to the improvement of peanut quality. This project will address the reduction of saturated and polyunsaturated fatted acids with an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids for use as a health vegetable oil and the increase of saturated fatty acids for use in food industry for specific end uses. The objectives of this project are: 1) prepare seed-specific expression cassettes of three genes with sense an anti-sense orientation; 2) transfer pyramiding desirable genes into Mississippi peanuts through molecular breeding; 3) compare the fatty acid and chemical composition of conventional improved varieties of peanut; and 4) determine te effects of transgenic peanut oil supplement on lipid metabolism of laboratory animals. Developing novel products with human health benefits through biotechnological approaches will provide opportunities for students and faculty recruitment into agricultural research and academic programs.

Institution: North Carolina A&T State University — Project Director: Mohamed Ahmedna

Proposal Number: 02-02995 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12596

Award Amount: $299,780 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Jeff Novak

Development of Low-cost Water Filtration Systems using Nutshell-based Activated Carbons. This project will enhance the research capacity of North Carolina A&T State University (NCA&TSU) through implementation of quality research in the areas of value-added utilization of agricultural by-products--namely nutshells, engineering of filtration systems, and drinking water quality. Most of the existing drinking water treatment systems use coal-based activated carbons, ion exchange resins, or a combination of both. These systems are costly and originate from a nonrenewable source. Project objectives are to: 1) optimize production of nutshell-based granular activated carbons (GACs) for removal of common well water contaminants; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of these GACs in well water purification compared commercial adsorbents; 3) determine the technical characteristics and projected cost of nutshell-based filters for use in well water treatment; and 4) build and test a prototype nutshell-based well water filtration system equipped with an ozone-based disinfection module. This project has the potential to benefit the U.S. food and agriculture sector, enhance higher education and stimulate involvement of minority serving institutions such as NCA&TSU in the national research efforts aimed at adding value to U.S. crops, preserving the environment and ensuring safe drinking water supplies at an affordable cost. NCA&TSU scientists will collaborate with the Water Quality Research Unit at USDA-ARS, Coastal Plains Soil, Water, and Plant Research Center.

Institution: North Carolina A&T State University — Project Director: Vestal B. Shirley Proposal Number: 02-02923 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12675

Award Amount: $102,455 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Clifford Price and Walter Schmidt

Enhancing Agricultural Programs with HPLC/PDA/API/ESI/IMS. This project will support the acquisition of scientific instrumentation (High Performance Liquid Chromatograph, Evaporative Light Scattering Detector, Microwave Sample Preparation Unit, Nitrogen Gas Generator, Hydrogen Gas Generator, and Zero Air Generator). This equipment will be used in the Analytical Services Laboratory (ASL) at North Carolina A&T State University (NCA&TSU) in conjunction with several ongoing Capacity Building projects and laboratory courses. NCA&TSU will be able to provide high-end instrumentation technology that attracts progressive faculty, strengthen the Masters programs, expand experiential learning, and help lay the ground work for Ph.D. programs. Further, USDA/ARS scientists will be able to use the equipment to address some extremely important emerging issues involving endocrine disrupter chemicals that require this equipment. They may also use the equipment to investigate the environmental assessment of animal waste chemicals. The collaboration between NCA&TSU and USDA/ARS will offer insight into applications that may be outside rather narrow priorities for environmental fate and transport of agrochemicals. Researchers will be able to share methods, compare analyses, and intercalibrate with samples and techniques. The scientific instruments that each party has will compliment each other and result in a cost-savings for both USDA and NCA&TSU and avoid duplication.

Institution: Tennessee State University — Project Director: Suping Zhou 

Proposal Number: 02-02973 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12598

Award Amount: $299,078 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — John Hammond

Identification of the Antifreeze Mechanism and Genes in Plants with Tolerance to Freezing Temperatures during the Growing Season. Researchers at Tennessee State University (TSU) will study the cellular and molecular changes that occur in plant cells during freezing and thawing, to determine the identity of antifreeze proteins and to isolate antifreeze genes from four cold hardy plant species. The project has the potential to discover and isolate genes that could be used for the development of cold tolerant crops through genetic transformation and increase the world’s food supply by lengthening the growing season for these crops. This project will enable TSU to expand its research program for doctoral students at the Nashville and McMinnville campuses by providing funds for their support, create a partnership with Vanderbilt University, and enhance its partnership with USDA/ARS scientists located at the National Arboretum and the Floral and Nursery Research Plant Unit. ARS’s cooperation with TSU will focus on the identification of genes with high antifreeze activity that could be transferred to other ornamentals.

Institution: Tennessee State University — Project Director: Margaret Mmbaga

Proposal Number: 02-02981— Grant Number: 2002-38814-12721

Award Amount: $139,375 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agencies/Cooperator(s): ARS — Sandy Reed and Forest Service — Ned Klopfenstein

Development of Powdery Mildew Resistance in Cornus florida and Analysis of the Pathogen Population. This project will enhance the research capability at Tennessee State University’s Nursery Crop Research Station and advance the establishment of a state-of-the-art research program in Plant Pathology. This study will advance the development of new cultivars of Cornus florida resistant to powdery mildew and generate information needed to further powdery mildew resistance breeding. The following objectives will be addressed: 1) Characterization of the resistant selections and development of new cultivars resistant to powdery mildew; and 2) determination of the mode of inheritance and identification of molecular markers associated with powdery mildew resistance. The development of disease management methods that use host resistance will expand USDA/ARS goals in research on germplasm enhancement, plant health, and overall crop management. Additionally, understanding impacts and ecological interactions of this disease, in terms of host reactions and pathogen populations will further USDA/Forest Service’s goals in research and health management of natural and planted forest ecosystems. Cooperative interactions and scientific exchanges with minority scientists and students in this project will augment the Department of Agriculture’s outreach efforts designed to increase workforce diversity.

Institution: Tennessee State University — Project Director: Ahmad Aziz  

Proposal Number: 02-02974 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12722

Award Amount: $139,375 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency Cooperator(s): ARS — John Hammond and Margaret Pooler

Genetic Linkage Analysis of Hypercum and Echinaceae by Pollen DNA Fingerprinting.

This project will develop genetic linkage maps for Hypericum and Echinacea. Researchers at Tennessee State University will expand on current research in medicinal crops by establishing genetic linkage maps for St. John’s wort and coneflower. Future medicinal and alternate crops breeding efforts, which are based on marker-assisted selections will greatly benefit from the data originated from this research. This research will achieve the following objectives: 1)Standardization of greenhouse conditions, that induce profuse flowering in Echinacea species. Collection of individual pollen grains via micromanipulation techniques; 2) AFLP protocols will be standardized for the genetic characterization of Echinacea species; 3) genetic marker generation to identify genes and evaluate breeding lines; 4) development of methods for pre-amplification and AFLP genotyping of pollen DNA for genetic studies in Echinacea and other plants; and 5) genetic linkages analysis of AFLP markers generated from Echinacea pollen grains. This project will expand on the existing partnership with USDA/ARS Floral and Nursery Plant Research Unit which will allow for the development of scientific exchanges and training opportunities.

Institution: Prairie View A&M University — Project Director: Jackson M. Dzakuma

Proposal Number: 02-02935— Grant Number: 2002-38814-12595

Award Amount: $300,000 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Harvey D. Blackburn

Utilization Characterization and Preservation of Goat Genetic Resources. The long-term goal at Prairie View A&M University is to establish a breeding/production and a genetic resource center for goats. This project will develop a live population breeding program that would utilize, characterize, and conserve the Tennessee Stiff-legged (TS), the Spanish (SP), and the Boer (BR) breeds. The project will identify, collect, process, and cryogenically preserve semen, ova, embryos and genetic information as DNA stored in frozen samples of blood (ex situ conservation) from the TS, the SP, and the BR breeds, and extend the process to all breeds of goats. This strategy will ensure the preservation of genetic diversity and enable healthy propagation of the breeds/strains. This in situ project will enable the breeds to be properly characterized and evaluated at PVAMU and allow researchers to evaluate comparative trials, undertake crossing experiments, and conduct research into other areas (pedigree information, progeny testing, calculating genetic relationships and distances, distribution of potentially valuable allels at quantitative trait loci). The center will serve as the satellite station for collecting caprine genetic materials in the United States and will make a significant contribution to the National Animal Genetics Resource Program system, established by USDA, with responsibility for conservation of animal germplasm.

Institution: Virginia State University — Project Director: Asmare Atalay

Proposal Number: 02-02906 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12599

Award Amount: $300,000 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Wilda H. Martinez

Phosphorus Dynamics in Nutrient-Rich Sediments. Funding of this project will strengthen Virginia State University’s (VSU) research capacity in the area of Environmental Science. It will further benefit the Agricultural Research Services’s Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit. The main objectives of this project are to: 1) Characterize the complete profile of the epilimnion and hypolimnion sediment deposits at selected (agriculturally impacted) sites of the James River in Virginia; and 2) identify and quantify the types of minerals and P found in each layer. Other objectives are to establish the experimental conditions under which sediment-bound P could be released into the water column and use the geochemical precipitation or dissolution of sediment. The University will embark on an important mission to demonstrate to its clientele the significance of sediment-bound phosphorus in water quality degradation. The results obtained could be used to evaluate the need and significance of various best management practices that are currently utilized to retain runoff phosphorus. This research project will support and train six undergraduate students and one postdoctoral associate. It will also aid VSU in the establishment of a reputable nutrient management research capability at its Center of Excellence for Plants and Water Quality.

Institution: Virginia State University — Project Director: Brian Sayre

Proposal Number: 02-02959 — Grant Number: 2002-38814-12597

Award Amount: $298,842 — Duration: 36 Months

USDA Agency/Cooperator(s): ARS — Gregory S. Lewis

Regulation of Embryonic Blastocoele Formation and Development in Small Ruminants. The incidence of embryonal mortality reduces reproductive performance, and costs Virginia producers approximately $1.2 million in potential income each year. A modest decrease in the incidence of embryonal mortality would improve the overall profitability of small ruminants for small Virginia farms. Research scientists at Virginia State University (VSU) will evaluate small ruminant embryonic development to improve the reproductive efficiency. The objectives of this project are to determine: 1) the differential expression of genes in embryonic and endometrial cells during blastocoele formation and hatching; and 2) the effects of prostaglandins on blasatocoele formation and hatching. Results of this study will aid in improving reproductive efficiency in small ruminants. It will also contribute to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, NP 101 Action Plan: “Reproductive Efficiency; Embryo, Fetal, and Neonatal Development and Survival.” The collaboration will allow the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station to gain new insights into the development of sheep embryos and learn new analytical procedures. Outcomes would be of interest to all disciplines that are studying embryonic development, such as those in the areas of biology or medical sciences–human or medical sciences. This project will enhance the molecular biology capabilities of the Small Ruminant Program at Virginia State University, and will expose students trained in animal science to the latest research and research techniques.