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Crisis Communication And Public Relations: How Fairs Communicated Cancellations During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Olivia Mckenna Robinson Jan 2023

Crisis Communication And Public Relations: How Fairs Communicated Cancellations During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Olivia Mckenna Robinson

MSU Graduate Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic halted aspects of a traditional fair including the agriculture, home economics, entertainment, and carnival exhibits that were missed by the diverse stakeholders who enjoy the traditions of this industry. This study examined how fairgoers reacted to the news of cancellation and investigated fair managers’ communication decisions. An explanatory sequential (QUANT → QUAL) mixed methods design was used. A survey was conducted asking fairgoers to recall communication strategies and feelings after the communication. A more in-depth focus group with fair managers was hosted to understand how crisis communication was utilized, and if active information seekers versus passive information …


Distribution Patterns Of Allorhizobium Vitis In Missouri Vineyards And Non-Vineyard Soils, Jacquelyn M. Wray Jan 2023

Distribution Patterns Of Allorhizobium Vitis In Missouri Vineyards And Non-Vineyard Soils, Jacquelyn M. Wray

MSU Graduate Theses

Crown gall disease causes significant economic loss to the grape and wine industry. Preventive strategies are most effective for mitigating the loss of grapevines in vineyards, as there is no known cure for this disease. The bacterium Allorhizobium vitis carrying a tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid is the causative agent. A. vitis bacteria live systemically in the grapevine before causing visible symptoms and can survive in residual plant tissues and soil for more than two years. Diagnostic methods have been developed to detect A. vitis bacteria in grapevines and soil. However, more reliable, specific, and high-throughput diagnostics are still needed for screening …


Morphological And Genetic Analysis Of The Root System In Two American Grapevines (Vitis Species), Parinaz Mohtasebi Jan 2023

Morphological And Genetic Analysis Of The Root System In Two American Grapevines (Vitis Species), Parinaz Mohtasebi

MSU Graduate Theses

The North American grapes species Vitis rupestris Scheele and Vitis riparia Michx have been the pillars of rootstock breeding for many decades. Though a large body of viticultural knowledge has been accumulated on their impact on grafted scions, the genetic basis of their root system architecture (RSA) has received limited scientific attention. In this study, I generated and analyzed adventitious root systems from dormant cuttings of 22 V. riparia and 19 V. rupestris accessions, as well as 162 interspecific F1 hybrid progeny from a cross between V. rupestris (♀) and V. riparia (♂). I photographed the roots and then extracted …


Natural Transmission Of Grapevine Vein Clearing Virus, Matthew Manu Jan 2023

Natural Transmission Of Grapevine Vein Clearing Virus, Matthew Manu

MSU Graduate Theses

More than 60 million tons of grapes are produced annually in the world, making them one of the most widely grown fruit crops. Despite grapes’ economic and health benefits, biotic stressors, such as viruses, cause significant loss to the grape and wine industry. One such virus is grapevine vein clearing virus (GVCV) which seriously threatens grape cultivation in the Midwest region of the United States. This virus has caused the removal of seven commercial vineyards since its discovery in 2004. About 34% of Ampelopsis cordata wild vines are infected with GVCV and serve as a primary inoculum for the spread …


Effects Of Lemongrass Essential Oil On Galleria Mellonella Hemocytes, Kyndra Chastain Jan 2022

Effects Of Lemongrass Essential Oil On Galleria Mellonella Hemocytes, Kyndra Chastain

MSU Graduate Theses

In modern agriculture, the use of pesticides is unavoidable. However, improper use has resulted in pest resistance and negative impacts on the environment and human health. Changes are needed in the agricultural industry to account for the damage already caused. Researchers have turned to essential oils as key ingredients for potential biopesticides, with some mixtures already on the market. Most studies involving essential oils and a pest’s response concentrate on mortality or interruptions in development during and between life stages. My study, however, focused on immune responses; specifically, lemongrass essential oil’s impact on Galleria mellonella. Such responses include a …


Evaluating The Impact Of Off-Farm Decisions On Federal Government Program Utilization And Financial Success For Missouri's Beginning Farmers, Lyndsey Ann Parker Jan 2022

Evaluating The Impact Of Off-Farm Decisions On Federal Government Program Utilization And Financial Success For Missouri's Beginning Farmers, Lyndsey Ann Parker

MSU Graduate Theses

Farmers and ranchers will have to increase production by approximately 70% by the year 2050 according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (2017). People in the agriculture industry face several challenges from start-up costs to limited land availability (Ahearn, 2011). There are federal and state government programs available to assist with some of these challenges but bring their own hardships as well. This study measures off-farm decisions that affect financial performance and utilization of government programs for Missouri’s farmers and ranchers. Three types of financial performance of Missouri farms are prioritized in this study, liquidity (current ratio), solvency (debt-to-asset ratio), …


Analysis Of Root System Architecture And Qtl Identification In Grapevines, Sujan Thapa Jan 2022

Analysis Of Root System Architecture And Qtl Identification In Grapevines, Sujan Thapa

MSU Graduate Theses

The root system of the plant plays a vital role in water and nutrient uptake. Native North American grapevines adapted to a broad range of climatic and soil conditions, which led to the evolution of diverse root system architecture (RSA) within the Vitis genus. Despite the importance of RSA in viticulture, little is known about the genetic basis of the RSA in grapevine. I used novel root phenotyping tool, RhizoVision Analyzer to characterize the root system of 208 genotypes of an F1 grapevine progeny obtained from a cross between Vitis rupestris Scheele B38 and Vitis riparia Michx. HP-1. Dormant …


The Comparison Of Three Different Fecal Egg Counting Techniques And Their Ability To Perform A Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test, Diana J. Summitt Jan 2022

The Comparison Of Three Different Fecal Egg Counting Techniques And Their Ability To Perform A Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test, Diana J. Summitt

MSU Graduate Theses

A comprehensive gastrointestinal parasite control program includes an understanding of common parasites, application of chemotherapeutic agents, as well as frequent and appropriate diagnostic testing. An effective control program is essential for facilities such as animal shelters, that deal with large populations of transient canines with unknown parasite exposure and deworming history. The identification of a sensitive flotation method to evaluate anthelmintic efficacy is critical in monitoring parasite populations for drug resistance. The objective of the current study was to compare three different fecal egg counting technologies and their ability to perform a fecal egg reduction test. The flotation techniques evaluated …


Effects Of "Lemongrass Factor" On Galleria Mellonella Hemocytes, Jennifer C. Rice Dec 2021

Effects Of "Lemongrass Factor" On Galleria Mellonella Hemocytes, Jennifer C. Rice

MSU Graduate Theses

The use of conventional chemical insecticides to control agricultural pest has become problematic as they may have a negative impact towards human health and the environment, resulting in a need to research alternative methods to insect pest control. Plant derived substances like essential oils have been used for generations as toxicants, repellants, and anti-feedants to control agricultural pest. More research is needed to understand how insect immune systems react to essential oils and if cellular immune responses of phagocytosis, encapsulation, and nodulation can be inhibited by such. Subjecting Galleria mellonella to various concentrations of “lemongrass factor” lets the researcher/scientist know …


Is There Room In The United States Diet For Goat Meat? Analysis Of The 2019 National Goat Meat Survey, Everett Marcus Martin Dec 2021

Is There Room In The United States Diet For Goat Meat? Analysis Of The 2019 National Goat Meat Survey, Everett Marcus Martin

MSU Graduate Theses

Demand for goat meat has steadily increased in the past decade, but few studies have been conducted addressing goat meat attributes and demographic factors on consumers’ willingness to buy goat meat products. Analyzing a national consumer survey on goat meat preference, a logit modeling is used addressing factors affecting willingness to buy three goat meat products: grass-fed, locally grown, and organically raised. Results indicate that quality and freshness attribute characteristics significantly affect consumer willingness to buy grass-fed, organic, and locally grown goat meat.


An Exploration Of The Role Of Farm Business Decisions In Addressing Financial Challenges For Missouri's Beginning Farmers, Lucas Paloschi Dec 2021

An Exploration Of The Role Of Farm Business Decisions In Addressing Financial Challenges For Missouri's Beginning Farmers, Lucas Paloschi

MSU Graduate Theses

The next generation of farmers takes an important role in the food production for subsequent years. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s (2017) estimation that 70% increase of production will need to be achieved within the next 30 years set awareness across the globe. Researchers have been studying and trying to find means to aid beginning farmers in a variety of ways. This study measures farm decisions that affect financial performance of farmers aiming to facilitate beginning producers’ decision making. Three regressions were used to analyze how different variables affect farmers’ profitability and repayment capacity. Using a county-level data for the …


Identification Of Qtls For Berry Acids And Sugar In A Vitis Aestivalis-Derived 'Norton'-Based Population, Karlene Louise Negus Aug 2021

Identification Of Qtls For Berry Acids And Sugar In A Vitis Aestivalis-Derived 'Norton'-Based Population, Karlene Louise Negus

MSU Graduate Theses

Acidity and sugar content are among the grape berry quality traits that influence wine quality. Despite advantageous environmental tolerances of Vitis aestivalis-derived ‘Norton’, its acid and sugar concentrations often deviate from expectations set for V. vinifera. Identification of the genetic determinants of malic acid, tartaric acid, pH, and total soluble solids (TSS) can assist in the improvement of new hybrid cultivars. For this purpose, a ‘Norton’ and V. vinifera ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ hybrid mapping population containing 223 individuals was used to construct a linkage map containing 384 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and 2084 genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-derived single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) …


Marker-Assisted Selection To Determine The Introgression Of Rpv-3 Mediated Downy Mildew Resistance In 'Chambourcin' X 'Caberenet Sauvignon' Grapevine Population, Kavya Sri Tummala Aug 2021

Marker-Assisted Selection To Determine The Introgression Of Rpv-3 Mediated Downy Mildew Resistance In 'Chambourcin' X 'Caberenet Sauvignon' Grapevine Population, Kavya Sri Tummala

MSU Graduate Theses

Downy mildew caused by the fungus, Plasmopara viticola in the grapes is one of the major diseases affecting crop yield throughout the world. Breeding grapes via conventional methods for the downy mildew resistance will take approximately 25-30 years to fully evaluate and release new cultivars. Because of the long breeding cycle in woody plant species like grape, developing DNA markers linked to genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for horticultural traits can greatly accelerate the breeding process and allow a much more accurate selection of progeny. This study aims to determine the presence of resistance in the 267 F1 genotypes …


The Determinants Of Food Insecurity In The United States: A State Level Analysis, Zhuoya Li Aug 2021

The Determinants Of Food Insecurity In The United States: A State Level Analysis, Zhuoya Li

MSU Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of food insecurity at the state level with the goal of providing policy guidance to reduce the prevalence of food insecurity in the United States. Data for the study was collected from various governmental and non-governmental sources. Linear regression models and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The study found that increase in household income is likely to significantly reduce the prevalence of food insecurity and very low food security. While poverty alleviation is more important than level of education for food insecure households, level of education is more important than poverty …


Estancia Vs. Kentucky 31: Examining Leaf Nutrient Content Of Established Tall Fescue, Macie W. Clark May 2021

Estancia Vs. Kentucky 31: Examining Leaf Nutrient Content Of Established Tall Fescue, Macie W. Clark

MSU Graduate Theses

In 2020 Missouri ranked third in beef cattle production and second in hay production. As part of the fescue belt of the United States, Missouri’s agricultural industries rely on tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Schreb.) as a main forage crop. Two major disorders in cattle grazing tall fescue are fescue toxicosis and grass tetany. Fescue toxicosis occurs when animals consume toxic ergot alkaloids produced by an endophyte within the tall fescue plants. The most commonly grown tall fescue variety, Kentucky 31, is infected with the toxic endophyte. Varieties containing a novel non-toxic endophyte, such as Estancia, have been developed to …


Establishing Agroforestry Silvopasture Systems In The Missouri Ozark Region, Kara Lynn Powelson May 2021

Establishing Agroforestry Silvopasture Systems In The Missouri Ozark Region, Kara Lynn Powelson

MSU Graduate Theses

The Missouri Ozarks is located in the south-central part of Missouri, ranging from the very southwest corner of the state and east to St. Louis. This region is enriched with large dense populations of oak and hickory tree species, while also being occupied with prime forage pastures for livestock grazing. Missouri is ranked second in the nation for farming operations and hay production, while also third in the nation for beef cow number of head (MDA 2021). The objective of this study is to observe the establishment of two separate silvopasture systems: a planted walnut plantation and a converted silvopasture. …


In Vitro Digestibility Of Forages Incubated With Equine Fecal Inoculum Stored Under Varying Conditions, Shianne K. Walther Jan 2021

In Vitro Digestibility Of Forages Incubated With Equine Fecal Inoculum Stored Under Varying Conditions, Shianne K. Walther

MSU Graduate Theses

This study evaluated the in vitro effect on digestibility of forages when incubated with microbial inoculum formed from equine feces stored under varying conditions. Fecal material was stored at four storage conditions of 12˚C for 6 hours, 12˚C for 12 hours, 23˚C for 6 hours and 23˚C for 12 hours under aerobic conditions. Stored fecal material was used to form microbial inoculum for use in an ANKOM Daisy II Incubator. Nine different forage samples were digested in the ANKOM Daisy II Incubator to evaluate interactions between storage condition of microbial inoculum and chemical composition of digested forage samples. Forage samples …


Predictors Of Student Success In An Upper Division Agriculture Chemistry Class, Maddison V. May Dec 2020

Predictors Of Student Success In An Upper Division Agriculture Chemistry Class, Maddison V. May

MSU Graduate Theses

To attempt to find what made students successful within a higher division class at Missouri State University’s (MSU) Darr College of Agriculture, de-identified academic records of 172 students enrolled in AGR 300 - Food and Agriculture Chemistry were studied over four semesters. Deidentified data were collected and compared to final letter grade received at the end of the class using correlation coefficients, analysis of variance, and stepwise regression. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the influence of semester on letter grade. Correlation coefficients were used to determine and evaluate relationships between the variables and final grade. Stepwise regression was …


Effect Of Marketing Through Value Added And Video Sales On Feeder Cattle Prices, Amanda Trotter Dec 2020

Effect Of Marketing Through Value Added And Video Sales On Feeder Cattle Prices, Amanda Trotter

MSU Graduate Theses

Feeder cattle marketing opportunities for producers in Missouri continue to expand. Missouri ranks within the top ten U.S. States in beef cow inventory and is a major feeder calf exporter. Selecting the appropriate marketing opportunity can have a dramatic impact on the income of the cattle producer. Feeder cattle marketing opportunities include value-added program sales, video auctions, as well as the traditional live cattle auction. A long-term study comparing these marketing opportunities in a single livestock market in Missouri has not been conducted. The objective of this study is to analyze cattle characteristics that can influence market price in feeder …


Prospects For Enhancing The Market For Goat Meat Products: Analysis Of The 2019 Goat Meat Survey, Ashton M. Light Dec 2020

Prospects For Enhancing The Market For Goat Meat Products: Analysis Of The 2019 Goat Meat Survey, Ashton M. Light

MSU Graduate Theses

The objective of this study was to identify goat meat product attributes and sociodemographic drivers of consumers’ willingness to buy to goat meat products. To do so the study used a nationwide consumer survey on goat meat preferences. A binary logit model was used to examine the factors affecting willingness to buy. Results show that gender, age, region, primary shopper, and product attribute preference for quality, price, leanness, cholesterol, and freshness significantly affect consumer willingness to buy goat sausage, jerky, burger, and patties.


Optimal Calving Time For Beef Cows In Southwest Missouri, Briana Rose Verploeg May 2020

Optimal Calving Time For Beef Cows In Southwest Missouri, Briana Rose Verploeg

MSU Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine if a optimal time of year exists for beef producers to have cows give birth in southwest Missouri for maximal net returns from calf sales and increased cow reproductive performance. To make this determination, data were collected which included year-round forage nutritive value, calf pre-weaning growth, cow energy efficiency and reproductive performance, and income and cost values. Cow and calf field data were gathered for the 2014-2018 production years at Missouri State University’s Leo Journagan Ranch. Monthly forage samples were collected from study cow pastures from 2016 through 2018. Calf, cull cow, …


Impact Of Storage Temperature On Viability Of Microbial Inoculum For Estimating In Vitro Equine Digestibility, Delaney Brenne O'Donnell May 2020

Impact Of Storage Temperature On Viability Of Microbial Inoculum For Estimating In Vitro Equine Digestibility, Delaney Brenne O'Donnell

MSU Graduate Theses

This study evaluated the effect of storage temperature of equine fecal material on the viability of microbial inoculum used for in vitro equine digestibility trials. Fecal material was stored at four storage temperatures of 39°C for 15 minutes (control), 22°C for 6h, 3°C for 6h, and -18°C for 24h. Stored fecal material was used to form microbial inoculum for use in an Ankom Daisy II Incubator. Six different forage samples were digested in the Ankom Daisy II Incubator to evaluate interactions between storage condition of microbial inoculum and chemical composition of digested forage samples. After determination of dry matter digestibility …


Investigation Of The Individual Soybean Root Nodule Microbiome, Parris Mica Mayhood May 2020

Investigation Of The Individual Soybean Root Nodule Microbiome, Parris Mica Mayhood

MSU Graduate Theses

Soybean is a valuable crop that establishes a symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. Previous research suggests members of the genus Bradyrhizobium are the major nitrogen-fixing inhabitants of soybean root nodules. However, results from recent studies identified the presence of other bacteria, so called non-rhizobial endophytes (NREs), inside root nodules. All previous research has pooled nodules of different plants for bacterial community analysis, but this study investigated the presence and relative abundance of rhizobia and NREs within multiple root nodules of a single plant. Three sites were selected on Kendrick Farm in Springfield, MO, where three plants and rhizosphere soil were …


Alternative Production Practices And The Role Of Consumer Choice: Willingness-To-Pay Analyses, Amanda P. Wecker May 2020

Alternative Production Practices And The Role Of Consumer Choice: Willingness-To-Pay Analyses, Amanda P. Wecker

MSU Graduate Theses

Production choice is often viewed as driven by the resources and methods known to the producers. However, recent discussions focus on the other factors leading to production choice such as consumer preference, measured by factors such as willingness to pay (Tait, Saunders, Guenther, and Rutherford, 2016). This study evaluates the role of diet preference and age in driving a consumer’s willingness to pay for food produced with specific method. The data analyzed are from the 2016 U.S. Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) Consumer survey. A total of 1042 individuals were asked whether they were willing to pay 10% more …


The Effects Of An Applied Phyllosphere-Microbiome On Gas Exchange And Growth Of Soybean Infected With Pseudomonas Syringae: Harnessing The Power Of The Microbiome, Charles Agbavor May 2020

The Effects Of An Applied Phyllosphere-Microbiome On Gas Exchange And Growth Of Soybean Infected With Pseudomonas Syringae: Harnessing The Power Of The Microbiome, Charles Agbavor

MSU Graduate Theses

The microbiome is an important determinant of plant health, growth and resistance to stress. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of the phyllosphere-microbiome on managing Pseudomonas syringae pv. Glycinea (Psg), gas exchange and growth of Glycine max L. Merrill. A greenhouse study was conducted in the summer of 2019. A field isolated and cultured soybean phyllosphere-microbiome was applied to purposely infected and uninfected soybean. Gas exchange, Psg density, chlorophyll concentrations, and percent nitrogen and carbon in the leaves were measured during the V3-V6 stages of soybean. Not surprisingly, there was a two-fold reduction in copies of Pseudomonas …


Evaluating The Impact Of Agriculture Youth Organizations On Grit, Sarah E. Bishop Aug 2019

Evaluating The Impact Of Agriculture Youth Organizations On Grit, Sarah E. Bishop

MSU Graduate Theses

This study examined the relationship between the involvement in high school activities, such as FFA and 4-H, and grit or long-term passion and perseverance. In a quantitative approach, respondents (N=501) completed a survey comprised of the Grit-S Scale to determine their level of grit and a self-reporting section on involvement in high school activities, involvement in FFA, and involvement in 4-H. Correlation analyses were conducted to determine if there was a relationship between individual high school activities, overall high school involvement, involvement in FFA, involvement in 4-H, and an individual’s level of grit. Involvement in FFA was found to have …


Characterizing Nodule Endophyte Communities In Glycine Max And Lablab Purpureus Using Next-Generation Sequencing, Scott David Mcelveen Aug 2019

Characterizing Nodule Endophyte Communities In Glycine Max And Lablab Purpureus Using Next-Generation Sequencing, Scott David Mcelveen

MSU Graduate Theses

Biological nitrogen fixation by rhizobia in the root nodules of legumes is a significant source of agricultural nitrogen in global crop production systems. The influence of and interaction of factors involved in nodule endophyte selection remain poorly understood. In the present study, the influences of crop rotation (soybean-legume vs. cotton-legume) and recalcitrant soil organic matter (compost amendment) on the relative distribution of endophytic bacteria in the root nodules of greenhouse-grown soybean and lablab were investigated by extracting, amplifying, and sequencing 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and nifH genes. Neither preceding crop nor compost amendment were found to have an influence on …


Barriers Missouri's Farmers Face Regarding Beginning Farmer Government Programs, Benjamin J. Travlos May 2019

Barriers Missouri's Farmers Face Regarding Beginning Farmer Government Programs, Benjamin J. Travlos

MSU Graduate Theses

Federal and state governments have responded to the hardships beginning farmers and ranchers face by creating programs to mediate the identified challenges for new producers. However, hardships still exist for these producers and there is a lack of research on if the programs are providing the needed assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers. This research explores the perceived barriers to beginning farmer federal and state government programs for Missouri producers. Through the utilization of focus groups, the research identified major barriers such as: time, program awareness, program resources, and program requirements and eligibility. Aside from the barriers, the research also …


Oxyrase And Pyruvate Inclusion In Extenders For Cold Stored Stallion Spermatozoa, Jordan T. Shore May 2019

Oxyrase And Pyruvate Inclusion In Extenders For Cold Stored Stallion Spermatozoa, Jordan T. Shore

MSU Graduate Theses

A current method in addressing subfertility in stallions include manipulating the semen extender media by supplementing antioxidants and energy sources. Two experiments (EXP 1/EXP 2) were conducted to assess the effects of pyruvate and Oxyrase® suspended in commercial diluents for preservation of stallion spermatozoa. Assessment of total (TM) and progressive motility (PM), velocity and direction of movement (VAP, VSL, VCL, and elongation) were recorded by CASA. In EXP 1, 3 different ejaculates were collected from each of 4 stallions. Aliquots of each ejaculate were suspended into 4 treatments of INRA96 with or without Oxyrase® supplemented at 2.4 U/ml …


Macronutrient Content Of Winter Annual Cereal Grains With Phosphorus Fertilization, Taylor Anne Young May 2019

Macronutrient Content Of Winter Annual Cereal Grains With Phosphorus Fertilization, Taylor Anne Young

MSU Graduate Theses

Missouri ranks third in the United States in cow-calf production, and much of the land these cattle graze has acidic soil that is low in plant available phosphorus (P). Proper soil fertility is important to ensure that these forages meet the nutritional requirements of cattle. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceum (Schreb.)), has been shown to respond to increased soil P levels with increased growth and leaf concentrations of P, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K). It is unknown if winter annual cereals will respond similarly. The objective of this study is to examine cereal rye (Secale cereal L.), winter wheat …