Life Sciences Commons^™

Use Of An Alternative Natural Weed Suppressant: Effects Of Parboiled Rice Hull Mulch On The Growth Of Container Weeds, Amy R. Fields-Taylor, Vanessa Slinger-Friedman

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) is one of the leading educational centers in Georgia about the ecology of the Chattahoochee River. Due to lack of man power, keeping down the weeds in the CNC plant nursery is one of those tasks that often gets left undone. The nursery becomes overgrown with invasive weed species. Understandably, they must sometimes resort to the use of herbicides, such as Roundup®, to keep the hundreds of native and endangered species of plants housed at CNC from being choked out by invasive weeds. This study tests the ability to suppress weed growth by use of …

Survey Of Trap Contents Of Four Species Of Bladderworts (Utricularia) From Harlow Lake In Marquette, Mi., Jenna Happach

Conspectus Borealis

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Toxicity And Accumulation Of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) And Glyphosate In Eisenia Fetida, Caitlin Lazurick, Nicole Lidzbarski, Rachel Owings, Jeff Brotherton, Edna Steele

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup^®, is the most widely used herbicide in the world. It is also used in combination with another effective herbicide, 2,4-D, in the formulation called Enlist Duo^®. The EPA approved the use of Enlist Duo^® on certain crops including those genetically modified to be resistant to both herbicides. The predicted significant increase in the use of these herbicides raised concerns from the general public because both compounds have been classified as possibly or probably carcinogenic. Since herbicides are applied directly to vegetation, the safety of organisms that come in contact …

Investigation Of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract And Its Cancer-Selective Antiproliferative Properties, Reagen H. Welch, Ashlee H. Tietje

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Moringa oleifera is a tree native to a number of Asian, African, and Central American countries and has been used in traditional medicine for an assortment of medicinal uses for centuries. Due to bioactive compounds within Moringa leaves, it is believed that Moringa leaf extract may possess cancer-selective antiproliferative properties. Previous research has been conducted in regards to this topic, but poor experimental design due to lack of necessary controls limits the legitimacy of anticancer claims. While previous research has shown that Moringa leaf extract has the potential to kill cancer cells, the research fails to demonstrate the effects of …

Impact Of Automated Guidance For Mechanical Control Of Herbicide-Resistant Weeds In Corn, Terry Griffin, James M. Lowenberg-Deboer

Journal of Applied Farm Economics

This study evaluated the feasibility of reintroducing mechanical weed control as an alternative for herbicide-resistance weed infestations. The production practice tested included row cultivation with a separate banded spray application using high-accuracy automated guidance systems. A range of ground speeds were tested for the row cultivation operation, each with a different per acre cost and timeliness penalty. A typical eastern Corn Belt farm with a rotation of corn and soybean served as the base for the linear programming model. It was found that if the farmer was willing to reintroduce tillage, row cultivation conducted at higher operating speeds in conjunction …

Phragmites Removal Increases Property Values In Michigan’S Lower Grand River Watershed, Paul Isely, Erik E. Nordman, Shaun Howard, Richard Bowman

Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics

The presence of Phragmites australis, an invasive wetland plant, negatively affects coastal property values and home prices rise with distance from Phragmites. Home prices increased as distance to Phragmites increased at a rate of $3.90/meter. Removing Phragmites from a property so that the next closest Phragmites was 400 m away results in a property value increase of over $1,500. Removing all Phragmites within 400 m of any property results in a total property value impact of $837,000. This generates about $13,457-$15,121 in additional property taxes each year once the prices and taxes adjust to the plant’s removal. We …

Tracking 19th Century Late Blight From Archival Documents Using Text Analytics And Geoparsing, Laura Tateosian, Rachael Guenter, Yi-Peng Yang, Jean Ristaino

Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) Conference Proceedings

In 1845, Ireland's potato crop was struck by a devastating potato disease that killed Ireland’s crop caused devastation for seven years and led to mass starvation and emigration from the country. The cause of the potato destruction was a fungus-like plant pathogen. There are several theories about the origin of the disease and the source of the 19th century outbreaks. We use historical documents contemporary to that time to investigate spatial information that might inform these mysteries. We present methodologies for automatically extracting information from these voluminous data sources. We identify and map geographic locations that are proximate in the …

Phytochemical Screening And Determination Of Antibacterial, Anti-Tumorigenic And Dna Protection Ability Of Root Extracts Of Saussurea Lappa, Sughra Arif Minhas, Fida Muhammad Khan, Fakhar-I- Abbas, Abu Ul Hassan Faiz

Journal of Bioresource Management

Saussurea lappa is a traditionally well-known plant for its medicinal uses in different indigenous systems of medicine. It is widely used in the treatment of asthma, ulcer, stomach problems and inflammatory diseases. In current study the phytochemical screening of S. lappa showed the presence of sesquiterpenes, anthraquinones, lignans, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and steroids. Antimicrobial potential of subject plant was also investigated against three bacterial strains and maximum antibacterial activity was observed by CEE against S. aureus, CAE against P. aeruginosa, while CME, CEE, EAE and PEE showed almost same significant activity against E. coli. The CME (1000 …

Recognizing Challenges And Opportunities In The Quest To End Hunger, Jennifer Williams Zwagerman

Texas A&M Law Review

As an attorney and professor that does not focus on intellectual property law, I was a bit apprehensive about providing a keynote address for a Symposium focusing on “Agriculture, Intellectual Property, and Feeding the World in the 21st Century.” As I thought about this topic, knowing that there were other speakers who would focus more on the IP issues and technical aspects of various topics, I kept coming back to the importance of technology as we worktowards the goal of feeding the world, and the many ways in which innovation plays a role in meeting that goal. It also brought …

The Gmo/Ge Debate, Joanna K. Sax

Texas A&M Law Review

We live longer and healthier lives because advances in science create easier and better ways to sustain and survive. Society has an intricate relationship with biotechnology. Vaccines save lives. Fluoridated water decreases dental issues. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. Nuclear power is a form of clean energy. With any emerging technology, the benefits do not exist in a vacuum, thus, negative consequences result as well. Our widespread uses of antibiotics are creating antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Our research into nuclear energy also facilitated the creation of nuclear bombs. Perhaps it is human nature to use scientific advances for good and for …

Seeds From Fresh Conventional Tomatoes Germinate Faster Than Dried Or Organic Seeds, Christopher G. Brown, Kautz Evan, Cameron Kilpatrick, Mary Vu, Mallory Weaver

Georgia Journal of Science

Conventionally-grown and organically-grown tomato seeds sourced from both fresh tomatoes and store-bought packages were germinated for seven days to evaluate the effect of seed source on germination rates. Seeds from fresh Roma tomatoes were prepared by allowing them to ferment in their own pulp for 24 hours, while commercially packaged dry seeds did not require any preparation. Once prepared, the seeds were spaced evenly on wet paper towels and stored in resealable plastic bags in groups of 10 for a total sample size of 100 seeds in each of four treatments. The number of germinated seeds and the length of …

Economies Of Scale In Integrated Pest Management In Vegetable And Fruit Production, Franklin Quarcoo, Conrad Bonsi, David Nii O. Tackie, Walter A. Hill, Gertrude Wall, George Hunter

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Pest management is achieved directly using a variety of tools, including pesticides, and indirectly through a number of agronomic/cultural practices such as irrigation and fertilizer application; collectively these practices function to positively effect general plant health. Healthier plants are more resistant to or tolerant of pests. This study explores the scale differences that impact the pest management significance and suitability of certain agronomic practices. Scale differences were discussed using literature-based information, direct field observations, and anecdotal information on the relative advantages of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems; organic and conventional cultivation of crops; crop rotation versus mono-cropping systems; precision …

The Effects Of Isoprene Emission From Native And Invasive Trees On Local Air Quality, Aarti P. Mistry

DePaul Discoveries

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) are the second-most abundant reactive gasses emitted into the atmosphere by the biosphere. Isoprene is a BVOC produced by the process of photosynthesis from vegetation and is emitted from plant leaves. Isoprene is a hydrocarbon that combines with oxides of nitrogen in the atmosphere to create ozone in the troposphere, an air pollutant. Invasive trees alter ecosystems and affect native tree populations. Invasive tree species in the Chicagoland area are outcompeting native tree species and expanding rapidly. The effect of isoprene emissions on air quality is a well-researched area in the atmospheric science community, however, …

Unleashing The Power Of Undergraduates To Unravel The Impacts Of Water Relations And Co2 Levels On The Photosynthetic Plasticity Of Agave Sensu Lato Species: A Group Of Desert Succulents Important To Natural And Human Systems, J. Ryan Stewart

Journal of Undergraduate Research

• Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met
• Evaluation of the mentoring environment
• List of students who participated and what academic deliverables they have produced or it is anticipated they will produce
• Description of the results/findings of the project
• Description of how the budget was spent

Effect Of Dormant ‘Midiron’ Bermudagrass Colorant Applications On Clothing Blemishing, J. Hoyle, Daniele L. Mcfadden

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Minimal research exists on potential clothing blemishing when athletes contact turfgrass applied with colorants. Field trials were initiated February 16, 2017, and conducted to test the effect of turfgrass colorant applications on clothing blemishing if an athlete is to come in contact with the playing surface. Turfgrass colorants will adhere to turfgrass leaf blades and do not blemish clothing. However, tested turfgrass pigments did result in significant blemishing of clothing.

Influence Of Tall Fescue Baseball Infield Mowing Height On Ground Ball Speed, J. Hoyle, Gage M. Knudson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Athletic field conditions have been shown to influence playability. Results of ball-roll speed studies can be used to predict success of infield hits. Field trials were conducted at Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center, Manhattan, KS, to determine the influence of tall fescue baseball infield mowing height on ground ball speed and batter on-base success. Mowing heights of 1, 2, and 3 inches resulted in 1.77, 2.08, and 1.88 s ground ball times, respectively.

2013 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Bermudagrass Test: 2016 Data, L. Parsons, Michael J. Shelton, J. Griffin, J. Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kansas represents the northernmost region in the central United States where bermudagrass can be successfully grown as a perennial turfgrass. Historically, few cultivars that have both acceptable quality and adequate cold tolerance have been available to local growers. Because new introductions are continually being selected for improved hardiness and quality, both seeded and vegetative types need regular evaluation to determine their long-range suitability for use in Kansas.

Evaluating Zoysiagrass-Tall Fescue Mixtures In Kansas, Mingying Xiang, J. Fry, M. Kennelly

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Water conservation is increasingly important when selecting turfgrasses. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica), a C4 grass, is more drought resistant than C3 grasses. However, there is some resistance to the use of zoysiagrass in lawns and golf courses due to its extended dormant period when turf is brown. The objective of this study was to evaluate mowing height, tall fescue seeding rate and time for establishment of a mixed stand with seeded zoysiagrass. Seeding zoysiagrass and tall fescue together in June generally resulted in a less uniform mixture than seeding zoysiagrass in June and then seeding tall fescue in September. …

Estimating Transpiration From Turfgrass Using Stomatal Conductance Values Derived From Infrared Thermometry, Kenton W. Peterson, D. Bremer, J. M. Blonquist Jr.

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Infrared thermometry provides accurate measurements of plant canopy temperature, which, along with basic weather variables, allows estimation of canopy stomatal conductance to water vapor flux (g_c) and transpiration. Using this method we compared modeled estimates of transpiration (COND_T) with evapotranspiration (ET) measurements from nearby microlysimeters (LYS_ET) in tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceusSchreb.) turfgrass. Results indicated transpiration may be reliably estimated via calculation of g_cin turfgrass.

Measurement Of Evapotranspiration In Turfgrass: Recommended Techniques And Adjustment Coefficients, Kenton W. Peterson, D. Bremer, Kira B. Shonkwiler, J. M. Ham

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Evapotranspiration (ET) from turfgrass can be measured directly using lysimeters (LYS), estimated from weather data using models, or approximated using atmometers. Evapotranspiration measurements from LYS were compared with ET estimates from four variations of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) standardized ET equation including the use of: 1) hourly steps of measured net radiation (R_n) (ASCE_HM); 2) hourly steps of R_ncalculated from global irradiance (ASCE_HC); 3) daily steps of measured R_n(ASCE_DM); and 4) daily steps of R_ncalculated from global irradiance (ASCE_DC); ET from …

Nitrous Oxide Emissions And Carbon Sequestration In Turfgrass: Effects Of Irrigation And Nitrogen Fertilization (Year 2), R. Braun, D. Bremer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was conducted from 2013–2016 to determine how irrigation and N fertilization may be managed to reduce N₂O emissions and enhance carbon sequestration. In this study, annual nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions were greatest in urea and the least in unfertilized (no N) among treatments. During summer, the lower irrigation treatment resulted in less N₂O emitted. All fertilizer and irrigation treatments maintained acceptable quality and high levels of percent green cover; however, the controlled-release fertilizer resulted in more consistent turf quality and green cover compared to urea and unfertilized. Urea fertilizer had higher peak …

Performance And Recovery Of Turfgrasses Subjected To Drought And Traffic Stresses, R. Braun, D. Bremer, J. Hoyle, N. Bloedow

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study is an effort to determine effects of drought and traffic in turfgrasses. During a 41-day summer drought in 2015 and 2016, warm-season (C4) grasses were more affected by traffic than cool-season (C3) grasses when percent green cover and turf quality were measured. This was because the non-trafficked plots in C4 grasses maintained higher percent green cover and turf quality throughout the drought due to better drought-stress tolerance than the C3 grasses. Regardless of traffic treatment or mowing height, C4 grasses maintained higher percent green cover and visual turf quality than C3 grasses during drought and recovery periods. There …

The Effect Of Human Insect Repellents On Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium Perenne) Growth And Recovery, J. Hoyle, Peyton E. South

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Turfgrass damage has been observed from misapplications of human insect repellents. Minimal research has been conducted to determine the cause of the damage. Greenhouse research trials were initiated in November 2016 to survey various human insect repellents on turfgrass growth and recovery. Insect repellents resulted in a wide range of damage. No common trend was observed, although the research trial shows possible repellents to be used around turfgrass that will minimize turfgrass injury.

Native Turfgrass Tolerance To Indaziflam Applications, J. Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Multiple research trials were conducted from 2014 to 2016 in the Manhattan, KS, area to determine the use of indaziflam in native turfgrass systems. Results indicated that evaluated species are tolerant to indaziflam applications throughout the year.

Response Of Seven Woody Ornamentals To Turfgrass Herbicide Applications Of Arylex, Penoxsulam, And Pyrimisulfan, J. Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Continued testing of turf-applied herbicides are being conducted to ensure off-target plant injury does not occur in the landscape. Results indicate high herbicide safety on select landscape ornamentals with new herbicides used to manage weeds in turf.

Use Of Pyrimisulfan And Penoxsulam In Turfgrass Systems, J. Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Pyrimisulfan + penoxsulam applications in ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass and buffalograss resulted in excellent large crabgrass control and no turfgrass injury. Applications also do not have any negative influence on tested ornamental species.

Impact Of Zoysiagrass And Tall Fescue Seed Mixtures On Brown Patch Severity, Mingying Xiang, J. Fry, M. Kennelly

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Earlier research has demonstrated that polystands of zoysiagrass and tall fescue can be established successfully, with the potential to provide a high-quality turfgrass stand with reduced inputs. Our objective was to determine whether mixing zoysiagrass with tall fescue will reduce brown patch severity while maintaining overall acceptable quality. Studies were established at the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center in Manhattan, KS. In the split-plot design, natural infection byRhizoctonia solanior a fungicide-treated control was the whole-plot treatment factor and species (tall fescue monostand and the zoysiagrass/tall fescue mixture) were subplots. During July and August 2016, when hot, humid weather …

Development Of Cold Hardy, Large Patch Resistant Zoysiagrass Cultivars For The Transition Zone, Mingying Xiang, J. Fry, M. Kennelly

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

AZ. japonicagenotype TAES 5645 which exhibited resistance to large patch in preliminary studies conducted by our collaborators at Texas A&M University was used as a breeding parent there and crossed with 22 cold hardy zoysiagrasses, resulting in 985 progeny. These progeny were evaluated for cold hardiness and agronomic traits (establishment rate, overall quality, spring greenup, leaf texture, and genetic color) in Manhattan, KS; West Lafayette, IN; and Dallas, TX; from 2012 to 2014. This report focuses on the Manhattan, KS, results. From this work, 60 progeny were identified for further evaluation in larger plots. In fall 2016, ‘Meyer’ …

2012 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Tall Fescue Test: 2016 Data, L. Parsons, Michael J. Shelton, M. Kennelly, J. Griffin, J. Hoyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research efforts to improve cultivar quality include selecting for stress tolerance and disease resistance as well as finer leaf texture, a rich green color, and better sward density. Several cultivars included in the 2012 National Turfgrass Evaluation Program Tall Fescue Test performed well and showed good brown patch resistance in south central Kansas during the 2016 growing season.

Effects Of Mycorrhizal Fungi On Vigna Radiata Growth In Soil Differing In Fertilizer Concentration, Ming Sum Jessica Cheng

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

Mycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic relationships with the roots of some plants, allowing the plant access to nutrients and minerals while the fungi obtain food from the plant. Given that this relationship is beneficial to the plant, this paper investigates the nature of the impact of presence of mycorrhizal fungi on the growth of Vigna radiata (mung beans) in soil of differing chemical environments. Through comparing the stem lengths of plants seven days after germination, it is found that in soil with 0.0% fertilizer, the presence of locally collected, unclassified mycorrhizal fungi impacts the growth of Vigna radiata negatively; in intermediate …