Life Sciences Commons^™

Volume 2, Chapter 16-7: Bird Nests - Passeriformes, Part 2, Janice M. Glime

Bryophyte Ecology Subchapters

No abstract provided.

Characterization Of Aspergillus Flavus Soil And Corn Kernel Populations From Eight Mississippi River States, Jorge A. Reyes Pineda

LSU Master's Theses

Aspergillus flavus is a saprophytic ascomycete that can also actively invade the seed of crops and potentially contaminate them with harmful aflatoxins. Management of A. flavus currently relies mostly on biocontrol. However, there is still a lot to learn about its biology and ecology so the current approach can be improved. An A. flavus population survey was undertaken during the fall of 2014 across eight Mississippi River states to determine population diversity and geographic distribution of VCGs. Isolates from corn and soil were also characterized for VCG, sclerotial morphotype, mating type, cyclopiazonic acid, and aflatoxin production in order to determine …

Volume 2, Chapter 16-3: Bird Nests, Janice M. Glime

Bryophyte Ecology Subchapters

No abstract provided.

Salinity Tolerance Of Three Competing Rangeland Plant Species: Studies In Hydroponic Culture, Joseph K. Sagers, Blair L. Waldrom, Joseph Earl Creech, Ivan W. Mott, Bruce Bugbee

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) is an invasive species that displaces Gardner's saltbush (Atriplex gardneri) on saline rangelands, whereas, forage kochia (Bassia prostrata) potentially can rehabilitate these ecosystems. Salinity tolerance has been hypothesized as the predominant factor affecting frequency of these species. This study compared relative salinity tolerance of these species, and tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Plants were evaluated in hydroponics, eliminating the confounding effects of drought, for 28 days at 0, 150, 200, 300, 400, 600, and 800 mmol/L NaCl. Survival, growth, and ion accumulation were determined. …

Sweetpotato Virus C And Its Contribution To The Potyvirus Complex In Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas), Favio E. Herrera Eguez

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In Louisiana, sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is infected in Louisiana by the four ubiquitous potyviruses: Sweetpotato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweetpotato virus G (SPVG), Sweetpotato virus 2 (SPV2) and the strain of SPFMV previously known as the common strain, recently renamed as Sweetpotato virus C (SPVC). These four viruses belong to the Potyviridae family, with single stranded RNA of ~11kb. In this group of plant viruses, a single polyprotein is coded entirely but later cleaved into ten mature proteins: P1, HC-pro, P3, 6K1, CI, 6K2, NIa-VPg, NIa-Pro Nib and Coat Protein (CP). In sweetpotato potyviruses, two additional open reading …

Volume 5, Chapter 7-5: Gardening: Public Gardens, Janice M. Glime

Bryophyte Ecology Subchapters

No abstract provided.

The Characterization Of Alpha-Carbonic Anhydrases Through Mutagenesis And Subcellular Localization In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Lance E. Pounds

LSU Master's Theses

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are zinc metalloenzymes which catalyze the interconversion of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate. It is hypothesized that CA activity facilitates CO₂ flux in leaf mesophyll cells to maintain optimal rates of photosynthesis or to maintain a pool of inorganic carbon for other metabolic processes. There are three classes of CAs (α, β, and γ) in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The βCAs and γCAs have been well studied, but the αCAs have received relatively little study. There are eight αCA genes in Arabidopsis. This study investigates which αCAs are expressed in shoots, their tissue-specific expression, their …

Incidence Of Aphelenchoides Besseyi In Rice In Louisiana And Host Status Of The Most Widely Planted Cultivars, Felipe Mendes Carvalho Godoy

LSU Master's Theses

Aphelenchoides besseyi, the causal agent of white tip disease of rice, has been considered a minor pest of rice during the past 50 years in the United States. Recently this nematode has been found in a number of quarantine samples in Louisiana and Arkansas. Objectives of this research were to determine incidence of this nematode in commercial seed sold to producers in Louisiana and to determine the host status of major cultivars currently produced in the state. During 2015-2016, a total of 216 seed samples representing 3 medium grain, 18 long grain, and 4 long grain hybrid cultivars were …

Virulence Phenotypes Of Rotylenchulus Reniformis: Evaluation Of Host Status Of Cotton And Utility Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (Snps) For Identification, Churamani Khanal

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Comparative reproduction and pathogenicity of reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) populations derived from single-egg masses and collected form West Carroll (WC), Rapides (RAP), Morehouse (MOR), and Tensas (TEN) parishes in Louisiana were evaluated in microplot and greenhouse trials. Data from microplot trials showed significant differences among isolates of reniform nematode in both reproduction and pathogenicity on upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivars Phytogen 499 WRF, Deltapine 1133 B2RF, and Phytogen 333 WRF. Across all cotton cultivars, MOR and RAP isolates had the greatest and the least reproduction values of 331.8 and 230.2, respectively. Reduction in plant dry weight, …

Pathogenicity And Reproduction Of Isolates Of Reniform Nematode, Rotylenchulus Reniformis, From Louisiana On Soybean And Utility Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms To Evaluate Genetic Variability, Herath Mudiyanselage Kularathna

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Experiments were conducted to evaluate soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., responses to indigenous isolates of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in Louisiana and to understand the genetic variability of these native isolates. Microplot and greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the comparative reproduction and pathogenicity of single egg-mass populations of R. reniformis isolated from West Carroll (WC), Rapides, Tensas and Morehouse (MOR) parishes of Louisiana. Data from full-season microplot trials, displayed significant differences in reproduction and pathogenicity of the nematode with the commercial soybean cultivars REV 56R63, Pioneer P54T94R, and Dyna-Gro 39RY57. Significantly low population density was observed …

Pickering, Tammie & Gary Collins (Fa 348), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

FA Finding Aids

Finding aid and full-text scan of paper (Click on “Additional Files” below) for Folklife Archives Project 348. Student paper titled “Trees in Folk Crafts” in which Tammie Pickering and Gary Collins explore the connection between trees and traditional folkways. Paper details the medicinal properties of sassafras tea, which is made from tree roots, the production of maple syrup, and the expressive crafts of wood-carving and carpentry. Data collected from three working-class residents of Caldwell County. Paper also includes field journals, recorded interviews, and transcripts.

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 …

Climate Change And Food Systems: Assessing Impacts And Opportunities, Meredith T. Niles, Richie Ahuja, Jimena M. Esquivel, Nelson Mango, Mil Duncan, Martin Heller, Cristina Tirado

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Forage News [2017-11], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• Don't Let Potash Limit Your Forages
• Cyanide Poisoning in Ruminants
• Web Survey
• Summary of 2017 KY Grazing Conference
• Fall Pasture Evaluation
• Is My Alfalfa Safe to Graze?

Challenges Towards Revitalizing Hemp: A Multifaceted Crop, Craig M. Schluttenhofer, Ling Yuan

Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications

Hemp has been an important crop throughout human history for food, fiber, and medicine. Despite significant progress made by the international research community, the basic biology of hemp plants remains insufficiently understood. Clear objectives are needed to guide future research. As a semi-domesticated plant, hemp has many desirable traits that require improvement, including eliminating seed shattering, enhancing the quantity and quality of stem fiber, and increasing the accumulation of phytocannabinoids. Methods to manipulate the sex of hemp plants will also be important for optimizing yields of seed, fiber, and cannabinoids. Currently, research into trait improvement is hindered by the lack …

Grains, Seeds And Hay Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2016/2017, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) has been operating since 2010 to address biosecurity threats relevant to Western Australia’s (WA) grains, seeds and hay industry. The Scheme was established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable growers to identify the pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS, there is a Cattle IFS and a Sheep and Goat IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner. …

Impacts Of A Mixed Ungulate Community On Aspen Forests: From Landscape To Leaf, Aaron C. Rhodes

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the differential effects of an ungulate community (cattle, mule deer, and American elk) on aspen (Populus tremuloides) regeneration pre- and post-fire disturbance. It's first chapter examines the differential effects of cattle, mule deer, and American elk on aspen regeneration across variable topography, climate and forest type; aspen dominant to conifer dominant subalpine forests. We found that each ungulate species, if sufficiently numerous, can cause aspen regeneration failure. Also, high elevation, southern aspect and high winter snow pack increase resilience to ungulate herbivory. Chapter two compares the efficacy of four methods of estimating ungulate impact on …

Peel Business Park Transition Strategy, Ghd

Natural resources commissioned reports

Transform Peel

Transform Peel is a $49m Royalties for Regions funded program aimed at achieving job creation, sustainable growth and economic development in the Peel Region. The Peel Development Commission and its partners, intend to implement this program over 35 years where projections estimate that 35,000 jobs will be created generating an approximate $16.2b per annum economic output by 2050. Located in the Shires of Murray and Serpentine Jarrahdale, the program comprises three integrated, strategic elements, the Peel Business Park (PBP), the Peel Food Zone (PFZ) and the Peel Integrated Water Initiative.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development …

Optimizing Monitoring Efforts Of Kit Fox (Vulpes Macrotis) In Utah, Kelsey Alina Richards

Theses and Dissertations

The kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) is a species of conservation concern in western North America. Recent methods for monitoring populations of kit fox include using lures and remote cameras in an occupancy-modeling framework and habitat modeling to predict areas of occupancy. In chapter one, we tested the optimal lure and movement procedure for scent stations to maximize visits and detection of foxes, thereby improving estimates of occupancy. Between May 2015 and October 2016, we placed remote cameras at 522 random locations throughout nine study areas in the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin Desert, and Mojave Desert. Each location was …

Better Health Through Horticulture: Using Horticulture To Influence Behavior And Reduce Stress, Rachel Ochylski

All NMU Master's Theses

Horticultural intervention in the form of gardening workshops connect participants to nature while they nurture another living organism. Horticultural intervention provides opportunities to socialize and engage in a meaningful activity, which have been recognized as helpful in the treatment of common mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. There is a lack of experimental studies based on quantitative data that focus on the effects of horticulture on holistic human health. The author evaluated the effects of a horticultural intervention on two separate groups, older adults and college students. The behavioral effects of engaging in gardening activities were evaluated using …

Influence Of An Internal Parasite Control On Cattle Grazing Behavior And Production, Jace Stott

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Six herds of 45 to 90 cow/calf pairs grazing on upland range were used to examine the efficacy of an injectable extended release eprinomectin parasite control on production traits, activity behavior, and efficacy against internal parasitism. In 2016, treatment cows were given a subcutaneous injection of LongRange^tm. In 2017, all cows in the study were treated with a short acting Synanthic^tm treatment and only treatment cows were given an additional LongRange^tm treatment. In both 2016 and 2017, fecal egg counts were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in eprinomectin treated cows compared to control cows. Calf gains were 4.8 kg and 8.7 kg greater (P < 0.1) for the calves of dams treated with eprinomectin compared to calves of control cows in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Activity characteristics of cattle were inconclusive, with treated cows having lower (P < 0.01) grazing and traveling times compared to control cows in 2016, and more (P < 0.01) grazing and traveling in 2017.

Differences in grazing behaviors based on time within pasture at different times …

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 …

Giant Salvinia, Salvinia Molesta (Salviniaceae): Evaluation Of Sub-Optimum Temperatures On Survival Of The Giant Salvinia Weevil, Cyrtobagous Salviniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) And Integration Of Management Practices With Aquatic Herbicides, Lauren W. Cozad

LSU Master's Theses

Salvinia molesta is one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds and has cost Louisiana nearly $7 million worth of damage and economic impact each year. While aquatic herbicides and the biological control agent, Cyrtobagous salviniae, are the most efficacious control methods, there are limitations with each technology. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate insect mortality at upper and lower lethal temperatures and investigate integrated pest management (IPM) with insects and herbicides. Three Louisiana populations of C. salviniae were tested to evaluate cold tolerance and found that at 0°C, the Bayou Nicholas population was 1.3- and 1.4-times more cold tolerant …

Rice Grain Protein Composition Influences Instrumental Measures Of Rice Cooking And Eating Quality, Jeanette L. Balindong, Rachel M. Ward, Lei Liu, Terry J. Rose, Laura A. Pallas, Ben W. Ovenden, Peter J. Snell, Daniel Le Waters

Adjunct Associate Professor Daniel LE Waters

Rice cultivar starch composition differences do not completely explain variation in rice cooking and eating quality. Rice grain storage proteins possess divergent solubility properties suggesting they may contribute to cultivar differences in rice grain quality. Application of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to protein extracts derived from medium and long grain advanced rice breeding lines revealed rice grain protein composition differences which were associated with instrumental measures of grain quality. Globulin content displayed little variation in both grain types. The mean glutelin content was higher in long grain rice lines than medium grains. Although the mean content of prolamins in …

Uncovering Tasselsheath3. A Genomic And Phenotypic Analysis Of A Maize Floral Mutant., Thompson Zhang

Masters Theses

In the modern era, maize has become the most successful crop grown in the United States. According to the USDA over 90 million acres of land are planted to corn and 96.2% of the U.S feed grain production is made up of the cereal. Part of the success of maize is due to its floral architecture, and its pollination technique in which the flower opens, exposing stamens containing pollen into the air. A unique organ called the lodicule functions as a release mechanism, forcing the flower to open. Lodicules from grasses and eudicot petals are homologous, yet there is little …

Extractable And Non-Extractable Polyphenols From Apples: Potential Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Makenzi Gennette

Masters Theses

With diet being such a huge factor in the development of diseases, emerging research has supported that apple consumption is a promising candidate for disease prevention due to the high phenolic content it possesses. These polyphenols can be found in two forms: extractable polyphenols (EP) and non-extractable polyphenols (NEP). Polyphenols have been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, but up until this point, most researchers focus on EP fractions, while NEP are neglected. After the EP extraction using acetone and acetic acid (99:1) from the Apple Boost powder, three additional extraction methods were conducted on the remaining powder …

Impact Of Preemergent Herbicides, Mowing Height, And Fertilization On Centipedegrass Root Architecture And Drought Tolerance, Mike J. Adams

LSU Master's Theses

Mowing, N fertilization and the application of preemergence herbicides (PRE) are cultural practices performed on centipedegrass to improve overall turf quality. It is posited that increasing mowing height and application of fertilizers can lead to greater turfgrass rooting and increase drought survival; while the application of PRE is reported to potentially have negative impacts on rooting. At two locations in Louisiana, studies examining the effects of these practices on centipedegrass rooting and drought tolerance were conducted.

In the first 11-week study conducted, centipedegrass was treated with dithiopyr, pendimethalin, prodiamine, simazine, or indaziflam at the manufacturers’ labeled rates. During the 11-wk …

Optimization Of Overhead Irrigation In Relation To Irrigation Water Use Efficiency In The Louisiana Nursery Industry, Mark A. Wilson

LSU Master's Theses

Irrigation efficiency is an essential component of nursery production in the United States. To increase productivity of Louisiana growers, a series of studies were conducted to evaluate current nursery water practices. The objectives were to determine current irrigation practices; evaluate actual water usage; and compare nursery media for water utilization. A mailed survey determined that the majority of growers used can yard production (63%), overhead irrigation (79%), had no irrigation manager (82%) and did not collect/reuse water(61%); 50% do not test/calibrate their irrigation system. Based on this information, five nurseries using overhead irrigation were selected to determine water application and …

Effect Of Population, Collection Year, After-Ripening And Incubation Condition On Seed Germination Of Stipa Bungeana, Rui Zhang, Jerry M. Baskin, Carol C. Baskin, Qing Mo, Lijun Chen, Xiaowen Hu, Yanrong Wang

Biology Faculty Publications

Knowledge of the germination behavior of different populations of a species can be useful in the selection of appropriate seed sources for restoration. The aim of this study was to test the effect of seed population, collection year, after-ripening and incubation conditions on seed dormancy and germination of Stipa bungeana, a perennial grass used for revegetation of degraded grasslands on the Loess Plateau, China. Fresh S. bungeana seeds were collected from eight locally-adapted populations in 2015 and 2016. Dormancy and germination characteristics of fresh and 6-month-old dry-stored seeds were determined by incubating them over a range of alternating temperature …