Life Sciences Commons^™

Different Levels Of Single-Strain Probiotic (Bacillus Subtilis) With Proteolytic Enzyme (Serratiopeptidase) Can Be Used As An Alternative To Antibiotic Growth Promoters In Broiler, Muhammad Mushtaq, Baseerat Ali, Majid Ali, Neelam Bibi, Rabin Raut, Gamaleldin M. Suliman, Ayman A. Swelum

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

In the current study, the proteolytic enzyme (serratiopeptidase) was used to enhance the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) probiotic as a growth promotor in broiler chicken. The effects of serratiopeptidase on the efficacy of different levels of B. subtilis as a growth promotor in broiler chicks were evaluated regarding growth performance traits, villus histomorphometric characterization, and intestinal microbiota count. Day-old broiler chicks (n = 120) were allocated into 4 groups having 3 replicates/group. In the control group (C), the basal diet was kept without supplementation. In treatment groups (P100, P150, and P200), the basal diet was supplemented with 100, …

Impacts Of Climate Change And Agricultural Practices On Nitrogen Processes, Genes, And Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions: A Quantitative Review Of Meta-Analyses, Dafeng Hui, Avedananda Ray, Lovish Kasrija, Jaekedah Christian

Biology Faculty Research

Microbial-driven processes, including nitrification and denitrification closely related to soil nitrous oxide (N2O) production, are orchestrated by a network of enzymes and genes such as amoA genes from ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA), narG (nitrate reductase), nirS and nirK (nitrite reductase), and nosZ (N2O reductase). However, how climatic factors and agricultural practices could influence these genes and processes and, consequently, soil N2O emissions remain unclear. In this comprehensive review, we quantitatively assessed the effects of these factors on nitrogen processes and soil N2O emissions using mega-analysis (i.e., meta-meta-analysis). The results showed that global warming increased soil nitrification and denitrification …

Crop Classification In South Korea For Multitemporal Planetscope Imagery Using Sfc-Densenet-Am, Seonkyeong Seong, Anjin Chang, Junsang Mo, Sangil Na, Hoyong Ahn, Jaehong Oh, Jaewan Choi

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

In this manuscript, a new methodology based on a deep learning model using a Siamese network and attention module was proposed to classify crop cultivation areas, such as onion and garlic, from multitemporal PlanetScope images in South Korea. To consider the seasonal characteristics of crops in the model, training data were constructed from multitemporal satellite images. It was generated using PlanetScope satellite imagery from January and April, corresponding to the seasonal growth period of onion and garlic, in South Korea. Image patches were generated by considering the ratio of crops to minimize the influence of imbalanced data in the training …

Woody Ornamental Disease Management Research Reports 2024, Fulya Baysal-Gurel

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Watch Out For Putnam Scale, Diaspidiotus Ancylus, Alfred Daniel Johnson, Muhammad Ahmed,, Karla . M. Addesso

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Vascular Streak Dieback An Emerging Threat To The Redbud Nursery Production In The Southeastern United States, Fulya Baysal-Gurel, Prabha Liyanapathiranage

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Editorial: Volume Ii: Fibrotic Tissue Remodeling As A Driver Of Disease Pathogenesis, Arkadeep Mitra, Sarika Saraswati, Trayambak Basak

Biology Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Reference Evapotranspiration Estimation Using Genetic Algorithm-Optimized Machine Learning Models And Standardized Penman–Monteith Equation In A Highly Advective Environment, Shafik Kiraga, R. Troy Peters, Behnaz Molaei, Steven R. Evett, Gary Marek

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Accurate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETr) is important for irrigation planning, water resource management, and preserving agricultural and forest habitats. The widely used Penman–Monteith equation (ASCE-PM) estimates ETr across various timescales using ground weather station data. However, discrepancies persist between estimated ETr and measured ETr obtained from weighing lysimeters (ETr-lys), particularly in advective environments. This study assessed different machine learning (ML) models in comparison to ASCE-PM for ETr estimation in highly advective conditions. Various variable combinations, representing both radiation and aerodynamic components, were organized for evaluation. Eleven datasets (DT) were created for the daily timescale, while seven were established for …

Exploring The Microbial Diversity And Characterization Of Cellulase And Hemicellulase Genes In Goat Rumen: A Metagenomic Approach, Santosh Thapa, Suping Zhou, Joshua O’Hair, Kamal Al Nasr, Alexander Ropelewski, Hui Li

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Background

Goat rumen microbial communities are perceived as one of the most potential biochemical reservoirs of multi-functional enzymes, which are applicable to enhance wide array of bioprocesses such as the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemi-cellulose into fermentable sugar for biofuel and other value-added biochemical production. Even though, the limited understanding of rumen microbial genetic diversity and the absence of effective screening culture methods have impeded the full utilization of these potential enzymes. In this study, we applied culture independent metagenomics sequencing approach to isolate, and identify microbial communities in goat rumen, meanwhile, clone and functionally characterize novel cellulase and xylanase …

Conservation Agriculture And Cover Crop Adoption By Smallholder Farmers In Cambodia: Understanding Perceptions, Challenges, And Opportunities For Soil Improvement, Presley Nickens, David R. Ader, Max C. Miller, Ii, Pao Srean, Tom Gill, Sovanneary Huot

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Practical solutions for soil conservation are needed to ensure sustainable food production. Conservation agriculture and the use of cover crops are promising strategies for soil improvement in agricultural systems. These strategies are being promoted in Cambodia to address rapidly declining soil fertility; however, there is a lack of insight into the perceptions of Cambodian smallholders towards cover cropping within a conservation agriculture approach. A greater understanding of the utilization and perceptions of cover crops is needed to increase adoption and prevent further soil degradation. This study utilized a mixed methods approach with quantitative data from a farmer survey and qualitative …

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Radiometric Calibration: A Comparison Of Autoexposure And Fixed‐Exposure Images, G. Cody Bagnall, John Alex Thomasson, Chenghai Yang, Tianyi Wang, Xiongzhe Han, Chao Sima, Anjin Chang

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Remote sensing with uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) is increasingly being used in agriculture to provide data on the physical characteristics of plants under field conditions. Data accuracy is critical for decision making with a high degree of confidence. In this work, we compared two multispectral camera calibration methods for image data collected with a UAV: (1) an autoexposure method that relies on a single calibration panel and a post hoc calibration, and (2) a fixed-exposure system that uses three in-field gray calibration panels using the empirical line calibration method. Both methods were compared to reflectance data from (a) four ground …

Increasing Racial Diversity In The North American Plant Phenotyping Network Through Conference Participation Support, David Lebauer, Alexander Bucksch, Jennifer Clarke, Jesse Potts, Sonali Roy

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

A key goal of the North American Plant Phenotyping Network (NAPPN) annual conference is to cultivate a new generation of scientists from diverse backgrounds. As part of their effort to diversify the plant phenomics research community, NAPPN acquired funding to cover all attendance costs for participants from historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) for the 2022 annual meeting. Seven award recipients represented the first attendees from HBCUs in the conference's 6-year history. In this commentary, we report on the impact of the conference awards, including lessons learned, and the future of the award.

Editorial: Amaranthus: Naturally Stress-Resistant Resources For Improved Agriculture And Human Health, Volume Ii, Matthew W. Blair, Chance Riggins, Ana Paulina Barba De La Rosa

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Physicochemical Properties, Nutritional Status, And Volatile Compounds Profiling Of Four Underutilized Spices Of Cameroon Origin, Stève Djiazet, Digambar Kavitake, Ramasamy Ravi, Laurette B. Mezajoug Kenfack, Ragu Pullakhandam, Bethala L.A. Prabhavathi Devi, Clergé Tchiégang, G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Prathapkumar Halady Shetty

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

In this study, four underutilized spices (fruit and ulb of Aframomum sulcatum, fruit of Xylopia africana, and bark of Hypodaphnis zenkeri) were analyzed for their physical properties, nutrients composition, and profile of volatile compounds using standard analytical methods. The protein, fat, sugar, and dietary fiber contents were analyzed. The spices were revealed to be a good source of essential amino acids and fatty acids including pentadecanoic acid. Several minerals (Mn, Mg, Ca, Fe, and K) of nutritional importance were found at various proportions. Electronic nose analysis revealed the presence of fifty-six different compounds, belonging to ten major classes (phenylpropenes, acids, …

The Financial Implications Of Specialization, Diversification, Or Alternative Enterprises On Small Farms: Evidence From Tennessee, Aditya R. Khanal, Renu Ojha

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

In response to survival challenges, small farms in the United States undertake decisions to minimize downside risk or maximize gross revenue. Using primary survey data of small farms in Tennessee, we examined farmers’ strategic decisions on specialization or other forms of diversification and estimated the impacts of these decisions on farm financial performance. We found that farmer’s age, farmland holdings, use of a smartphone in farm-related activities, and off-farm work significantly influenced these strategic decisions. Our multinomial endogenous switching regression estimates suggested that small farms could attain significantly higher performance, around 45% higher gross farm income and a 30% higher …

G Protein-Coupled Receptors: A Target For Microbial Metabolites And A Mechanistic Link To Microbiome-Immune-Brain Interactions, Gajender Aleti, Emily A. Troyer, Suzi Hong

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Human-microorganism interactions play a key role in human health. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Small-molecules that offer a functional readout of microbe-microbe-human relationship are of great interest for deeper understanding of the inter-kingdom crosstalk at the molecular level. Recent studies have demonstrated that small-molecules from gut microbiota act as ligands for specific human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and modulate a range of human physiological functions, offering a mechanistic insight into the microbe-human interaction. To this end, we focused on analysis of bacterial metabolites that are currently recognized to bind to GPCRs and are found to activate the …

Exploring The Spatial Patterning Of Sociodemographic Disparities In Extreme Heat Exposure At Multiple Scales Across The Conterminous United States, Deeksha Rastogi, Jaekedah Christian, Joe Tuccillo, Blair Christian, Anuj J. Kapadia, Heidi A. Hanson

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Student Research

Abstract Climate change has led to an increase in heat‐related morbidity and mortality. The impact of heat on health is unequally distributed amongst different socioeconomic and demographic groups. We use high‐resolution daily air temperature‐based heat wave intensity (HWI) and neighborhood‐scale sociodemographic information from the conterminous United States to evaluate the spatial patterning of extreme heat exposure disparities. Assuming differences in spatial patterns at national, regional, and local scales; we assess disparities in heat exposure across race, housing characteristics, and poverty level. Our findings indicate small differences in HWI based on these factors at the national level, with the magnitude and …

Editorial: Climate Change And/Or Pollution On The Carbon Cycle In Terrestrial Ecosystems, Junjie Lin, Dafeng Hui, Amit Kumar, Zhiguo Yu, Yuhan Huang

Biology Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Comparative Performance Of Fungicides In Management Of Phytophthora Root Rot On Boxwood, Madhav Parajuli, Sandhya Neupane, Prabha Liyanapathiranage, Fulya L Baysal-Gure

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Nursery growers rely on fungicides to manage root rot disease of boxwood caused by Phytophthora nicotianae and P. cinnamomi. Repeated use of the same fungicide may lead to the fungicide resistance. In this study, fungicides pyraclostrobin + cyazofamid (Empress + Segway), ametoctradin + dimethomorph (Orvego), ametoctradin + dimethomorph alternated with pyraclostrobin (Orvego alt Empress), ametoctradin + dimethomorph alternated with fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin (Orvego alt Orkestra), and oxathiapiprolin (Segovis) were evaluated for their efficacy in managing Phytophthora root rot under greenhouse conditions in Tennessee. One-year-old container-grown boxwood ‘Green Velvet’ plants were inoculated with P. nicotianae or P. cinnamomi. The first applications …

A Modified Delphi Study On Boxwood Blight Disease Management In The Us Nursery Industry, Bhawana Ghimire, Kumuditha Hikkaduwa Epa Liyanage, Charlie Hall, Fulya Baysal-Gurel

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Boxwood is one of the most popular evergreen shrubs in the United States, the production of which is currently challenged by boxwood blight, an emerging threat that has spread across 30 states. A thorough understanding of boxwood production, plant health, management practices and economic impact could aid in answering the needs of the nursery industry in managing this disease. An online modified Delphi survey was conducted to identify grower perceptions on processes, programs, and practices to limit or prevent the entry and spread of boxwood blight disease. The expert panel consisted of 29 nursery producers who represented a significant portion …

Identification Of T-Dna Structure And Insertion Site In Transgenic Crops Using Targeted Capture Sequencing, Eric Maina Magembe, Hui Li, Ali Taheri, Suping Zhou, Marc Ghislain

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

The commercialization of GE crops requires a rigorous safety assessment, which includes a precise DNA level characterization of inserted T-DNA. In the past, several strategies have been developed for identifying T-DNA insertion sites including, Southern blot and different PCR-based methods. However, these methods are often challenging to scale up for screening of dozens of transgenic events and for crops with complex genomes, like potato. Here, we report using target capture sequencing (TCS) to characterize the T-DNA structure and insertion sites of 34 transgenic events in potato. This T-DNA is an 18 kb fragment between left and right borders and carries …

Regulation Of Cora, The Magnesium, Nickel, Cobalt Transporter, And Its Role In The Virulence Of The Soft Rot Pathogen, Pectobacterium Versatile Strain Ecc71, Caleb M. Kersey, Korsi Dumenyo

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Pectobacterium versatile (formally P. carotovorum) causes disease on diverse plant species by synthesizing and secreting copious amount of plant-cell-wall-degrading exoenzymes including pectate lyases, polygalacturonases, cellulases, and proteases. Exoenzyme production and virulence are controlled by many factors of bacterial, host, and environmental origin. The ion channel forming the magnesium, nickel, and cobalt transporter CorA is required for exoenzyme production and full virulence in strain Ecc71. We investigated CorA’s role as a virulence factor and its expression in P. versatile. Inhibiting the transport function of CorA by growing a CorA+ strain in the presence of specific CorA inhibitor, cobalt (III) hexaammine (Co …

Identification Of Brush Species And Herbicide Effect Assessment In Southern Texas Using An Unoccupied Aerial System (Uas), Xiaoqing Shen, Megan K. Clayton, Michael J. Starek, Anjin Chang, Russell W. Jessup, James L. Foster

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Cultivation and grazing since the mid-nineteenth century in Texas has caused dramatic changes in grassland vegetation. Among these changes is the encroachment of native and introduced brush species. The distribution and quantity of brush can affect livestock production and water holding capacity of soil. Still, at the same time, brush can improve carbon sequestration and enhance agritourism and real estate value. The accurate identification of brush species and their distribution over large land tracts are important in developing brush management plans which may include herbicide application decisions. Near-real-time imaging and analyses of brush using an Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS) is …

Data On Plant Defense Enzyme Activity Associated With Three Endophytes Against Cornus Florida Erysiphe Pulchra Powdery Mildew, Emily Rotich, Margaret T. Mmbaga

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Three bacteria endophytes that colonize flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) suppressed Erysiphe pulchra powdery mildew disease severity. The three bacteria identified as Stenotrophomonas sp. (B17A), Serratia marcescens (B17B), and Bacillus thuringiensis (IMC8) were assessed for plant defense enzymes associated with plant protection. Detached leaves inoculated with powdery mildew were spray treated with the selected bacterial isolates and incubated for 15 h, 26 h, 48 h and 72 h and then analyzed for activation of defense enzymes and Pathogenesis related (PR) proteins associated with induced systemic resistance (ISR) as a potential mode of action against powdery mildew. At each time …

Public Health Importance Of Preventive Measures For Salmonella Tennessee And Salmonella Typhimurium Strain Lt2 Biofilms, Simen Asefaw, Sadiye Aras, Md Niamul Kabir, Sabrina Wadood, Shahid Chowdhury, Aliyar Cyrus Fouladkhah

Biology Faculty Research

Various serovars of Salmonella had been the subject of research for over 150 years; nonetheless, the bacterium has remained an important pathogen of public health concern to date. The tremendous ability of Salmonella to form biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces is an important underlying reason for the prevalence of this opportunistic pathogen in healthcare, manufacturing, and the food chain. The current study illustrates that using very common industrial antimicrobial treatments at the highest concentrations suggested by the manufacturers is only efficacious against planktonic and one-day mature biofilms of the pathogen while exhibiting a lack of efficacy for complete removal …

Covid-19 Pandemic, Climate Change, And Conflicts On Agriculture: A Trio Of Challenges To Global Food Security, Devendra Paudel, Ram Chandra Neupane, Sailesh Sigdel, Pradip Poudel, Aditya R. Khanal

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Global food security is a worldwide concern. Food insecurity is a significant threat to poverty and hunger eradication goals. Agriculture is one of the focal points in the global policy agenda. Increases in agricultural productivity through the incorporation of technological advances or expansion of cultivable land areas have been pushed forward. However, production growth has slowed in many parts of the world due to various endemic challenges, such as decreased investment in agricultural research, lack of infrastructure in rural areas, and increasing water scarcity. Climate change adversities in agriculture and food security are increasing. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely …

Uv-C Inactivation Of Microorganisms In Droplets On Food Contact Surfaces Using Uv-C Light-Emitting Diode Devices, Aakash Sharma, Housyn Mahmoud, Brahmaiah Pendyala, Sampathkumar Balamurugan, Ankit Patras

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ultraviolet light (UV-C) emitting diodes for the decontamination of stainless steel food contact surfaces. Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19115), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ATCC 700720) were chosen as challenge microorganisms. Target microorganisms were subjected to UV-C dosages of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mJ cm−2 at an average fluence of 0.163 mW/cm2 using a near-collimated beam operating at 279 nm wavelength. Escherichia coli showed lower sensitivity to UV-C light compared to Salmonella Typhimurium and followed first-order kinetics. Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium were …

Predictors Of Tropical Cyclone-Induced Urban Tree Failure: An International Scoping Review, Allyson B. Salisbury, Andrew K. Koeser, Michael G. Andreu, Yujuan Chen, Zachary Freeman, Jason W. Miesbauer, Adriana Herrera-Montes, Chai-Shian Kua, Ryo Higashiguchi Nukina, Cara A. Rockwell, Shozo Shibata, Hunter Thorn, Benyao Wang, Richard J. Hauer

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Background: Trees are critical components of rural and urban ecosystems throughout the world. While they have adapted to the historic conditions of their native environments, climate change, urbanization, and human-assisted range expansion may test the storm resiliency of many tree species.

Objective: In this global multilingual scoping review, we investigate a range of intrinsic (i.e., tree characteristics) and external (i.e., environmental and management) factors which have been used to predict tree failure during tropical cyclones.

Design: We searched online databases and journals in English, Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish to find peer-reviewed papers and dissertations. We retained papers that …

Effect Of The Red-Edge Band From Drone Altum Multispectral Camera In Mapping The Canopy Cover Of Winter Wheat, Chickweed, And Hairy Buttercup, Clement E. Akumu, Samuel Dennis

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

The detection and mapping of winter wheat and the canopy cover of associated weeds, such as chickweed and hairy buttercup, are essential for crop and weed management. With emerging drone technologies, the use of a multispectral camera with the red-edge band, such as Altum, is commonly used for crop and weed mapping. However, little is understood about the contribution of the red-edge band in mapping. The aim of this study was to examine the addition of the red-edge band from a drone with an Altum multispectral camera in improving the detection and mapping of the canopy cover of winter wheat, …

Evaluation Of Eastern Gamagrass As Dual-Purpose Complementary Bioenergy And Forage Feedstock To Switchgrass, Christina Kieffer, Dafeng Hui, Roser Matamala, Jianwei Li, Donald Tyler, E. Kudjo Dzantor

Biology Faculty Research

Switchgrass (SG) is considered a model bioenergy crop and a warm-season perennial grass (WSPG) that traditionally served as forage feedstock in the United States. To avoid the sole dependence on SG for bioenergy production, evaluation of other crops to diversify the pool of feedstock is needed. We conducted a 3-year field experiment evaluating eastern gamagrass (GG), another WSPG, as complementary feedstock to SG in one- and two-cut systems, with or without intercropping with crimson clover or hairy vetch, and under different nitrogen (N) application rates. Our results showed that GG generally produced lower biomass (by 29.5%), theoretical ethanol potential (TEP, …