Digital Commons Network^™

Upper Profile Changes Over Time In An Appalachian Hayfield Soil Amended With Coal Combustion By-Products, X. Zhou, K. D. Ritchey, R. B. Clark, N. Persaud, D. P. Belesky

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Large amounts of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) and fluidized bed combustion (FBC) by-products from burning coal, consisting primarily of gypsum, are available for potential use as a soil amendment. However, information is limited on longer-term changes in chemical and physical properties induced over time and over small depth increments of the upper soil profile after applying these amendments. This study examined longer-term effects in an abandoned Appalachian pasture soil amended with various liming materials and coal combustion by-products (CCBPs). Soil chemical and physical properties were investigated over time and depths. The results indicated limited dissolution and movement of the calcium …

Chemical Composition And Response To Dilute-Acid Pretreatment And Enzymatic Saccharification Of Alfalfa, Reed Canarygrass, And Switchgrass, Bruce S. Dien, Hans-Joachim G. Jung, Kenneth P. Vogel, Michael D. Casler, Joann F. S. Lamb, Loren Iten, Robert C. Mitchell, Gautum Sarath

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Alfalfa stems, reed canarygrass, and switchgrass; perennial herbaceous species that have potential as biomass energy crops in temperate regions; were evaluated for their bioconversion potential as energy crops. Each forage species was harvested at two or three maturity stages and analyzed for carbohydrates, lignin, protein, lipid, organic acids, and mineral composition. The biomass samples were also evaluated for sugar yields following pretreatment with dilute sulfuric followed by enzymatic saccharification using a commercial cellulase preparation. Total carbohydrate content of the plants varied from 518 to 655 g kg^-1 dry matter (DM) and cellulose concentration from 209 to 322 g kg …

Mutations In Arabidopsis Yellow Stripe-Like1 And Yellow Stripe-Like3 Reveal Their Roles In Metal Ion Homeostasis And Loading Of Metal Ions In Seeds, Brian M. Waters, Heng-Hsuan Chu, Raymond J. Didonato, Louis A. Roberts, Robynn B. Eisley, Brett Lahner, David E. Salt, Elsbeth L. Walker

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Here, we describe two members of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Yellow Stripe-Like (YSL) family, AtYSL1 and AtYSL3. The YSL1 and YSL3 proteins are members of the oligopeptide transporter family and are predicted to be integral membrane proteins. YSL1 and YSL3 are similar to the maize (Zea mays) YS1 phytosiderophore transporter (ZmYS1) and the AtYSL2 iron (Fe)-nicotianamine transporter, and are predicted to transport metal-nicotianamine complexes into cells. YSL1 and YSL3 mRNAs are expressed in both root and shoot tissues, and both are regulated in response to the Fe status of the plant. β-Glucuronidase reporter expression, driven by …

Characterization Of Storage Proteins In Wild (Glycine Soja) And Cultivated (Glycine Max) Soybean Seeds Using Proteomic Analysis, Savithiry S. Natarajan, Chenping Xu, Hanhong Bae, Thomas J. Caperna, Wesley M. Garrett

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

A combined proteomic approach was applied for the separation, identification, and comparison of two major storage proteins, β-conglycinin and glycinin, in wild (Glycine soja) and cultivated (Glycine max) soybean seeds. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) with three different immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips was an effective method to separate a large number of abundant and less-abundant storage proteins. Most of the subunits of β-conglycinin were well separated in the pH range 3.0-10.0, while acidic and basic glycinin polypeptides were well-separated in pH ranges 4.0-7.0 and 6.0-11.0, respectively. Although the overall distribution pattern of the protein spots …

Post-Weaning Performance Of Steers From Varying Calving And Weaning Strategies In Montana, E. E. Grings, W. A. Phillips, R. E. Short, H. Mayeux, R. K. Heitschmidt

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

The impact of varied calving and weaning times on post-weaning production of steer calves was evaluated in a 3- yr study. Steers (approximately 12 steers per calving-weaning treatment per year) born in late winter or early spring were weaned at 190 or 240 d of age, and steers born in late spring were weaned at 140 or 190 d of age after grazing with their dams on native range. Steers were pen-fed a growing diet until approximately 375 kg BW. They were then moved to an individual feeding facility and fed a higher-energy diet. Steers were allotted to harvest dates …

Host Specificity Of Divergent Populations Of The Leaf Beetle Diorhabda Elongata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), A Biological Control Agent Of Saltcedar (Tamarix Spp.), Lindsey R. Milbrath, C. Clark Deloach

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

The leaf beetle, Diorhabda elongata (Brullé) sensu lato, was released in 2001 for the classical biological control of exotic saltcedars, a complex of invasive Tamarix species and hybrids. It did not establish at sites south of 37°N latitude where summer daylengths are below the critical photoperiod of the northern-adapted populations of the beetle that were released. Therefore, we assessed the host specificity of four D. elongata populations collected from more southern latitudes in the Old World (Tunisia, Crete, Uzbekistan, and Turpan, China). All populations were similar to each other and the previously released populations of D. elongata in their …

Biotinylation Of K8 And K12 Co-Occurs With Acetylation And Mono-Methylation In Human Histone H4, Yap Ching Chew, Ashraf S. Raza, Gautam Sarath, Janos Zempleni

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Histones H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 are proteins that are critical for folding of DNA into chromatin. Posttranslational acetylation, methylation, and biotinylation of histones participate in gene silencing, mitotic condensation of chromatin, and the cellular response to DNA damage. Various modifications of histones are known to interact ("cross-talk") in chromatin-remodeling events; interactions may be synergistic or antagonistic. Here, we sought to identify biotinylation sites in human histone H4 by using mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and we sought to determine whether biotinylation co-exists with acetylation and methylation in the same H4 molecule. Nuclear histones from human lymphoid (Jurkat) cells were digested …

Ethylene Could Influence Ferric Reductase, Iron Transporter, And H+-Atpase Gene Expression By Affecting Fer (Or Fer-Like) Gene Activity, Carlos Lucera, Brian M. Waters, Francisco Javier Romera, María José García, María Morales, Esteban Alcántara, Rafael Pérez-Vicente

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

In previous works, it has been shown, by using ethylene inhibitors and precursors, that ethylene could participate in the regulation of the enhanced ferric reductase activity of Fe-deficient Strategy I plants. However, it was not known whether ethylene regulates the ferric reductase gene expression or other aspects related to this activity. This paper is a study of the effects of ethylene inhibitors and precursors on the expression of the genes encoding the ferric reductases and iron transporters of Arabidopsis thaliana (FRO2 and IRT1) and Lycopersicon esculentum (= Solanum lycopersicum) (FRO1 and IRT1) plants. The effects …

Nutrient Uptake Of Maize Affected By Nitrogen And Potassium Fertility In A Humid Subtropical Environment, H. Arnold Bruns, M. Wayne Ebelhar

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertility management of maize (Zea mays L.) in the humid subtropical Mississippi Delta may differ from a temperate climate because of its use in rotation with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), soil temperatures rarely falling to 0 °C, and heavy winter rains that facilitate nutrient losses. An experiment to determine the [N] (concentration = [ ]), phosphorus [P], [K], calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], iron [Fe], manganese [Mn], zinc [Zn], and copper [Cu] and their total contents plant^-1 of maize grown in rotation with cotton, using N fertility levels of (134, 179, 224, 269, …

International Shipping Of Fumonisins From Maize Extracts On C18 Sorbent, R. T. Riley, O. A. Torres, E. Palencia

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Fumonisins are mycotoxins found in maize. In developing countries, the resources required for analysis are often lacking, and the shipping of maize between countries can be difficult since the importation of plant materials requires permits/ inspection to prevent the entry of pests that frequently infest maize. A simple, safe and legal method for shipping maize extracts to the USA was needed to conduct a survey of fumonisins in Central America. The objective was to develop a method for isolating and shipping maize extracts for fumonisin analysis so as to facilitate a survey of fumonisin exposure. The results indicate that fumonisins …

Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2005, Nathan A. Slaton

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Rapid technological changes in crop management and production require that research efforts be presented in an expeditious manner. The contributions of soil fertility and fertilizers are major production factors in all Arkansas crops. The studies described within will allow producers to compare their practices with the university’s research efforts. Additionally, soil test data and fertilizer sales are presented to allow comparisons among years, crops, and other areas within Arkansas.

The Effect Of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application To Maize And Sorghum On The Bionomics Of Chilo Partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) And The Performance Of Its Larval Parasitoid Cotesia Flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), N. Jiang, F. Schulthess

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Laboratory and field trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of plant species (maize, sorghum), plant age (young, middle, old) and four different nitrogen fertilization levels (N0-N3) on the bionomics of the invasive crambid Chilo partellus and the performance of its braconid larval parasitoid Cotesia flavipes. Plant N varied significantly between N0 and N1-N3, but the differences among the latter were not significant. Intrinsic rates of increase and net-reproductive rates of C. partellus followed the same trends: they were lowest with N0 and similar among the other treatments. On maize only, mortality of C. partellus and parasitism by C. flavipes …

Effects Of Common Forage Phenolic Acids On Escherichia Coli O157:H7 Viability In Bovine Feces, J. E. Wells, E. D. Berry, V.H. Varel

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Ruminant animals are carriers of Escherichia coli O157:H7, and the transmission of E. coli O157:H7 from cattle to the environment and to humans is a concern. It is unclear if diet can influence the survivability of E. coliO157:H7 in the gastrointestinal system or in feces in the environment. Feces from cattle fed bromegrass hay or corn silage diets were inoculated with E. coliO157:H7, and the survival of this pathogen was analyzed. When animals consumed bromegrass hay for <1 month, viable E. coliO157:H7 was not recovered after 28 days postinoculation, but when animals consumed the diet for >1 month, E. coli …

Corn Stalk Nitrate Concentration Profile, W. Wilhelm, G. E. Varvel, J. S. Schepers

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

The end-of-season nitrate test provides a method of assessing the N available to the corn (Zea mays L.) crop during the latter part of the season. This study was conducted to determine how stalk nitrate test results and interpretations are affected by sample composition. Stalks were collected from three filed sites and separated into phytomers (node plus internode above), which were subdivided into three or five segments after length was measured. Nitrate-N concentration of phytomers decreased linearly from the soil to the ear. Within a phytomer, segments also decreased acropetally (from base to apex). Node tissue NO₃-N …

Corn Stalk Nitrate Concentration Profile, Wally Wilhelm, Gary E. Varvel, James S. Schepers

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

The end-of-season stalk nitrate test provides a method of assessing the N available to the corn (Zea mays L.) crop during the latter part of the season. This study was conducted to determine how stalk nitrate test results and interpretations are affected by sample composition. Stalks were collected from three field sites and separated into phytomers (node plus internode above), which were subdivided into three or five segments after length was measured. Nitrate-N concentration of phytomers decreased linearly from the soil to the ear. Within a phytomer, segments also decreased acropetally (from base to apex). Node tissue NO_{3 …}

Relationships Of Intercropped Maize, Stem Borer Damage To Maize Yield And Land-Use Efficiency In The Humid Forest Of Cameroon, A. Chabi-Olaye, C. Nolte, F. Schulthess, C. Borgemeister

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Stem borers are the most important maize pests in the humid forest zone of Cameroon. Field trials were conducted in the long and short rainy seasons of 2002 and 2003 to assess the level of damage and yield reductions caused by stem borers in monocropped maize and in maize intercropped with non-host plants such as cassava, cowpea and soybean. The intercrops were planted in two spatial arrangements, i.e. alternating hills or alternating rows. All intercrops and the maize monocrop were grown with and without insecticide treatment for assessment of maize yield loss due to borer attacks. The land-use efficiency of …

Biotinylation Of K12 In Histone H4 Decreases In Response To Dna Double-Strand Breaks In Human Jar Choriocarcinoma Cells1,2, Nagarama Kothapalli, Gautam Sarath, Janos Zempleni

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

We tested the hypothesis that biotinylation of K12 in histone H4 plays a role in the cellular response to double-strand breaks (DSB) of DNA in human cells. DSB were caused by treating choriocarcinoma JAr cells with etoposide. Biotinylation of K12 in histone H4 decreased by 50% as early as 10–20 min after initiation of treatment with etoposide. Biotinylation returned to initial levels 30–40 min after the addition of etoposide to the medium. Temporal patterns of K12-biotinylation were similar for human lymphoma cells. Phosphorylation of S14 of histone H2B and poly(ADP-ribosylation) of glutamate residues on histone H2A are known markers of …

K4, K9 And K18 In Human Histone H3 Are Targets For Biotinylation By Biotinidase, Kenya A. Kobza, Gabriela Camporeale, Brian Rueckert, Alice Kueh, Jacob B. Griffin, Gautam Sarath, Janos Zempleni

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Histones are modified post-translationally, e.g. by methylation of lysine and arginine residues, and by phosphorylation of serine residues. These modifications regulate processes such as gene expression, DNA repair, and mitosis and meiosis. Recently, evidence has been provided that histones are also modified by covalent binding of the vitamin biotin. The aims of this study were to identify biotinylation sites in histone H3, and to investigate the crosstalk among histone biotinylation, methylation and phosphorylation. Synthetic peptides based on the sequence of human histone H3 were used as substrates for enzymatic biotinylation by biotinidase; biotin in peptides was probed using streptavidin peroxidase. …

B.R. Wells Rice Research Studies 2004, R. J. Norman, J. F. Meullenet, K. A.K. Moldenhauer

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

No abstract provided.

High-Throughput Immunoblotting Identifies Biotin-Dependent Signaling Proteins In Hepg2 Hepatocarcinoma Cells1, Rocio Rodriguez-Melendez, Jacob B. Griffin, Gautam Sarath, Janos Zempleni

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Biotin affects the abundance of mRNA coding for ~10% of genes expressed in human-derived hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. Here, we determined whether effects of biotin on gene expression are associated with changes in the abundance of distinct proteins in cell signaling and structure. HepG2 cells were cultured in media containing the following concentrations of biotin: 0.025 nmol/L (denoted “deficient”), 0.25 nmol/L (“physiological” = control), and 10 nmol/L (“pharmacological”) for 10 d before harvesting. The abundance of 1009 proteins from whole-cell extracts was quantified by using high-throughput immunoblots. The abundance of 44 proteins changed by at least 25% in biotin-deficient and biotin-supplemented …

Effects Of Grain Legumes And Cover Crops On Maize Yield And Plant Damage By Busseola Fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) In The Humid Forest Of Southern Cameroon, A. Chabi-Olaye, C. Nolte, F. Schulthess, C. Borgemeister

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Field trials were run in the humid forest zone of Cameroon to investigate the effects of crop rotation, cover crops and bush fallow on infestations by the noctuid stemborer Busseola fusca (Fuller) and on yield of maize. A continuous maize production system was compared with crop sequence systems, in which maize followed a grain legume (cowpea, soybean), cover crop (mucuna, pigeon pea) or a bush fallow. Compared to the continuous maize cropping system, maize in the crop sequence with legume and fallow systems had significantly higher leaf and stem nitrogen content at 35 and 63 days after planting (DAP), respectively. …

Dynamic Response Indicators Of Heat Stress In Shaded And Non-Shaded Feedlot Cattle, Part 2: Predictive Relationships, R. A. Eigenberg, T. M. Brown-Brandl, John A. Nienaber, G. Leroy Hahn

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Summer heat provides stressful conditions for Bos taurus feeder cattle; in extreme instances these conditions can be fatal. One management option is to provide shade structures for feedlot animals. This study was conducted during the summer of 2001 to compare physiological responses of cattle with shade access or no-shade access. Eight steers were selected from a group of 12, and assigned individual pens. Four pens were fitted with shade structures that allowed the steers to choose shade; the remainder had no shade option. The animals were rotated through pen assignments during the summer season. Continuous measures of respiration rate and …

Agricultural Systems For Saline Soil: The Potential Role Of Livestock, David G. Masters, H C. Norman, E G. Barrett-Lennard

Natural Resources Research Articles

Human-induced soil salinity is becoming a major threat to agriculture across the world. This salinisation occurs in both irrigated and rain-fed agricultural zones with the highest proportions in the arid and semi-arid environments. Livestock can play an important role in the management and rehabilitation of this land. There are a range of plants that grow in saline soils and these have been used as animal feed. In many situations, animal production has been poor as a result of low edible biomass production, low nutritive value, depressed appetite, or a reduction in efficiency of energy use. Feeding systems are proposed that …

Impact Of Reduced Lignin On Plant Fitness, J. F, Pedersen, K. P. Vogel, D. L. Funnell

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Lignin content of crop plants has been reduced by traditional plant breeding, natural and induced mutations, and insertion of transgenes. The effects of these genes and associated lower lignin content have been examined in terms of agricultural fitness or with regard to economically harvestable yields of useful plant products, or, in the case of some perennial species, survivability over multiple years. In general, crop yields are depressed by significant reductions in lignin content. Other negative effects observed in plants with lowered lignin contents include lodging and reduction of long-term survival of some perennial species. However, the interactions of genes involved …

Intsormil 2005 Annual Report, John M. Yohe, Kimberly Christiansen, Joan Frederick

INTSORMIL Impacts and Bulletins

The 2005 INTSORMIL Annual Report presents the progress and notable achievements by the SorghumiMillet CRSP during the period of July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2005. These results are an outcome of partnerships between scientists at six U.S. Land Grant Universities (Kansas State University, Mississippi State University, University of Nebraska, Purdue University, Texas A&M University and West Texas A&M University) and scientists of the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture at Tifton, Georgia and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and National Universities in nineteen countries in Central America, West Africa, East Africa and Southern Afflca.

Agricultural research …

Perennial Grasses - Are They For Me? Workshop Manual For Participants, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Wa, Grains Research And Development Corporation

Agriculture reports

This workshop is part of a series of workshops looking at dryland salinity and options to manage it. These ‘Million hectares’ workshops have the common themes of environmental improvement. They provide information to help participants identify the risks within the catchment and at a farm level, assess both the likelihood of the risk occurring and consequences if the risk is not managed and determine the best course of action for individuals. This perennial grass workshop builds on information and understanding developed from other Million hectares workshops. Participants will determine their course of action based on their specific circumstances and goals. …

Seasonal Acceptance Of Fourwing Saltbush By Sheep When Crested Wheatgrass Is The Alternative, Christine W. Royer, R. D. Horrocks, Val J. Anderson, Stephen B. Monsen

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Many sagebrush-grass ranges have been seeded to crested wheatgrass [Agropyron desertorum (Fischer ex Link) Shultes]. These ranges are generally nutritionally inadequate for sheep (Ovis aries L.), except for short grazing periods in the spring and fall. To increase production and diversity, particularly crude protein for late-season grazing, fourwing saltbush [Atriplex canescens (Pursch.) Nutt.] was planted in an existing stand of crested wheatgrass. Quantification of sheep forage preferences on these improved ranges aids in determining the length of the grazing season and the extent to which shrubs provide the supplemental nutrition required. This seasonal grazing study was conducted …

Herbivory Alters Resource Allocation And Compensation In The Invasive Tree Melaleuca Quinquenervia, P. D. Pratt, M. B. Rayamajhi, T. K. Van, T. D. Center, P. W. Tipping

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

The Australian native Melaleuca quinquenervia is highly invasive in the Florida Everglades, U.S.A., where it experiences limited competition or herbivory from native species, making it a likely candidate for compensation. The introduced biological control agent Oxyops vitiosa feeds exclusively on the seasonal flushes of developing foliage at branch apices, which represents ~ 15% of the total foliar biomass.

Maintenance Of A Narrow Host Range By Oxyops Vitiosa; A Biological Control Agent Of Melaleuca Quinquenervia, G. S. Wheeler

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Host range expansion in insect herbivores is often thought to be mediated by several factors, principal among them are secondary plant metabolites. In weed biological control, the host range of a prospective agent is one of the most important considerations in its implementation. Extensive host testing tests seek to determine the behavioral acceptance and nutritional value of different test plant species to the potential agent. A list of test plants is compiled that comprises species that are close taxonomic relatives of the target weed plus other species of economic or ecologic importance. The host testing of the Melaleuca quinquenervia biological …

Postweaning Performance Of Hair And Wool Sheep And Reciprocal-Crosses On Pasture And In Feedlot, M. A. Brown, H. S. Mayeux

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Lambs from three diallel-mating plans (Dorset-St. Croix, n=140; Rambouillet-Gulf Coast, n=80; Katahdin-Suffolk, n=78) and a terminal-cross mating plan (Suffolk rams mated to Dorset, St. Croix and reciprocal-cross ewes, n=100) were used to evaluate postweaning grazing performance of traditional meat breeds and tropically adapted breeds of sheep.