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Leaf Optical And Indirect Lai Measurements In Wheat And Alfalfa At Maciv: Agmet Progress Report 89-4, E. A. Walter-Shea, B. L. Blad

School of Natural Resources: Documents and Reviews

No abstract provided.

Meat, The Future: The Role Of Regulators In The Lab-Grown Revolution, Joseph B. Davault, Michael S. Sinha

All Faculty Scholarship

The United States is one of the largest consumers of meat globally. The production of meat contributes substantially to climate change due to the levels of greenhouse gasses emitted and the amount of land, water, feed, and other natural resources required to raise animals used for meat. Traditional meat production is another major source for the emergence of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Nevertheless, Americans consume more meat now than at any time in the nation’s history.

Advocates for policy change aimed at addressing the risks associated with meat production have typically focused on reducing meat consumption, alternatives to meat, …

Providing Proteins To Belizean Residents Through Poultry Products, Ellis Freel

Poultry Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Belize is a food insecure, developing country. Although Belize has plenty of nutritious food in-country, the exportation of that food to generate income contributed to a distribution issue of that nutritious food. More impoverished areas of Belize do not have access to nutritious food because of the lack of affordability and high export rates. Diets with a lack of food, or lack of balanced, nutritious food can negatively impact growth and cognitive development, especially in children. Poultry is one of the only products in Belize not able to be exported. Implementing poultry into Belizean diets would affordably alleviate food insecurity …

Environmental Dna Identifies Coastal Plant Community Shift 1,000 Years Ago In Torrens Island, South Australia, Nicole R. Foster, Alice R. Jones, Oscar Serrano, Anna Lafratta, Paul S. Lavery, Kor-Jent Van Dijk, Ed Biffin, Bronwyn M. Gillanders, Jennifer Young, Pere Masque, Patricia S. Gadd, Geraldine E. Jacobsen, Atun Zawadzki, Andria Greene, Michelle Waycott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Anthropogenic activities are causing detrimental changes to coastal plants– namely seagrass, mangrove, and tidal marshes. Looking beyond recent times to past vegetation dynamics is critical to assess the response and resilience of an environment to change. Here, we develop a high-resolution multi-proxy approach, providing a new evidence base to decipher long-term change in coastal plant communities. Combining targeted environmental DNA analysis with chemical analysis of soils, we reconstructed 4,000 years of change at a temperate wetland on Torrens Island South Australia and identified an ecosystem shift that occurred ~ 1000 years ago. What was once a subtidal seagrass system shifted …

Transcription Factor Expression Landscape In Drosophila Embryonic Cell Lines, Robert A. Drewell, Daniel Klonaros, Jacqueline Dresch

Biology

Background: Transcription factor (TF) proteins are a key component of the gene regulatory networks that control cellular fates and function. TFs bind DNA regulatory elements in a sequence-specific manner and modulate target gene expression through combinatorial interactions with each other, cofactors, and chromatin-modifying proteins. Large-scale studies over the last two decades have helped shed light on the complex network of TFs that regulate development in Drosophila melanogaster. Results: Here, we present a detailed characterization of expression of all known and predicted Drosophila TFs in two well-established embryonic cell lines, Kc167 and S2 cells. Using deep coverage RNA sequencing approaches we …

Climate-Ready Landscape Plants: Garden Roses Trialed At Reduced Irrigation Frequency In Utah, Usa, Ji-Jhong Chen, Youping Sun, Lorence R. Oki, Jared A. Sisneroz, Karrie Reid, Lloyd L. Nackley, Ryan N. Contreras, Soo-Hyung Kim, Ursula K. Schuch, Darren L. Haver, Miro Stuke, Allison Fron, Kelly Kopp, Scott B. Jones, Lawrence Hipps

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Increased urban and suburban populations in the arid western United States have resulted in more water demand; however, water availability in the region has become limited because of inadequate precipitation. Recent droughts have led to restrictions on irrigating landscape plants. Garden rose (Rosa ×hybrida) is commonly used as flowering plants in residential landscapes, but its drought tolerance has not been widely studied. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of reduced irrigation frequency on visual quality, plant growth, and physiology of five garden rose cultivars, including ChewPatout (Oso Easy^® Urban Legend^®), …

Effects Of Roadways On Seasonal Movement Strategies And Mate Location Success In An Imperiled Pit Viper (Crotalus Horridus), Elizabeth J. Noble

Graduate Research Showcase

A detailed understanding of animal movement behavior is fundamental to effective conservation and management. Within populations, a diversity of movement strategies can be displayed in search of critical resources, and these strategies are influenced by multiple interacting factors related to individuals and the environment. Mating partners are one critical resource that often serves as a prominent selective force shaping movement during mating seasons. For many large-bodied snakes, such as pit vipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae), male mate- searching movements are the primary determinant of mate location success. During this time, males incur significant risks associated with elevated movement. In an increasingly human- …

The Reveal: A Technical Study And Conservation Treatment Of An Overpaint Portrait, Camille Ferrer

Art Conservation Master's Projects

A severely damaged 19th-century oil painting depicting a portrait of a woman was treated at Patricia H. and E. Garman Art Conservation Department. A typed letter provided by the owner mentioned that it has been previously restored yet returned with unsatisfactory results. After further examination, the painting appeared to have been previously treated multiple times by different people. There was overpaint distinctly present on the face and later discovered to be present overall. The full state of condition of the painting was initially unknown due to the sum of the surface being overpainted. However, there were evidence of paint loss …

Microbiome Assembly And Function In The Solitary Mason Bee, Osmia Lignaria (Megachilidae), Bailey Crowley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Animal-microbe interactions can influence host biology, ecology, and evolution. The assembly and function of microbes found within animal hosts oftentimes depends on which species are involved. Advances in sequencing technologies have permitted the exploration of host-microbe interactions in a variety of animals, including bees. Early research aimed at understanding the microbiomes of social bees, such as honey bees and bumble bees, found that microbes prevent the spoilage of stored pollen, breakdown indigestible nutrients into smaller molecules available for uptake by the host, and also protect the host from pathogens. When environmental stressors, such as increased temperatures, disrupt the microbiome, the …

The Interactions Between Drought Tolerant Corn Hybrids And Plant Water-Stress On Weeds And Their Host Capability For Spider Mites, Mercy Adhiambo Odemba

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

With climate change, it is predicted that more frequent high temperatures and drought severity will lead to an increase in damage caused by pests that thrive under these conditions. Spider mite outbreaks, for example, are associated with plant waterstress and there is evidence that some weeds are more resilient and adapted to drought than some crops, leading to major concerns for the management of these two pest types. Weeds directly compete with crops for limited resources, but what is unclear is which weeds harbor spider mites and whether they exacerbate the impact of spider mites on corn crops under water-stressed …

Evaluation And Improvement Of The Design 4 Every Drop Course, Kenzy Fogle

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Utah and the greater Intermountain West are experiencing a water crisis. Many factors are contributing to this situation, including an arid climate exacerbated by climate change, rapid population growth, and a high-water-demanding landscape typology. Landscapes currently consume an estimated 60-80% of Utah’s potable water, representing a significant opportunity for water savings. However, changing the traditional water-dependent landscape typology requires educating the public regarding water-wise landscape design processes, best practices, and implementation approaches. Utah State University is the land grant university for Utah and home to one of the oldest Landscape Architecture departments in the Intermountain West. Utah State University’s community …

Application Of Criminology In Urban Ecology And Evolution: Routine Activity Theory And Field Equipment Disappearance Dynamics, Ignacy Stadnicki, Michela Corsini, Marta Szulkin

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Research in urban ecology and evolution relies on the use of deployable scientific equipment. If left unattended in the field, scientific equipment may be prone to vandalism and theft, especially in the urban space. Here, we empirically applied a theory derived from the field of criminology, specifically the Routine Activity Theory (RAT) framework, to predict disappearance rates of scientific equipment in an ongoing urban ecology research project. First, we tested a routinely applied method of equipment protection – labelling – and investigated whether equipment disappearance varied with label information content and message tone. Second, we examined whether equipment attributes (price, …

Peptidomics Analysis Of In Vitro Digested Wheat Breads: Effect Of Genotype And Environment On Protein Digestibility And Release Of Celiac Disease And Wheat Allergy Related Epitopes, Mélanie Lavoignat, Angéla Juhász, Utpal Bose, Thierry Sayd, Christophe Chambon, Miguel Ribeiro, Gilberto Igrejas, Sébastien Déjean, Catherine Ravel, Emmanuelle Bancel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Wheat proteins can trigger immunogenic reactions due to their resistance to digestion and immunostimulatory epitopes. Here, we investigated the peptidomic map of partially digested bread samples and the fingerprint of epitope diversity from 16 wheat genotypes grown in two environmental conditions. Flour protein content and composition were characterized; gastric and jejunal peptides were quantified using LC-MS/MS, and genotypes were classified into high or low bread protein digestibility. Differences in flour protein content and peptide composition distinguish high from low digestibility genotypes in both growing environments. No common peptide signature was found between high- and low-digestible genotypes; however, the celiac or …

Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Autoimmune Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Pre-Clinical Studies, Hailey N. Swain, Parker D. Boyce, Bradley A. Bromet, Kaiden Barozinksy, Lacy Hance, Dakota Shields, Gayla R. Olbricht, Julie A. Semon

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Are of Interest in the Clinic Because of their Immunomodulation Capabilities, Capacity to Act Upstream of Inflammation, and Ability to Sense Metabolic Environments. in Standard Physiologic Conditions, They Play a Role in Maintaining the Homeostasis of Tissues and Organs; However, there is Evidence that They Can Contribute to Some Autoimmune Diseases. Gaining a Deeper Understanding of the Factors that Transition MSCs from their Physiological Function to a Pathological Role in their Native Environment, and Elucidating Mechanisms that Reduce their Therapeutic Relevance in Regenerative Medicine, is Essential. We Conducted a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human MSCs …

Gpr171 Modulates Mood, Consummatory Behaviors, And Morphine Antinociception In A Sexually Dimorphic Pattern In Mice, Megan C. Raddatz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Receptors in the brain influence everything from complex behaviors related to mood, all the way to simple physiological functions like the way a person moves. Receptors are activated or inactivated by chemicals or hormones that the body produces or that are created to mimic the body’s natural chemicals. Of the hundreds of receptors in the brain, GPR171 is particularly interesting because new drugs have been created to activate or block the receptor, and are being proposed for the treatment of different disorders, particularly disorders related to pain. GPR171 has been shown to affect pain behaviors, eating, and mood-related behaviors, but …

California Condor Feeding Habitat, Vigilance, And Competition With Avian Scavengers In Southern Utah, Usa, Alex Blanche

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Independent foraging is needed for the reintroduction of a species to be successful, but it can cause cascades in interconnected ecological communities. California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) were reintroduced to the Colorado Plateau in 1996, and the population has continued to grow with yearly releases of captive individuals. However, little is known about foraging behavior of condors and their potential competitors. Carrion is a risky food source, and there is a tradeoff between vigilance and feeding. Altering behavior can maximize caloric intake while minimizing risk. Here, I investigate habitat selection, vigilance, and interspecific interactions among condors, golden eagles ( …

Establishing Marine Protected Areas In The Southern Ocean, Lessons For The Bbnj Agreement, Nengye Liu

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This paper first gives a brief overview of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)’s struggle to establish Antarctic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The paper then addresses the question: what lessons can countries learn from CCAMLR's experience in establishing high seas MPAs under the Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement? The paper finds that the final text of the BBNJ Agreement did largely reflect CCAMLR's experience when it comes to MPAs. This is particularly so with respect to 1) clarification of the relationship between conservation and use; 2) the interpretation and application of a …

How Will Climate Change-Induced Increases In Wildfire Frequency Affect Soil Microbial Communities?, Bahar Saadaie Jahromi

Waldo Library Student Exhibits

As climate change progresses, wildfires will become more common, increasing their impact on soil microbial ecosystems. This research examines how increased fire frequency affects soil microbial communities and whether effects differ for communities associated with different tree species. Soil samples were collected from under five individuals of four tree species within each of four 1-ha plots that had experienced fire from 24 to 111 years ago. Samples were analyzed for microbial DNA using next generation sequencing techniques in order to explore the influence of fire return interval and tree species on microbial diversity and community structure. Correlations were also examined …

The Cardiorespiratory Response While Nordic Walking Vs. Regular Walking Among Middle-Aged To Older Adults, Thomas R. Atwood, Alyssa R. Horton, Natalie G. Hanson, Katelyn N. Moyer, Saori I. Braun, Nicholas M. Beltz, Jeffrey M. Janot

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 6, 2024. Roughly five million deaths worldwide are accounted for by physical inactivity. Furthermore, there is a strong dose-response relationship between physical inactivity and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular health, and metabolic health. Recently, Nordic walking (NW) has been introduced as a mode of exercise where one can increase energy expenditure compared to regular walking (RW) due to increased engagement of upper body musculature using poles while walking. According to established findings, most work has been done in a laboratory which can interrupt natural NW mechanics. Therefore, this study's purpose was …

Symbiotic Behaviour Of Alfalfa Varieties Grown In Different Soils, C Scotti, S Gnocchi, M Carelli, P Rotili

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Six alfalfa (Medicago sativa) varieties were grown in two contrasting soils to study their symbiotic ability as estimated by nodule biomass and dry matter yield in presence of the natural population of rhizobia of soil. Varieties can be discriminated on the basis of total (year) nodule biomass; their ranking for nodule biomass was consistent in the different soil types although soils significantly influenced nodulation and dry matter yield.

Long Term Effects Of Liming A Basalt-Derived Soil, On Lucerene And Phalaris Production, K.M. F. Reed, J F. Chin

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Lime incorporated into a basalt-derived clay loam lowered exchangeable aluminium in soil. Soil pH was still elevated, 9 years after 2 t/ha of lime was incorporated. With lower rates of lime the density of lucerne plants declined. Lucerne yield more than doubled with lime. After six years, the area was sown to a phalaris-clover pasture. A 15% increase in the yield of phalaris was recorded from limed plots over the next three years. Despite this, 11 years after liming, herbage P concentrations increased with lime, from 0.28% to 0.35%.

Can Maize Influence The Dissolution Of Low Water Soluble Phosphorus Fertilizers?, S Sinaj, E Frossard

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the respective importance of maize (Zea mays) and soil properties on the dissolution of two sparingly soluble P fertilizers. The surface horizon of an acidic and a calcareous soils were amended with Thomas’ slag or phosphate rock and were either incubated or cultivated with maize. Maize cultivation increased the rate of dissolution of both fertilizers in both soils. Its influence remained limited compared to fertilizer dissolution in the incubated acidic soil. In the calcareous soil, however, the presence of maize increased significantly the rate of fertilizer dissolution compared to that observed in …

Phosphorus Availability, Defoliation Tolerance, And Genetic Differentiation In White Clover, D F. Chapman

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The genetic composition of mixed populations of white clover growing in low fertility, grass-dominant hill pastures was estimated four and eight years after populations were established. Populations were based on an adapted ('Grasslands Tahora') or poorly adapted ('Grasslands Huia') cultivar, and received either no fertiliser, or 35kg P /ha /year. The P response curve of surviving plants was also determined, and compared with plants grown from 'standard' seedlines of the respective cultivars. Between years 4 and 8, the proportion of the populations constituted by plants true-to-type for the sown cultivar remained steady at 56 - 58% for Tahora, but fell …

Seasonal Variations Of Labile Soil Organic Carbon And Nitrogen Fertility In Grassland Soil In Tokyo, Japan, T Murata, H Tanaka, Y Kurokawa

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

We investigated seasonal variations of soil enzyme activities, soil inorganic N, soil microbial biomass N (BN) and soil total sugar C (TSC) during March to December in cattle-grazed pasture in Japan (Andisols). Dehydrogenase activity had three peaks in a year, on the other hand, phosphomonoesterase activity increased from spring (April) up to summer (August) but then gradually decreased toward winter. BN also showed a seasonal variation, which gradually increased from April to August, but in the end of August once decreased rapidly because of soil becoming dry. Soil inorganic N had three peaks which appeared after the appearance of dehydrogenase …

Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris Arundinacea L.) Response To Liquid Dairy Manure Or Fertilizer N, M P. Russelle, G W. Randall, P D. Clayton, M A. Schmitt, L J. Greub, C C. Sheaffer, R R. Kalton, D H. Taylor

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Livestock farmers face constraints in efficient manure management because of limited land availability, especially during the growing season, but reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) may provide a solution. We measured yield and apparent N removal of established reed canarygrass with surface-applied dairy manure slurry at three locations in the Upper Midwest, USA. Slurry was broadcast or banded at rates up to 375 m3 ha-1 (1190 kg N ha-1) in single or split applications and N fertilizer was applied at rates up to 448 kg N ha- 1 for comparison. Herbage was harvested three times per year. Nitrogen removal in …

The Influence Of Plant Density And Level Of Nitrogen Fertilization On The Production Of Eragrostis Curvula, P A. Pieterse, N F.G. Rethman, J Van Bosch

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The objective of this study was to determine whether plant density would have an influence on dry matter (CM) yield and to determine it’s interaction (if any) with levels of N fertilization. Plants on a broadcast establishment of lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) were mechanically thinned, to leave 30 cm rows with spacing of 0.5 and 1 m. N fertilizer was applied in spring at levels equivalent to 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1. The trial was conducted over three growing seasons. In the second and third years the DM yields with 100 and 150 kg N ha-1 on the …

Potassium Rates For Macrotyloma Axillare Growth, R A. Martim, F A. Monteiro, P.R. L. Portilho

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The response of the tropical forage legume macrotiloma guata (Macrotyloma axillare (E. Mey) Verdc) to potassium rates was studied in a greenhouse experiment. The plants were grown in nutrient solution with seven potassium (K) rates, 0; 3.5; 7; 21; 35; 105 and 245 mg l-1 of solution, in randomized complete block design, with four replications. There was significant response of the legume to potassium rates. Considerations are made on the influence of these levels on plant dry matter yield in two harvests, root dry matter production and potassium and magnesium concentrations in the plant tissue.

Phosphorus Use Efficiency For Biomass Production Of Legume Species, A T. Ayala Torales, V A. Deregibus, P R. Moauro

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The objective of the experiment was to identify traits associated with the production of plant biomass, and hence with P utilization efficiency, when legume species were fertilized. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and narrowleaf birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus tenuis) were compared in a greenhouse experiment using phosphorus deficient soils. Three plants grew in pots fertilized with 0, 2, 4, 8, 15, 20, 30 and 40 ppm in soil, in a randomized experimental design. Harvest was made at 60 days from the sowing date. Leaf areas, shoot and root biomass, and tissue phosphorus contents were measured. Results showed that …

Phosphogypsum As A Source Of Nutrients For Bahiagrass, J E. Rechcigl, I S. Alcordo

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Phosphogypsum is a by-product of the manufacture of phosphoric acid from phosphate rock and is a potential source of sulfur and calcium for crops. There are currently more than 700 million Mg of phosphogypsum in Florida alone stacked in waste piles and an additional 30 million Mg produced annually. A 3-year study was conducted to determine whether addition of phosphogypsum to bahiagrass would increase production and quality. Results indicate that addition of up to 4.0 Mg/ha phosphogypsum increased bahiagrass yields, protein content, and in vitro digestibility of forage. This study has demonstrated that phosphogypsum can be used as an alternative …

A Review Of Centrosema Pascuorum (Centurion) Cvv. Cavalcade And Bundey As A Pasture Legume In The Ley Farming System Studies In North West Australia, K Thiagalingam, D Zuill, T Price

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Field experiments and commercial experience with the pasture legume Centrosema pascuorum (centurion) in the Katherine and Douglas Daly districts of the Northern Territory over the past ten years were reviewed. Results show that cultivars of this species (Cavalcade and Bundey) have good potential for improving both soil fertility and the quality of dry season forage (as hay or grazing) for cattle in mixed farming systems in the semi-arid tropics of north west Australia.