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Life Line Spring 2025, Otterbein Biology And Earth Science Department

Life Line - The Biology Department Newsletter

In this issue:

Greetings and Farewell!; COSI 2024; Ketchup, Culture, and an Unforgettable Conference; Alumna Earns PhD; Tortoises, Butterflies, and Cockroaches, Oh My!; Licking River Roundup 2024; Aquarium Students Explore Coral Restoration in Fiji; The Galapagos Islands: Geology, Ecology, Conservation, and Culture; Dr. Svitana Presents on Otterbein Lake Well Field; Cell Bio Pilots Unique Approach to Learning; Hoggarth to Retire, June 2025; AED is BACK on Campus!; The Greenhouse Gets a Lifeline; Acoustic Rabies Identification (ARID): A Sound-Based Approach to Rabies Testing

Herbicide Management For Bromus Tectorum To Enhance Rangeland Productivity In Western Nebraska, Miranda Mueller

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

Cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum (L.), has increased in the mixed-grass prairies of the Nebraska Panhandle. Limited research is available in these ecosystems on the ecological factors that influences its spread and options for management. This study focuses on the efficacy of herbicide treatments (indaziflam and imazapic) as a cheatgrass control method on the native rangelands of western Nebraska. In September of 2022, a mixture of indaziflam (73 g ai ha^-1, Rejuvra) and imazapic (70 g ai ha^-1, Plateau) was aerially applied at 6 unique upland ecological sites (1-3 ha) near Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Functional group plant biomass data …

4-Ethylacetophenone From Potato Plants Repels Phthorimaea Operculella And Inhibits Oviposition: A Sustainable Management Strategy, Xinyu Ma, Junjie Yan, Guangyuan Su, Fathiya M. Khamis, Athanase Hategekiman, Yulin Gao

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is an important pest of potato crops capable of boring into and consuming the potato tubers. Although chemical insecticides are employed to control P. operculella populations, their efficacy is frequently limited, raising environmental concerns. Host plant volatiles are important allelochemicals that can be exploited for the management of pests. In our previous studies, we identified five volatile organic compounds (3-ethylacetophenone, 4-ethylacetophenone, geranylacetone, ethylbenzene, and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone) as allelochemicals potentially influencing the oviposition behavior of P. operculella. Using electroantennography (EAG) and behavioral assays, we found that 4-ethylacetophenone significantly repelled P. operculella at all tested concentrations …

Automated Plant Morphological Assessment And Microbial Community Monitoring In Simulated Lunar Regolith, Collin R. Topolski

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Upcoming lunar bases will need to leverage in-situ resources to ensure long-term sustainability and reduce mission costs. One key challenge is food production, which could be addressed by growing crops in lunar regolith-based substrates. However, lunar regolith lacks essential nutrients, requiring organic amendments to support continuous plant cultivation. This study examined the impact of manure-amended lunar regolith simulant on Mizuna mustard growth while assessing microbial community diversity and functionality. To support this effort, a custom software pipeline utilizing an open-source library, PlantCV, was developed to automatically track plant leaf area and height via image analysis. Results indicated that amended rhizosphere …

Growing South Dakota (Spring 2025), College Of Agriculture, Food And Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 Keeping South Dakota's food supply safe
[Page] 6 Controlling environmental listeria
[Page] 8 Inaugural 2+2 vet program class graduates
[Page] 10 Faculty honored for excellence
[Page] 12 New leader for agronomy, horticulture, plant science
[Page] 14 Students spend spring break in South Africa
[Page] 16 Hadacek offers advice to fellow graduates
[Page] 17 Park Interpretation and Management Club starts
[Page] 18 On the front lines with invasive species
[Page] 22 Director Karla Trautman retires
[Page] 24 Helping navigate precision ag
[Page] 26 Growing bigger, better beef
[Page] 28 Jackrabbits Then and Now

Aspen Health On National Forests In The Northern Rocky Mountain Region (2008/2009 To 2024), James T. Blodgett, Kurt K. Allen, Megan Wilson, Bradley Lalande

Aspen Bibliography

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a widely distributed species in the western United States, but in the northern Rocky Mountain Region it is a rare forest component. In national forests (NF) of the northern Rocky Mountain Region this species comprises only 1% of the Bighorn, 3% of the Black Hills, and 1% of the Shoshone cover types (DeBlander 2002, Menlove 2008, Witt 2008). Since aspen forests provide increased species richness, support wildlife, are an important component of watersheds, and have aesthetic value, there are concerns regarding the health of this relatively rare forest cover type.

A Case Of Milkweed Poisoning In Cattle In Colorado, Raye Walck, Brett Webb, Steve Ensley, Daniel Cook

Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)

Milkweeds, Asclepias spp., are herbaceous perennials of the Apocyanaceae family. Milkweeds contain several cardiac glycosides, cardenolides, that are toxic. Clinical signs associated with milkweed toxicity are generalized weakness, difficulty in breathing, rapid weak pulse, bloating, violent spasms, paralysis, and death. Here we report a clinical case of milkweed toxicity in cattle due to contaminated hay. Clinical signs observed in the poisoned animals were consistent with cardenolide toxicity. Milkweed was detected in the rumen contents of the poisoned cow using DNA metabarcoding. In summary, multiple lines of corroborative evidence were used to make the diagnoses of milkweed poisoning in this case.

Identifying Herbicides To Manage Weeds In A Buckwheat Cover Crop And For The Control Of Volunteers, Taylor Randell-Singleton, Hannah E. Wright-Smith, Lavesta C. Hand, Jenna C. Vance, A. Stanley Culpepper

Horticulture Faculty Publications and Presentations

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a fast-growing plant that quickly produces a dense groundcover. The utilization of buckwheat as a cover crop in vegetable production could be beneficial to Georgia producers, however for successful adoption, weed control in the cover crop coupled with control of buckwheat volunteers must be achievable. A preemergence (PRE) and a postemergence (POST) experiment were each conducted three times in Ty Ty, GA (2020-2021) addressing these objectives. In the PRE study, acetochlor at 0.56 lb ai acre(-1) injured buckwheat up to 16% without negatively influencing growth, suggesting potential for use in buckwheat for weed control. Flumioxazin, fomesafen, …

Contrasting Effects Of Climate Warming On Hosts And Parasitoids: Insights From Rocky Mountain Aspen Leaf Miners And Their Parasitoids, Alisha A. Shah, Emily Hamant, Juan G. Rubalcaba, Beau Larkin, Andrew A. Forbes, H. Arthur Woods

Aspen Bibliography

Because temperature has pervasive effects on biological rates, climate warming may alter the outcomes of interactions between insect hosts and their parasitoids, which, for many host species, constitute the single largest source of mortality. Despite growing interest in parasitoid-host responses due to climate change, there are few empirical tests of thermal tolerance differences between non-model lepidopteran hosts and their parasitoids and almost none from mountain ecosystems where warming is occurring more rapidly. We examined the thermal ecology of a host–parasitoid interaction in the Rocky Mountains using the wild populations of the aspen leaf miner (Phyllocnistis populiella) and a …

Impact Of Glufosinate On Sugarcane Yield And Yield Components When Applied Post-Directed And Its Efficacy In Controlling Emerged Itchgrass (Rottboellia Cochinchinensis), Warner R. Simon

LSU Master's Theses

Weed control is extremely important in the Louisiana sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) industry, as it is a perennial crop that grows back after each harvest. Fields are kept weed free using mechanical and chemical methods to prevent weed-crop competition and further establishment of weed populations. The weed itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) has become problematic for Louisiana sugarcane producers. Sometimes, itchgrass can still emerge after farmers have made a pre-emergence (PRE) herbicide application. These weeds are usually controlled using the herbicide paraquat dichloride (paraquat) in post-emergence (POST) directed applications. In recent year, 2016-2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency …

Canada Thistle (Cirsium Arvense) Identification And Control, Caitlin Henderson, Robert Nelson Schaeffer, Corey Ransom

All Current Publications

Cirsium arvense is an invasive perennial weed adaptable to a wide range of habitats. Since its arrival in North America in the 1600s, it has spread throughout much of the country. It has become prevalent in rangelands and disturbed areas in the Intermountain West, displacing native plant species, reducing crop yields, and affecting pasture quality. This fact sheet outlines how to identify Canada thistle, its life cycle, and how to manage it through cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control.

Bryce Canyon Aspen: Recent Trends, Future Actions, Paul C. Rogers

Aspen Bibliography

In cooperation with Bryce Canyon National Park, we undertook a survey of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) conditions throughout the Park with the intention of better understanding conditions and prescribing corrective measures where needed. There are clear disparities within the Park between sustainable aspen conditions and failing stands. Based on condition of mature trees, but most importantly regeneration and recruitment of juvenile stems, most aspen forests within Bryce Canyon are in poor condition. Aspen recruitment—generally sapling-sized trees that have survived browsing ungulates—is the most important metric of future stand resilience and here we found 83% of all aspen sample …

Variation In Response To Phosphorus Among Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas L.) Cultivars, Jeffrey Cole Denis Gregorie

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Phosphorus (P) is essential for plant growth and is often a major limiting nutrient in agriculture. In sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), studies on the role of P on storage root yield have been limited because of the lack of response and inconsistent results across cultivars and years. Growing evidence shows that current phosphate (Pi) fertilizer rates can be reduced while maintaining productivity. Newly published molecular evidence shows differential expression of phosphate starvation response genes among sweetpotato cultivars, further supporting the hypothesis of cultivar-specific Pi sensitivity. The research herein sought to characterize root system architecture and yield response to Pi …

Closing Ceremony Speech, S. Ray Smith

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

No abstract provided.

Strategies Of Fertilizer Nitrogen Applications To Grassland For Beef: Effects On Production And Soil Mineral Nitrogen, N M. Titchen, R J. Wilkins, L Philipps, D Scholefield

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Experiments in Britain have shown beef production increases with fertilizer-N application to grazed grassland up to at least 300 kg N/ha (Wilkins et al., 1987; Baker and Mayne, 1988). However in view of the small offtake of N in the animal products (c.30 kg/ha) there is increased concern on the fate of the applied N, particularly in relation to loss of nitrate by leaching (Garwood and Ryden, 1986). This paper reports a 3-year experiment which examined the impact on production and on N movements of different strategies of fertilizer-N appli­cation and of the effects of removing grazing livestock at the …

F.A.O Design K*B*P Trials In The Mid-Altitude Zone Of Yunnan Province, Southern China, J Bruce-Smith, Yang Guo-Rong, Huang Bi-Zhi, Li Ji-Xin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Project is investigating the development of « improved pastures » as a practical way to increase ruminant livestock production. Some preliminary results of fertilizer requirements, indicated that K and B may be required as well as P (Wang el al., 1985) for the establishment of such pastures in this mid-alti­tude (2,000 m) transitional sub-tropic-temperate zone of Yunnan. The objective of this paper is to present some experiences from applying the Hauser (1971) truncated fac­torial design trials (widely used by FAO to obtain N, P, K, fert­ilizer recommendations for cereal crops) to a pasture establish­ment situation where P. K and …

Effect Of Nitrogen Fertilization In Combination With Potassium And Phosphorus And Cutting Frequency On The Yield Of Brachiaria Ruzizensis In Adamawa, Cameroon, E T. Pamo, D Pieper

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Fertilizers have been shown to increase forage yields under some conditions (Owensby and Smith, 1975), but has very little effect under other conditions (Stoddart et al., 1975). Thus in recent years a great deal of attention has been focussed on the ways and possibilities of increasing forage production by fertil­ization. Various experiments have been conducted on the response of Brarhiaria ruziziensis Germain and Evrad, one of the best perennial forage grasses of the region, to fertilization at Wakwa Animal Research Station. Yonkeu et al., (1986) indicated that application of phosphorus did not lead to improved yield of the forage on …

The Influence Of Cow Manure On Forage Yields Of King Grass In A Ferrasol In Cuba, G Crespo, M Oduardo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Experiments conducted in sandy and brown soils in Cuba demonstrated the beneficial effect of manure for accelerating the establishment of forage plants, and the possibility of dimi­nishing up to 50 % the dosage of N fertilizer requirements to obtain maximum forage yield (Crespo and Diez 1978; Crespo and Arteaga 1984). The aims of the present experiments were: a) to determine the best time of application of cow manure and b) to learn the influence of manure and nitrogenous fertilizer on forage yield of king grass in a ferrasol soil.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Using Drones To Enhance Garden Projects, Douglas Weber, Rita Hagevik, Kathy Cabe Trundle

All Current Publications

This fact sheet explores using drones to enhance garden projects at home and in schools. It covers the benefits of drones, such as monitoring garden health, planning layouts, and assessing plant conditions through advanced imaging technologies. Additionally, it outlines essential factors to consider when selecting a drone, including cost, battery life, camera quality, and local regulations. Tips for safe operation and effective usage are also provided, as well as fun facts about drones.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Organic Pest Management, Ruby Mohr, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik

All Current Publications

This fact sheet on organic pest management outlines sustainable gardening practices that promote ecological balance and biodiversity. It defines organic pest management as a proactive method, using natural insecticides like sulfur and neem oil, along with unique pest control strategies such as beer traps and cinnamon repellents. Additionally, it highlights plants like mint and marigolds that repel harmful pests while attracting beneficial insects. By implementing these approaches, gardeners can protect crops sustainably, enhance soil health, and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, thus supporting a healthier food system.

Complete Genome Characterizations Of Two Novel Mitoviruses Hosted By The Hypogeous, Mycorrhizal Fungi Statesia Pompholyx And Tuber Sp., Ilgaz Akata, Gülce Edi̇ş, Eda Kumru, Emre Keski̇n, Ergi̇n Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Botany

The study of viral diversity in uncultivated fungi, including those involved in mycorrhizal relationships, alongside research on viral communities in phytopathogenic and economically important fungi, is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of mycovirus diversity and evolution. Mycorrhizal fungi host various viruses, contributing to our understanding of virus diversity and evolution. Here, we report on the identification and complete genome characterization of two novel mitoviruses that naturally infect the hypogeous, mycorrhizal fungi Statesia pompholyx and Tuber sp. The identified viruses, denominated as “Statesia pompholyx mitovirus 1” (SpMV1) and Tuber mitovirus 3 (TruMV3), have genome lengths of 2549 and 3292 nucleotides and …

Effects Of Humic Acid And Salt Stress On Growth, Physiological Parameters And Mineral Substance Uptake In Artemisia Dracunculus L. (Tarragon), Serhat Seven, Şener Akinci

Turkish Journal of Botany

In this study, the physiological changes in Artemisia dracunculus L. plants under salinity stress and the remediative roles of leonardite-derived liquid humic acid (HA) were investigated. Salt stress caused a significant decrease in measured growth parameters (plant height, fresh weight of leaves and stems, dry weight of leaves and stems, number of leaves and leaf area). HA had a positive effect on growth parameters at 75 mM NaCl concentration, except for leaf number, but its effect was limited at 150 mM NaCl concentration. The total amount of protein was found to be lower in the leaves of seedlings grown under …

Effects Of Phosphogypsum, Phsophorus And Lime On Andropogon Gayanus Kunth, V T. Paulino, E Malavolta

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There are several factors which determine the low animal productivity in the tropics. Among these factors, inadequate nutrition is the most limiting one followed by the low natural fertility and high acidity of the soils in these regions. Previous findings have shown important soil nutrient deficiencies in some Brazilian cerrado soils. Malavolta (1952) demonstrated sulfur (S) deficiencies, while Werner et al. (1967) found plant response to S. Responses to phosphorus addition are very common in this kind of soil and in tropical America there are rates of phosphorus being applied, which sometimes are uneconomical for the formation and maintenance of …

Red Clover Needs For Mobybdenum And Boron Soil Threshold Values Of Deficiency And Toxicity, H Gembrazewski

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Red clover is a precious and promising fodder crop in Poland. Even on acid soils its yields are satisfying, if sufficient level of exchangeable Ca is present. Symbiotically fixed N covers N needs, but fixing effectiveness and rate of further changing of nitrogen compounds depends on optimal molybdenum supply. It is a component of such enzymes as nitrogenase and nitrate reductase, which make it necessary for Rhizobium as well as clover. However, Mo surplus is toxic for animals (the relation of Mo:Cu is of import­ance). As other leguminous plants, red clover needs much boron. Yield of 15 t of dry …

A Time For Change- Issues Arising From The Xvii International Grassland Congress Developed World Viewpoint, Barney Foran

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A number of major issues raised at the conference, if they are accepted by farmers and grassland scientists, will mean a major realignment of both the philosophy and practice of grassland science. The first of these is future world trade flows and a bleak prognosis for traded livestock products. Jf the developed world accepts that developing nations have to trade in order to develop, and trade in commodities where they have a cost advantage, this suggests that bulk production of livestock commodities will decline ln total. Thus grassland exports will have to concentrate on high value niche markets. This poses …

Animal Production From Tropical Semi-Arid Savannah Woodland In Subcoastal Queensland, Australia, H G. Bishop, H J. Chamberlain, R M. Dodt, T B. Hilder, G A. Lambert, E R. Anderson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Annual live-weight gain of steers grazing on virgin tropical semi­arid poplar box (Eucalyptus populnea) savannah woodland in subcoastal central Queensland fluctuated between 59 kg/head and 200 kg/head over a 7-year period. Average live-weight gain for the 7 years was 136 kg/head/year, which is above expected levels for this vegetation type. Reasons suggested for this animal performance are the use of a stocking rate more lenient than the district average and above-average winter rainfall received during the 7 years of this demonstration project. Removing trees doubled the pasture dry matter yield, which subsequently allowed a doubling of stocking rate …