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Winter Cover Crops Impact On The Distribution Of Soil Inorganic Nitrogen And Subsequent Crop Uptake And Yield Following Fall Applied Anhydrous Ammonium, William Travis Deppe

Theses and Dissertations

The pairing of cover crops with spring application of nitrogen has shown improved nitrogen efficiency in corn production systems. However, studies have shown that only 50% of central Illinois farmers practice spring application of nitrogen. Furthermore, the literature demonstrates that in years with above average rainfall, fall applied N management systems are more susceptible to N loading relative to spring systems. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the efficacy of winter cover crops to impact the distribution of soil inorganic N following fall applied anhydrous ammonium. The experimental site is located at the Illinois State University Research …

Response Of Sweet Sorghum Lines To Stalk Pathogens Fusarium Thapsinum And Nacrophomina Phaseolina, Deanna L. Funnell-Harris, Patrick M. O'Neill, Scott E. Sattler, Melinda K. Yerka

Department of Plant Pathology: Faculty Publications

Sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] has potential for bioenergy. Itis adapted to a variety of U.S. locations and the extracted juice can be directly fermented into ethanol. However, little research on fungal stalk rots, diseases that pose serious constraints for yield and quality of juice and biomass, has been reported. A greenhouse bioassay was designed to assess charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) and Fusarium stalk rot (Fusarium thapsinum) in plants at maturity, the developmental stage at which these diseases are manifested. Multiple plantings of a susceptible grain line, RTx430, were used as a control for variation …

Chapter 17 - Rodents, Janice M. Glime

Bryophyte Ecology Volume 2: Bryological Interaction

Explore the contents of Bryophyte Ecology, Volume 2, Chapter 17 - Rodents by clicking the links above. For the Contents section of this ebook, as well as Volumes 1 through 5, please visit the Bryophyte Ecology Main Page.

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Ebook sponsored by Michigan Technological University and the International Association of Bryologists.

Limestone Flora Of The Simonton Corner Quarry Preserve, Rockport, Maine, Usa, Margaret Stern, Ian Medeiros, Luka Negoita, Nishanta Rajakaruna

Faculty Publications, Biological Sciences

Limestone is a distinctive substrate that has significant effects on soils and plants. The present study characterizes the diversity of vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens at the Simonton Corner Quarry Preserve, an abandoned limestone quarry in Rockport, Maine, USA, which was in operation in the late 1800s. We document vascular plant diversity and associated edaphic features (i.e., soil pH and elemental chemistry) using 30 5×5 meter plots spread throughout the site. For vascular plants, 114 species in 96 genera and 50 families were observed; few of these species are known to prefer calcareous environments, and 38% are nonnative. Conversely, the …

Igrow Corn: Best Management Practices, David E. Clay, Gregg G. Carlson, Sharon A. Clay, Emmanuel Byamukama

Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Books

No abstract provided.

03. Population Demographics Of The Loggerhead Shrike: Insights Into The Species Decline From A Long-Term Study In The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Amy A. Chabot, Fran Harty, James Herkert, William Glass

North American Prairie Conference Proceedings

We monitored a breeding population of loggerhead shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) in the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie from 2005 to 2016. Demographic data were compiled annually, including information on population size, age structure, and reproductive success. We banded adult shrikes, with some additional effort focused on nestlings (2005–2007) and independent hatch-year birds (2014–2016). We measured return rate as the number of birds that were previously banded. Site reuse rates were quantified as the use of a breeding territory in multiple years. Site fidelity, the use of a site by the same male or female in consecutive years, and dispersal distance of …

Agroforestry Horizons: Experiences And Reflections: Report-Out, Steve Rasmussen

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

The USDA National Agroforestry Center (NAC) is charting a course for the next five years. As part of this process, NAC and the USDA Interagency Agroforestry Team hosted a meeting of leaders in the fields of agroforestry, agriculture, and forestry, from government, universities, and the private sector, to share experiences and insights on agroforestry opportunities and challenges. The meeting occurred on April 27th and 28th, 2016, in Washington, DC, and entailed presentations and discussions on current and potential roles of agroforestry in supporting water quality, soil health, economic diversification, food security, and pollinator/wildlife habitat. This report-out provides a summary of …

Limited Mitogenomic Degradation In Response To A Parasitic Lifestyle In Orobanchaceae, Weishu Fan, Andan Zhu, Melisa Kozaczek, Neethu Shah, Natalia Pabón-Mora, Favio González, Jeffrey P. Mower

Center for Plant Science Innovation: Faculty Publications

In parasitic plants, the reduction in plastid genome (plastome) size and content is driven predominantly by the loss of photosynthetic genes. The first completed mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from parasitic mistletoes also exhibit significant degradation, but the generality of this observation for other parasitic plants is unclear. We sequenced the complete mitogenome and plastome of the hemiparasite Castilleja paramensis (Orobanchaceae) and compared them with additional holoparasitic, hemiparasitic and nonparasitic species from Orobanchaceae. Comparative mitogenomic analysis revealed minimal gene loss among the seven Orobanchaceae species, indicating the retention of typical mitochondrial function among Orobanchaceae species. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the mobile cox1 …

Identification Of Homogentisate Dioxygenase As A Target For Vitamin E Biofortification In Oilseeds, Minviluz G. Stacey, Rebecca E. Cahoon, Hanh T. Nguyen, Yaya Cui, Shirley Sato, Cuong T. Nguyen, Nongnat Phoka, Kerry M. Clark, Yan Liang, Joe Forrester, Josef Batek, Phat Tien Do, David A. Sleper, Thomas E. Clemente, Edgar B. Cahoon, Gary Stacey

Center for Plant Science Innovation: Faculty Publications

Soybean (Glycine max) is a major plant source of protein and oil and produces important secondary metabolites beneficial for human health. As a tool for gene function discovery and improvement of this important crop, a mutant population was generated using fast neutron irradiation. Visual screening of mutagenized seeds identified a mutant line, designated MO12, which produced brown seeds as opposed to the yellow seeds produced by the unmodified Williams 82 parental cultivar. Using forward genetic methods combined with comparative genome hybridization analysis, we were able to establish that deletion of the GmHGO1 gene is the genetic basis of …

10. Browsing By White-Tailed Deer On Invasive Oriental Bittersweet Spreading Into Restored Grasslands, Neal Mundahl, Bruno Borsari

North American Prairie Conference Proceedings

Non-native oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.) was first detected in southeastern Minnesota in 2010 and has spread from woodlands into adjacent grasslands. Anecdotal evidence suggests that browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on young oriental bittersweet slows the growth and spread of this plant. This study assessed the population characteristics of density, age structure, growth rate, and branching morphology of oriental bittersweet in small, restored grasslands (mixed native grasses and forbs) in Winona County, Minnesota, and quantified the browsing damage inflicted by white-tailed deer on bittersweet and native red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) at the end of winter. Bittersweet densities …

07. The Effects Of Seed Mix Diversity On Soil Conditions And Nesting Of Bees In Prairie Restorations, Nicholas Anderson, Alexandrea Harmon-Threatt

North American Prairie Conference Proceedings

With the goal of conserving native bees, current recommendations for improving habitats include increasing available floral resources by planting diverse seed mixes. However, these recommendations only account for the nutritional needs of bees while the availability of equally important nesting resources is often ignored. Here we used a novel system to investigate the effects of seed mix diversity on abiotic factors previously associated with nest sites of ground-nesting bees—available bare ground and soil temperature, moisture, and compaction—and on the occurrence of nests. We used standard bee-collecting techniques and a newer method using soil emergence tents (E-tents) to assess how seed …

Forage News [2016-01], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• UK Forage Variety Trials for 2015 are Now Available
• Forage News Quote of the Month "Grazing Methods Are Tools"
• County Ag Agents Work Together to Evaluate Silage Corn Performance
• Heart of America Registration Open
• Narrow Window for Frost Seeding Forages
• Featured Publication: Minimizing Losses in Hay Storage and Feeding
• Estimating Winter Water Needs of Livestock
• Heart of America Grazing Conference Registration Form

Post Weaning Supplementation Of April-Born Polypay And White Dorper Lambs Grazing Alfalfa/Orchardgrass Pasture, Lauren N. Wood

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

The effect of post-weaning supplementation of April-born Polypay and White Dorper lambs grazing alfalfa/orchardgrass pasture during two grazing seasons from June to September was studied. One hundred seventy Polypay and 133 White Dorper lambs were randomly allotted to supplemented (2% BW daily) and unsupplemented groups. It was discovered that Polypay lambs weighed more than White Dorpers at wearning, when the grazing season began, and at the end of the 80 (Year 1) and 85 (Year 2) grazing season (P < 0.01). Polypay lambs gained faster (P < 0.01) than White Dorpers. Supplemented lambs gained faster (P < 0.01) than unsupplemented and Polypays had a greater response to supplementation (P < 0.01) than White Dorpers. Polypays had higher (P < 0.01) fecal egg counts, an indicator of Haemonchus contortus infestation. Supplementation did not have any consistent effect on reducing Haemonchus contortus infestation. Differences in forage characteristics of Polypay and White Dorper lambs did appear. Differences in alfalfa and orchardgrass dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and crude protein availability were measured by subtracting enter from exit availabilities. The largest decrease of alfalfa components from exit to enter was found with unsupplemented Polypays. No consistent effect was found for orchardgrass components.

Mapping Qtls And Association Of Differentially Expressed Gene Transcripts For Multiple Agronomic Traits Under Different Nitrogen Levels In Sorghum, Malleswari Gelli, Sharon E. Mitchell, Kan Liu, Thomas E. Clemente, Donald P. Weeks, Chi Zhang, David R. Holding, Ismail M. Dweikat

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Background: Sorghum is an important C₄ crop which relies on applied Nitrogen fertilizers (N) for optimal yields, of which substantial amounts are lost into the atmosphere. Understanding the genetic variation of sorghum in response to limited nitrogen supply is important for elucidating the underlying genetic mechanisms of nitrogen utilization.

Results: A bi-parental mapping population consisting of 131 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing different agronomic traits evaluated under normal N (100 kg.ha⁻¹ fertilizer) and low N (0 kg.ha⁻¹ fertilizer) conditions. A linkage map spanning 1614 cM was developed …

The Role Of Ethylene In Systemic Acquired Resistance In Moss, Keiffer Williams

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The moss species Physcomitrella patens and Amblystegium serpens were used to categorize the effects of the phytohormone ethylene in the plant-pathogen response mechanism systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in non-vascular plants. The results outlined in this thesis found that individual exposure to the ethylene precursor molecules ACC and ethephon both up-regulated ethylene responsive genes in P. patens, demonstrating a positive response to ethylene exposure in the moss. Exposure to ACC and ethephon in A. serpens followed by inoculation with the fungal pathogen Pythium irregulare demonstrated an ambiguous resistance response induced by ethylene exposure in the moss. The growth rate of P. …

Effects Of Seed Applied Fungicide On Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization Of South Dakota Cultivars Of Oat, Soybean, And Corn, Jesse Cameron

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts that form a mutualistic relationship with approximately 80% of terrestrial plant species. These obligate symbionts have a generally beneficial effect on their host such as increased nutrient acquisition, better tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and the improvement of soil qualities. Due to the recent, widespread use of seed applied fungicides on row crops in the U.S. Midwest, there are concerns that the fungicides will inhibit these beneficial mycorrhizae. This study was conducted to evaluate what effect different commonly used seed applied fungicides have on AMF in the presence of different varieties of …

Long-Term Impacts Of Annual Cattle Manure And Fertilizer On Soil Quality Under Corn-Soybean Rotation In Eastern South Dakota, Ekrem Ozlu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dairy and beef manure have been used to enhance soil quality; however, their impacts under long-term application in corn-soybean rotation need to be evaluated. Nutrient based recommended rates of manure applications on soils are important and also need to be monitored. This study, therefore, was conducted at two long-term sites to assess the impacts of manure and inorganic fertilizer application rates on some of the soil quality indicators and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in a corn (Zea mays L.) - soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation system located at Beresford and Brookings in Eastern South Dakota. Study treatments included: …

The Efficacy Of Allopurinol In Suppressing Hypersensitive-Like Symptoms In Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) And In Suppressing Sunflower Rust (Puccinia Helianthi) Symptoms, Thumbiko Walker Gambler Mkandawire

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A mutant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotype can constitutively produce hypersensitive-like flecks in the absence of any pathogen. The lesions of the mutant are thought to be the result of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are similarly implicated in hypersensitive reactions to fungal pathogens. Allopurinol can suppress ROS. Consequently, allopurinol was applied to a wheat lesion mutant to test the hypothesis that the same ROS are involved, regardless of the presence of the pathogen. ‘Ning7840’, a lesion mutant and ‘Alsen’, a related genotype that does not express the mutant phenotype were treated with different concentrations of allopurinol under controlled …

Evaluation And Identification Of Soybean Aphid Resistance Sources And Mapping Of Soybean Aphid Resistance Loci In Early Maturing Soybean Germplasm Accessions, Siddhi Jeewan Bhusal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) has been a major pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in North America particularly in the northern United States and three Canadian provinces. At least four biotypes of soybean aphid have been confirmed in the United States. Identification of soybean aphid resistance sources in early-maturing soybeans and genetic characterization of new sources of resistance will facilitate to expand the gene pool of soybean aphid resistance and thus will help to develop soybean aphid resistant cultivars. To identify new sources of resistance in early maturing soybeans, 330 soybean germplasm accessions from Maturity Group (MG) I, …

Transcriptional And Post-Transcriptional Regulation Of Nodule-Specific Gene Expression In Soybean, Sajag Adhikari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lateral roots and nodules are two important nutrient acquisition organs in soybean. The evolutionary origin of nodules from lateral roots has been highly hypothesized based on morphological similarities and genetic studies, but gene expression profiles during the formation of these organs have not been compared. In addition, the role of post-transcriptional gene regulation during nodule development has not been thoroughly explored. Bridging these knowledge gaps is crucial to develop genetic/biotechnological strategies to optimize nutrient acquisition and sustainable production of crops. To answer some of the outstanding questions about regulation of gene expression during nodule development, (i) global transcriptome analyses of …

Cooperation And Punishment In The Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis: Implications For Resource Exchange & Biological Market Dynamics, Jerry A. Mensah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is arguably the world’s most abundant and important mutualism, and brings together the roots of the majority of land plants and AM fungi to great mutual advantage. The AM symbiosis can increase the uptake of nutrients, such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), and improves the abiotic and biotic stress resistance of the host plant. AM fungi have the potential to act as biofertilizers and bioprotectors in sustainable agriculture. However, despite its significance, the mechanisms that control the resource exchange between both partners in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis are largely unknown. The main aim of …

Spatial Variability Analysis And Reclamation Of Saline-Sodic Soils In The Northern Great Plains, Girma Birru

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increased spring rainfall and higher temperatures when combined with changing landuses and extensive tile drainage installation have contributed to the development of sodic and saline/sodic soils in the Northern Great Plains. The objectives of this dissertation were: 1) determine the impact of surface chemical treatments and cover crop on crop yields and soil remediation; 2) determine and describe soil spatial variability and develop a model to identify saline-sodic soils; and 3) evaluate cation impact on dispersion of bentonite clay and selected soils. The research was conducted between 2013 and 2016 at Redfield (Argiustolls, Natrudolls, Calciustolls), White Lake (Argiudolls, Natrudolls), and …

Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis Of Low Temperature Responses In Grapevine F2 Population, Mani Awale

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Freezing injury, caused by freezing temperatures in the late fall, midwinter, or early spring, can result in significant loss to grape growers. The damage may range from the partial damage of parts of the plants to the total death of the plant, and may vary between years. Freezing tolerance is a multi-genetic, complex quantitative trait that involves many related traits like dormancy induction, growth cessation, acclimation, deacclimation and bud break. Developing an understanding of the genetics behind the complex trait requires connecting the phenotype with the genotype to enable discovering the underlying genes that can contribute to quantifiable differences between …

Restoration Of Eroded Lands With Biochar As Soil Amendment In South Dakota, Saroop S. Sandhu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Biochar is produced from incomplete pyrolysis of plant biomass. Due to the unique properties of biochar such as a higher number of micropores, surface area and carbon content, and recalcitrant nature of carbon, biochar is hypothesized to improve physical and hydrological properties of soil. This study assesses the impact of biochar on soil organic carbon, physical and hydrological properties of two landscape positions under a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation. Three types of biochar including corn stover, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Lawson and C. Lawson) wood residue, and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) were applied in the field …

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 17 2016, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Bumpers College Students In Action, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Impacts Of Fuel Treatments On Tree Growth And Aboveground Biomass Accumulation In Ponderosa Pine Forests Of The Northern Rocky Mountains, Kate A. Clyatt

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

In western North America, many low-elevation, dry forest types historically experienced frequent, low-severity fires. However, European settlement and fire suppression policies have contributed to over a century of fire exclusion, substantially altering forest structure and composition. There is considerable interest in restoring fire resilient characteristics to these forests through fuel reduction treatments. One limitation of current research on the impacts of fuel treatments is treatment longevity, as few studies have been able to quantify long-term responses to commonly applied treatments. This research evaluated tree growth and aboveground biomass responses 23 years after treatment in two silvicultural installations with different underburning …

Effects Of Corn (Zea Mays L.) Stover Removal And Leaching On Soil Test And Whole Plant K Levels In Corn And K Fertilization/High-Input Treatments On Soybean Using Site-Specific Management To Increase Soybean (Glycine Max) Production In South Dakota, Nick J. Schiltz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Potassium is important for crop production. Corn stover removal has the potential to reduce exchangeable and soluble soil potassium (K+) needed for optimal plant growth in addition to grain yield. An experiment was conducted in Aurora, SD, USA, to observe the effects of corn stover removal on water soluble and exchangeable soil test K+ (STK) levels and corn grain yields across a five-year period. Abundant K+ reserves were recorded between the initial and final sampling periods. While corn grain yields were affected by removing corn biomass, exchangeable and solution K+ levels were relatively unaffected by stover removal. Potassium fertilizer has …

Soybean Yield And Plant Response To Phosphorus Fertilization, Rebecca L. Helget

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Phosphorus (P) is a key limiting nutrient for soybean production in South Dakota. Soil tests have been used as a baseline indicator for plant available P and fertilizer recommendations for over a century. Plant nutrient analysis may be used to complement a soil test as a way to validate fertilizer and management practices. Soybean nutrient sufficiency ranges have only been slightly adjusted since they were published in the 1960’s. The objectives of this study were to update the soil test P and soybean plant P sufficiency level in South Dakota and to recognize implications of improper plant sampling. We also …