Digital Commons Network^™

Beavers, Jimmy D. Taylor, Greg K. Yarrow, James E. Miller

Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series

The American beaver (Castor canadensis) (Figure 1) is known as an “ecosystem engineer” because of the benefits their dams provide to biological diversity and ecosystem function. It also is considered a “keystone species” because of its ability to transform its environment, creating new habitats upon which other species depend. Despite the many positive benefits beavers provide through foraging and dam building, beavers also create conflict with people when their activities cause damage. The authors of this publication acknowledge and appreciate the many positive benefits that beavers provide; however, the focus of this publication is to provide basic information on beaver …

The Manteca Yellow Bean: A Genetic Resource Of Fast Cooking And High Iron Bioavailability Phenotypes For The Next Generation Of Dry Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.), Jason A. Wiesinger, Karen A. Cichy, Elad Tako, Jon J. Hart, Raymond P. Glahn

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

Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a nutrient dense food produced globally as a major pulse crop for direct human consumption. Despite being rich in protein and micronutrients, long cooking times limit the use of dry beans worldwide, especially in regions relying on wood and charcoal as the primary sources of fuel for cooking, such as Sub-Sahara Africa and the Caribbean. Coincidently, these same regions also have high densities of women and children at risk for micronutrient deficiencies [1]. There is need for a fast cooking bean, which can positively impact consumers by reducing fuel cost and preparation time, …

The Lx Report Of The Bean Improvement Cooperative No. 60, March 2017.

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

CONTENTS

LX Annual Report of the Bean Improvement Cooperative xi

BIC Coordinating Committee Membership - 1957 to 2017 . xii

BIC Meritorious Service and Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients - 1957 to 2015 xiii

BIC Awards Nomination Request for 2017 xvi

BIC/NAPIA Meeting in 2017 . xix

In Memory of Guillermo E. Galvez-Enriquez xx

RESEARCH PAPERS FOR 2017

OPTIMIZING SPORULATION OF Pseudocercospora griseola IN VITRO • Paula F. de Pádua1, Rafael Pereira1, Luanna B. W. Gomes1 and Elaine A. de Souza1* 1

FINE MAPPING THE BROAD SPECTRUM ANTHRACNOSE RESISTANCE GENE IN AMENDOIM CAVALO 3 • Gilio, T.A.S.1, Oscar P. Hurtado-Gonzales2, Giseli …

Rhizobium Inoculation In Dry Bean Cv. Brsmg Madrepérola Subjected To Fungicide Seed Treatment, B. E.S. Cardillo, D. P. Oliveira, B. L. Soares, F. A.D. Martins, G. G. Ferreira Neto, J. C. Costa, F. M.S. Moreira, M. J.B. Andrade

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

INTRODUCTION: Fungicide seed treatment is an important strategy for plant pathogen control in the dry bean crop. However, there are reports that it may hinder biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). The present study was carried out for the purpose of verifying the compatibility of fungicide treatment and BNF, so as to assist producers in making decisions in regard to selection of products with the least impact on biological processes and, consequently, on yield.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A field experiment was carried out in the 2014 dry season in a Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico in the municipality of Lavras, MG, Brazil. There …

Snap Bean Productivity Under Different Population Densities, L. H.C. Almeida, G. R. Gomes, R. R. Barzan, P. A.C. Bassoli, L. V. Oliveira, A. P. Barbosa, E. C. Oliveira, R. Anshau, M. M.J. Fratoni, E. Miglioranza

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

INTRODUCTION The greatest expression of the productive potential of crops is the result of the combination of a set of factors, including the population of plants, by having strong influence in various morphological and physiological characteristics and grain yield. The correct choice of the population should take into consideration information such as time of sowing, region, history of disease in the area, growth habit, growing and soil fertility and thus outlining the proper spacing for the culture. For each cultivar, there is an optimum range of population where plants take advantage of maximum radiation, water and nutrients, providing increased production, …

Growth Of Common Bean Affected By Soil Contaminated With Chromium Vi, R. H. C. L. Reis, G. C. Martins, R. Efrat, M. M. Engelhardt, F. R. D. Lima, A. A. A. Pozza, J. J. Marques

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

INTRODUCTION: High levels of trace elements are characteristic of Brazilian soils. However, the presence of these trace elements may increase with incorrect application of agricultural inputs, industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, and mining waste. Many trace elements have known biological functions. Neglecting the permissible limits of these trace elements in the soil can lead to plant ecological and nutritional imbalances. Chromium (Cr VI) causes oxidative and mutagenic changes to plant cells, therefore, can be a highly toxic threat to both plants and the animals feeding on these plants. The harmful effects of Cr VI are greater than other forms of this …

Phosphorus Content In Seeds Of Common Bean Grown In Different Phosphorus Levels, A. T. Navarro, J. Santos Neto, M. B. S. Scholz, V. Moda-Cirino

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

INTRODUCTION Seed phosphorus (P) is a fundamental energy source that acts on germination and seedling development. In addition to the inorganic P (Pi), the seed also accumulates as phytate salts and other forms of phosphate compounds denominated organic P (Po). Although necessary for the seed development, an excess of Po may interfere with the accumulation of calcium, iron and zinc nutrients, which are easily complexed with P and become unavailable for human diet and animal feed (RABOY, 2009). The availability of P in the soil or nutrient solution may influence the storage forms of this mineral in the seed. Therefore, …

Impact Of Interaction P And Zn On Biofortification Of Bean, E. G. Morais, F. R. D. Lima, G. H. B. Vaz, E. F. Vilela, R. M. Ferraz, M. L. S. Silva, V. Faquin

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

INTRODUCTION: A large part of the world population has low levels of micronutrients, especially pregnant women and children in developing countries. Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient, performing many functions in the organism. Biofortifcation aims to increase the concentration of certain mineral in parts consumed of the cultivated plants. The crops of most interest are those that constitute the basic diet for the majority of the population, including beans.

Two main strategies are used in biofortification, selection of cultivars more favorable to biofortification and increase the micronutrient dose. Biofortification of bean with Zn is difficult due to interaction with phosphorus (P). …

Host Reaction Of Common Bean Genotypes To Root-Knot Nematodes, A. C. Z. Machado, S. A. Silva, N. S. Fonseca Júnior, V. M. Cirino

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

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) have great economic and social importance worldwide and is the widely distributed crop in the world and the main food legume in Americas, especially in Brazil, Mexico and the USA (Sikora et al., 2005). Brazil is the second largest producer and is responsible to 15% from the world production with an annual mean consumption of 3.25 million ton (MAPA, 2013). However, the productivity is compromised due to pests, diseases and weeds that occur in the crop, with emphasis to phytonematodes.

In bean growing areas, yield losses caused by nematodes from genera Meloidogyne, especially …

Genotypic Variation In Flatulence Causing Oligosaccharides In Biofortified And Commercial Dry Bean Varieties, P. M. Kimani, P. Komu, J. Mudiope, P. Githuka

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

INTRODUCTION Elimination of flatulence is a challenging practical problem associated with consumption of legumes. The problem is compounded by the variability in susceptibility among individuals. Rackis (1981) established that the oligosaccharides-verbascose, stachyose and raffinose are major causes of flatulence. They escape digestion and are fermented by intestinal micro floral to form excessive amounts of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Little has been done to develop bean varieties that combine agronomic superiority with nutritional quality, fast cooking and low flatulence levels in eastern Africa. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine if there is genotypic variation in concentration of oligosaccharides …

Genetic Variability For Grain Technological Traits In Andean Common Bean Genotypes, Vania Kajiwara, L. B. Ribeiro, Anderson Akihide Hirose, M. B. S. Scholz, Vânia Moda-Cirino

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

INTRODUCTION Andean common bean group presents tegument coloration and grain size variability. In this group, Dark Red kidney, Cranberry, Great Northern, Light Red kidney, Pinto, among others are the main commercial bean classes (Blair et al., 2010). High hydration rates, grain integrity and low cooking time are grain technological traits demanded by consumers and processors. These traits favor the fast prepare and also grain freezing and canning (Della Corte et al., 2003). Since there is genetic variability for grain technological traits among the Andean genotypes, the development of promising lines is possible by bean breeding programs to reach market demands. …

Antioxidant Activity In Relation To The Size Of Pod In Different Snap Bean Genotypes, Felipe F. Furlan, Guilherme R. Gomes, Gustavo H. Freiria, Douglas J. Bertoncelli, Mônica S. Omura, Guilherme A.C. Alves, Verônica Pellizzaro, Tamara M. Machado, Fernanda G. De Almeida, Rodrigo Anschau, Lúcia S.A. Takahashi

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

INTRODUCTION: The snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a legume that is widely consumed on the world scenario due to its biochemical composition and nutritional quality (Furlan et al., 2016). Besides the nutritional compounds, the snap bean presents antioxidants properties, inhibiting or retarding the oxidative damage, which avoids the propagation of oxidative reactions and can prevent diseases caused by free radicals. (Silva et al., 2009).

The aim of this study was to evaluated the interaction between the antioxidant activity and pod size of several snap bean genotypes cultivated in the sowing season spring/summer and autumn/winter.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The …

Subject Matter Index - Volume 60

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

Acutifolius .................................................................................................. 25, 171

Angular Leaf Spot ..................................................................................... 1, 29

Anthracnose ....................................................................... 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 29

Coccineus................................................................................................ 169, 173, 175

Cooking, Nutrition, Quality ................................ 61, 131, 133, 141, 149, 151, 153, 155, 159, 163, 165, 167

Drought, Water Stress ......................................................... 23, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 193

Fertility, Fertilization, Nutrients, Tillage ............................. 11, 65, 67, 69, 77, 79, 129, 149, 165

Genetics, Breeding .......................................................13, 17, 95, 107, 177, 185, 187, 189, 191

Insects, Weevils .................................................................... 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93

Lunatus ............................................................................ 43, 95, 97, 99, 101, 103, 149

Macrophomina ...................................................................................... 19, 21, …

The Host Microbiome Regulates And Maintains Human Health: A Primer And Perspective For Non-Microbiologists, Sunil Thomas, Jacques Izard, Emily Walsh, Kristen Batich, Pakawat Chongsathidkiet, Gerard Clarke, David A. Sela, Alexander J. Muller, James M. Mullin, Korin Albert, John P. Gilligan, Katherine Diguilio, Rima Dilbarova, Walker Alexander, George P. Prendergast

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Humans consider themselves discrete autonomous organisms, but recent research is rapidly strengthening the appreciation that associated microorganisms make essential contributions to human health and well being. Each person is inhabited and also surrounded by his/her own signature microbial cloud. A low diversity of microorganisms is associated with a plethora of diseases, including allergy, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and even neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, an interaction of microorganisms with the host immune system is required for a healthy body. Exposure to microorganisms from the moment we are born and appropriate microbiome assembly during childhood are essential for establishing an active …

Foxo3 Increases Mir-34a To Cause Palmitate-Induced Cholangiocyte Lipoapoptosis, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Bailey A. Stringham, Ashley M. Mohr, Cody J. Wehrkamp, Sizhao Lu, Mary Anne Phillippi, Duygu Dee Harrison-Findik, Justin L. Mott

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients have elevated plasma saturated free fatty acid levels. These toxic fatty acids can induce liver cell death and our recent results demonstrated that the biliary epithelium may be susceptible to lipotoxicity. Here, we explored the molecular mechanisms of cholangiocyte lipoapoptosis in cell culture and in an animal model of NASH. Treatment of cholangiocytes with palmitate (PA) showed increased caspase 3/7 activity and increased levels of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase 3, demonstrating cholangiocyte lipoapoptosis. Interestingly, treatment with PA significantly increased the levels of microRNA miR-34a, a pro-apoptotic microRNA known to be elevated in NASH. …

Aberrant Expression Of Microrna Induced By High-Fructose Diet: Implications In The Pathogenesis Of Hyperlipidemia And Hepatic Insulin Resistance, Nettu Sud, Hanyuan Zhang, Kaichao Pan, Xiao Cheng, Juan Cui, Qiaozhu Su

Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

Fructose is a highly lipogenic sugar that can alter energy metabolism and trigger metabolic disorders. In the current study, microRNAs (miRNAs) altered by a high-fructose diet were comprehensively explored to elucidate their significance in the pathogenesis of chronic metabolic disorders. miRNA expression profiling using small noncoding RNA sequencing revealed that 19 miRNAs were significantly upregulated and 26 were downregulated in the livers of high-fructose-fed mice compared to chow-fed mice. Computational prediction and functional analysis identified 10 miRNAs, miR-19b-3p, miR-101a-3p, miR-30a-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-378a-3p, miR-33-5p, miR-145a-3p, miR-128-3p, miR-125b-5p and miR-582-3p, assembled as a regulatory network to potentially target key genes in lipid …

Bioactive Compounds And Antioxidant Activity In Grains Of Lima Bean Genotypes, Régis De Araujo Pinheiro, Gilberto A. Peripolli Bevilaqua, Irajá Ferreira Antunes, Lester Amorim Pinheiro

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

INTRODUCTION: Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) plays a relevant role, mainly in the Northeast region of Brazil, where it is an alternative source of income and food source for the population, which consumes it in the form of mature or green grains, decreasing dependence on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The dry grains have nutritional value similar to common bean, containing approximately 63% of carbohydrates, 25% of protein and 6% of fibers (AZEVEDO et al, 2003). Grain consumption contributes synergistically to its medicinal properties as antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antimicrobial, with a positive effect against some chronic diseases …

Higher Concentration Of Fe Leads To Histone Modification In Common Bean Tissue, Cheyenne E. Durant, Cherokee N. Durant, Lindsey Shimpa, Maren A. Johnson, Venugopal Kalavacharla, Khwaja Hossain

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

INTRODUCTION Over more than 100 years agricultural scientists all over the world have developed high yielding crop varieties to meet the energy demand of increasing population. However the nutritional qualities have not been given priorities as a result world is facing with serious malnutrition problem. Two of the most prominent deficiencies affecting the world are of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Among others Fe is vital in building proteins of red blood cells, whereas Zn is essential in cellular growth and development. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and small interfering RNA (sRNA) regulate the transcription of DNA …

Mapping And Predicting Color Retention And Other Quality Traits In Black Bean Populations, Nolan Bornomski, Fernando A. Mendoza, James D. Kelly

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

INTRODUCTION Dry edible beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) provide an economical, nutritious food source for millions of people around the world and are grown in a diverse variety of sizes, colors, shapes, and agronomic traits. In the United States, dry beans are commonly consumed as readyto- eat canned products, which makes canning quality important to industry standards and consumer preferences. When black beans are processed for canning, they dramatically lose their dark coloration, which results in an undesirable, faded-brown, canned product. Although phenotyping is time and labor-intensive, genotypes with superior color retention have been identified that can enable genetic improvement …

2017 Membership Directory

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

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Xylanase Or An Algal Sourced Zinc Polysaccharide Complex On The Performance Of Laying Hens Fed A Corn And Soybean Diet, Ashley Bigge

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Two studies were conducted to determine the effects of two different feed additives on the performance of laying hens. Study 1 examined the effects of non-starch polysaccharide degrading enzyme inclusion in a low energy diet. Study 2 examined the effects of supplementing a paramylon zinc polysaccharide complex at increasing concentrations. Both studies utilized a randomized complete block design for treatment assignment, and data were analyzed using the Glimmix procedure in SAS 9.4 for windows.

The first study took place July 2014 to March 2015 and consisted of two phases. Each phase tested a positive control, negative control with lower ME …

Tolerance To Aluminum Toxicity In Common Bean Genotypes, Anderson Akihide Hirose, José Dos Santos Neto, Vania Kajiwara, Vânia Moda-Cirino

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

INTRODUCTION Approximately one third of areas cultivated with common bean in Brazil, more specifically in the states of Paraná, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Goiás and Bahia, have high aluminum (Al) concentration and low fertility in soils (Giannakoula, 2008). In conditions of acidity and low fertility, the presence of soluble Al in the soil solution is one of the most limiting abiotic factors of crop development and yield. The Al exchangeable interferes in the absorption and movement of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium in the plant, contributing also to the adsorption of phosphorus in the soil (Echart and Cavalli-Molina, 2001). Considering the …

Towards The Development Of A Sustainable Soya Bean-Based Feedstock For Aquaculture, Hyunwoo Park, Steven Weier, Fareha Razvi, Pamela A. Peña, Neil A. Sims, Jennica Lowell, Cory Hungate, Karma Kissinger, Gavin Key, Paul Fraser, Jonathan Napier, Edgar B. Cahoon, Thomas Clemente

Center for Plant Science Innovation: Faculty Publications

Soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is sought after for both its oil and protein components. Genetic approaches to add value to either component are ongoing efforts in soya bean breeding and molecular biology programmes. The former is the primary vegetable oil consumed in the world. Hence, its primary usage is in direct human consumption. As a means to increase its utility in feed applications, thereby expanding the market of soya bean coproducts, we investigated the simultaneous displacement of marine ingredients in aquafeeds with soya bean-based protein and a high Omega-3 fatty acid soya bean oil, enriched with alpha-linolenic …

Nebline, February 2017

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: 3rd Graders Learn About Life Cycle By Hatching Eggs in Classrooms

Food & Health

Farm & Acreage

Pests & Wildlife

Horticulture

Early Childhood

4-H & Youth

and other extension news and events

Lifestyle And Horizontal Gene Transfer- Mediated Evolution Of Mucispirillum Schaedleri, A Core Member Of The Murine Gut Microbiota, Alexander Loy, Carina Pfann, Michaela Steinberger, Buck Hanson, Simone Herp, Sandrine Brugiroux, João Carlos Gomes Neto, Mark V. Boekschoten, Clarissa Schwab, Tim Urich, Amanda E. Ramer-Tait, Thomas Rattei, Bärbel Stecher, David Berry

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Mucispirillum schaedleri is an abundant inhabitant of the intestinal mucus layer of rodents and other animals and has been suggested to be a pathobiont, a commensal that plays a role in disease. In order to gain insights into its lifestyle, we analyzed the genome and transcriptome of M. schaedleri ASF 457 and performed physiological experiments to test traits predicted by its genome. Although described as a mucus inhabitant, M. schaedleri has limited capacity for degrading host-derived mucosal glycans and other complex polysaccharides. Additionally, M. schaedleri reduces nitrate and expresses systems for scavenging oxygen and reactive oxygen species in vivo, …

The Economic Impact Of New Technology Adoption: An Example Of The Role Of Genetically Modified Technology, Lia Nogueira

Cornhusker Economics

Fire blight is a bacterial disease that can affect various parts of the apple tree during different growth stages, including the blossom, fruit, roots and shoots. Fire blight outbreaks cause serious damage to apple producers. In 2000, Michigan lost more than 600 acres of orchards and more than 220,000 trees aged two to five years to the disease, leading to a loss of more than $42 million to the region (Norelli, Jones, and Aldwinckle, 2003). Typically in the United States, fire blight losses exceed $100 million annually. In this study, we evaluate new production technologies aimed at controlling fire blight …

Dietary Cation–Anion Difference May Explain Why Ammonium Urate Nephrolithiasis Occurs More Frequently In Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) Under Human Care Than In Free-Ranging Common Bottlenose Dolphins1, A. J. Ardente, R. S. Wells, C. R. Smith, M. T. Walsh, E. D. Jensen, T. L. Schmitt, J. Colee, B. J. Vagt, R. C. Hill

United States Navy: Publications

Ammonium urate nephrolithiasis frequently develops in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) managed under human care but is rare in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins. In other species, the dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) can affect ammonium urate urolith formation by increasing proton excretion as ammonium ions. Therefore, differences in diet between the 2 dolphin populations could affect urolith formation, but the DCAD of most species consumed by free-ranging and managed dolphins is unknown. To compare the nutrient composition of diets consumed by free-ranging and managed bottlenose dolphins, samples (n = 5) of the 8 species of fish commonly consumed …

Complex Variation In Habitat Selection Strategies Among Individuals Driven By Extrinsic Factors, Edward J. Raynor, Hawthorne L. Beyer, John M. Briggs, Anthony Joern

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Understanding behavioral strategies employed by animals to maximize fitness in the face of environmental heterogeneity, variability, and uncertainty is a central aim of animal ecology. Flexibility in behavior may be key to how animals respond to climate and environmental change. Using a mechanistic modeling framework for simultaneously quantifying the effects of habitat preference and intrinsic movement on space use at the landscape scale, we investigate how movement and habitat selection vary among individuals and years in response to forage quality–quantity tradeoffs, environmental conditions, and variable annual climate. We evaluated the association of dynamic, biotic forage resources and static, abiotic landscape …

Drivers Of Nitrogen Transfer In Stream Food Webs Across Continents, B. C. Norman, M. R. Whiles, S. M. Collins, A. S. Flecker, S. K. Hamilton, S. L. Johnson, E. J. Rosi-Marshall, L. R. Ashkenas, W. B. Bowden, C. L. Crenshaw, T. Crowl, W. K. Dodds, R. O. Hall, R. El-Sabaawi, N. A. Griffiths, E. Marti, W. H. Mcdowell, S. D. Peterson, H. M. Rantala, T. Riis, K. S. Simon, J. L. Tank, S. A. Thomas, D. Von Schiller, J. R. Webster

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Studies of trophic-level material and energy transfers are central to ecology. The use of isotopic tracers has now made it possible to measure trophic transfer efficiencies of important nutrients and to better understand how these materials move through food webs. We analyzed data from thirteen ¹⁵N-ammonium tracer addition experiments to quantify N transfer from basal resources to animals in headwater streams with varying physical, chemical, and biological features. N transfer efficiencies from primary uptake compartments (PUCs; heterotrophic microorganisms and primary producers) to primary consumers was lower (mean: 11.5%, range:100%). Total N transferred (as a rate) was greater in streams …

Exploring Elementary Students’ Scientific Knowledge Of Agriculture Using Evidence-Centered Design, Molly Brandt, Cory Forbes, Jenny Keshwani

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

The public is more disconnected from agriculture than ever. Americans are now two to four generations removed from the farm with a majority of Americans having no direct experience in agriculture. As a result, the public lacks the knowledge and appreciation of the food, fuel, and fiber it demands. The National Agricultural Learning Objectives (NALOs) were recently developed to describe students’ agricultural knowledge but have, as yet, not been used to guide research into students’ agricultural literacy. The purpose of this project is to further understand students’ agricultural literacy through NALO-based assessment of students’ knowledge. This study focused on the …