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Nella Frierson Full Interview Transcript, Urban Green Lab, Tennessee State University

Hear from Nella "Ms. Pearl" Frierson - Nashvillian in Community Gardening

No abstract provided.

Antibiogram Profiles Of Pathogenic And Commensal Bacteria In Goat And Sheep Feces On Smallholder Farm, Ashesh Basnet, Agnes Kilonzo-Nthenge

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Introduction: The increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic pathogens poses a substantial threat to both animal production and human health. Although large-scale animal farms are acknowledged as major reservoirs for AMR, there is a notable knowledge gap concerning AMR in small-scale farms. This study seeks to address this gap by collecting and analyzing 137 fecal samples from goat and sheep farms in Tennessee and Georgia.

Method: Bacteria were identified using culture-dependent methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion method.

Results and discussion: The prevalence of E. coli (94.9%) …

The Impact Of Essential Amino Acids On The Gut Microbiota Of Broiler Chickens, Thyneice Taylor-Bowden, Sarayu Bhogoju, Collins N. Khwatenge, Samuel N. Nahashon

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

The research involving the beneficial aspects of amino acids being added to poultry feed pertaining to performance, growth, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio is extensive. Yet currently the effects of amino acids on the gut microbiota aren’t fully understood nor have there been many studies executed in poultry to explain the relationship between amino acids and the gut microbiota. The overall outcome of health has been linked to bird gut health due to the functionality of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) for digestion/absorption of nutrients as well as immune response. These essential functions of the GI are greatly driven by the …

Dissecting The Genetic Diversity Of Usda Cowpea Germplasm Collection Using Kompetitive Allele Specific Pcr-Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers, Jesse Potts, Vincent N. Michael, Geoffrey Meru, Matthew W. Blair

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important grain legume crop of the subtropics, particularly in West Africa, where it contributes to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Despite being a drought-resilient crop, cowpea production is hampered by insect pests, diseases, parasitic weeds, and various abiotic stresses. Genetic improvement can help overcome these limitations, and exploring diverse cowpea genetic resources is crucial for cowpea breeding. This study evaluated the genetic diversity of 361 cowpea accessions from the USDA core collection for the species using 102 Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 102 KASP-SNP was …

Different Levels Of Single-Strain Probiotic (Bacillus Subtilis) With Proteolytic Enzyme (Serratiopeptidase) Can Be Used As An Alternative To Antibiotic Growth Promoters In Broiler, Muhammad Mushtaq, Baseerat Ali, Majid Ali, Neelam Bibi, Rabin Raut, Gamaleldin M. Suliman, Ayman A. Swelum

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

In the current study, the proteolytic enzyme (serratiopeptidase) was used to enhance the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) probiotic as a growth promotor in broiler chicken. The effects of serratiopeptidase on the efficacy of different levels of B. subtilis as a growth promotor in broiler chicks were evaluated regarding growth performance traits, villus histomorphometric characterization, and intestinal microbiota count. Day-old broiler chicks (n = 120) were allocated into 4 groups having 3 replicates/group. In the control group (C), the basal diet was kept without supplementation. In treatment groups (P100, P150, and P200), the basal diet was supplemented with 100, …

Powdery Mildew Of Bigleaf Hydrangea: Biology, Control, And Breeding Strategies For Resistance, Christina Jennings, Fulya Baysal-Gurel, Lisa W. Alexander

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as bigleaf, garden, French, or florist hydrangea, is the most economically important member of the Hydrangea genus, with a breeding history spanning hundreds of years. Bigleaf hydrangea breeding improvement has largely focused on aesthetic traits and there are few varieties tolerant or resistant to major diseases such as powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is an obligate biotrophic Ascomycete in the order Erysiphales represented by approximately 900 species worldwide. The disease-causing agent in hydrangeas is Golovinomyces orontii (formerly Erysiphe polygoni DC), which tarnishes the beauty, growth, and salability of bigleaf hydrangea plants, especially those packed closely in production …

Impacts Of Climate Change And Agricultural Practices On Nitrogen Processes, Genes, And Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions: A Quantitative Review Of Meta-Analyses, Dafeng Hui, Avedananda Ray, Lovish Kasrija, Jaekedah Christian

Biology Faculty Research

Microbial-driven processes, including nitrification and denitrification closely related to soil nitrous oxide (N2O) production, are orchestrated by a network of enzymes and genes such as amoA genes from ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA), narG (nitrate reductase), nirS and nirK (nitrite reductase), and nosZ (N2O reductase). However, how climatic factors and agricultural practices could influence these genes and processes and, consequently, soil N2O emissions remain unclear. In this comprehensive review, we quantitatively assessed the effects of these factors on nitrogen processes and soil N2O emissions using mega-analysis (i.e., meta-meta-analysis). The results showed that global warming increased soil nitrification and denitrification …

Chemical Control Of Powdery Mildew Of Bigleaf Hydrangea, Christina Jennings, Terri Simmons, Madhav Parajuli, Cansu Oksel, Prabha Liyanapathiranage, Kumuditha Hikkaduwa Epa Liyanage, Fulya Baysal-Gurel

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

The efficacy of the fungicide pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole (Postiva) was evaluated at varying application rates and intervals for the control of powdery mildew (Golovinomyces orontii, formerly Erysiphe polygoni) in bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’). Container-grown hydrangeas were arranged in a completely randomized design with six single-plant replications. Experiments were done in 2022 and 2023 under both greenhouse and shade house conditions (56% shade). Powdery mildew in hydrangea was developed naturally. Pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole at 1.1, 1.6, and 2.2 ml·L21 and a standard fungicide azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr (Mural) at 0.5 g·L21 were sprayed to runoff on 2-, 4-, and 6-week …

Crop Classification In South Korea For Multitemporal Planetscope Imagery Using Sfc-Densenet-Am, Seonkyeong Seong, Anjin Chang, Junsang Mo, Sangil Na, Hoyong Ahn, Jaehong Oh, Jaewan Choi

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

In this manuscript, a new methodology based on a deep learning model using a Siamese network and attention module was proposed to classify crop cultivation areas, such as onion and garlic, from multitemporal PlanetScope images in South Korea. To consider the seasonal characteristics of crops in the model, training data were constructed from multitemporal satellite images. It was generated using PlanetScope satellite imagery from January and April, corresponding to the seasonal growth period of onion and garlic, in South Korea. Image patches were generated by considering the ratio of crops to minimize the influence of imbalanced data in the training …

Vascular Streak Dieback An Emerging Threat To The Redbud Nursery Production In The Southeastern United States, Fulya Baysal-Gurel, Prabha Liyanapathiranage

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Watch Out For Putnam Scale, Diaspidiotus Ancylus, Alfred Daniel Johnson, Muhammad Ahmed,, Karla . M. Addesso

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Additional Information - Ms. Pearl Interview, Urban Green Lab, Tennessee State University

Hear from Nella "Ms. Pearl" Frierson - Nashvillian in Community Gardening

No abstract provided.

Japanese Maple Scale Biological Control, Alfred Daniel J., Karla M. Addesso

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Periodical Cicadas In Tennessee, Karla M. Addesso, Jason B. Oliver, Martine Bowombe-Toko, Douglas L. Airhart

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Entomology Striped Cucumber Beetle, Kaushalya Amarasekare

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Crapemyrtle Aphid, Kripa Dhakal, Kaitlin Barrios, Karla M. Addesso

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Woody Ornamental Disease Management Research Reports 2024, Fulya Baysal-Gurel

Extension Publications

No abstract provided.

Reference Evapotranspiration Estimation Using Genetic Algorithm-Optimized Machine Learning Models And Standardized Penman–Monteith Equation In A Highly Advective Environment, Shafik Kiraga, R. Troy Peters, Behnaz Molaei, Steven R. Evett, Gary Marek

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Accurate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ETr) is important for irrigation planning, water resource management, and preserving agricultural and forest habitats. The widely used Penman–Monteith equation (ASCE-PM) estimates ETr across various timescales using ground weather station data. However, discrepancies persist between estimated ETr and measured ETr obtained from weighing lysimeters (ETr-lys), particularly in advective environments. This study assessed different machine learning (ML) models in comparison to ASCE-PM for ETr estimation in highly advective conditions. Various variable combinations, representing both radiation and aerodynamic components, were organized for evaluation. Eleven datasets (DT) were created for the daily timescale, while seven were established for …

Exploring The Microbial Diversity And Characterization Of Cellulase And Hemicellulase Genes In Goat Rumen: A Metagenomic Approach, Santosh Thapa, Suping Zhou, Joshua O’Hair, Kamal Al Nasr, Alexander Ropelewski, Hui Li

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Background

Goat rumen microbial communities are perceived as one of the most potential biochemical reservoirs of multi-functional enzymes, which are applicable to enhance wide array of bioprocesses such as the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemi-cellulose into fermentable sugar for biofuel and other value-added biochemical production. Even though, the limited understanding of rumen microbial genetic diversity and the absence of effective screening culture methods have impeded the full utilization of these potential enzymes. In this study, we applied culture independent metagenomics sequencing approach to isolate, and identify microbial communities in goat rumen, meanwhile, clone and functionally characterize novel cellulase and xylanase …

Conservation Agriculture And Cover Crop Adoption By Smallholder Farmers In Cambodia: Understanding Perceptions, Challenges, And Opportunities For Soil Improvement, Presley Nickens, David R. Ader, Max C. Miller, Ii, Pao Srean, Tom Gill, Sovanneary Huot

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Practical solutions for soil conservation are needed to ensure sustainable food production. Conservation agriculture and the use of cover crops are promising strategies for soil improvement in agricultural systems. These strategies are being promoted in Cambodia to address rapidly declining soil fertility; however, there is a lack of insight into the perceptions of Cambodian smallholders towards cover cropping within a conservation agriculture approach. A greater understanding of the utilization and perceptions of cover crops is needed to increase adoption and prevent further soil degradation. This study utilized a mixed methods approach with quantitative data from a farmer survey and qualitative …

Editorial: Amaranthus: Naturally Stress-Resistant Resources For Improved Agriculture And Human Health, Volume Ii, Matthew W. Blair, Chance Riggins, Ana Paulina Barba De La Rosa

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

The Financial Implications Of Specialization, Diversification, Or Alternative Enterprises On Small Farms: Evidence From Tennessee, Aditya R. Khanal, Renu Ojha

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

In response to survival challenges, small farms in the United States undertake decisions to minimize downside risk or maximize gross revenue. Using primary survey data of small farms in Tennessee, we examined farmers’ strategic decisions on specialization or other forms of diversification and estimated the impacts of these decisions on farm financial performance. We found that farmer’s age, farmland holdings, use of a smartphone in farm-related activities, and off-farm work significantly influenced these strategic decisions. Our multinomial endogenous switching regression estimates suggested that small farms could attain significantly higher performance, around 45% higher gross farm income and a 30% higher …

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Radiometric Calibration: A Comparison Of Autoexposure And Fixed‐Exposure Images, G. Cody Bagnall, John Alex Thomasson, Chenghai Yang, Tianyi Wang, Xiongzhe Han, Chao Sima, Anjin Chang

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Remote sensing with uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) is increasingly being used in agriculture to provide data on the physical characteristics of plants under field conditions. Data accuracy is critical for decision making with a high degree of confidence. In this work, we compared two multispectral camera calibration methods for image data collected with a UAV: (1) an autoexposure method that relies on a single calibration panel and a post hoc calibration, and (2) a fixed-exposure system that uses three in-field gray calibration panels using the empirical line calibration method. Both methods were compared to reflectance data from (a) four ground …

Increasing Racial Diversity In The North American Plant Phenotyping Network Through Conference Participation Support, David Lebauer, Alexander Bucksch, Jennifer Clarke, Jesse Potts, Sonali Roy

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

A key goal of the North American Plant Phenotyping Network (NAPPN) annual conference is to cultivate a new generation of scientists from diverse backgrounds. As part of their effort to diversify the plant phenomics research community, NAPPN acquired funding to cover all attendance costs for participants from historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) for the 2022 annual meeting. Seven award recipients represented the first attendees from HBCUs in the conference's 6-year history. In this commentary, we report on the impact of the conference awards, including lessons learned, and the future of the award.

G Protein-Coupled Receptors: A Target For Microbial Metabolites And A Mechanistic Link To Microbiome-Immune-Brain Interactions, Gajender Aleti, Emily A. Troyer, Suzi Hong

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Human-microorganism interactions play a key role in human health. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Small-molecules that offer a functional readout of microbe-microbe-human relationship are of great interest for deeper understanding of the inter-kingdom crosstalk at the molecular level. Recent studies have demonstrated that small-molecules from gut microbiota act as ligands for specific human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and modulate a range of human physiological functions, offering a mechanistic insight into the microbe-human interaction. To this end, we focused on analysis of bacterial metabolites that are currently recognized to bind to GPCRs and are found to activate the …

Exploring The Spatial Patterning Of Sociodemographic Disparities In Extreme Heat Exposure At Multiple Scales Across The Conterminous United States, Deeksha Rastogi, Jaekedah Christian, Joe Tuccillo, Blair Christian, Anuj J. Kapadia, Heidi A. Hanson

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Student Research

Abstract Climate change has led to an increase in heat‐related morbidity and mortality. The impact of heat on health is unequally distributed amongst different socioeconomic and demographic groups. We use high‐resolution daily air temperature‐based heat wave intensity (HWI) and neighborhood‐scale sociodemographic information from the conterminous United States to evaluate the spatial patterning of extreme heat exposure disparities. Assuming differences in spatial patterns at national, regional, and local scales; we assess disparities in heat exposure across race, housing characteristics, and poverty level. Our findings indicate small differences in HWI based on these factors at the national level, with the magnitude and …

Comparative Performance Of Fungicides In Management Of Phytophthora Root Rot On Boxwood, Madhav Parajuli, Sandhya Neupane, Prabha Liyanapathiranage, Fulya L Baysal-Gure

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Nursery growers rely on fungicides to manage root rot disease of boxwood caused by Phytophthora nicotianae and P. cinnamomi. Repeated use of the same fungicide may lead to the fungicide resistance. In this study, fungicides pyraclostrobin + cyazofamid (Empress + Segway), ametoctradin + dimethomorph (Orvego), ametoctradin + dimethomorph alternated with pyraclostrobin (Orvego alt Empress), ametoctradin + dimethomorph alternated with fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin (Orvego alt Orkestra), and oxathiapiprolin (Segovis) were evaluated for their efficacy in managing Phytophthora root rot under greenhouse conditions in Tennessee. One-year-old container-grown boxwood ‘Green Velvet’ plants were inoculated with P. nicotianae or P. cinnamomi. The first applications …

Identification Of T-Dna Structure And Insertion Site In Transgenic Crops Using Targeted Capture Sequencing, Eric Maina Magembe, Hui Li, Ali Taheri, Suping Zhou, Marc Ghislain

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

The commercialization of GE crops requires a rigorous safety assessment, which includes a precise DNA level characterization of inserted T-DNA. In the past, several strategies have been developed for identifying T-DNA insertion sites including, Southern blot and different PCR-based methods. However, these methods are often challenging to scale up for screening of dozens of transgenic events and for crops with complex genomes, like potato. Here, we report using target capture sequencing (TCS) to characterize the T-DNA structure and insertion sites of 34 transgenic events in potato. This T-DNA is an 18 kb fragment between left and right borders and carries …

Identification Of Brush Species And Herbicide Effect Assessment In Southern Texas Using An Unoccupied Aerial System (Uas), Xiaoqing Shen, Megan K. Clayton, Michael J. Starek, Anjin Chang, Russell W. Jessup, James L. Foster

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Cultivation and grazing since the mid-nineteenth century in Texas has caused dramatic changes in grassland vegetation. Among these changes is the encroachment of native and introduced brush species. The distribution and quantity of brush can affect livestock production and water holding capacity of soil. Still, at the same time, brush can improve carbon sequestration and enhance agritourism and real estate value. The accurate identification of brush species and their distribution over large land tracts are important in developing brush management plans which may include herbicide application decisions. Near-real-time imaging and analyses of brush using an Unoccupied Aerial System (UAS) is …

Data On Plant Defense Enzyme Activity Associated With Three Endophytes Against Cornus Florida Erysiphe Pulchra Powdery Mildew, Emily Rotich, Margaret T. Mmbaga

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

Three bacteria endophytes that colonize flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) suppressed Erysiphe pulchra powdery mildew disease severity. The three bacteria identified as Stenotrophomonas sp. (B17A), Serratia marcescens (B17B), and Bacillus thuringiensis (IMC8) were assessed for plant defense enzymes associated with plant protection. Detached leaves inoculated with powdery mildew were spray treated with the selected bacterial isolates and incubated for 15 h, 26 h, 48 h and 72 h and then analyzed for activation of defense enzymes and Pathogenesis related (PR) proteins associated with induced systemic resistance (ISR) as a potential mode of action against powdery mildew. At each time …