Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

An Assessment Of The Factors Influencing The Prediction Accuracy Of Genomic Prediction Models Across Multiple Environments, Sarah Widener, George Graef, Alexander E. Lipka, Diego Jarquin

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

The effects of climate change create formidable challenges for breeders striving to produce sufficient food quantities in rapidly changing environments. It is therefore critical to investigate the ability of multi-environment genomic prediction (GP) models to predict genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) in extreme environments. Exploration of the impact of training set composition on the accuracy of such GEBVs is also essential. Accordingly, we examined the influence of the number of training environments and the use of environmental covariates (ECs) in GS models on four subsets of n = 500 lines of the soybean nested association mapping (SoyNAM) panel grown in …

Veganic Agriculture In The United States: Opportunities For Research, Outreach, And Education, Alisha Utter, Mona Seymour

Journal of Extension

A growing number of farmers are excluding animal inputs from crop production, an approach commonly referred to as veganic or stockfree organic agriculture. This research-based article discusses the soil health and fertility strategies reported by a sample of U.S. veganic farmers. These approaches may be relevant beyond the veganic community to farmers seeking innovative methods for produce safety and nutrient cycling. Agricultural outreach professionals (AOPs), including Extension personnel, play a critical role in supporting veganic practices by serving as cross-pollinators between farmers and research institutions. Thus, the article endeavors to expand AOP familiarity with veganic practices and benefits.

Generalist Bird Exhibits Site-Dependent Resource Selection, Samantha M. Cady, Craig A. Davis, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, Rheinhardt Scholtz, Daniel R. Uden, Dirac Twidwell

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Quantifying resource selection (an organism's disproportionate use of available resources) is essential to infer habitat requirements of a species, develop management recommendations, predict species responses to changing conditions, and improve our understanding of the processes that underlie ecological patterns. Because study sites, even within the same region, can differ in both the amount and the arrangement of cover types, our objective was to determine whether proximal sites can yield markedly different resource selection results for a generalist bird, northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). We used 5 years of telemetry locations and newly developed land cover data at two, geographically distinct but …

Data From A Public–Industry Partnership For Enhancing Corn Nitrogen Research, C J. Ransom, J D. Clark, G M. Bean, C J. Bandura, M Shafer, N R. Kitchen, J J. Camberato, P R. Carter, R B. Ferguson, F G. Fernandez, D W. Franzen, C.A.M. Laboski, D B. Myers, E D. Nafziger, J E. Sawyer, J F. Shanahan

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Improving corn (Zea mays L.) N management is pertinent to economic and environmental objectives. However, there are limited comprehensive data sources to develop and test N fertilizer decision aid tools across a wide geographic range of soil and weather scenarios. Therefore, a public-industry partnership was formed to conduct standardized corn N rate response field studies throughout the U.S. Midwest. This research was conducted using a standardized protocol at 49 site-years across eight states over the 2014 to 2016 growing seasons with many soil, plant, and weather related measurements. This note provides the data (found in supplemental files), outlines the data, …

Structural Insights Into The Functional Divergence Of Whib-Like Proteins In Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Tao Wan, Magdalena Horova, Daisy Guiza Beltran, Shanren Li, Huey-Xian Wong, Li-Mei Zhang

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

WhiB7 represents a distinct subclass of transcription factors in the WhiB-Like (Wbl) family, a unique group of iron-sulfur (4Fe-4S] cluster-containing proteins exclusive to the phylum of Actinobacteria. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), WhiB7 interacts with domain 4 of the primary sigma factor (σ_^A4) in the RNA polymerase holoenzyme and activates genes involved in multiple drug resistance and redox homeostasis. Here, we report crystal structures of the WhiB7:σ^A₄ complex alone and bound to its target promoter DNA at 1.55-Å and 2.6-Å resolution, respectively. These structures show how WhiB7 regulates gene expression by interacting with both …

Crop Yield And Economics Of Cropping Systems Involving Different Rotations, Tillage, And Cover Crops, J. Singh, T. Wang, S. Kumar, Pete Sexton, J. Davis, A. Bly

Economics Faculty Publications

Diversified cropping systems integrated with winter cover crops (CCs) and no-till (NT) systems can provide substantial soil conservation benefits in the midwestern Corn Belt of the United States, but there is uncertainty on how these practices affect producer profits. This study compared crop yield and economic performance from cropping systems that featured three crop rotations: corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.; two-year), corn–soybean–oat (Avena sativa L.; three-year), and corn–soybean–oat–winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; four-year); two tillage systems: NT and conventional-till (CT); and two cover cropping managements: CC and no-cover crop. Tillage and rotation treatments …

Conservation Agriculture For Food Security And Climate Resilience In Nepal, Deepak R. Joshi, Rajan Ghimire, Tulsi Kharel, Umakant Mishrra, Sharon A. Clay

Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Faculty Publications

Achieving the sustainable development goals of the United Nations requires innovations in agriculture and development of climate-smart and economically feasible approaches for smallholder farmers in developing countries. Historical climate data of Nepal, which include 116 yr since 1901, has shown an increasing trend for average temperature by 0.016 ˚C yr–1 whereas precipitation has shown a decreasing trend by 0.137 mm yr–1. Such weather trends could enhance glacier melt associated flooding, and delayed monsoon rainfalls negatively impacting the agricultural production. The Nepalese government is promoting conservation agriculture (CA) through development of low-cost technologies that can be used effectively in difficult terrains. …

Economically Optimal Nitrogen Side-Dressing Based On Vegetation Indices From Satellite Images Through On-Farm Experiments, Qianqian Du

Department of Agricultural Economics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Optimal N fertilizer rates for corn (Zea mays L.) vary substantially within and among fields, and by corn growth stages. Improving N side-dressing management can improve fertilizer use efficiency, farmers’ profitability, and the sustainability of crop production. The objective of this study is to introduce a framework along with a methodology that can find the site-specific economically optimal N rates (EONRs) within one field for a particular growing season. An on-farm experiment was conducted in the 2019 corn growing season. A base N rate was applied uniformly on the field. NDRE images from the Sentinel-2 satellite were observed during …

The Importance Of Communication Skills To Independent Crop Consultants, Lindsay Overmyer

Doctor of Plant Health Program: Dissertations and Student Research

Independent crop consulting companies provide services to farmers by scouting (i.e., collecting field observations of plants and pests) and developing management recommendations for individual fields. In production agriculture, independent crop consultants (ICCs) are professionals who are independent of product sales. They are knowledgeable in many disciplines including plant pathology, entomology, weed science, plant science, economics, water management, and soil science. However, ICCs must also have extensive communication skills to communicate to their audience of field scout(s), farmers, industry professionals, and government officials. The goal of this document is to examine how ICCs use their communication skills and how they can …

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genetic Mechanisms Of Sugarcane Aphid Resistance In Grain Sorghum, Desalegn D. Serba, Xiaoxi Meng, James Schnable, Elfadil Bashir, J P. Michaud, P V. Vara Prasad, Ramasamy Perumal

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (SCA), has become a major pest of grain sorghum since its appearance in the USA. Several grain sorghum parental lines are moderately resistant to the SCA. However, the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying this resistance are poorly understood, which has constrained breeding for improved resistance. RNA-Seq was used to conduct transcriptomics analysis on a moderately resistant genotype (TAM428) and a susceptible genotype (Tx2737) to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance. Differential expression analysis revealed differences in transcriptomic profile between the two genotypes at multiple time points after infestation by SCA. Six gene …

Fostering A Climate-Smart Intensification For Oil Palm, Juan Pablo Monzon, Maja A. Slingerland, Suroso Rahutomo, Fahmuddin Agus, Thomas Oberthür, José F. Andrade, Antoine Couëdel, Juan I. Rattalino Edreira, Willem Hekman, Rob Van Den Beuken, Fandi Hidayat, Iput Pradiko, Dwi K.G. Purwantomo, Christopher R. Donough, Hendra Sugianto, Ya Li Lim, Thomas Farrell, Patricio Grassini

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Oil palm production in Indonesia illustrates the intense pressure that exists worldwide to convert natural ecosystems to agricultural production. Oil palm production has increased because of expansion of cultivated area rather than due to average-yield increases. We used a data-rich modelling approach to investigate how intensification on existing plantations could help Indonesia meet palm oil demand while preserving fragile ecosystems. We found that average current yield represents 62% and 53% of the attainable yield in large and smallholder plantations, respectively. Narrowing yield gaps via improved agronomic management, together with a limited expansion that excludes fragile ecosystems, would save 2.6 million …

Foliar Applied Boron Not Only Enhances Seed Cotton Yield But Also Improves Fiber Strength And Fineness Of Cotton Cultivars, Muhammad Ashfaq Wahid, Muhammad Saleem, Shahbaz Khan, Sohail Irshad, Mumtaz Akhtar Cheema, Muhammad Farrukh Saleem, Haroon Zaman Khan, Madad Ali, Ali Bakhsh, Zuhair Hasnain, Sara T. Alrashood, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is as famous as “White Gold” due to its high quality fiber. Boron (B) is one of essential micronutrients involved directly or indirectly in many plant processes. Cotton growth, yield and quality are intensely influenced with B application. A 2 years field based study was conducted to explore the impact of foliar applied B (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 kg ha^-1) on productivity and quality of cotton cultivars (FH-113, MNH-786, and CIM-496). Outcomes of the experiment reflected that application of various levels of B significantly influences the growth and quality attributes …

Biocomposites Of Low-Density Polyethylene Plus Wood Flour Or Flax Straw: Biodegradation Kinetics Across Three Environments, Anna K. Zykova, Petr V. Pantyukhov, Elena E. Mastalygina, Christian Chaverri-Ramos, Svetlana G. Nikolaeva, Jose J. Saavedra-Arias, Anatoly A. Popov, Sam E. Wortman, Matheus Poletto

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for biocomposite films to biodegrade in diverse climatic environments. Biocomposite films based on polyethylene and 30 wt.% of two lignocellulosic fillers (wood flour or flax straw) of different size fractions were prepared and studied. The developed composite films were characterized by satisfactory mechanical properties that allows the use of these materials for various applications. The biodegradability was evaluated in soil across three environments: laboratory conditions, an open field in Russia, and an open field in Costa Rica. All the samples lost weight and tensile strength during biodegradation tests, which was …

Physical–Chemical Properties, Droplet Size, And Efficacy Of Dicamba Plus Glyphosate Tank Mixture Influenced By Adjuvants, Estefania Gomiero Polli, Guilherme Sousa Alves, Joao Victor De Oliveira, Greg Robert Kruger

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Dicamba plus glyphosate tank mixture have been largely adopted for postemergence weed control after the development of dicamba-tolerant crops. Ammonium sulfate is commonly used as water conditioner (WC) to increase glyphosate efficacy, but its use is restricted for dicamba herbicides. The use of non-AMS water conditioner and other adjuvants could be a way to optimize efficacy of this tank mixture while mitigating herbicide off-target movement. The objective of this study was to determine the physical–chemical properties and droplet size distribution of dicamba and glyphosate solutions with and without non-AMS WC alone and tank mixed with other adjuvants and evaluate the …

Critical Time For Weed Removal In Corn As Influenced By Planting Pattern And Pre Herbicides, Dejan Nedeljkovic, Stevan Knezevic, Dragana Bozic, Sava Vrbnicanin

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Determining the critical time for weed removal (CTWR) is essential for the development of an integrated weed management plan. Therefore, field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of two planting patterns (standard and twin-row) with and without PRE-applied herbicides on CTWR in corn. Experiments were laid out in a split-plot arrangement with two main plots: (i) standard row planting (SRP) that is 70 cm wide, and (ii) twin-row planting (TRP) with 50 cm distance between each set of double rows. Each main plot was divided into two sub-plots (with and without PRE herbicides). The sub-sub-plots consisted of seven weed …

Sweet Sorghum Genotypes Tolerant And Sensitive To Nitrogen Stress Select Distinct Root Endosphere And Rhizosphere Bacterial Communities, Lucas Dantas Lopes, Yen Ning Chai, Ellen L. Marsh, John F. Rajewski, Ismail Dweikat, Daniel P. Schachtman

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

The belowground microbiomes have many beneficial functions that assist plant growth, including nutrient cycling, acquisition and transport, as well as alleviation of stresses caused by nutrient limitations such as nitrogen (N). Here we analyzed the root endosphere, rhizosphere and soil bacterial communities of seven sweet sorghum genotypes differing in sensitivity to N-stress. Sorghum genotypes were grown in fields with no (low-N) or sufficient (high-N) N. The dry shoot weight ratio (low-N/high-N) was used to determine N-stress sensitivity. Our hypothesis was that genotypes tolerant and sensitive to N-stress select distinct bacterial communities. The endosphere and rhizosphere bacterial community structure were significantly …

Understanding Producers’ Perspectives On Rotational Grazing Benefits Across Us Great Plains, Tong Wang, Hailong Jin, Urs Kreuter, Richard Teague

Economics Faculty Publications

Experimental findings on rotational grazing (RG) trials have generally differed from producer observations of RG outcomes on commercial scale ranches. Factors such as small plot size, short duration trials and relatively rigid grazing management that lacks responsiveness to the dynamic and complex social-ecological systems in grazing trials could all contribute to this disparity in outcomes. These differences call for a better understanding of producer perceptions of RG benefits. To fill this knowledge gap, we surveyed 4500 producers from the Northern and Southern Great Plains of the USA. Among the 875 respondents, 40.5% reported that they used continuous grazing (CG), 52.7% …

Rhizosphere Microbiomes In A Historical Maize-Soybean Rotation System Respond To Host Species And Nitrogen Fertilization At The Genus And Subgenus Levels, Michael A. Meier, Martha G. Lopez-Guerrero, Ming Guo, Marty Schmer, Josh Herr, James Schnable, James R. Alfano, Jinliang Yang

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Root-associated microbes are key players in plant health, disease resistance, and nitrogen (N) use efficiency. It remains largely unclear how the interplay of biological and environmental factors affects rhizobiome dynamics in agricultural systems. In this study, we quantified the composition of rhizosphere and bulk soil microbial communities associated with maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) in a long-term crop rotation study under conventional fertilization and low-N regimes. Over two growing seasons, we evaluated the effects of environmental conditions and several treatment factors on the abundance of rhizosphere- and soil-colonizing microbial taxa. Time of sampling, host plant species, …

Using Thermal Imaging To Measure Water Stress In Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens, Joseph G. Foral Jr.

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

Thermal imaging is a developing tool that can help turf managers reduce water consumption and improve irrigation scheduling, but in-depth studies are needed to maximize this potential. This study evaluated the ability of thermal imaging to identify water stress in a creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera ‘007’) putting green. Water use and canopy temperature (T_c) were measured for plots subjected to three levels of measured water replacement (full, half, and none) to evaluate changes over a range of soil water potentials (SWP). Water use was consistent across the irrigation treatments up to several days before observed wilt …

Morphophysiological And Molecular Characterization Of Millet (Panicum Miliaceum L.) Varieties For Crop Improvement In Western Europe, Massimo Vischi, Nicola Zorzin, Maria Bernhart, Johanna Winkler, Dipak Santra, Carla Pappalardo, Stefano Marchetti

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Background

Global warming and issues in favour of a more sustainable agriculture suggest a reconsideration of minor cereals in European agrosystems. Compared to other summer crops, proso millet has a remarkable drought resistance and could be used to improve crop rotation and biodiversity. Proso millet is also increasingly sought by industry to produce novel foods such as those designed for celiac patients. In this study, a thorough characterization of 11, commercially available, proso millet (Panicum milliaceum L.) varieties was carried out as a preliminary step for crop reintroduction and breeding in Western Europe.

Methods

The cultivars under evaluation were …

Improved Taste And Texture In Novel Popcorn Varieties Compared To Conventional Lines, Leandra Parsons, Oscar Rodriguez, David R. Holding

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Abstract Quality Protein Popcorn (QPP) varieties were bred out of a unique germplasm pool derived from Quality Protein dent Maize and conventional popcorn lines. To identify and compare distinctive characteristics within this population, a new sensory method was employed that coupled hedonic numeric rankings of common sensory traits appearance, aroma, texture, and taste with an “overall likability” score while requiring the selection of specific descriptors for taste and texture. Participants tasted six popcorn cultivars, rated each sample based on sensory factors, and offered specific descriptors for taste and texture. This sensory method identified two QPP hybrids with higher overall likability …

Coleoptile Length Comparison Of Three Winter Small Grain Cereals Adapted To The Great Plains, M. Alam, M. Kashif, Amanda Easterly, F. Wang, J. D. Boehm Jr., P. Stephen Baenziger

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Successful crop stand establishment is critical to realize high yield potential, which is dependent on depth of seed placement to access soil moisture. The coleoptile determines sowing depth by its length and ability to emerge from depth. This study was conducted to assess coleoptile length among three sets of three Great Plains winter small grain cereals—wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and triticale (X triticosecale Wittm.)—and to evaluate the effect of the Rht-B1b dwarfing allele on coleoptile length in wheat and triticale. Fifty seeds of each genotype were sown in wet germination paper in two …

Estimation Of Household Smoke-Exposure Risk Using Demographic And Health Survey (Dhs) Data, Mazbahul G. Ahamad, Fahian Tanin

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

We introduce Stata and R codes to estimate the household smoke-exposure risk (SER) variable using cooking fuel- and cooking place-related information obtained from country-level demographic and health survey (DHS) data. Two categories of cooking fuels (smoke-producing and non-smoke producing fuels) and two categories of cooking places (indoor and outdoor) are used to estimate the household SER. Finally, household SER is classified into four levels of risk: high (cooking indoor using smoke-producing fuels), medium (cooking outdoor using smoke-producing fuels), low (cooking indoor using non-smoke-producing fuels), and very low (cooking outdoor using non-smoke-producing fuels). An example of a household SER calculation using …

Rhodes Grass (Chloris Gayana) For Dryland Salinity Management In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) is a subtropical/summer active perennial C4 grass. It is a tufted grass that sends out strong, above ground runners (stolons), allowing it to spread rapidly. This can be a great advantage on saltland where soil salinity often inhibits recruitment from seed. However, it has low salt tolerance, and low-moderate waterlogging tolerance.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends that any dryland salinity management is part of a whole farm, and preferably a whole catchment, water management plan.

Techniques To Improve The Volume, Texture And Nutritional Quality Of Gluten-Free Bread, Zachary Christman

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

This article highlights the use of soy flour to improve the protein and fiber of gluten free bread. Also, the use of an extrusion process on soybean and corn flour blends improves the volume and texture of the bread. A full listing of the ingredients and method for production of higher quality gluten free bread is included.

Does Integrating Crops With Livestock Production Impact Soil Properties And Crop Production?, Lindsey Anderson

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

Re-integrating crop and livestock production through cover crop (CC) and corn residue grazing could efficiently utilize resources and ensure profitability while improving environmental quality, but how this integration affects soils and crops is not well understood. We conducted two studies to address this. In the first study, we evaluated the impact of cattle (1.3-3.7 head ha^-1) grazing an oat (Avena sativa L.) CC on soil and crop yields in two adjacent irrigated no-till corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max L.) fields on silt loam soils in eastern Nebraska. Field I was grazed twice, while Field …

Production, Evaluation, And Selection Of Elite Quality Protein Popcorn (Qpp) Hybrids, Leandra Marshall Parsons

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

In 2017, twelve Quality Protein Popcorn (QPP) inbred lines were developed and selected as premier dent by popcorn crosses fit for hybridization and testing. These QPP inbred lines were derived from specific Quality Protein dent Maize (QPM) by ConAgra Brands® popcorn line crosses to produce high lysine, vitreous popcorn lines capable of near-equal popping characteristics compared to the original popcorn parents. The QPP hybridization project commenced in the summer of 2018 utilizing these 12 inbred QPP lines and crossing them in a full diallel. Since then, the production of QPP hybrids has employed a diverse set of selection factors evaluating …

The Effect Of Anionic Surfactants On Herbicide Mixtures And Solutions, Ely Daniel Anderson

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

Herbicide mixtures are popular for farmers to delay the evolution of herbicide-resistant biotypes from occurring and control existing herbicide-resistant weeds. Glufosinate is a contact herbicide that has been observed as a mixture partner with many herbicides. In many cases, antagonistic interactions have occurred when using glufosinate in mixture with other herbicides. The antagonistic interactions have resulted in applications with incomplete weed control. Adjuvants have been known to impact an herbicide application by increasing herbicide penetration, spreadability, and efficacy. Adjuvants added to glufosinate mixtures can impact spray applications and increase weed control. The objectives of this research were: (1) investigate the …

Industry Funding Scheme Regulations: A Review Of Operation And Effectiveness, May 2021, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Section 147 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 requires the Minister for Agriculture and Food to carry out a review of the operation and effectiveness of any regulations made for the purposes of establishing an Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) every five years.

In 2010, regulations establishing three IFSs commenced to address pest and disease threats relevant to Western Australia’s broadacre and pastoral cropping and livestock sectors. This report documents the second fifth-year anniversary statutory review of the following regulations:

• Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Industry Funding Scheme (Cattle) Regulations 2010

• Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Industry Funding Scheme …

Short-Term Effects Of Winter Cover Crops On Soil Properties, Yield, And Partial Returns In A No-Tillage Soybean Rotation, Drew Dillon Kirkpatrick

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cover crops have the potential to provide many benefits including weed suppression, erosion control, and improvements to soil quality. These benefits can be affected by species, biomass accumulation, and management practices. Although large amounts of biomass are good for maximizing benefits, it can result in problems for establishing the subsequent crop. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] accounts for over 50% of Arkansas crop hectares annually; therefore, understanding the effect that a cover crop can have on the following soybean crop is crucial to the successful implementation of cover crops within the state. A study was established to evaluate winter cover …