Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will identify and implement strategies, and evaluate a system to reduce feed costs for brood cows.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists in the Nutrition Research Unit, Clay Center, Nebraska, found that the timing of protein supplements changed the pattern of nutrient absorption, but overall protein economy was unchanged when animals were fed cheap low quality forages.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:These results demonstrate how producers can use a program of infrequent supplements for range cows to reduce labor and fuel costs when animals are fed low quality range grasses.

identify and implement strategies, and evaluate a system to economically raise replacement beef heifers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists at the Nutrition Research Unit, Clay Center, Nebraska, defined heifer development programs that reduce the costs related to growth and development within acceptable rates of productivity for a wide range of biological types.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This research has been presented in peer reviewed journals, trade journals, and on radio, and also made available to other scientists working on the development of decision support software. The data has been adapted for management systems which is currently available to producers. The research will have long-term usefulness because the conceptual strategies are connected to biological resources to improve the economic sustainability of the production system.

demonstrate under simulated field conditions the value of somatotrophin as an animal health adjunct.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists in the Growth Biology Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, demonstrated the effects of growth hormones, especially in the long term. The observed difference may be related to the increased production of free radicals in animals treated with growth hormones. The use of intramuscular vitamin E injection neutralized the negative effect of growth hormones presumably by allowing the increased production of free radicals, but limiting their toxic effect on cells.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This research has shown the interaction of nutrition, hormone, and immune system responses in the presence of disease and that intramuscular vitamin E injection appears to be a practical strategy to limit the impact of disease on animal performance. This information is useful to livestock producers and veterinarians.

publicize research results of a method to enhance conservation of nitrogen and reduce nitrogen losses to the environment.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Workshops were held by ARS scientists at Beltsville, Maryland, and Ithaca, New York, with collaborators and stakeholders on nutrient management (nitrogen). Discussions led to the identity of several deficiencies in nutrient management plans and support modules currently in use in the areas of nutrition and manure management.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Research is ongoing and incomplete.

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will deliver for on-farm beta testing a second generation simulation-based cotton production decision aid. This new tool will enable cotton producers to make more competitive decisions regarding amounts and timing of fertilizer, water, and defoliants under field conditions that include insect damage. An earlier decision aid of this type was credited with increasing returns up to $50 per acre.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Scientists worked with a validation team to test the new ARS cotton model against field data. The validation team is an intermediate step between the completed software and actual beta testing. The model will be turned over to on-farm testers next season.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The new cotton model is more robust and simulates cotton growth and production much better than it did at the start of the year. The model will assist cotton farmers in managing their cotton crops, optimizing inputs, increasing profitability, and reducing environmental impacts of their production. This will increase their profit and safeguard water quality.

beta test the decision support system GPFARM on farms in eastern Colorado. This new tool has been developed with input from a group of farmers and ranchers of the region to provide whole farm management assistance.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A whole farm decision support system (GPFARM) was developed to provide farmers/ranchers with a tool to quickly evaluate management strategies and options for making decisions in their best financial interest, while protecting the water, soil, and air resources. Version 1.0 of the software was released for whole farm evaluation and testing in cooperation with five farm/ranch operations and project collaborators in NRCS, industry, academia, and other ARS offices. The software has full capabilities in the areas of crop/livestock and environmental simulation, economics, and information accessibility.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Use of this tool by the agricultural community will significantly alter farm management by allowing farmers and their advisors to use the latest information technology to more effectively cope with market and weather fluctuations, thereby increasing farm productivity.

STRATEGY 1.1.2:Postharvest control of pests: Develop postharvest technologies and processes to meet domestic needs and reduce or overcome nontariff trade and quarantine barriers caused by pests (insects, weeds, pathogens, etc.).

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will

begin studies designed to determine the mechanisms involved in natural insect pest resistance present in certain corn varieties.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists determined the chemical and physical properties of 72 commercial corn hybrids, and the population development of maize weevils on these same hybrids. Approximately half of them showed significant insect resistance. Researchers will next try to correlate insect population development with the chemical and physical properties of the corn hybrids.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Correlating insect population development with chemical and physical properties of corn kernels will enable resistance prediction of other corn hybrids to maize weevils.

continue with the development of chitinase and other potential biopesticides and examine their use in combination with other available control strategies. Specific industries have incorporated these genes into field crops and are testing their effectiveness.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists, in collaboration with ProdiGene, Inc., evaluated transgenic avidin maize for insect resistance. Expression of egg white avidin as a recombinant protein in corn resulted in kernels that have resistance to most stored product insects. It also generated mutant forms of insect chitinases in which one of the amino acid residues was substituted for other amino acids. The enzymatic and pesticidal properties of the modified chitinases were determined to be less efficacious than the native enzyme. Other types of mutated chitinases were prepared for future evaluation.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The accomplishments describe a very useful biotechnology method for controlling stored product insect pests and strengthens the basis for developing transgenic grains with resistance to insects so that the storability of these grains will be enhanced. Transgenic avidin maize is one of a very few new uses of transgenic plant biotechnology for insect pest management. It has exciting possibilities for both pre- and postharvest pest control.

continue screening wheat germplasms for resistance to the Hessian fly, a major insect pest in the region where Hard Red Winter wheat is grown. The discovery of several different resistance genes and their transfer to commercial wheat varieties could save producers millions of dollars in lost productivity. Screening data on public and private varieties will give Extension Specialists the information needed to assist producers with varietal selection.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Researchers tested a total of 6,787 different wheat lines for the presence of Hessian fly resistance. They located several new sources of resistance including two accessions of Triticum boeoticum from Serbia and a single dominant gene from T. dicoccum.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:A breeder seed was prepared from a line, TX93V5722, having high yield potential and resistance to the Hessian fly. This was especially important because of the yield losses associated with the 1996-1997 outbreaks of the Hessian fly in Western Texas. These results will lead to the development and release of new wheat varieties that have greater resistance to the Hessian fly.

discover natural product-based fungicides and fungistatic agents for postharvest treatment of horticultural crops.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists developed an integrated strategy using natural compounds in combination with heat and a bacterial agent to control postharvest blue mold decay in Gala apples. Natural compounds were used to develop a 'bioactive coating,' which reduced decay and decreased populations of pathogens. A citrus postharvest decay preventative procedure of washing fruit with sodium bicarbonate was developed that demonstrated the value of calcium incorporation in apples to control decay.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Postharvest losses due to decay of fruits during storage, shipping, marketing and in consumer homes cause significant financial burdens for both growers and consumers. The developed procedures may help control such losses without the use of chemical fungicides.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Antifungal activity against Colletotrichum spp. by compounds from aquatic organisms and cyanobacteria are significantly higher than observed for a diverse sampling of terrestrial plant species (12 to 30 percent, as compared to only 1.5 percent for terrestrial plants). An invention disclosure has been filed for one promising compound.

Research funded by the North American Strawberry Growers Association demonstrated that levels of naturally occurring antifungal compounds in anthracnose resistant variety 'Sweet Charlie' produces approximately 15 times more antifungal activity than anthracnose susceptible 'Chandler.' Preliminary evidence indicates that anthracnose resistance in strawberries may depend on the concentration of two constitutive antifungal compounds and the elicitation of a third compound in younger leaves.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Under a new CRADA, ARS and PhycoGen, Inc., in Portland, Maine, are evaluating zosteric acid, a natural product from eelgrass to control fungi that cause fruit and crown rot of strawberries. Zosteric acid may lead to a nontoxic way to protect strawberries and other crops from fungal diseases.

cooperate with numerous companies and universities in the evaluation of a wide variety of different grain protectants, including testing the effectiveness of encapsulated pesticides, entomopathic fungi, heat sterilization of facilities, diatomaceous earth, parasitic insects that attack grain pests, new classes of chemicals with novel modes of action, and development of insect resistant packaging.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Researchers continued work in the development of parasitic wasps. Parasitic wasps, commonly called parasitoids, are naturally occurring, beneficial insects that attack and kill grain insect pests. They are a potential tool for controlling pests while grain is being stored and marketed. Since some grain insect pests feed inside the kernel, the parasitoids that attack them also exist inside the kernel as a normal part of their life cycle. It is often impossible to visually determine if kernels contain internal pests or internal parasitoids. Near Infrared Analysis (NIR) was used to scan wheat kernels automatically with 100 percent accuracy to distinguish kernels that contained internal insect pests from those that contained parasitoids that had attacked the insect pests.

In a cooperative research effort with a food manufacturing company, it was determined that certain types of cereals were becoming infested in grocery stores, while other cereals from the same plant were not. Results showed that the problem cereals contained significant quantities of dried apricots and apples which are attractive to a number of insects. Also influencing infestation was the type of package liner. The company had been testing a liner with minute holes which allowed pressure on the inside and outside of the packages to prevent a 'pillowing' effect with pressure changes. These minute holes allowed insect pests to determine the contents of the package and provided them with a starting place to invade. The same cereals in packages without holes were much more resistant to insect invasion and remained insect free for approximately eight weeks while the packages with holes became heavily infested after two weeks. Other cereal types containing little or no fruit remained almost free from insect infestation for twelve weeks.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The NIR technique is rapid and efficient and can be used by companies that mass produce these beneficial insects to sort and characterize large numbers of samples for shipping and subsequent release in biological control programs. The cereal study indicates the importance of odor in developing an effective insect-resistant package.

evaluate milkweed seed meal and pod trash as an alternative nematicide on potato fields in Washington State.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The seed meal and pod trash were evaluated and found to be effective in the field.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Potential exists to replace chemical control agents with these agrimaterials.

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will

develop a commodity irradiation quarantine treatment for nonfruit fly pests to expand the kinds and quantities of commodities allowed to be exported from Hawaii to the continental U.S.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS researchers at the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center developed an irradiation commodity treatment for Cryptophlebia moths, quarantined pests found in Hawaii but not the Mainland United States, in longan and lychee. They also determined that irradiation doses of 100-300 Gy were sufficient to sterilize mango seed weevil in mangos.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Shipments of irradiated longans and lychee originating in Hawaii were inspected for Cryptophlebia moths, and if they were found, the shipment was denied entry into the Mainland because the irradiation treatment, although effective against fruit flies, was not known to be effective against > Cryptophlebia . Cryptophlebia is a common pest of these commodities and threat of denied entry with expensive consequences for shippers inhibited further opening of the Mainland market to Hawaii-grown fruit. This research will remove a significant deterrent to shipping these fruit to the Mainland. Research on mango seed weevil may remove the current ban on shipment of Hawaii-grown mangos to the Mainland. This could significantly improve the economics of growing mangos in Hawaii.

develop a new quarantine treatment for codling moths in cherries to replace the methyl bromide treatment currently required by Japan to allow importation of U.S. cherries.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists completed research on an irradiation, as well as a controlled atmosphere/heat, quarantine treatment for U.S. grown cherries to be exported to Japan at its laboratory in Wapato, Washington.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Currently 25 percent plus of Washington State and California cherries are exported to Japan, all with a mandatory methyl bromide treatment. The uncertain continued availability of methyl bromide because of concern that it damages the stratospheric ozone layer, gives high priority to the development of alternative quarantine treatments. Development of these alternative treatments form the basis for continued access to the critical Japan market should methyl bromide be banned from use as a quarantine treatment.

develop effective and practical technology to recapture methyl bromide used in quarantine treatments to avoid venting the stratospheric ozone-depleting gas to the atmosphere.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists, along with collaborators from the private sector, completed development of an effective system for scrubbing methyl bromide from fumigation chambers, greatly reducing the amount of methyl bromide vented to the atmosphere after fumigations with this material. A pilot plant has been installed in Dallas, Texas, to recapture methyl bromide from a commercial fumigation chamber used to fumigate imported commodities where inspection has shown presence of pests of quarantine significance.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Successful operation of the pilot plant has opened the way for continued use of methyl bromide in locations where emissions of methyl bromide must be curtailed for health or environmental reasons. Use of this technology may ultimately allow continued use of methyl bromide as a quarantine treatment, a use which is currently not listed for phase-out under the Montreal Protocol, but which is under increased scrutiny for regulation in the future.

with Canadian collaborators, examine the practical implications of phosphine-induced corrosion relative to potential equipment failure and develop mitigating measures to allow its use for insect disinfestation of flour mills and other structures presently fumigated with the ozone-depleting fumigant, methyl bromide.

with Canadian collaborators, determine the effect of differing levels of heat, humidity, and carbon dioxide on corrosivity of phosphine gas, a potential fumigant replacement for methyl bromide, on several types of metals.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Both indicators were addressed by ARS sponsored research conducted by Canadian scientists that clarified the role of heat, humidity, and type of metal on corrosiveness of phosphine gas used in flour mills and other types of structures containing equipment at high risk of damage from corrosion. Humidity was a particularly significant factor in the development of corrosion for some metals, with relatively lower levels of humidity being worse than high humidity levels -- a finding that is counter-intuitive.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Regulation of humidity levels in ranges that showed the least tendency to cause corrosion may offer sufficient safety to allow the use of phosphine in food processing facilities. These facilities will be severely impacted by the loss of methyl bromide as a fumigant and there is presently no registered alternative except for phosphine. Because of the importance of this use in the food production industry, finding a way to use phosphine is a high priority for ARS and the data generated by this research may open its use for some or many current methyl bromide uses.

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will develop procedures to reduce losses due to postharvest decay of stored commodities using improved detection methods to identify contaminated products, and improved chemical and physical treatments to control decay without the use of environmentally-damaging pesticides and fumigants.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:An improved assay for detection of the late blight fungus in potato tubers was developed. This procedure is based on a DNA-based assay which will detect the fungus at much lower levels than previous assays.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Low levels of potato late blight in seed potatoes could not be detected with previous assay methods, sometimes resulting in severe disease epidemics later in the season. A more sensitive assay will detect much lower levels of the fungus, and should prevent the planting of diseased material and reduce losses to late blight.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Researchers developed an automated system for detection of insects in single wheat kernels. Technology was transferred to Perten Instruments, Springfield, Illinois through a CRADA.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The commercial system is now available for detection of single kernel quality. This system allows rapid screening of grain entering storage to identify insect infestation problems so that proper control means can be employed. Early detection of insect infestation can reduce or eliminate pesticides needed to control pests. The technology is also finding applications in rapid identification of insect species that transmit infectious diseases. This related research is in cooperation with the Center for Disease Control, and the Kansas State University Entomology Department.

begin a cooperative study with the Communicable Disease Center designed to show that the NIR system attached to the Perten 4100 is also capable of identifying mosquito species.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists developed rapid nondestructive procedures using NIR spectroscopy for determining the species and age of stored grain insects and mosquitoes.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Rapid species identification and the age of insects is important for studying population dynamics and implementing proper control mechanisms. In addition, rapid identification of infectious disease vectors is important to prevent or minimize disease outbreaks. This work is the subject of additional cooperative research between the Center for Disease Control, Kansas State University, and several ARS laboratories.

continue the development of acoustical detectors, pheromone traps, and other tools that can detect the presence of insects in stored grain, and grain-handling and food-processing facilities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The in-bin acoustical monitoring system developed for detection of insect pests of wheat stored on farms has been adapted for use by grain elevators by an ARS scientist in Gainesville, Florida, and a Kansas State University engineer. Sensor level amplification and data processing have increased the distance at which insects can be detected by reducing electrical noise problems and allowing continuous monitoring with each sensor. Increased detection distance and continuous monitoring reduces the number of sensors needed to monitor insect populations at grain elevators.

In cooperation with Trece, Inc., and Oklahoma State University, the FLITe TRAK insect detection trap was modified with the addition of a dust resistant cover.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:An automated insect monitoring system can provide elevator managers with a cost effective method of determining when fumigation is needed. Up to date insect monitoring data will enable elevator managers to fumigate only infested grain and do it before insects numbers reach damaging levels and spread to other grain. This technology can reduce the risk of incorrect management decisions, reduce the amount of grain that needs to be fumigated, reduce worker exposure to pesticides, increase the effectiveness of pest management, lower the overall cost of pest management, and increase the competitiveness of the United States in the international grain marketing system.

The effectiveness of pheromone traps to monitor insects is reduced in dusty environments. The addition of a cover to the trap will allow it to be used in milling and processing operations where dust has previously prevented accurate monitoring of insect levels.

STRATEGY 1.1.3:Measurement of product quality and marketability: Improve quality, uniformity, value, and marketability of commodities and other agricultural products.

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will

in collaboration with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the hide industry, conduct pilot tests to demonstrate the most cost effective method(s) to control or minimize hide damage, and develop recommendations for implementing the controls throughout the hide industry.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS was invited to an NCBA meeting to evaluate the status of rapid carcass dehairing to reduce bacterial contamination of the meat during hide removal. The main impediment to implementation of the procedure is handling the process chemicals without an expensive waste treatment system. Under a current CRADA with a commercial meat packer ARS has developed a potential solution on a pilot plant scale that will address this problem and still maintain the quality of the hide.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The pilot plant process which is currently being incorporated into the construction design of a new beef packing plant should be on line within 12 to 14 months. Once demonstrated commercially, it is expected that the process will be adopted throughout the industry. Elimination of bacteria from the hide within minutes of slaughter will result in overall improvement in quality of domestic hides.

work with FSIS to expand the fiber database to include food products, such as microwavable meals.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Studies have begun, in cooperation with the FSIS, to examine the sampling techniques required for NIR and Raman analysis of dietary fiber in food products such as microwavable meals.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The development of a successful spectroscopic method to analyze dietary fiber in fresh, homogenized, microwavable meals would decrease the time required for analysis of dietary fiber by the FSIS and food industry laboratories from five days to approximately thirty minutes.

in collaboration with the University of Georgia and Clemson University, apply enzymatic retting technology to flax straw from seed production and further develop tests of flax fiber properties for various industry segments, e.g., textiles, composites, and nonwovens.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Nine 25-lb. samples of flax straw were enzymatically retted and the properties determined after commercial processing. The enzyme formulations produced light colored fibers with acceptable strength and fineness, with some variations between samples. ARS scientists teamed with industry and university colleagues to establish a Flax Products subcommittee of the American Society for Testing and Materials. The subcommittee identified five important properties for which standards need to be developed for grading flax fiber.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Since fiber flax is not produced in the U.S., the rapidly increasing demand is met by imports. Establishing a flax fiber industry in the U.S. requires a capability to process the fiber efficiently and effectively. The chief obstacles are an inability to ret (separate the fiber from the other stem tissues) cleanly and consistently, and a lack of grading standards so that buyers will know the properties of their purchases. ARS has led in developing reproducible procedures for retting fiber flax using enzymes, thus overcoming one of the major barriers. It is now expanding efforts to establish reliable grading procedures.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Researchers developed a laboratory procedure to more efficiently ret flax. Results provided the basis for testing blended yarns of cotton with flax fibers which have different properties.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The accomplishments strengthen the basis for developing an industry in the U.S. to provide flax fiber for textile, composite, and paper/pulp applications. The development of fiber flax in Northern States offers an additional cash crop for rotation with traditional crops as well as providing a value-added product from seed flax straw, a byproduct of the linseed oil industry. In the Southern States, flax grown as a winter crop could provide economic benefits by double cropping with summer crops.

make the Stored Grain Advisor (SGA) software available free-of-charge on the worldwide web through the Grain Marketing and Production Research Center (GMPRC) home page.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Over 450 copies of SGA have been downloaded since it became available on the GMPRC web site.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The SGA has been used as a key educational tool for producers and elevator operators throughout Oklahoma, Texas, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota. It is currently being used by over 1,000 farmers and grain elevator managers in the U.S.; Oklahoma State University has used SGA to train over 1,500 grain elevator managers, and Montana State University has used SGA to train over 500. Because SGA recommends the use of nonchemical methods such as aeration to manage grain insects, elevator managers trained with SGA tend to rely less on chemical insecticides. This should result in lower insecticide residues in U.S. wheat and wheat products, and less worker exposure to insecticides.

cooperate with industry in the development of insect-monitoring strategies (including the types and locations of traps, etc.) leading to the development of a new insect trap that could be placed under grocery counters out of sight of customers. Insect trap catch data from representative grocery stores, food processing plants, etc., will be evaluated using spatial analysis software. Results will pinpoint sources of insect contamination, and lead to decreased pesticide use and improved control of insect pests.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A pheromone baited trap was developed that can be used under grocery store shelves to monitor insect activity.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The development and commercialization of pheromone baited traps will increase their use in retail outlets and provide data that can be analyzed by spatial analysis software to produce contour maps that will provide information to identify and locate infestations in packaged food products. Pinpointing infestations will reduce or eliminate pesticide use.

develop, assemble, and prepare to evaluate the energy performance of an experimental closed loop heat pump grain dryer in cooperation with a CRADA partner and the Department of Energy. Preliminary results show that water can be removed from wet grain at approximately one-fifth the cost of using conventional high temperature dryers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The heat pump grain dryer system was developed in cooperation with a CRADA partner and the Department of Energy and evaluated for energy performance when drying shelled corn and milo. Energy input was less than the projected theoretical efficiency as a result of the low air-air exchanger component efficiency, but the performance was significantly better than any previously known heat pump dryer.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The new heat pump grain dryer has the potential to reduce the total input operating energy requirements for drying grain and other commodities by more than 60 percent, although fixed equipment and management costs are projected to increase. Process model analysis showed that water could be removed from wet grain using this system at approximately one-fifth the energy cost of conventional high temperature dryers.

develop a relational database that can be used by customers to select wheat performance characteristics that are important for end-use quality. Quality analysis data from thousands of samples of different wheat varieties analyzed from the past 8 crop years have been placed into the database, which is now available on the Internet. This information can be used to determine which varieties have specific quality traits needed for each product manufactured.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists developed a simple, user friendly relational database system which summarizes and interprets end use quality data.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This database will allow breeders to more rapidly and accurately assess the quality potential of experimental breeding lines and ultimately facilitate the increased utilization of U.S. wheat flour for new and unique commercial products. The immediate and direct impact on the wheat industry will be to remove undesirable lines from early generation tests more rapidly, thereby decreasing the time for development of new varieties.

develop a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method to measure freezable water in frozen bread dough and monitor the biochemical changes that occur due to pooling of the water during prolonged storage.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The DSC method was developed by ARS scientists.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Prolonged frozen storage and freeze thaw cycling were found to detrimentally affect gluten strength of the dough and quality of the baked bread.

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will

determine optimal conditions for successful use of hydrodynamic pressure technology on meat products to enhance quality and safety, and further evaluate the technology’s food safety benefits for meat.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Hydrodynamic pressure technology generated improvements in tenderness of freeze dried rehydrated reheated beef slices similar to companion steaks cooked from the fresh state, and improved chewability of meat sticks. Researchers also demonstrated a significant reduction of normal microorganisms in fresh and temperature abused meats using hydrodynamic pressure technology.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Hydrodynamic pressure technology has demonstrated potential to improve acceptability of fresh and dehydrated meats by tenderizing the meat, while also reducing spoilage organisms and pathogens.

continue to collaborate with other rice producing countries to establish objective standards for rice quality.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A database is being compiled to include all cultivars in commercial use and the milling/drying regimes. New samples are being added which fill gaps in the starch (amylose/amylopectin) and protein content. To date, some 200 samples with laboratory and spectral data have been collected.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:When the database is sufficiently complete a model will be developed, in collaboration with Japanese and Australian scientists, that can be used for establishing the quality of rice in international trade.

develop quality performance standards for pork and poultry trimmings produced from Advanced Meat Recovery Systems (AMRS) and processing into comminuted livestock and poultry products, in cooperation with the National Meat Association and the American Meat Institute Foundation.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A performance standard was developed for soft bone constituents in AMRS trimmed beef based on the comparison of iron in hand trimmed beef compared to AMRS beef. A tolerance was developed and incorporated into the standard to account for analytical and process variability. In addition, a near infrared transmission spectroscopy method for prediction of soft bone constituents was developed. The results were transferred to the meat industry through the National Meat Association and the American Meat Foundation to FSIS.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The establishment of a performance standard and a tolerance for soft bone constituents addresses consumer concerns about high levels of soft bone and hard bone constituents (i.e., bone marrow and calcium) in recovered meat to permit use of Advanced Meat Recovery Systems.

develop a combined analytical technique using capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography to separate the proteins found in wheat, rice, and sorghum. The protein patterns from wheat can be used to identify specific varieties. This technology is used by wheat breeders and commercial seed companies to verify varietal identification in their breeding programs. Specific information on the relative content of specific proteins can be highly correlated with end- use performance.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Researchers developed a method that allows rapid (20 minutes) and objective characterization of sorghum and maize proteins. A method was also developed that can be used to identify varieties of wheat, rice, oats, barley, sorghum, or maize in three minutes or less by fingerprinting or characterizing prolamin protein patterns.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The protein (prolamin or glutelin) patterns from cereals (wheat, oats, rice, barley, maize, or sorghum) can be used to identify specific cultivars. This technology is used by wheat breeders and commercial seed companies to verify the genetic lines in their breeding programs. Specific information on the relative content of specific proteins can be highly correlated with end use performance. Barley cultivars with specific malting properties can be readily identified.

cooperate with GIPSA to develop a new lipid or fat extraction method for cereal grains and oilseeds, demonstrating that super critical fluid extractions of sunflowers and soybeans provide the same lipid results as normal solvent extractions in one-twentieth the time for approximately one-tenth the cost, and without the use of large quantities of flammable or toxic solvents. ARS is participating in evaluation experiments coordinated through the American Oil Chemists Society.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists continued the development of methodology for extraction of lipids using super critical fluids. Researchers developed a method for the extraction of total nonstarch lipids from wheat and expanded the use of the technique to the extraction of lipids from all cereal grains including rice, oats, barley, millet, corn, rye, and sorghum. They developed the methodology for lipid extraction that will be collaboratively studied by members of AOAC International, the American Oil Chemists Society, the American Association of Cereal Chemists, and the International Cereal Chemists.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The research provides a more safe, fast, environmentally friendly, and economical method for determining the lipid content in cereals. This information is vital in determining the involvement of lipids in end use functions and may also have important dietary and health implications.

STRATEGY 1.1.4:International technology interchange: Develop a strategy for selective international research interchange to supplement ARS technology developments and strengthen competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will enhance its portfolio of foreign research partnerships consistent with the ARS mission and overall national programs. Tangible results will be documented through a series of co-publications and, where possible, co-patents.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS Collaboration with Former Soviet Union (F.S.U.): U.S. Government policy is to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction such as biological warfare. Part of the strategy involves U.S./F.S.U. participation in joint research toward peaceful and economically attractive applications of research work.

Under a Department of State-funded program, ARS teams have visited Russia twice to identify candidate F.S.U. scientists and project areas for potential partnerships. Visitors from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have visited various ARS facilities and met with ARS scientists. Initial discussions have taken place, project ideas for collaboration have been generated, and several projects are in the stages of being funded. Dr. Floyd Horn, ARS Administrator, visited several institutes in Russia. He took a portfolio of research ideas generated by ARS scientists and a CD ROM computer program which accesses the ARS National Agricultural Library electronic catalog. He distributed these items as appropriate during his visit.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:All projects that are selected for collaboration are enhancements to the ARS national research program agenda. ARS scientists who have already collaboratively written a proposal with their F.S.U. partner estimated potential savings or enhancements to their program of from $1 to $3 million.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The Office of International Research Programs (OIRP) contacted Kazakhstan scientists and officials engaged in international affairs at the Kazakhstan Ministry of Science. OIRP wrote a proposal to the Department of Energy Initiative for Proliferation Prevention (also a State Department-funded program) on developing a bioprocess for a novel therapeutic product important for preventing food contamination, while bringing the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) into the ensemble as a partner. The first thrust of a joint project involving ARS, ORNL and Kazakhstan has been funded.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The initial results have attracted U.S. industrial interest.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS Collaboration with South Africa: In support of the Agriculture and Science and Technology working groups under the Gore-Mbeki Binational Commission, ARS established partnerships with the South African Government, the research institutes, and the university system.

With USAID and ARS contributing resources, OIRP has set up a collaboration with the University of Cape Town on Computer Aided Molecular Design, a basic research program with implications for development of valuable biomaterials from agriculture.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This has led to co-publication of research.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Work on biological control of diamondback moth is important for both U.S. and South African agriculture.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS-OIRP links with Fort Hare and Rhodes Universities have led to results useful for the diamondback moth project at the ARS European Biological Control laboratory.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS is working with Colorado State University to coordinate a graduate education and research fellowship program for promising early career South African scientists. These scientists, from formerly politically disadvantaged populations, are involved in agricultural research in areas most required by the South African Government.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:These interns will return to South Africa with scientific expertise in required fields. Strong scientific liaisons built with ARS and university scientists should last long after the actual fellowship has been completed.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Elsenburg, South Africa. Two projects provide technology transfer to small-scale farmers in rural areas. Establishment of a guayule crop (a latex based nonallergenic crop capable of growth in semi-arid areas) enable farmers to use land not suitable for other crops. The second project is the enhancement of South Africa’s floriculture industry by establishing cultivation units of indigenous floriculture crops in the rural areas. A bi-product of this project is to curtail harvesting these flowers from the natural veld which is losing its ability to maintain the volumes of flowers needed by these farmers.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The outcome is to expand and supplement rural income by transferring cultivation technologies to small scale farmers in rural areas. Guayule: Farm areas have been identified and farmers have agreed to help with the initial trials. Floriculture: Five farm areas (plantations) were established, technology transfer was provided, and the success of these trials can be seen in the plans for expansion of the plantations. Both of these projects are income generating.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Collaboration with ARS Animal Nutrition and Animal Products Institute in Irene, South Africa. This project, working with small-scale goal farmers in rural areas, has been extremely successful. The projects include alternative uses of goat hides, more nutritious feed for goats, and alternative uses of goat products.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:A new trade has been started using goat hides. Tanners keep a large number of artisans (approximately one to two hundred) engaged in producing products made of goat hides for commercial marketing. A commercial marketing center has been established in the Western part of South Africa to display and sell these products. Research is being conducted to offer alternative, nutritious goat food using excess fruits and vegetables. This enables the farmers to feed the goats nutritious food resulting in healthier goats providing better products to the farmer.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:U.S./European Union (E.U.) New Transatlantic Agenda: As part of the New Transatlantic Agenda for Scientific Cooperation established by the U.S. Government and the government of the European Union, a U.S./E.U. Science and Technology Agreement has been negotiated. OIRP played a significant part in the negotiations and in the subsequent Joint Consultative Group activities. Food Safety has been chosen as an area of mutual research interest for the two sides. OIRP has co-chaired with an E.U. counterpart, the Food Safety Working Group sessions at the New Vistas Conference for Transatlantic Cooperation in Science, held in Stuttgart, Germany.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:A number of joint activities of potential benefit to both the U.S. and the E.U. have been established.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Collaboration with The Netherlands and Greece: There is considerable incentive to seek alternative sources of natural rubber. OIRP has set up agreements for ARS to work jointly with research institutions in The Netherlands and in Greece on natural isoprenoids.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This has led to co-publication of research and to plans for further collaboration on plant and microbial terpenes.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Joint Work on Invertebrate Transgenesis: OIRP has set up a Franco-American collaboration on the interchange of technologies concerning molecular biological research on insects, shrimp, molluscs and other organisms. As a result of its success, the workshop has grown beyond the Franco-U.S. context and has extended its international reach. Three workshops have been organized, the most recent being in Crete, with support by the Molecular Biology Institute in Heraklion

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The collaborative network has become a fully fledged forum with active exchange of materials and methodologies, with benefits to ARS and other U.S. institutions. The attendees voted to continue this networking in the form of a periodic workshop because of the uniqueness and utility of this international workshop.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Food Safety Work with France: Under the recently formed agency for food safety (AFSSA), France has a network of laboratories dealing with food safety, veterinary drugs, animal health and animal food product quality. OIRP has introduced ARS scientists to the Veterinary Drugs Laboratory in Fougeres.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Interest has developed between ARS and Fougeres to work together on diagnostic techniques for chemical residues in foodstuffs, the identification of intestinal flora and on probiotics.

OBJECTIVE 1.2:Develop new uses and products: 'Develop new uses and new products for agricultural commodities, such as alternative fuels, and develop new crops.'

Indicators:

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will

introduce improved postharvest handling procedures to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables which will directly benefit consumers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists have identified beneficial bacteria, heat treatments, calcium infiltration regimes, and bioactive coatings which, alone or in combination, successfully control blue mold decay of apple and other decay pathogens and prevent growth of the food borne pathogen E. coli 0157:H7.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Postharvest losses due to decay of fruits during storage, shipping, marketing and home consumption are significant and represent a financial burden to both growers and consumers. These new methods to control postharvest disease provide safer control alternatives and address public concern over safety, environmental concerns, and pathogen populations that are resistant to chemical fungicides.

introduce three particle films that repel insects which represents a major advance in pest control. In this technology, inert particles are applied to plant surfaces which alter the tactile environment of the plant and change the behavior of insect pests by inhibiting feeding and/or oviposition. A wide range of insect pests have been controlled by this technology which was developed under a CRADA with Engelhard Corporation of Iselin, New Jersey. EPA registration for the three films has been granted.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:In 1999 over 600,000 lbs. of the new particle film insect repellent were sold by the Engelhard Corporation. The product is formulated as a wettable powder and can be mixed directly with water.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Excellent control of pear psylla in apple orchards in Washington State was obtained in the 1999 field season. Good repellency was also obtained with codling moth. The product will probably be used in combination with pheromone disruption for control of this insect. Particle film also gave good control of plum carculio on the East Coast. An added benefit of the particle film is the reduction in sunburn damage to apple foliage with a resulting increase in tree growth and fruit size.

introduce the use of sugar-ester compounds as a novel approach for insect control. Sugar-ester compounds which have been synthesized are highly effective in controlling a wide range of soft bodied insect pests. These materials applied using standard spray technology are very low in toxicity and have a very short residual activity. This technology was developed under a CRADA; registration is expected in October 1999.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:In cooperation with AVA Chemical Ventures, a highly effective formulation of sugar-ester compounds has been developed as a contact insecticide.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Insects controlled with this material include thrips, whiteflies, aphids, scales, psylla and mites. The sugar-ester compounds have been formulated as a water soluble mixture for direct spray application. Applications may also be made using a fogging apparatus for greenhouse use. Registration of this new product is expected by mid- to late 2000.

STRATEGY 1.2.2:New uses and products: Develop new food and nonfood uses and products from plants and animals, and new processes and other technologies that add value.

Indicators:

During FY 1999,ARS will

further cooperate with industrial partners to utilize Fantesk technology. Additional CRADAs will be sought for application of Fantesk to drug delivery systems and cosmetics.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:In cooperation with CRADA partner, Shrieve Chemical, lubricity tests of Fantesk formulations in oil well drilling muds carried out by an independent testing laboratory were successful. Research in cooperation with another CRADA partner, Hy-Gene, has shown that Fantesk formulations function as moisturizing lotions and barrier creams. ARS is working with a third CRADA partner, Union Camp Corporation, to develop new water-based lubricant systems for industrial applications. ARS is also working under confidentiality agreements to develop Fantesk products as agents for drug delivery and for use in low fat foods.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Seedbiotics, a Fantesk licensee, is currently marketing a Fantesk containing seed coating formulation to inhibit water penetration of the seed surface during cold weather planting. Further adoption of Fantesk technologies will create new markets for biobased starches and oils.

provide stakeholders with information pertaining to new enzyme technology for the hydrolysis of biomass, particularly corn fiber. Enzyme technology is environmentally friendly and has the potential for converting biomass to ethanol (or a variety of valuable coproducts) that is economically feasible.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Research findings concerning a novel enzymatic process for the conversion of corn fiber to fermentable sugars were provided to stakeholders in the form of publications, formal and informal meetings, presentations and consultations. Findings were presented at such scientific meetings as the Distillers Grains Technology Council's Symposium, and in meetings with representatives of a major corn processing company and an economic development group.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:An enzymatic process is an attractive alternative to chemical hydrolysis of biomass, since even mild acid hydrolysis generates fermentation inhibitors. Research has provided a scientific basis for continuing studies to develop economical processes for the production of valuable coproducts from biomass. Two formal agreements exist with industrial partners for commercial evaluation of coproduct technologies, and a CRADA is pending with a third partner.

work with the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation (BRDC) to transfer starch-based plastic technology to the private sector and ultimately to American consumers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:BRDC has exclusively licensed the Dow Chemical Company for the right to make loose fill packaging materials and granted it an option to license the technology for all other uses.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:New markets for cereal and legume starches and flours will be created. These starch-based plastics will biodegrade in the environment.

complete most of the technology transfer efforts pertaining to Z-trim, and, if necessary, work closely with industry to further utilize the invention. Z-trim human nutrition studies will be continued.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Licensing arrangements are in various stages of negotiation for Z-trim and other Trim technologies. Much information will be disseminated during the next three years.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Z-trim and related Trim technologies could have a significant impact on preventing heart disease by providing Americans with low fat food alternatives. New markets for grain, as well as American agribusiness jobs should continue to grow as Z-trim and other Trim technologies are commercialized.

continue technology transfer efforts pertaining to Amaizing Oil. Because of its health benefits and the fact that its source is a very abundant material, Amaizing Oil is a good candidate for export. The competitiveness of Amaizing Oil on the world market will be evaluated.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A patent for Amaizing Oil (corn fiber oil), US 5,843,499) was issued on December 1, 1998. Although one company licensed the patent for two years, it is now available for licensing. Currently, several major companies are competing for this license. Our patent application for Corn Fiber Gum is co-owned by our CRADA partner (the CRADA began in June 1997 and will continue through May 2000), and the scale-up and cost analysis for corn fiber gum is being completed at the company.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:If functionality testing and cost analyses are successful and internal approvals are obtained within the partner company, production of Zeagen could begin in 2000.

develop cost-effective methods for extracting Amaizing Oil from corn milling byproducts such as corn fiber (from either wet milling or modified dry grind ethanol processes).

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS researchers developed a process (and applied for a patent) to obtain 'quick fiber oil' and optimized process parameters to produce this cholesterol-lowering oil that contains high levels of phytoseterols.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This healthy high-value product could increase demand and value of corn and corn byproducts, especially corn fiber, a low value byproduct of fuel ethanol production.

improve the already commercialized Lambent hydraulic fluid made from vegetable oils to meet the 'Blue Angel' environmental and performance standard by improving process catalysts.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:An alternative catalyst used at very low levels was developed that brought the final product up to industrial standards. In addition, the improved product is very similar in color to off the shelf high quality motor oils.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The properties and price of this new base oil/hydraulic fluid will open huge new markets for high content oleic crops. Replacement of petroleum-based lubricant products with biodegradable alternatives will be possible in large part due to this new high performance product.

develop a cooperative five-year plan with growers, processors, and end-users for the commercialization of lesquerella as an alternative crop for Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Lesquerella grown in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in 1999 will increase in acreage over the next five years but at a slower pace than originally planned. Approximately 4,000 pounds of seed was cleaned and the oil extracted for further experimentation and seed cleaning process development. Data from analyses were provided to assist in development of new lesquerella varieties.