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GOAL II:To Ensure an Adequate Food Supply and Improved Detection, Surveillance, Prevention, and Educational Programs for the American Public’s Health, Safety and Well-being.

Analysis of Results:This goal is the focus of much of ARS’ research related to food safety and the security of the US agricultural production system. Under Goal II, 52 Indicators are aligned under 9 Performance Goals. Because of the unique and dynamic nature of research, several Indicators were added to the Report that did not first appear in the Annual Performance Plan for FY 1999. This was done to ensure that significant accomplishments that were not anticipated last year were reported. While it is not possible to report research accomplishments numerically, the progress projected in all 52 Indicators was completed or substantially completed during FY 1999.

OBJECTIVE 2.1:Secure food and fiber system: Maintain a safe and secure food and fiber system that meets the Nation’s needs now and in the future.

STRATEGY 2.1.1:Plant and animal production systems: Improve efficiency of agricultural production systems to ensure the security of the Nation's food, fiber, and energy supply.

PERFORMANCE GOAL 2.1.1.1:Demonstrate increases in productivity above current levels using sustainable technologies.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will use genetic crosses to combine heat resistance traits in a single line of . Elite lines will be developed and tested, resulting in new high yield germplasm for incorporation into varietal breeding programs, and eventually in the production of new high yielding varieties for producers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The okra leaf and nectariless traits were combined in heat resistant pima cotton germplasm and released to the public for use in breeding programs. Okra leaf has been demonstrated as a nonpreference trait for white flies (they will preferentially feed on other types of plants), while nectariless plants are somewhat resistant to the pink bollworm, a serious pest of cotton in the Southwestern U.S. This adds to the more than 230 germplasm releases from this research program over the years in support of the pima cotton industry.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Pima cotton is a high value specialty cotton grown on about 200,000 acres from Texas to California. For 40 years, ARS cotton breeders produced pima cotton varieties that were grown on 100 percent of pima cotton acreage, which produced fiber that rivaled famed high quality Egyptian cottons. The industry became so successful that in the mid-1990s, private seed companies began to breed and sell pima cotton seeds. No longer needing to breed varieties, ARS now performs research in basic genetics, bringing in new genes for yield, quality, or pest and disease resistance, and releasing the germplasm lines to breeders for their use. This is still the only source of new genes for pima varieties and is the foundation of future progress for improving the crop and increasing its value.

PERFORMANCE GOAL 2.1.1.2:Demonstrate a more efficient and cost-effective use of resource inputs while increasing productivity above current levels.

Indicators:

During FY 1999 > ,ARS will demonstrate additional technologies to increase productivity above current levels.

This indicator is so vague that ARS had decided to revise it in future Plans and will report accomplishments in FY 2001.

STRATEGY 2.1.2:Plant, animal, and ecosystems protection: Improve integrated management systems that contribute to the protection of plants, animals, and ecosystems against pests (insects, weeds, pathogens, etc.).

PERFORMANCE GOAL 2.1.2.1:Demonstrate new integrated technologies to protect plants, animals, and ecosystems.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will

continue to demonstrate, in cooperation with the Agricultural Experiment Stations in Iowa, Kansas, and Illinois, and corn growers in the Midwest, that an attracticide bait, when used on an areawide basis to control corn rootworm, will reduce corn rootworm soil insecticide use by more than 90 percent and total corn insecticide use by one-half. This areawide program is in support of USDA’s goal of placing integrated pest management on 75 percent of the Nation’s cropland by the year 2000. It is the first one to target corn pests. This program is a 5-year demonstration project that should lead to overall grower adoption in the year 2000.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The corn rootworm is the number one corn pest in the U.S. ARS scientists at the Insect Biocontrol and Insect Chemical Ecology Laboratories in Beltsville have discovered and isolated an insect feeding stimulant, cucurbitacin-E, from a bitter mutant of the Hawkesbury watermelon. Having developed an extraction method that produces high cucurbitacin yields, researchers mixed the chemical with D&C Red Dye #28, Sevin, Spinosid, or Admire, and found it to be as effective or better than the commercial bait (Slam) in reducing southern corn rootworm and striped cucumber beetles in Maryland, and western and northern corn rootworms in South Dakota.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This technology promises to significantly reduce crop losses and control costs from the current estimate of $1 billion per year. A patent has been granted for use of the bait with xanthene dyes, and amended to include use of the bait with other water soluble toxins. As a measure of industry interest, there are 11 confidentiality agreements and five material transfer agreements with companies. Several companies have expressed interest in licensing the patent technology.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists at Brookings, South Dakota, have been leading a five year areawide pest management partnership program with emphasis on corn rootworm using an adult insect attracticide bait as the primary management tactic, as well as the integration of the biologically-based technology for other corn pests. Adaptation of western corn rootworm populations at the Illinois/Indiana site where the pest has changed its behavior by laying eggs in soybeans that are rotated with corn has been troublesome but will be addressed by possibly extending the program for an additional year and using improved attracticide formulations with longer residues.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: After three years of the corn rootworm areawide program, initially conducted at five primary sites in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Texas, reduction in root damage to corn has been greater than 90 percent, and soil insecticides decreased by 80 to 90 percent.

continue to demonstrate, in cooperation with the Agricultural Experiment Stations in Washington, Oregon, and California, and apple and pear growers in the Pacific Northwest, that mating disruption technology used on an areawide basis to control codling moth will decrease application of chemical insecticides by more than 80 percent for this serious pest. This areawide program is in support of USDA’s goal of having integrated pest management on 75 percent of the Nation’s cropland by the year 2000. The program is a five year demonstration project that should lead to overall grower adoption in the year 2000.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists at Wapato, Washington, have led an areawide management partnership program since 1995 across Washington, Oregon, and California, using mating disruption, sanitation, natural enemies, and early season Bacillus thuringiensis (bt) sprays. Since the beginning of the program, organophosphate insecticide use has significantly declined. Some orchard growers have not sprayed for codling moth or other orchard pests in two years; in other instances pesticide use has been reduced by more than 70 percent.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Under the codling moth mating disruption areawide program, fruit damage has been reduced below the 0.1 percent threshold, and the cost of control has been less than in orchards where conventional pesticides have been used. In 1995, there were 68 growers and 3,109 acres (five sites) in the program; in 1994, more than 600 growers had entered 21,000 acres (22 sites) in the technology program.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Understanding the genetic basis of tolerance to bt toxin is a key part of slowing down the rate at which populations of cotton bollworm become resistant. Researchers at the Insect Biology and Management Systems Research Laboratory in Tifton, Georgia developed an improved bioassay to monitor and detect tolerance to the bt toxin and used the assay in conjunction with quantitative genetic analyses to examine the heritable nature of bt toxin tolerance. Significant heritable variation in the tolerance of wild populations of cotton bollworm was found to be caused by more than one gene, which shows that the genetic basis for resistance to bt toxin is present in wild cotton bollworm populations.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:A grower financed areawide management program using the bollworm virus has been proposed for the Mississippi Delta at an estimated cost of $11.61 per cotton acre for a total of $2,906,000. These studies with lower bollworm virus application rates have demonstrated that the cost of the grower financed program may be reduced to $1,905,000, for a savings of more than $1 million to the grower.

develop new and expanded approaches to weed management that will use all management tools available, including biological control, more competitive crops and forage grasses, and strategies to prevent occurrence and spread of herbicide-resistant weeds.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS is increasing research into biologically based weed management, which emphasizes biological control (use of live natural enemies to control weeds) and cultural control (use of competing plants, revegetation, cover crops, etc.). This research benefits production agriculture, natural areas, small farms and organic farming. For example, melaleuca is a major invasive weed that infests about 400,000 acres in the Florida everglades. In 1997 ARS released the melaleuca snout beetle ( Oxyops vitiosa ) from Australia, the home of melaleuca, which is already spreading. Saltcedar is an invasive exotic weed deliberately introduced from Eurasia that invades virtually all riparian corridors in the West. A multi-agency 'Saltcedar Consortium' was developed and led by ARS to aid in program planning and implementation and for regulatory approval, and the first biological control agent, a Diorhabda leaf-feeding beetle, was released in 1999 into field cages at eight sites in six Western states. Plans are in place for revegetation, long-term evaluation and monitoring. A multi-State and multi-agency biologically based areawide weed management program for leafy spurge was initiated by ARS that is transferring biological, cultural control, chemical and mechanical control strategies to customers in the West. A detailed assessment of weed problems facing organic farming is being conducted in the Buckeystown, Maryland, area, with three key organic farmers, and a similar assessment is planned for Salinus, California. Biologically based integrated weed management options are being developed for many other weed species in several states.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:More herbicides are applied in the U.S. than any other pesticide group–some 6 million pounds (72% of all pesticides used) in 1997 (compared to 1.7 million pounds of insecticides, 0.17 million pounds of fungicides, and 0.4 million pounds of all other pesticides). Sustainable, low-cost, biologically based integrated management of major weeds will impact farmers and ranchers significantly by reducing the quantity of herbicides they apply. Restrictions on herbicide use in natural areas and around water point to the need for biologically based weed management in these areas. The organic farming industry rated weed management as their top priority. These investigations will help quantify the nature and distribution of weeds that impact crop, range and natural areas.

sustainable management strategies for controlling wetland and aquatic weeds.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Melaleuca currently infests about 400,000 acres of Florida’s Everglades and invades bordering pasture lands. In October 1997, scientists at the Aquatic Weed Research Laboratory in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, released 3,300 larvae of the melaleuca snout beetle ( Oxyops vitiosa ), the first biological control agent to be approved for release against this major landscape changing aquatic and wetlands weed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The released weevils increased explosively, so that by June 1999, there were an estimated 72,000 adults and 14,000 larvae at the release site; over 90 percent of the 49,000 melaleuca plants at the site had sustained weevil damage. This research shows that field nurseries can greatly increase the number of weevils available for distribution to other sites, and simultaneously reduce the labor necessary to produce them.

expand testing of an ecologically-based management strategy for saltcedar.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Saltcedar is an invasive exotic weed intentionally introduced from Eurasia for erosion control and as an ornamental plant which has escaped cultivation. It now invades virtually all riparian corridors in the West. A multiagency 'Saltcedar Consortium' was developed and led by ARS to aid in program planning. The first biological control agent for saltcedar, a Diorhabda leaf feeding beetle, was released from field cages at eight sites in six Western States, and plans are in place for long-term evaluation and monitoring.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:After extended negotiations, approval for release of the leaf feeding beetle has been obtained from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service. This is a breakthrough case involving approval for release of a biological control agent under both the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. The Saltcedar Consortium is a model of how a team-based program can plan, implement and monitor a major weed management program.

development of integrated weed management strategies to improve grasslands.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:In the Central Great Plains, more than 19 million acres of cropland are economically marginal and better suited to production of perennial grasses. Over 70 million acres of degraded rangeland in the Northern Great Plains need renovation and restoration. It was determined that the herbicide PLATEAU has the potential to revolutionize the technology of grassland renovation and restoration. A model was developed utilizing PLATEAU as the key component of integrated weed management strategies.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The grassland improvement model describes the process of grassland deterioration and the importance of using multiple strategies to improve grassland productivity. It was shown that PLATEAU is the key component that can be used to establish native warm season grasses and legumes on marginal and highly erodible cropland and to reclaim leafy spurge infested grasslands.

develop new and expanded strategies to combat some of the most serious diseases that have only recently been found in the U.S., or which would pose serious threats should they occur. The initial diseases to be addressed include wheat scab, potato blight, gray leaf spot,and sorghum ergot.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Researchers isolated bacterial antagonists to the fungus causing wheat and barley scab. They identified new wheat and barley germplasm with resistance to scab, and potato germplasm resistant to late blight and golden nematode. Improved mathematical models were developed using environmental data to more accurately predict the threat of plant disease losses in wheat, potatoes, citrus and other crops.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Emerging and reemerging diseases pose serious threats to crop production in the U.S. Some of the new methods being developed that do not depend on chemical pesticides will reduce losses due to these pathogens, while minimizing the risk of damage to the environment. Improved forecasting of disease potential will increase the effectiveness of fungicides and reduce the frequency of applications.

develop and implement new technologies for detection and identification of pathogens on germplasm being introduced into the U.S.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS researchers at Beltsville, Maryland, developed molecular diagnostic tests for eight different viroids that infest fruit trees, sugarcane, potatoes, and ornamentals. These tests are more accurate and more sensitive than conventional inoculation/observation tests used previously.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:These new detection methods are helping to protect U. S. agriculture from severe economic losses caused by these microbial diseases. They are also significantly reducing the time required to release healthy germplasm to importers, and will likely reduce the cost of maintaining healthy commercial plant material.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists developed nucleic acid-based detection methods for six different viroids that cause diseases of clonally propagated crops routinely quarantined upon entry into the U.S. Similar assays were also developed for the citrus variegated chlorosis pathogen, ratoon stunting and leaf scald of sugarcane, peanut stripe virus, and various phytoplasma pathogens on several crops.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The diagnostic tests may substantially streamline quarantine and disease free certification procedures, thus protecting U.S. crop production from economic loss while also facilitating rapid germplasm exchange and availability as breeding material for improvement of U.S. crops.

utilize infectious clones of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) to locate viral genes for replication, aphid transmission, disease development, and other properties (in collaboration with the University of Florida).

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A full length infectious clone of the genome of CTV was produced and a procedure was developed to successfully infect both citrus protoplasts and citrus trees.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The availability of the full length clone will allow researchers to modify the CTV genome at will and observe the effects of modifications at particular sites. By doing so, they will be able to identify specific viral genes and their functions, including those that lead to severe infections. This may, in turn, lead to novel methods for managing CTV in U.S. citrus production, a threat enhanced by the recent introduction of the CTV insect vector, the brown citrus aphid.

utilize plant transformation technology to enhance resistance to various plant pathogens.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Leaf rust resistance genes from wild relatives of wheat were tagged so that they may be followed in the development of new varieties of rust resistant germplasm. Flowering bulb crops (gladiolus and Easter lily) were transformed with viral genes and rendered resistant to the viruses. A rhododendron transformation system was developed that can be used to produce transgenic plants resistant to diseases and insects.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Plant transformation with foreign genes has been shown to be effective for controlling diseases and pests. In some of these cases, especially those in which no sources of resistance are known that can be used in conventional breeding, genetic transformation may be the most effective means for protecting crops and maintaining yields and profitability.

develop, identify, and characterize biological agents useful for control of plant pathogenic fungal and bacterial diseases.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Antibiotics have been identified in soil bacteria that protect crops against plant pathogenic fungi. The genes involved in synthesis of such antibiotics have been isolated and introduced into other bacteria to give them improved overall control effectiveness.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This work provides a better understanding of how biological control works and demonstrates how to make it more reliable and useful to growers. Eventually, bacteria associated with a particular crop could be modified to produce appropriate antibiotics to protect it from disease causing agents.

evaluate alternatives to soil fumigation with methyl bromide to control diseases, nematodes, and weeds in strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, grapes, and other annual and perennial crops (in cooperation with the University of Florida and University of California).

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists developed a system for applying alternative soil fumigants through drip irrigation systems for California strawberry production.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This system has been shown to be about 90 percent as effective as fumigation with methyl bromide which is being phased out. The procedure can be incorporated into most current cropping systems and may be an economical alternative to methyl bromide.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Nonpathogenic variants of fusarium have been shown to protect plants from pathogenic forms of the fungus.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Soilborne diseases such as fusarium now controlled by soil fumigation with methyl bromide are expected to pose serious problems for farmers after the methyl bromide phase out. Treatment of plants with the nonpathogenic variants may significantly reduce disease losses in some crops.

identify new sources of resistance to nematodes and diseases in cotton, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, and other crops.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A number of sources of resistance to diseases and nematodes in several crops were identified. They include: the soybean variety, 'Fowler,' which was released and has good resistance to the soybean cyst nematode; potato germplasm with resistance to late blight and the golden nematode; a corn inbred with resistance to the maize chlorotic dwarf virus; perennial soybean relatives with resistance to sclerotinia stem rot and sudden death syndrome; barley and wheat germplasm with resistance to scab; strawberry germplasm with resistance to bacterial diseases, angular leaf spot; Asian grape varieties showing resistance to Pierce’s disease; and resistance to bean yellow mosaic virus in clover.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Plant diseases cause at least $8 billion in losses to U.S. agriculture each year. Planting resistant varieties is the most cost effective, environmentally sound method for reducing such losses. Because pathogens are continually evolving to overcome resistance of commercial varieties or become infective on new hosts, it is a constant challenge to maintain acceptable levels of genetic resistance in nearly all crops. Identification of new sources of resistance for introduction into crops and preserving their ability to resist pathogens is extremely important. The new sources of resistance will be used to improve U.S. crop varieties.

field test a combination of bacterial and fungal agents for the biocontrol of soilborne diseases of tomatoes, peppers, melons, corn, and other crops.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Combinations of a fungus (Trichoderma virens) and a bacterium (Berkholderia cepacia) were evaluated for the biological control of soilborne diseases of tomato, melon, peppers, and other crops. The combination was found to be better than either agent alone for controlling many of the diseases.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Biological control of plant diseases will become increasingly important for reducing the use of chemical pesticides and replacing them as they become unavailable because of loss of registration. The use of biological agents will enable growers to profitably produce crops despite disease pressures previously controlled through pesticides and fungicides.

identify factors affecting the spread of several emerging diseases with emphasis on wheat and barley scab, sorghum ergot, citrus canker, citrus tristeza virus, and potato late blight.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Environmental limits on the survival of potato late blight fungus spores were defined and used to improve a mathematical model for spread of the disease. Survival of infective structures in several other fungal diseases was measured as was the timing of the production of their structures. This was then related to disease spread. The timing of application of fungicide sprays was optimized for the control of diseases. For the first time, the spread of bacterial diseases of bean was shown to occur even in the absence of rain splashing. Investigation of the spread of the citrus canker disease in Florida demonstrated that the disease can spread faster and farther than previously thought.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Improved knowledge of the spread of plant diseases is often crucial for their control. Growers need to know when conditions are conducive to spread so that they may limit losses by taking appropriate actions at the optimal times. Since mathematical models are improving as better data is accumulated, more and more growers are relying on them when making pesticide application decisions. Furthermore, knowledge of the way pathogens spread in nature often forms the basis for cultural modifications that reduce disease losses. The increased spread of citrus canker will likely impact the eradication and control efforts currently underway.

continue to develop and test naturally derived experimental materials that reduce populations of blue-green algae in catfish ponds without suppressing other types of algae or producing harmful side effects. Blue-green algae are responsible for considerable economic losses to catfish producers because of off flavors.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:An invention disclosure has been filed describing the novel pesticidal activity of a natural product derivative that may yield promising results as a selective blue-green algicide in the field.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This development, if successful in field testing, will address a serious problem (off flavor) confronting producers of farm raised commercial fish.

monitor the resistance of insect pest populations to transgenic plants that contain the toxin gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (bt). This activity is part of a long-term strategy to keep transgenic pest resistant crops effective, so they can be used in integrated pest management strategies to reduce chemical pesticide use.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Since 1996, ARS scientists at Stoneville, Mississippi, have been monitoring field populations of tobacco budworm and cotton bollworm in the Eastern half of the U.S. cotton belt for tolerance to cotton plants containing the Bacillus thuringiensis (bt) insecticidal toxin gene. During this period, cotton bollworm from the Mississippi Delta has shown increased tolerances to the bt toxin. Areas producing the greatest increase in tolerance had a greater percentage of acreage planted in bt cotton. In general, tolerances of tobacco budworm did not change, with the single exception being the third generation of tobacco budworm collected from the Mississippi Delta. The small changes in tolerance, however, suggest that although insect populations may be more tolerant to the bt toxin, the tolerance does not seem to be at a level to cause control failures in the field so far.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:To delay or manage resistance of insects to transgenic bt plants, it is necessary to monitor insect pests of cotton for changes in their tolerances to the bt toxin. Quantifying the amount of heritable variation and tolerance in field insect populations will help determine the amount of refuges to be used in order to slow resistance development to the bt toxin contained in bt crops.

a new bioassay and model for personal protection from biting arthropods.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists at Beltsville, Maryland, developed a new bioassay technology which is significantly more efficient than anything previously used in repellent research. ARS scientists at Gainesville, Florida, have discovered compounds from human skin that attract mosquitoes and other compounds that repel them. This knowledge is being used to develop attractant antagonist-based personal systems for human, and zooprophylaxis technology for livestock.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This research will provide the Department of Defense with alternate repellents to Deet for protecting U.S. troops overseas from blood sucking and disease transmitting insects.

identify biological control strategies for the mosquito vector of dengue fever and yellow fever.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists in Gainesville, Florida, found that the microsporidium Edhazardia aedis is an excellent candidate for the biological control of Aedes aegypti . New technology is needed because of mosquito resistance to insecticides, and to reduce human/animal/environmental exposure to pesticides. ARS scientists in Gainesville, Florida, are currently working with Brazilian scientists to begin field testing Edhazardia aedis for the biological control of Aedes aegypti in Brazil.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Biological control provides a no risk and sustainable method for the control of Aedes aegypti and the several human and animal diseases this mosquito transmits.

develop new bait technologies that will allow early detection and control of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST).

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists in New Orleans, Louisiana, have developed a nutritionally-based termite bait matrix that termites consume more readily than other forms of cellulose, which makes it possible to more effectively monitor termite populations and improve termicide delivery to the colony.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This tool will help pest control operators detect various levels of FST infestations and control them with minimum amounts of termicides.

precision targeting of ticks on hosts.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists at Kerrville, Texas, have developed and field tested a mechanical tick device that places a collar on deer as it comes to a feeder which rids it of its ticks. The device is made of a reflective material impregnated with tick killing pesticides and embedded microchips that can reveal the identity of the deer to a wildlife manager.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This tool will help public health officials control ticks and tickborne disease by targeting the ticks infesting an animal’s neck and head. It will help wildlife managers deal with the deer population more efficiently.

develop, identify and field test new biocontrol agents to control fire ant infestations.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists in Gainesville, Florida, imported and released biocontrol agents in fire ant infested areas. Fire ant populations were reduced by as much as 61 percent in a field site where natural infections of the fire ant pathogen, Thelohania solenopsae , have been monitored for over two and one-half years. Infections of the fire ant pathogen were detected in six of 10 States where field inoculations were made in 1998 to evaluate the efficacy of the pathogen under different geographic and climatic conditions. In addition, ARS scientists released the phorid fly at test sites in six Southern States where they have expanded to cover more than 120 acres at one site. Flies were permanently established at one site. Also, flies were seen attacking a fire ant colony almost three miles from the nearest known fire ant infested population. Scientists are using biocontrol agents as a component of IPM strategies to control fire ants.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This technology, when integrated with baits, will significantly reduce the use of pesticides for control of fire ants in urban, suburban, and agricultural environments.

identify DNA probes for the surveillance of pesticide resistance in cattle fever ticks.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Cattle fever ticks, Boophilus microplus and B. Annulatus , were eradicated from the Southern U.S., but efforts to keep them and the diseases they transmit to cattle from spreading back into the U.S. from Mexico are complicated by the widespread occurrence of ticks in that country that are resistant to the pesticides (acaricides) used to control them. ARS scientists at Kerrville, Texas, have developed improved diagnostic tests for tick resistance to pyrethoid and organophosphate pesticides. Discriminating dose-based bioassays for early detection of resistance are being used by APHIS to survey ticks on animals entering the U.S. from Mexico. In addition, DNA sequences of the sodium channel gene variant (responsible for resistance to pyrethoid) and acetylcholinesterase gene (resistance to organophosphate) have been determined. Work on development of DNA probes is in progress.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This work provides APHIS with tools for early detection and control to prevent introduction of pesticide resistant ticks into the U.S. from Mexico.

STRATEGY 2.1.3:Germplasm resources and genomics: Acquire, preserve, evaluate, describe, and enhance genetic resources and develop new knowledge and technologies to increase the productive capacity and usefulness of plants, animals, and other organisms.

PERFORMANCE GOAL 2.1.3.1:Collections of well-documented germplasm of importance to U.S. agricultural security are readily available to scientists and breeders for research and development.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will

complete an extensive multi-year, multi-location evaluation of more than 500 different Chinese varieties of soybean for host-plant resistance to a variety of environmental extremes, pests, and pathogens. This knowledge and technology supported by ARS and a major commodity group will furnish genes to improve major oilseed and feed crops.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The evaluation of hundreds of Chinese soybean varieties is essentially complete. Molecular analyses indicated that Chinese soybean germplasm falls into three genetically different regional gene pools from Northeast, Central, and Southern China. These gene pools are genetically quite divergent from U. S. soybean germplasm. Germplasm was identified that has effective resistance to Phytophthora , a serious fungal disease; moderate resistance to soybean cyst nematode, the most serious U. S. soybean pest; and resistance to Mexican bean beetle, white mold, sudden death syndrome (caused by a fungus), brown stem rot, and root knot nematode. Derivatives from crosses of this germplasm with adapted U. S. varieties resulted in lines that equaled or out yielded standard U. S. varieties, indicating that the Chinese germplasm contained genes that enhanced yield.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This research identified a broad spectrum of new genes and gene blocks from Chinese germplasm with substantial, short- and long-term potential impact on soybean profitability. Because they originated from soybean, genes for resistance to important soybean pests and pathogens can be transferred into U.S. breeding populations by either conventional cross breeding or transgenic approaches. USDA/ARS, university, and corporate soybean programs are already incorporating the best of these materials into their breeding programs. Varieties derived from them may be available within the next five years.

conduct production-scale integrated disease control strategies that can be implemented to reduce losses caused by plant diseases.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The impending loss of methyl bromide for pre-plant soil fumigation is a serious threat to growers of many crops because of anticipated increased loss to disease. Integrated strategies involving time of planting, application of alternative chemicals, use of disease-resistant varieties, and improved cultural practices were tested on a commercial scale in grower production fields in California and Florida. Some treatments were found to be nearly as effective as methyl bromide fumigation.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Practical and feasible alternatives to methyl bromide are critical to maintaining profitability for many crops and allowing growers to remain in business.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Combinations of crop rotations, improved irrigation technology, judicious use of pesticides, and resistant cultivars were effective for nematode control on several crops grown in the Southeastern United States. Cropping systems evaluated included cotton-peanut-soybean, cotton-peanut-rye, and wheat-cotton-peanut. Some of these systems resulted in reduced nematode populations and increased yields.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:These findings offer economical integrated cropping systems that will be needed to reduce costs and increase profits, especially if the expected withdrawal of currently used pesticides occurs.

make available to breeders germplasm contributing high fiber length and strength for incorporation in pima cotton breeding programs.

The work in this area is part of a broader effort which has been reported under Performance Goal 2.1.1.1.

release a new drought tolerant soybean variety for public use. The variety is expected to be planted on substantial 'droughty' acreage in the Southeastern U.S.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists discovered the first drought tolerant soybean type and have a breeding program underway to use this germplasm as a basis for developing high yielding, drought tolerant soybean varieties.

However, experimental lines and germplasm need additional testing before a variety is released.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Drought is the greatest single limitation to soybean production. Development of improved drought tolerant varieties has the potential to greatly increase yields and improve farm income.

release a new soybean variety with improved oil quality. It is expected to have a high impact by gaining up to 50 percent of the cooking and frying oil market.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists at Raleigh, North Carolina, have developed a new low linolenic soybean variety, 'Soyola,' that produces oil that does not require hydrogenation. Seed is expected to become available for production in 2001.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Soybean oil is often hydrogenated to improve stability, but transfatty acids are produced which have been implicated in cardiovascular disease. This new variety will provide vegetable oil processors with soybean oil that has better flavor, improved stability when used for frying, and without transfatty acids. This is the first public release of a low linolenic soybean variety for the Southeastern U.S. soybean producing area.

begin studies using transgenic methods to incorporate antimicrobial disease resistant genes into crops (such as cottonseed) to protect pre-and postharvest seed products from microbial pathogens.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS researchers incorporated antifungal genes into cotton using genetic engineering. In preliminary tests, transgenic cotton was shown to contain antifungal activities in developing cottonseed within the cotton bolls.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This accomplishment could greatly reduce losses in cotton yields due to fungal pathogens and reduce pesticide usage. Preliminary results indicated enough promise in the technology to warrant greenhouse testing of the cotton containing antifungal genes.

begin studies to exploit natural antifungal resistance mechanisms in corn kernels for protection of corn crops from pre- and postharvest attack by microbial pathogens.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Several resistance related proteins were identified in inbred corn varieties associated with corn kernels being highly resistant to fungal attack.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Resistance proteins identified in corn kernels could lead to cloning genes that have the encoded proteins for use in genetic engineering or marker-assisted breeding of commercial corn varieties resistant to ear rotting fungi.

PERFORMANCE GOAL 2.1.3.2:Documented DNA base sequences of agricultural importance.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will, in conjunction with university, governmental, and seed company partners, initiate a broad-scale effort to sequence, map, and analyze publicly-available DNA clones for crops such as maize, rice, small grains, or soybeans. This research will focus especially on 'expressed sequenced tagged' clones, which may provide information regarding genes for improving major grain, oilseed and feed crops.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS researchers at Albany, California, are producing some of the first publicly available nucleotide sequences for 'expressed sequence tag' DNA (ESTs)--short yet diagnostic portions of genes–in this case, of wheat. They are also developing automated approaches to analyzing and storing these data. Other ARS researchers in Ames, Iowa, and their university collaborators are characterizing many ESTs from soybeans, and adding them to the soybean genome database. ARS researchers in Columbia, Missouri, are actively incorporating sequences of maize ESTs into the maize genome database.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:ARS scientists and their university and corporate partners have increased the scientific knowledge of crop genomes and constituent genes. This knowledge is furnishing crop geneticists and breeders worldwide with powerful new tools for crop improvement using agriculturally valuable genes that can be more readily identified, characterized, manipulated and transferred.

PERFORMANCE GOAL 2.1.3.3:Release of improved germplasm, varieties, and breeds based on effective use of genetic resources.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will

introduce additional varieties of woody landscape plants, fruits, and vegetables with improved characteristics of pest and disease resistance and postharvest quality.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists released a new ornamental cherry cultivar 'Dream Catcher,' for early spring bloom that exhibits resistance to foliage diseases. This new cherry is being propagated for sale by nurseries and may replace older more susceptible cultivars.

Scientists released 'Gulf Prince,' a new nonmelting variety of peach with improved shelf life. The nonmelting characteristic allows harvesting fruit near the time of maturity.

Nematode resistant populations of carrot for commercial development were released ARS.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The cherry cultivar 'Dream Catcher' is resistant to fungal pathogens which cause foliar diseases of cherry. It is expected to replace many older susceptible cultivars.

Development of nonmelting peach varieties will extend the useful life of peach crops and predictably increase market demand.

The introduction of genes for nematode resistance in carrots will reduce the need for soil fumigants and decrease costs of production.

release a white seedless grape that ripens at the end of the Thompson Seedless grape harvest season. The new variety will have a natural berry size as large as Thompson Seedless with gibberellic acid and a girdle. The new variety will reduce grower production costs and extend the grape production season.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A new mid-season seedless table grape cultivar, 'Melissa,' has been released. 'Melissa' produces large berries and ripens at the end of the Thompson Seedless season. 'Melissa' responds to gibberellic acid to produce adequate thinning at bloom and increase fruit size at the time of berry set. Fruit holds well on the vine and in storage.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This new grape cultivar will increase the supply and extend the season of white seedless grape production for U.S. consumers.

release a muscat flavored raisin grape with a fruitier flavor than any currently marketed. It will replace Muscat of Alexandria, a seeded muscat flavored raisin type grape. The new variety has potential for mechanical harvesting.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists released 'Summer Muscat,' a seedless muscat raisin grape for growers and nurserymen. This grape can be mechanically harvested, and eliminates the need for subsequent mechanical deseeding.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Muscat flavored raisins are traditionally seeded and must be mechanically deseeded, resulting in a sticky, hard to manage product. Summer Muscat eliminates the need for deseeding. The availability of seedless Muscat varieties, such as Summer Muscat, is expected to rebuild the market for Muscat raisins.

release three forage soybean cultivars to commercial sources to fill a special niche for rapid, high quality forage production.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists released three forage soybean cultivars, Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone, to provide livestock and dairy producers with sources of rapidly growing high protein forage. These are the first forage soybeans released by ARS. Commercial seed production by licensees provided seed for farmer production in 2000. The forage soybeans grow to six feet or more in height -- twice the height of ordinary soybeans and yield as much as six tons of dry matter per acre.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:These forage soybeans can reduce the production costs of dairy and livestock products, improve the efficiency of forage production, reduce the need for herbicides and insecticides and reduce soil erosion. Farmer interest in these forage soybeans has been described by individuals in the seed trade as 'astounding.'

PERFORMANCE GOAL 2.1.3.4:Improve methods for identifying useful properties of plants, animals, and other organisms, and for manipulating the genes associated with these properties.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will

identify and clone a gene responsible for pollen sterility in plants. This finding will encourage plant breeders to use a broader variety of genes for pollen sterility, thereby broadening the genetic base of the gene pools of major crops.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS researches in Albany, California, isolated and characterized three genes responsible for pollen grains being able to recognize the proper genetic type of plant for them to germinate and fertilize. Through genetic engineering, the function of one gene was disrupted, which conferred pollen sterility.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This accomplishment represents an initial crucial step for enabling plant breeders to convert any fertile plant to a pollen sterile form. Once this approach is perfected, it will greatly increase the efficiency whereby plant breeders can breed and produce hybrid crops so that the yield boosting effects of heterosis are available to more of the world’s farmers and crop processors.

conduct further testing under field conditions of the newly developed USDA 103 catfish strain to verify superior performance in commercial settings.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Field testing was performed at three locations using earthen ponds that verified superior performance of the USDA 103 catfish strain.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Over 1.2 million catfish are being raised as brood fish for planned germplasm release. Shortly, catfish producers will have a new strain of catfish (USDA 103) that was selected for faster growth, improved reproductive success, and greater disease resistance.

conduct test runs on the 'Test Day Model' for the genetic evaluation of the U.S. dairy herd.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Test runs for the 'Test Day Model' were conducted on schedule with satisfactory results. The model will be implemented as a component of the national Dairy Cattle Genetic Improvement Program in FY 2000.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The 'Test Day Model' will improve the accuracy of genetic evaluation of milk production traits, and thereby increase the profitability of the dairy industry.

STRATEGY 2.1.4:Plant and animal biological processes: Develop biologically based technologies to improve productivity, safety, nutrient content, and quality of plants, animals, microbial organisms, and their products.

PERFORMANCE GOAL 2.1.4.1:Make technologies available for improving productivity, safety, quality, and the security of the agricultural production system.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will conduct research leading to registration of a second therapeutic compound useful for treating diseases of farm-raised fish.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:A human food safety report was submitted to the FDA on the use of copper sulfate as a fish disease therapeutant. Residue studies showed no change in the copper content of edible filet tissue. Additional data have been submitted documenting that copper sulfate has a minimal effect on the environment when properly used as a treatment for disease.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:When the registration process is complete, fish farmers will have an approved health management treatment against ichthyophthirosis, a disease that causes economic losses of fish.

actively incorporate the Cercospora tolerance gene discovered and developed by ARS into several commercial breeding programs to produce Cercospora-resistant crop plants.

Research has not yet been done. Gathering information on genetics and mode of action.

complete development and testing of a modified, live vaccine to prevent enteric septicemia of catfish, the leading cause of economic loss to the catfish industry. A CRADA partner will seek approval from APHIS for a commercial license to manufacture this vaccine.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The modified live Edwardriella ectaluri vaccine was demonstrated to be safe for vaccination of 7 to 10 day old catfish fry under experimental practices.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The biosafety data was transferred to Intervet, Inc., the CRADA partner, which was used in its application to APHIS for licensing of the vaccine. The vaccine is to be available to farmers in the year 2000.

locate, clone, and begin to sequence mutant genes that promote degreening of maturing seeds. These genes, when transferred into canola plants, will contribute to solving a problem of loss of oil quality when the harvest includes some green immature seeds.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Degreening is disrupted by cold temperatures. In 1999, a sensitive new assay was developed to identify products of chlorophyll degradation which was used to identify the specific step in the degreening process that is sensitive to frost. This knowledge is the basis for identifying and isolating the gene responsible for degreening failure.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Green canola seeds at maturity are a $150 million problem to North American growers.If the seeds fail to degreen, then the color must be removed from the oil later at great expense or else the seeds are worthless. Frost interferes with the degreening process by affecting some specific steps in the biochemical process by which chlorophyll is destroyed. Research in ARS is identifying those genes sensitive to frost, so that they can be replaced with more frost tolerant genes. Canola is an important oilseed crop which is expanding rapidly because its oil has healthful properties compared to some other cooking oils commonly used.

continue to develop applications of the patented technology protection system that prevents seeds from being reproduced. Efforts will concentrate on cotton to add value and safety to proprietary genetically engineered varieties. The Agency’s CRADA partner will have the right of first refusal of an exclusive license.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:The three different genes of the Technology Protection System were combined in cotton for the first time, so that the complete system assembled in one plant can be tested. Proposals for other applications of the patented gene regulatory system were developed, and several of the most promising were recommended for further research.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The Technology Protection System is a revolutionary new means of controlling gene expression in plants with many possible applications. One of the possible applications, which was developed by cooperative work with a seed company and received considerable attention is seed sterilization. There are many other potential applications that promise to be extremely beneficial to agriculture. Areas of possible application include improved forage quality for dairy cattle, improved structures of 'refuges' for pest resistance management in transgenic insect resistant crops, and decreased use of defoliant chemicals on cotton.

develop precision maps of in-field variation in cotton fiber quality and relate the variability to soil properties and conditions. This will allow growers to identify the sites that produce the highest and lowest quality cotton and to devise management schemes accordingly.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Mapping fiber maturity in the field showed a positive relationship between maturity and soil phosphorus, and also between maturity and soil organic matter. In addition, uniformity of fiber properties is related to how cotton bolls are distributed on the plants which is relatively simple to assess. Integrated maps of fiber quality in the field indicate that zoned harvesting to separate the better fiber from the poor during harvest is possible.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Cotton fiber varies widely in its properties which puts it at a competitive disadvantage compared with synthetic fibers like polyester. Cotton mill operators need better information about the properties of the cotton they purchase, and more importantly, need a more uniform product. Some lack of uniformity arises from nonuniform field growing conditions. The degree to which this contributes to other problems has not been carefully analyzed. This research has shown that it is possible to map fiber quality attributes according to location within the field. It seems feasible to use precision agriculture techniques to harvest good fiber separately from poor fiber. The exact value added by separate harvests has not yet been tested.

continue to develop sustainable and organic farming strategies to control exotic weeds.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS is increasing its research in support of organic farming. For example, a detailed assessment of weed problems facing organic farming is being conducted in the Buckeystown, Maryland, area with three key organic farmers. A similar assessment is planned for Salinus, California. It should be noted that all of the ARS biologically-based, nonchemical weed research (e.g., biological control and cultural control) is applicable to small farms and organic farms.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The organic farming industry rated weed management as its top priority. These investigations will help quantify the nature and distribution of weeds that impact organic farming, and (particularly with appropriate new funding) will lead to development of weed management strategies for organic farms in the future.

OBJECTIVE 2.2:Safe food: 'Maintain a ... safe supply of food to meet human ... needs ....'

STRATEGY 2.2.1:Plant and animal product safety: Provide knowledge and means for production, storage, and processing of safe plant and animal products.

PERFORMANCE GOAL 2.2.1.1:Transfer knowledge developed by ARS to industry and regulatory agencies.

Indicators:

During FY 1999, ARS will

report a new strategy to develop wheat that is resistant to wheat head scab, a disease that causes yield losses and results in the presence of toxins in wheat products. ARS researchers have identified a key gene that confers fungi of the genus fusarium with tolerance to their own toxins. Previously, researchers identified the toxins as key players in the disease process in plants. The gene has successfully been transferred to a yeast strain where it also confers protection. Work is underway to transfer the gene into a model plant and establish how the gene works. If it offers protection to plants from fungal invasion and toxin accumulation, it could be incorporated into wheat germplasm.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS has developed a new strategy to produce wheat lines that are resistant to wheat head scab, a disease caused by fusarium fungi which causes yield losses and can result in the presence of toxin in wheat and barley products. Research also has identified key genes that confer fungi of fusarium with tolerance to their own toxins. These genes, TRI 101 and PDR5, have now been placed in tobacco and the transformed plants have been shown to have greater resistance to wheat head scab. These two genes have also been successfully transformed into wheat and barley, and the transformed plants are currently being evaluated in wheat and barley to determine if the gene is expressed and effective.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:These genes can potentially result in wheat and barley that is resistant to wheat head scab, thus protecting the food supply from an important toxin which results in greater returns to producers.

identify the common sources of salmonella and campylobacter in poultry. The poultry industry will then be able to better target intervention strategies to prevent the occurrence of these human pathogens in all segments of the industry.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS has completed a preliminary epidemiology study encompassing both production and processing operations that targeted two common poultry epizootic pathogens of poultry, salmonella and campylobacter. The production control points targeted by the results are hatching cabinet disinfection, consistent use of new paper pads for newly hatched chicken, competition exclusion, and litter treatments in the production house. The reduction of pathogens during processing appeared mostly related to plant use of chlorine during chilling.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The data from poultry farms in five States will enable ARS to plan a commercial scale trial to examine the four implicated production control points to further reduce the levels of pathogens on poultry beyond what can be achieved by increased chlorine use during processing. The information will also identify the most effective producer practices that can further improve the safety of poultry for human consumption.

provide model appropriate pathogen limits at each established critical control point in the swine slaughter process at a commercial meat processing plant under a Memoranda of Understanding. This work will be a model on how to assure that the final pork products meets the standards and guidelines of the HACCP plan required by FSIS.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS studies were conducted at the Hatfield swine processing plant in Pennsylvania. Samples were taken at all critical control sites during the animal slaughter and carcass dressing process. The most important finding was: that bacterial numbers were significantly reduced on the carcass during slaughter, specifically from the singeing process. However, the final washer/polisher recontaminated the carcass prior to evisceration and chilling. Bacterial levels during evisceration remained essentially unchanged, while there was a further small decline in viable numbers of bacteria during the chilling operation. With the approval of the FSIS, the final washer/polisher was taken off line, which resulted in a microbiologically clean carcass.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The research indicated that a visually clean carcass does not necessarily translate to a microbiologically clean carcass. Singeing is a significant critical control point early in the slaughter process, while thorough cleaning and sanitation and removal of the second washer/polisher is a critical control point late in slaughter. Implementation of ARS recommended changes in the slaughter process at Hatfield has resulted in a significant decrease in contaminated carcasses, to a near zero level. The Hatfield plant is now considered the 'standard' for swine processing.

in cooperation with partners, perform aflatoxin resistance trials at multiple locations using corn varieties demonstrated to have specific structural, chemical or biochemical mechanisms of resistance to Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin. Diagnostic methods will be developed that enable breeders to monitor the transfer of resistance factors into commercial hybrids. Identification of relevant corn resistance factors is based on years of fundamental research on ecology, pathology, and epidemiology of the fungus as well as critical observations of varietal resistance/susceptibility in corn lines.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Aflatoxin resistance trials in the laboratory and field locations have identified corn varieties that have specific structural, chemical, or biochemical mechanisms of resistance to Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin. Further, the research has identified regions on the corn chromosomes associated with aflatoxin resistance.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Identification of these regions of the corn chromosomes critical to aflatoxin resistance will enable breeders to more easily monitor the transfer of resistance into commercial high yielding hybrids. In turn, this will provide the basis for more rapid development of aflatoxin resistant corn varieties that will protect the public health and provide greater return to producers.

publish information on the effects of drought tolerance in peanut varieties.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:Drought tolerant peanut genotypes have been developed by selecting for larger root systems. These genotypes have recently been shown to have less aflatoxin contamination than standard varieties when subjected to heat and drought stress. This information has been published.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Improvements in resistance to aflatoxin would save the U.S. peanut industry millions of dollars in losses due to this toxin.

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