GOAL I: Through Research and Education, Empower the Agricultural System with Knowledge That Will Improve Competitiveness in Domestic Production, Processing, and Marketing.

Analysis of Results: This goal is the focus of much of ARS? research related to production agriculture. Under Goal I, 70 Indicators are aligned under 12 Performance Goals. Because of the unique and dynamic nature of research, several Indicators were added or modified in this Report that did not first appear in the Annual Performance Plan for FY 2000. 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 62 Indicators was completed or substantially completed during FY 2000.

OBJECTIVE 1.1: Strengthen Competitiveness: "Enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. agriculture and food industry in an increasingly competitive world environment."

STRATEGY 1.1.1: Cost-effective agricultural production systems: Develop new knowledge and integrated technologies for more efficient and economically sustainable agricultural production systems of all sizes.

During FY 2000, ARSwill incorporate into the "Decision Evaluator for the Cattle Industry (DECI)" model for use by cattlemen, new strategies and management systems to reduce feed costs for brood cows and to raise replacement heifers more economically.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A forage growth model was integrated into the Decision Evaluator for the Cattle Industry (DECI) and evaluated for predicting animal performance under different forage growth conditions. Natural grasslands are a valuable food resource for cattle, but producers need to utilize this resource in a sustainable manner.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This combined DECI model provides a valuable tool to evaluate different strategies for utilizing natural and improved grasslands.

During FY 2000,ARS will continue beta tests with both the new generation cotton model and GPFARM.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Beta tests were continued for both models. The new generation cotton model received its first full year of broad testing across the U.S. Cotton Belt, with involvement of both ARS and State Experiment Station and State Cooperative Extension Service personnel. Tests were restricted to experimental farms. GPFARM beta testing was continued and was extended to 20 operating farms and ranches of Eastern Colorado.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Based on results of the beta tests, both models were substantially improved.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Validation tests of the new cotton model were suspended for 2000 because of a lack of funding. Tests from the previous year indicated considerable promise for the model to perform well as a decision-aid model across the entire Cotton Belt. Discussions are underway about the future of the model.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The model retains much value as a potential link between precision agriculture and prescriptive farming (i.e., after soil variability is mapped, what does one do to manage the crop?). This model is capable of making those determinations, and will find use in this application when it is fully validated.

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.).

During FY 2000,ARSwill

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Avidin is a protein found in chicken egg white that is toxic to insect pests that attack grain. Scientists in the Biological Research Unit (BRU) of Grain Marketing and Production Research Center (GMPRC) in Manhattan, Kansas, and at Kansas State University have incorporated the gene that codes for avidin into corn. Avidin acts by binding to the vitamin, biotin, and making it unavailable to the insects. Levels that were toxic to insects showed no apparent oral toxicity to mice. Avidin has potential for controlling both field and post-harvest insect pests of cereals and the processed commodities made from cereals. In addition, BRU scientists have found a protein in potato that selectively inhibits a key component of the digestive system of corn rootworms. Incorporation of the gene into agriculturally important plants may protect them from insect pest attack.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Dr. Karl Kramer (USDA-ARS-GMPRC Biological Research Unit in Manhattan, Kansas) and others received a U.S. Patent (S/N 08/524,051) entitled "Recombinant Chitinase and Use Thereof as a Biocide." Chitinase is an enzyme that degrades the polysaccharide, chitin, found in the guts and exoskeletons of insects and cell walls of fungi. Several crops are being genetically engineered to express a protein encoded by an insect chitinase gene in order to provide resistance to insects and fungal diseases. Biopesticides are very promising tools for the control of insect pests in grain during both production and storage that are just beginning to be developed. They are environmentally friendly and highly cost effective.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Scientists at the ARS Grain Marketing and Production Research Center in Manhattan, Kansas, were the first to report that avidin, a common egg protein, had insecticidal activities against beetles and moths that attack corn, wheat, rice, and other grains. Together with a biotech company, they demonstrated that cornmeal made from corn that produced avidin was resistant to insect attack.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Corn containing avidin would have longer shelf life and require no insecticidal treatments reducing risks to human health and the environment. Farmers would benefit from the higher prices that improved quality corn would command.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The insecticide, doramectin, was evaluated for efficacy in controlling horn flies and ticks feeding on cattle and on horn flies developing in the manure. Oral dosing with doramectin controlled horn flies feeding on blood and immature horn flies developing in the manure of treated cattle. In addition, doramectin provided 100 percent protection against feeding by Lone Star ticks. Delivery of the insecticide in a mineral block proved to be an effective method.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Use of doramectin in mineral blocks is an effective way for ranchers to improve animal productivity by minimizing losses due to ectoparasites such as horn flies and ticks. This technology is being evaluated for commercial development by major animal health companies.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists in Manhattan, Kansas, and state researchers have gathered scientific data that grain elevator managers can use to thwart damage caused in stored wheat by the lesser grain borer, rice weevil, red flour beetle, and rusty grain beetle. Since the summer of 1998, Federal and State scientists in an areawide IPM effort have been monitoring insect levels and current pest management practices at 13 elevators in Kansas and 15 in Oklahoma. This is a collaborative study between major grain handling companies, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, and ARS. The work focuses on day-to-day elevator management practices - how these practices affect the cost and effectiveness of insect control and impact the economics of moving and storing grain. The scientists have identified three main ways to improve integrated pest management in grain elevators: (1) cooling the grain earlier in the storage season, particularly right after it enters the bin; (2) cleaning empty bins more thoroughly; and (3) fumigating wheat only when insect infestations reach unacceptable levels.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The Kansas-Oklahoma areawide project is one of several ARS programs developed in response to USDA?s Integrated Pest Management Initiative. As a result of the project, by 2002 researchers will have developed an integrated pest management program for wheat stored at elevators. Research data collected during the areawide IPM study substantiate that the recommendations to improve IPM in stored grain is cost-effective. Stored grain insects cost the U.S. wheat industry about $500 million annually thus, using the recommended tactics offered by the project would result in a considerable savings .

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Reducing the use of pesticides to control household insects requires increased knowledge of when and where to apply treatments that will produce the most effective results. A spatially-based system for monitoring insect pest distributions and precision targeting of treatment was developed. Customized programming, coupled with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software provided a simple process of entering spatially-referenced data, determining pest distributions, identifying areas for treatment, documenting the amount of pesticide used and the reductions in pest populations. The use of this precision targeting system has been documented in retail stores and hospitals.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The value of this research was recognized by EPA, DoD, and DoE with a Pollution Prevention Project of the Year Award. The software was delivered to DoD, Armed Forces Pest Management Board, and is in use by the U.S. Army for tick control, turf insect management, weed management, and fire ant management. The Navy uses this system for control of pests on aircraft carriers. The software is available to the public through the ARS website and is being used by three commercial pest control companies.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This project was not initiated due to the retirement of the responsible scientist whose position was not subsequently filled.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists at Wenatchee and Yakima, Washington, determined that fruits increased in firmness and in soluble solids/tritratable acidity ratios after treatment. This treatment also suppressed storage scald and decay. Efficacy tests were conducted against the codling moth, apple maggot, and plum curculio. A 4-hour treatment at 44 degrees C, followed by CA-cold storage, resulted in complete mortality of these pests.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The treatment provided good quality fruit with higher firmness and sweeter taste than untreated fruit. This assures that quality will not be compromised in the development of new quarantine treatments and provides an alternative to conventional methods.

During FY 2000, ARSwill

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Scientists at the ARS laboratory in Fresno have identified several fumigants that have potential as replacements for methyl bromide. Of these, sulfuryl fluoride used at very low doses and short treatment times was very effective against navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella, and diapausing larvae of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These results show that sulfuryl fluoride is a suitable replacement for the existing methyl bromide quarantine treatment presently used on export walnuts destined for the European Union (EU). The treatment could be implemented without additional capital investment. Its use would maintain the U.S. walnut export market in the EU that will otherwise be jeopardized with the loss of methyl bromide.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Scientists at the ARS laboratory in Fresno have looked at several substrates for adsorbing methyl bromide from an airstream and found that activated carbon is the most sorbent material and that activated carbon derived from coconut shells is superior to activated carbon obtained from peat or petroleum. The moisture content of the airstream had only a minor effect on the amount of methyl bromide that could be sorbed onto a given amount of activated carbon.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These results are valuable because they verify that experiments conducted under a CRADA at the Fresno lab to develop a working system to sorb methyl bromide were conducted on the most efficient substrate tested for that purpose. The results of this testing also validate the building of working commercial units at the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport and by a major strawberry shipper in Watsonville, California.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Scientists at the ARS Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center developed an improved strain of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) egg parasite F. arisanus. Field surveys of coffee fields in Hawaii indicated that this parasite was the most abundant natural enemy of the pest in coffee and field tests and confirmed that it was capable of suppressing Medfly populations.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: ARS transferred the laboratory-adapted strain of F. arisanus to APHIS and it now has it in culture in Guatemala. The parasite will be available for release there to suppress Medfly and other fruit fly species as part of the program to protect U.S. agriculture from Medfly arriving in the U.S. from Central America.

During FY 2000,ARSwill

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This technique has proven useful for age-grading and identifying species of mosquitoes that carry malaria. However, the technique cannot determine if individual mosquitoes are carrying the malarial organisms. The technique has also been shown to differentiate species of stored grain insects, parasitoids, and to age-grade flies.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This simple, rapid, and nondestructive technique provides a means to rapidly determine the species and age of pest insects. This information can then be used to implement appropriate control or quarantine strategies.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Scientists at the Grain Marketing and Production Research Center have identified strains of lesser grain borer, a destructive pest of grain, that shows extreme resistance to the fumigant phosphine, and they have developed strategies to isolate the genes responsible for this resistance. The cytochrome C oxidase gene known to be involved in phosphine resistance has been cloned, a necessary step in developing quick molecular assays for resistance.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Phosphine is the primary tool for control of stored-grain insects but insect to it is an emerging threat in stored product insect pest protection. The lesser grain borer has recently spread northward, becoming a severe pest of stored grain in previously uninfested areas. This research will result in identification of DNA markers that can be assayed in a high-throughput microplate platform for rapid detection of resistance using dead insects or even insect parts which will provide the grain industry with much needed technology to manage the pest problem.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Scientists at the ARS Grain Marketing and Production Research Center conducted research to measure the movement of stored-product insect pests in and around food processing and storage facilities. Using a two-part program consisting of (1) a grid of pheromone traps and contour mapping to visualize insect distribution and (2) pheromone stations that mark and release insects that can then be recaptured in other locations, the researchers were able to successfully identify major sources of insects at a pet food manufacturing plant.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Sanitation efforts targeted at the major pest source have reduced insect density in other areas of the facility and reduced the potential for product infestation and the need for chemical intervention. This technology has broad application to a variety of food and feed manufacturing and processing plants throughout the country.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In a cooperative research program with industry, ARS scientists at the Grain Marketing and Production Research Center, Manhattan, Kansas, initiated experiments to measure the movement behavior of stored-product insect pests in and around food processing and storage facilities. A two part program was developed that uses (1) a grid of pheromone traps and contour mapping to visualize insect distribution and (2) pheromone stations that mark and release insects that can then be recaptured in other locations to determine the distance and direction of pest movement.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This approach was used to identify a major source of insects at a pet food manufacturing plant. Pheromone trap catches indicated areas of high insect density and recapture of marked insects indicated which area was a major source of insects in other parts of the facility. Sanitation efforts targeted at this major pest source have reduced insect density in other regions of the facility and have reduced the potential for product infestation and the need for chemical intervention.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Experiments were run in citrus orchards and on native host plants in mountainous areas to test trap distribution, fly dispersal, and effects of habitat on Mexican fruit fly capture in McPhail traps from native and released sterile populations. Habitat and weather were identified as key factors affecting fly dispersal and optimal trap distribution.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Logistics and the economics of trapping systems suggest that the current system of placing traps in host trees in most areas of south Texas is the best strategy rather than concentrating on trap distribution distances.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A gelled toxic bait suitable for use in bait stations was developed, tested for periods up to 5 months, and found to be equal or better than torula yeast bait that must be replaced weekly.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: A commercial company in South Carolina has designed a cheap, hinged station that can be stacked into compact units, which is currently in production for experiments. This station is light enough so a field worker can carry up to 100 stations. The bait is packaged in a modified foil covered plastic cup (similar to those used for condiments and jellies) that snaps into the station.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists in Pullman, WA, developed recombinant antigen based diagnostic tests for hemoparasites (U.S. Patents #5,798,219 & #5,643,737) including tests for anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma marginale, an ehrlichial pathogen of cattle, sheep and goats and equine babesiosis caused by Babesia equi and Babesia caballi. These tests have been transferred to industry and to NVSL-APHIS in the case of equine babesiosis. USDA approval of the anaplasmosis diagnostic test is expected early in 2001.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The development of the anaplasmosis test enabled Canadian scientists to identify the disease in their country and to determine its epidemiology. Prior to the availability of this test, Canada was thought to be anaplasmosis-free, preventing export of U.S. cattle carrying anaplasmosis to Canada. A collaborative project with APHIS is planned to determine the epidemiology of anaplasmosis in the U.S. Similar collaborative projects are being established to test the true status of equine babesiosis in the Southern U.S.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists at Pullman, Washington, developed the first practical live animal test for scrapie and the techniques for identifying pre-clinically infected sheep over the age of 18 months at slaughter. This technique uses a biopsy from the third eyelid and detects an abnormal prion protein by immunohistochemical methods. This technique has been transferred to USDA-APHIS-VS and the antibodies made commercially available. Through collaborative research with the National Animal Disease Center (Ames, IA), Washington State University (Pullman, WA), APHIS, MAFF (United Kingdom) and Utah State University (Logan, UT), ARS scientists published stage 2 OIE (Office of International Epizooties) validation of the third eyelid test. A collaborative project has been developed with APHIS to complete stage 3 OIE validation of this test.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The third eyelid test is the first practical and reliable live animal test for pre-clinicaldiagnosis of scrapie. This test will be crucial for epidemiological screening of infected herds worldwide and will provide significant protection to the U.S. sheep industry.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists at Athens, Georgia, are establishing a DNA sequence database for various subtypes of avian influenza virus and developing molecular methods using heteroduplex mobility assay to quickly identify the subtypes of avian influenza virus.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The heteroduplex mobility assay will allow quick identification of influenza isolates in real time when an outbreak occurs as opposed to the slower method of DNA sequence identification. It will also allow better understanding of the biological and molecular events that result in a shift in virulence among avian influenza strains and provide a sensitive method to compare unknown isolates to a reference standard. This assay will allow rapid and cost-effective large-scale screening of many different influenza viruses and provide crucial information on the epidemiology of emergent virus strains for the U.S. poultry industry.

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

During FY 2000,ARSwill

transfer a food product database to users for measuring total dietary fiber in foods.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Preliminary data has been accumulated, in cooperation with the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service Eastern Laboratory, on the rapid prediction of total dietary fiber by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy in dried, de-fatted frozen and shelf-stable meals. Results indicate the feasibility of a spectroscopic approach to this problem. In addition, sampling strategy has been developed for the collection of near-infrared spectra from fresh homogenized samples. Continuation of the project is awaiting the results of an FSIS committee on establishing priorities for ARS/FSIS collaborative projects.

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 5 days to approximately 30 minutes.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A building at the USDA-ARS Cotton Quality Research Station, Clemson, South Carolina, was identified for a pilot-plant cleaning system. An agreement was signed with the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Clemson University, to develop the system based on existing designs. Development of the system is underway.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The U.S. is the biggest user of linen (derived from flax) in the world, but all of the fiber is imported. As a first step in developing a domestic flax industry, this research is establishing procedures to generate a clean, uniform, reliable product.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A new version of the Stored Grain Advisor (SGA) called SGA Pro was developed for use by commercial grain storage managers. The users select weather data files for their locations and inputs information about bin size, bin wall material, types of grain, aeration fan size, types of aeration controllers, initial grain temperature and moisture, storage data, and expected ship date. SGA Pro can predict insect densities for five species of stored grain pests, as well as the number of insect damaged kernels to expect with time. It also predicts the effects on insect populations of various control methods such as treatment with phosphine, controlled atmospheres, aeration, and various insecticides. The economic consequences of various management options are also provided to the user.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: SGA Pro is being field tested as a key component of the areawide integrated pest management project that is being conducted in grain elevators located in Kansas and Oklahoma. This project applies a systems approach to manage grain quality as it moves from the farm to various markets. If proven successful in this field trial, the SGA Pro will be offered to grain handlers nationwide to serve as a cost effective tool for controlling insect pests and improving the quality of U.S. grain.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In cooperation with insect trap manufacturers, scientists at the ARS Grain Marketing and Production Research Center developed pheromone-baited traps to monitor insect activity in food processing facilities, warehouses and retail outlets. These nontoxic traps allow the user to locate low level insect infestations before they reach intolerable levels and provide users with nonchemical alternatives for control at reduced costs.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The use of pheromone-baited traps has become an important component of integrated pest management systems (IPM) and can reduce the dependance and costs associated with insecticide treatments. Product quality has been maintained both domestic and export markets as a result of this technology.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists in Manhattan, Kansas, and state researchers have gathered scientific data that grain elevator managers can use to thwart damage caused in stored wheat by the lesser grain borer, rice weevil, red flour beetle, and rusty grain beetle. Since the summer of 1998, Federal and State scientists in an areawide IPM effort have been monitoring insect levels and current pest management practices at 13 elevators in Kansas and 15 in Oklahoma. This is a collaborative study between major grain handling companies, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, and ARS. The work focuses on day-to-day elevator management practices - how these practices affect the cost and effectiveness of insect control and how they impact the costs of moving and storing grain. The scientists have identified three main ways to improve integrated pest management in grain elevators: (1) cooling the grain earlier in the storage season, particularly right after it enters the bin; (2) cleaning empty bins more thoroughly; and (3) fumigating wheat only when insect infestations reach unacceptable levels.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The Kansas-Oklahoma areawide project is one of several ARS programs developed in response to USDA?s Integrated Pest Management Initiative. As a result of the project, researchers by 2002 will have developed an integrated pest management program for wheat stored in elevators. Research data collected during the areawide IPM study substantiate that the recommendations to improve IPM in stored grain is cost-effective. The stored grain insects involved cost the U.S. wheat industry about $500 million annually thus, using the recommended tactics offered by the project would result in considerable savings .

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Using a simple, user-friendly relational database system developed by ARS, we summarize and interpret end-use quality data of hard winter wheat breeding lines can be summarized and interpreted.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The database system provides simultaneous assessment of multiple quality traits on a standardized scale; user specified prioritization of end-use quality traits for numerical and qualitative ratings of genotypes; tabulation of major quality deficiencies of genotypes and summarization of quality ratings for a genotype across multiple nurseries. Food manufacturers and other customers can use the information in this database to determine which varieties possess the necessary quality traits needed for making each of the products that they produce.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No further progress was made on this topic beyond the accomplishments reported last year. The project has been terminated.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No progress to report on this topic.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No progress to report. Project was terminated.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Found that flour components from strong gluten wheats were found to have a highly positive effect on frozen dough quality, whereas weak gluten wheats had a negative effect. This demonstrated that glutenin plays a predominant role in frozen dough quality.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Information will provide the basis for improving quality of frozen dough.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: New commercial enzymes and low-cost chelating agents were evaluated for effectiveness at retting. A color test method for proposed industry color standards has been written and is being considered by ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials). Fabrics with specific blend levels of cotton and flax fiber were evaluated cooperatively with the University of Georgia, to establish specific properties with the blending of flax into the cotton.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The U.S. is the biggest user of linen (derived from flax) in the world, but the fiber is all imported. As a second step in developing a domestic flax industry, this research is establishing standards of quality against which the quality of the product can be judged, and pricing determined.

During FY 2000,ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Kansas Wheat Commission asked ARS to develop simple, rapid, safe, and objective procedures for determining red and white wheat color class. Scientists and engineers at Manhattan, Kansas, optimized procedures that involve soaking kernels in sodium hydroxide, resulting in a rapid change in seed color that makes color classification simple and accurate.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This color classification test is now commercially marketed and used by the wheat industry and inspectors to determine wheat color class. This simple procedure can help promote the adoption and segregation of white wheat and help expand export markets for U.S. white wheat.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed optimized procedures that makes color classification simple and accurate. This color classification test is now commercially marketed and used by the wheat industry and inspectors to determine wheat color class.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This simple procedure can help promote the adoption and segregation of white wheat and help expand U.S. white wheat export markets.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No progress to report. Project terminated.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The single kernel NIR system is now commercially available from Perten Instruments (SCKS 4170). Calibrations were developed to identify kernels containing large larvae and pupae, and they were installed on commercial instruments used by flour mills. Protein calibrations are currently being completed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This technology will help managers of storage facilities and mills make informed decisions concerning fumigation, that lead to reductions in insect damage and fragments in flour.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No progress to report. Project was terminated.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No progress to report. Project was terminated.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS efforts in developing a machine vision-based methodology to objectively evaluate bread crumb grain have been temporarily suspended due to the retirement of a scientist in the Engineering Research Unit who was collaborating with the Wheat Quality Laboratory. However, a project was initiated to modify a machine vision-based methodology developed for commercial bakeries for applicable for small loaves of bread baked from an early generation of hard winter wheats.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Success could lead to an objective grading system of bread crumb grain thereby providing objective quantifiable scores to wheat breeders.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Initial and follow-up neural network based calibrations, using wheat samples supplied by GIPSA, showed the potential for machine vision separation of Dark Hard Vitreous (DHV) kernels from non-DHV wheat kernels to be approximately 85 percent correct, while certain types of visually difficult DHV kernels were not well separated.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: With rapid objective classification of DHV wheat kernels, GIPSA could improve inspector efficiency, reduce inspector variations in DHV determination in the market channel, and potentially adopt the procedure for standard market channel use and standardized definitions of DHV wheat.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No progress to report. Project was terminated.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A fineness-maturity tester has been developed that provides a secondary standard calibration method. The tester is being evaluated in a round-robin test in many different locations. A very diverse set of cottons was evaluated to determine what best predicts bundle (yarn) strength. The best indicator found is a ratio of fiber fineness to maturity.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: HVI (high-volume instrumentation) is universally used to measure fiber quality, but it has some unresolved issues, including proper calibrations. Currently fineness and maturity are not measured individually, but it is important that procedures be developed to do so. This information is expected to be the basis of the next generation of improved HVI calibration procedures and for adding new HVI tests for fineness and maturity.

During FY 2000,ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A third year of data was collected on some 300 rice cultivars. The near infrared (NIR), mid infrared (MIR) and Raman spectra are being gathered and the protein and amylose data determined. These will be added to the first two years studies which should provide an adequate database to assess end quality of rice.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Countries which import U.S. rice use NIR to assess quality of the grain. This database will enable the U.S. to export on a level field.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed a near infrared transmission method and calibration for added iron and iron/protein ratio in beef neck bone lean from AMRS and hand boned lean.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Added iron and iron/protein ratio can be used as a quality or performance standard for bone marrow in AMRS and hand-boned final lean. Thus, the method can be used in meat processing plants to monitor bone marrow content of AMRS final lean.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed methods that allow rapid identification or fingerprinting of wheat, rice, oats, or barley cultivars in 3 minutes and objective characterization of sorghum and maize proteins in 15 minutes. Developedmethod to characterize high molecular weight glutenin subunits which correlate to improved bread making properties. Characterized the protein fractions from wheat and related species and correlated them to quality parameters.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The cereal industry can use these methods for separation of cereal proteins in order to ensure identity of grain lots destined for specific end-uses. Identification of specific proteins and protein fractions may provide a means to predict end-use quality for the cereal industry.

continue to determine the role of lipids in end-use quality of wheat.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Continued the development of lipid extraction methods from cereal grains and processed products using supercritical fluid extraction system. The methodology will be collaboratively studied with the American Association of Cereal Chemists and the International Association for Cereal Science and Technology.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Supercritical fluid extraction provides a much safer, faster, environmentally friendly method for determining cereal lipids. This information may lead to an internationally acceptable standardized method of lipid determination in cereal grains and processed products which has potential importance for cereal-based food nutritional labeling on a global scale.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed a database of Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) scans for proteins of known secondary structure to be used in monitory changes in the secondary structure of gluten proteins in dough during mixing. Began evaluation of a model dough system by FTIR consisting of a mixture of water, starch and vital wheat gluten.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Techniques and methods for the rapid, nondestructive spectroscopic monitoring and evaluation of dough rheology will ensure more accurate and efficient processing of raw materials in the baking industry.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: By modifying the baking procedure, discovered that up to 60 percent durum flour could be incorporated in the baking formulation to produce bread with quality characteristics that were equal to or superior to bread made with 100 percent hard red spring wheat flour. In a cooperative study with other USDA scientists, tested the bread making potential of durum wheat translocation lines that contained high molecular weight glutenins from spring wheat. Project will be continued through pilot-scale milling and baking trials.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Potential for developing a new cultivar of durum wheat that can be specifically used for both bread making and pasta.

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.

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."

STRATEGY 1.2.1: New and alternative crops: Develop new and alternative crops with economic and social value.

During FY 2000,ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The study of alternative pollinators is particularly important when crops are introduced into an area where the pollinating insects that co-evolved with the plant are not available. Of four commercially available pollinators (honey bee, alfalfa leaf-cutting bee, blue orchard bee, and western bumble bee) released in two avocado groves in Ventura County, California, by researchers at the ARS Logan, Utah laboratory, western bumble bees actively visited avocado flowers; however, high bumble bee prices make use of these pollinators difficult to justify at this time.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Surveys of bees that pollinate avocado flowers were conducted at three avocado groves in Atlixco, Mexico, (the area of origin of avocado) by cooperator, Dr. Carlos Vergara (Universidad de las Americas). Data from these studies will be used to identify bee species most commonly associated with avocado pollination, with the goal of finding a more efficient and less expensive pollinator then those currently available.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists and cooperators at Texas A&M University planted guayule seed in Arizona experiments on control of grasses and weeds and optimization of production. However, the seed quality was inferior and the germination poor, so the experiment was terminated but will be repeated in the coming year.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Due to poor seed germination, the year 2000 tests failed, therefore, no impact or outcome could be measured.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The root-knot nematode resistance from Scotch Bonnet-type pepper germplasm was moved to three advanced breeding lines of Habanera-type pepper that have been released to breeders for cultivar development. In addition, the root-knot nematode resistance was moved into two bell-type pepper varieties that were released under the names "Charleston Wonder" and "Charleston Belle."

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This germplasm will reduce the amount of chemical nematicides required for pepper production and should also reduce the dependency on methyl bromide for pre-plant soil fumigation.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A new method was developed capable of determining latex content of very small amounts of guayule plant tissue.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:The method is currently in use to evaluate guayule germplasm lines and to enhance latex processing procedures. This procedure will considerably speed up the research program. A CRADA is in place with a company to commercialize hypoallergenic latex rubber from guayule. Each year that mass production of hypoallergenic guayule latex rubber is accelerated means that millions of sufferers from latex allergy will no longer be at risk of serious reactions, even death.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: For the first time, guayule has been genetically engineered to produce stable transformants. Three guayule genetic lines have been transformed with genes believed to be important in determining rubber yield, but will maintain the valuable hypoallergenic quality of the latex. Greenhouse plants have been successfully regenerated from the genetically engineered cells, as the first step in generating a population of transformed plants for evaluation.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: For the first time, geneticists have germplasm that has the potential to increase yield when introduced into a breeding program. Natural rubber is a strategic product for which the U.S. is entirely dependent upon imports. An enhanced guayule plant, which can produce high yields in the Southwestern U.S., will reduce the dependence upon precarious foreign sources of Hevea rubber.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Poor seed set of Cuphea during seed production in 1999 resulted in a small harvest, and precluded the planting of large test plots of elite cuphea in 2000; however, a small test plot of an elite nonsticky, nondormant cuphea line was planted next to corn in central Illinois and harvested successfully. Two new lesquerella germplasm lines, one with increased seed oil and yield and one with tolerance to saline soils, were released. A test plot of 40 acres of lesquerella was planted in Arizona and the seed oil extracted in Nebraska for evaluation in the manufacture of industrial lubricants.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The oil produced from Cuphea can be used as a substitute for imported palm oil for the manufacture of detergents and industrial lubricants. Field tests in 2000 demonstrated that Cuphea can be successfully grown in the Midwest as an alternative crop that can be used in rotation with soybean and corn. The new lesquerella lines will improve yields for producers and processors.

During FY 2000,ARSwill

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Microquantification methods for rubber analysis based on measuring enzyme activity were developed for evaluating small amounts of plant material. These methods can be used for evaluating small plants grown in the greenhouse or field.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Use of these methods will allow earlier evaluation of breeding materials for rubber content, reducing the developmental time for new germplasm by almost two years and allowing evaluation of plants when maximum genetic expression is occurring without confounding environmental effects.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Genetically engineered guayule plants with potentially higher rubber contents were developed and plantlets increased in the greenhouse for experimental field planting in the Spring of 2001.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These plants could potentially have more than the 10% rubber in the highest yielding lines developed by traditional breeding methods.

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.

During FY 2000,ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENT: Scientists at Kimberly, Idaho, have shown that polyacrylamide (PAM) when applied at 10 parts per million the irrigation water reduced sediment losses by more than 95 percent from the furrow irrigated fields. And, in cooperation with private industry, the scientists developed a method to measure residuals to determine if PAM could pose a health effect.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: To date no residuals have been found in crop tissues or in downstream waters. PAM is currently being used on about 6 million acres.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Demonstrated that milk proteins may be used as part of a formulation for an extruded high dietary fiber food bar. The milk proteins function as a binder that holds the starch components and the fiber to form a cohesive, firm and chewy product.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This technology provides a means of increasing the amount of dairy proteins and dietary fiber that may be included in a food bar, used increasingly by Unite States consumers for meal replacement, improving its nutritional benefits while maintaining its palatability.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Research led to a joint patent on the new corn fiber gum technology being granted to ARS and its commercial partner on November 14, 2000.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Having obtained a patent on the new technology, the industry partner will be able to justify expenditure of funds needed to scale up and commercialize the product. Sales of this new product will increase the value of corn fiber and provide more revenue to corn producers and wet-millers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A process was developed for low oil-uptake donuts formulated with wheat flour and up to 50 percent rice ingredients. They absorb 50-70 percent less oil than traditional wheat, while retaining desirable flavor and textural characteristics. Discussion is ongoing with potential CRADA partner.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This technology meets the needs of health-conscious consumers, and could spur demand for donuts which, in turn would increase utilization of rice.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Several modified phytases have been engineered for evaluation as improved means to reduce phosphorous levels in manure from monogastric farm animals.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Development of an improved phytase would increase its use in animal feeds in the U.S. with subsequent reductions in phosphorous-rich runoffs from animal manures.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Evaluated specific protease enzyme and found that 95 percent of the available protein could be recovered from the shavings, leaving a nearly protein-free chrome cake suitable for recycling into further tanning processes. University collaborators reported on their attempt to adapt the process for production of a specific product.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Accomplishment will benefit the leather producer and the processor of tannery wastes, and help direct landfilled waste into processes that recover valuable products from that waste. Scientists in three countries have contacted ARS concerning possible use of the technology.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists extruded a series of materials and showed that the addition of fiber increased the compressive strength above that of foams of comparable density, especially at low relative humidity, and significantly increased the axial compressive strength.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: A manuscript was prepared and sent to the cooperator, but no response was received.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Working with a small biomedical business, a license for the biobased Fantesk technology was negotiated and signed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: A new market for starch and vegetable oils was created.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed a preliminary crop model to maximize post-harvest latex production throughout the year. Generated 10 gallons of pure latex under a trust fund with a USDA patent licensee. USDA patent licensee has begun first guayule planting for commercial nonallergenic latex production. Seed pretreatments were developed that led to successful field trials of USDA germplasm under a specific cooperative agreement with the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Guayule latex is a safe alternative to natural rubber for production of nonallergenic latex products by the industrial sector in the future.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: More than 50 national and international companies have made inquiries about the product. A CRADA was signed with a private sector partner to test starch-based lightweight concrete in a decorative siding product. The tests indicated that the starch-based concrete needed a higher compressive strength to meet code requirements. The CRADA partner suggested other possible niche markets that might benefit using starch-based lightweight concrete.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The potential impact of this research will depend on whether a company can be found for exploiting starch-based concrete to fill a niche market. Success would create new markets for U.S. wheat producers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Work with two small businesses under separate CRADA?s led to the development of (1) lotions and barrier cream formulations which were subjected to clinical testing by the cooperator and (2) breadings for use in seafood products. Successful execution of the projects led to licensing of the technology by both of the cooperators.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Potential new markets for starch and vegetable oils derived from corn and soybeans.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Working under a CRADA agreement, protein-based blends were produced which possessed mechanical properties similar to petroleum-based thermoplastics. The materials could be processed using standard commercial equipment. A patent application for the technology has been submitted with the CRADA partner and licensing of the technology is being pursued.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Potential new industrial markets from proteins obtained from wheat and soybeans.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ERRC, NAA, ARS scientists in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, found that high-valued nutraceuticals, such as cholesterol-lowering phytosterols and functional food gums could be generated as co-products from current or slightly-modified dry-grind ethanol processes. Previously, these valuable co-products could only be produced with more capital intensive wet-milling processes.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These results demonstrate the possibility of expanding the range and value of co-products produced during production of fuel ethanol at small, less-costly, dry-grind ethanol facilities. The sales of these co-products can lower the cost of producing fuel ethanol and bring more revenue to small processors and their communities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed a new method for rapid extraction of pectin using microwave heating and used it to extract pectin from orange peels more quickly and with superior quality compared to pectin produced by conventional commercial means.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Research demonstrated that pectin production costs could be reduced without sacrificing quality of the final product. Adoption of the method by commercial producers will lower pectin costs, making it more competitive with other food gums and thereby expanding its applications and use.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Demonstrated that blends of pectin/starch/glycerol could be extruded into materials having mechanical properties comparable to those obtained from the more expensive solution casting method.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Results demonstrate how edible, pectin-based films can be formed cost-effectively with equipment currently used by manufacturers of non-edible films. Adoption of the fabricating technique by producers will create new markets for pectin and thereby increase demand for pectin and U.S. citrus peel.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24,000 pounds of lesquerella seed was harvested and cleaned. Process equipment was installed at a new small processing facility for lesquerella, milkweed, and other alternative crops.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: An economic and research plan to commercialize lesquerella was initiated.