Analysis of Results: This goal is the focus of much of ARS' research related to production agriculture. Under Goal I, 113 Indicators are aligned under 12 Performance Goals. Because of the unique and dynamic nature of research, several Indicators were added, deleted, or modified in this Report that did not first appear in the Annual Performance Plan for FY 2001. 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 104 Indicators was completed or substantially completed during FY 2001.

OBJECTIVE 1.1: Strengthen competitiveness: "Enhance the competitiveness of the United States 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 2001, ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A forage growth model was developed and integrated into the DECI software package.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Tests are being conducted and evaluated in the production environment.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The rumen sub-model was updated with new coefficients.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The Cornell Carbohydrate Protein System is widely used in the dairy industry and feed savings as great as 17 percent have been documented.

During FY 2001,ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: By the beginning of FY 2001, ARS had developed a simulation model of the cotton crop that was ready for beta-testing in the field across the Cotton Belt, with farmer and extension agents cooperating. However, ARS funds that had supported the model were redirected to other urgent needs. Without internal funding to finish the testing, ARS instead decided to make the source code and documentation available to the public, so that others could continue to refine and test the model in a timely fashion.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Release of the source code will take place in FY 2002. It can be accessed and downloaded on the Internet, at http://www.ott.ars.usda.gov/menu.htm?software=true&software_id=1.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Corn, soybean, and alfalfa are key crops for providing feed for dairy cows. Analyses of the impact of weather and climate on production of these crops are constrained by the lack of long-term field experiments in which all production inputs (including technological developments such as improved varieties and increased rates of fertilization) are held constant. An alternative strategy is the use of crop simulation models, which are based on the underlying physiological processes governing plant growth and development. Simulated crop growth was used to study the impact of weather and climate on typical crops grown in the Great Lakes region over the past 100 years without the influence technological improvements. Simulated maize and soybean yields were found to increase with time since the late 1930's at most of the study sites due to increased precipitation and more humid conditions. No consistent trends were found for alfalfa.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The simulated yields support previous research identifying a period of favorable climate for crop production in the region from 1954-1973. The study suggests that at least part of the observed yield increases in the region during recent decades has occurred as the result of wetter, less stressful growing season weather conditions. A better understanding of the effect of historical climate change improves our ability to predict how future climate changes may affect food production, including crops grown as livestock feed.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: To help producers manage the complex interactions between cattle and alternative feed sources (crops, pasture, and rangeland), researchers at Ft. Collins, Colorado, completed version 1.75 of the whole-farm/ranch decision-support tool, GPFARM model, and user interface. The model was released to a small number of producers and government agents in September for testing at locations across the Great Plains. Based on feedback, revisions are being made and version 2.0 will be released to the general public soon.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: GPFARM will provide graphically displayed yield data and other information to compare alternative management systems quantitatively so producers can better identify the strategy for integrating all the components of their operation to optimize economic and environmental sustainability of their livestock enterprise.

STRATEGY 1.1.2: Preharvest and postharvest control of pests: Develop preharvest and 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 2001, ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Biopesticide Incorporated into Soybeans and Sorghum: Working with cooperators at Kansas State University, the gene for insect chitinase was introduced into soybean and sorghum plants using a biolistic approach. Transgenic plants that contained the gene and expressed it at high levels were identified. Progeny from these plants are being grown and will be tested for expression of the chitinase gene and their resistance to insects.

Understanding the Structure of the Active Chitinase Biopesticide: Another significant achievement is the development of several deletion forms of insect chitinase that would increase the efficiency of insect chitinase as a biopesticide. Truncated forms of the chitinase gene were expressed in insect cells and purified and their enzymatic activities were tested. The deletion forms have altered enzymatic properties. These will be bioassayed and compared to the wild-type enzyme for their relative stability, effectiveness, and chitin-binding ability.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The results of this research will provide the information needed to determine how to incorporate other potential biopesticides into important agricultural crops. Specifically, the deletion forms of chitinase studied have provided information concerning the active site of this important enzyme. They have defined what structures are needed for activity and will lead to the development of more effective forms of biopesticides such as chitinase.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: By the end of FY 2001, ARS (Manhattan, Kansas) had identified over 5,600 DNA fragments involved in the response of wheat to Hessian fly, scab (Fusarium head blight), Karnal bunt, and leaf rust. The DNA sequence of each of these molecular fragments was determined and subsets of genes affected by each pest determined.

Molecular markers were identified by ARS researchers, Pullman, Washington, for genes conferring high-level seedling resistance and durable adult-plant resistance to wheat stripe rust.

A method of distinguishing alfalfa populations based on differences in parts of the chloroplast genome was developed by ARS, Manhattan, Kansas, and tested on more than 100 populations. This method has the potential to be applied in the "fingerprinting" of alfalfa cultivars, contributing to the plant improvement effort by allowing the distinction of individual cultivars, and providing a tool to aid in the selection of diverse parents, highly desirable in alfalfa breeding.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Each DNA fragment is now available to wheat geneticists and breeders for genome mapping and determination of linkage with map location and pest resistance. These are now being used to speed up genetic selection of disease and pest resistance in commercially grown varieties.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Pest management decisions at grain elevators are often made with little information about infestation levels and depend heavily on routine use of pesticides. Scientists at Manhattan, Kansas, demonstrated that sampling grain for insects from a one-gallon sample taken from each 4-foot layer in the top 40 feet of grain, was sufficient to estimate insect populations. This allows for fumigating only bins that need to be fumigated. The scientists have also developed a grain sampling and risk-analysis data-base program that will show the elevator manager which bins need to be fumigated and which ones don?t. The software analyzes the insect counts, grain temperatures and moisture in determining which bins need to be fumigated.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Monitoring stored grain for insects, and only fumigating grain when insects exceed an economic threshold can reduce the cost and risk of fumigating grain elevators. (ARS scientists at Manhattan, Kansas have demonstrated that cooling grain soon after it is stored using aeration allows grain to be safely stored, thus reducing the need for fumigation). This research will make areawide integrated pest management available to grain elevators and thus, decrease the number of unnecessary fumigations, reduce insect-damaged grain, and help maintain the competitiveness of U.S. grain in global markets.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: New formulations of the insect growth regulator (IGR) methoprene controlled grain beetles, and data are being used to support the re-introduction of methoprene into the stored grain market. A volatile formulation of the IGR hydroprene (Pointsource) registered for cockroach control was also effective against the red flour beetle and the confused flour beetle, two common insect pests in food storage areas. These species were added to the product label. Thiamethoxam, a new neo-nicotenoid compound used as a seed treatment for field crop pests, also controlled stored-product beetles, and could protect stored seeds from economic damage.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Development of these biorational pesticides provides additional options for the protection of stored grain.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS developed a model based on risk-analysis software that uses sampling estimates and an insect-growth model to predict which bins should be fumigated. This was developed as part of an area-wide insect management project for stored grain and included use of pesticides, aeration, and insect monitoring.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Grain managers using the vacuum-probe sampler and risk-analysis software could reduce insect-damaged grain, decrease the number of unnecessary fumigations, and increase the competitiveness of U.S. grain in global markets.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This study was completed in FY 2000, when a paper was published on the results. The study demonstrated that diatomaceous earth combined with heat provide efficacious control of insects in food processing plants.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This combination will be very useful in situations where lethal temperatures can not be reached or maintained to kill all insects, such as around heat intolerant equipment. The combination treatment allows effective insect control at lower temperatures than when heat is used alone.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS continues to work with industry to develop and refine packages that prevent entrance of insects. Presently, the packaging research program is testing prototype packages provided by industry to determine the degree to which infestation is inhibited.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Insect resistant packages prevent infestation of packaged commodities by insects and result in fewer fumigations of product, as well as more wholesome products for consumers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This line of research has been discontinued in favor of higher priority research projects.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS tested the interactions of an important parasitoid wasp and its beetle host with an insecticidal fungus that is used to control some beetle species and found a potential negative impact of the fungus on the parasitoid. This parasitoid does not encounter this fungus under most natural conditions, and hence has not evolved avoidance behaviors.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This beetle-fungus-parasitoid study has reveled problems associated with mixed biological control strategies. Further studies will be needed to resolve this problem but until that happens it would not be appropriate to use both the parasitoid and the fungus in a insect management program.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This line of research has been discontinued in favor of higher priority research projects.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A human food protein called avidin from chicken eggs was developed as an insecticide in transgenic plants in a collaborative project with ProdiGene Inc. (College Station, Texas). Studies of avidin corn demonstrated the efficacy of avidin as a biopesticide in a transgenic grain and products derived for protection from stored-product and field crop insect pests.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Avidin is comparable to Bt endotoxins, has a much broader spectrum of toxicity than Bt, is not allergenic, can be heat-inactivated, and has a naturally occurring antidote if toxicity happens to be a problem for non-target organisms. Current work is underway to transfer avidin biotechnology to other grains and commodities for insect resistance purposes.

During FY 2001,ARSwill

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:ARS scientists at the Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit at Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, have developed a same-day on-site portable molecular assay for the Pierce's disease bacterium which threatens the $5 billion California grape industry.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Field tests demonstrate that infected grapestock can be diagnosed within 1-2 hours. Conventional identification of the pathogen takes 10 days to 2 weeks because the organism is difficult to isolate. Growers could use the portable assay to identify infected vines before the disease spreads within and among vineyards.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Pheromone-baited insect surveillance traps were used in food distribution centers to pin-point insect infestations. These traps were able to accurately locate hidden infestations in packaged commodities and together with spacial mapping technology provide the basis for an Integrated Pest Management system for stored commodities.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This system will result in less use of pesticides with better insect control and will result in better quality, more wholesome, products for consumers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Pheromone trap monitoring was used to evaluate the effectiveness of fumigation and the potential causes of pest resurgence after treatment. Fumigations often only provided partial and/or short term suppression of pest populations in the structures. Comparison of pheromone trap capture inside and outside of food processing plants suggests that pest immigration into facilities after treatment may contribute to the quick pest resurgence.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This information can be used by industry to improve its pest management tactics and can provide baseline data for evaluating the effectiveness of alternative control tactics currently being developed.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This line of research was discontinued in FY 2000, when the scientist who was working on it retired.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The system was modified to incorporate near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) measurements on single kernels and is now commercially available from Perten Instruments.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The instrument can measure attributes such as protein, fungal damage, internal insects, and vitreousness.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Methods of measurement and statistical approaches which take into account inherent variability in fruits and vegetables are being developed. Sensory methods are being developed for comparing new tests with human judgments of produce quality to measure instrumentally human expectations of quality. The focus of this work has been sensory firmness, crispness, and sweetness of fresh-cut produce.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The results are leading to new instrumental measurements and sampling procedures that will better estimate eating quality, ripeness, and storage life of fruits and vegetables and their fresh-cut products. The results will benefit the fresh produce industry, as well as consumers of fresh fruits and vegetables.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: There was a high priority need to detect bunted kernels in wheat due to an outbreak of Karnal bunt in Texas. In response to a request from APHIS, ARS scientists at Manhattan, Kansas, worked with APHIS, several state agriculture laboratories and Satake USA to apply high-speed optical sorting technology to rapidly screen for bunted kernels. The ARS scientists were able to demonstrate that the technology could remove 100% of bunted kernels from samples.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This technology can now be used to reduce inspector error and significantly reduce sample processing time. The technology was previously developed by ARS to detect bunted kernels from TCK mold spores.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A peanut market system model was developed to show the effects of industry processing methods on the reduction of aflatoxin in peanuts. The model also enables USDA and the peanut industry to compare and evaluate proposed new aflatoxin regulation without costly implementation.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The model has been used by several manufacturers, the American Peanut Council, and the Peanut Administrative Committee to evaluate proposed aflatoxin sampling plans and maximum limits from farmer's stock peanuts traded in the domestic market to raw shelled peanuts traded in the export market. The model also was used by the U.S. delegation to CODEX to gain a consensus from CCFAC members for the U.S. position on a maximum aflatoxin limit of 15 ton ng/g for raw shelled peanuts traded in the export market.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) is on-going and the development of a test kit appears promising.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Such a detection kit will allow pond-size testing.

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

During FY 2001,ARSwill

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The ARS stored grain insect Areawide Pest Management (AWPM) program is carried out as a collaborative study by major grain-handling companies in Kansas and Oklahoma, in partnership with Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University, to control the lesser grain borer, rice weevil, red flour beetle, and rusty grain beetle. Thirteen grain elevators in Kansas and 15 in Oklahoma have been involved in the project since its initiation in 1997. Three main IPM technologies were demonstrated in the 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 levels reach unacceptable levels. The program's major activities were completed in Fiscal Year 2001. Additional funding for finalization of the technology transfer and final economic analysis is provided for in Fiscal Year 2002.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The storedgrain insects involved in losses to wheat cost the U.S. industry about $500 million annually. Recommended and adopted tactics as a result of the areawide pest management program, using monitoring tools, risk analysis, and IPM technologies, is allowing for significant savings. For example under the old treatment regime, fumigation with phosphine gas, of an entire grain storage elevator that stores 700,000 bushels of wheat costs as much as $14,000. But, if only three bins in the elevator have high insect densities, the cost of fumigation for those three bins may only be $1,400, a savings of $12,600. Managers save time and money by avoiding unnecessary fumigation in silos.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: These Accomplishments were reported in the 1999 GPRA report. This project was terminated after the retirement of the PI for this research and the subsequent abolishment of that position. No new progress is anticipated unless new funding is obtained.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These Accomplishments were reported in the 1999 GPRA report. This project was terminated after the retirement of the PI for this research and the subsequent abolishment of that position. No new progress is anticipated unless new funding is obtained.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A high-speed single kernel sorter was evaluated for detecting and removing Karnal bunt from bulk lots, and for removing red wheat from white wheat lots. One sorter has the capacity to sort 1,000 kernels/sec., and multiple sorters can be used to rapidly sort larger lots. Tests are under way to determine the amount of cross-contamination that occurs when using conventional elevators to segregate and identity-preserve grain. Results will indicate which portions of the grain handling system may need to be redesigned to facilitate segregation of incoming grain.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The high-speed sorter is currently being used by APHIS to remove Karnal bunt from samples, and is being used by wheat breeders to remove red wheat from white wheat stock. Results from the cross-contamination tests will indicate to the wheat industry the feasibility and costs associated with identity preservation.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No progress to report.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Pheromone monitoring programs were developed and tested in a commercial warehouse and flour mill and the data generated was used to determine the influence of trap type, trap location, and number of traps on insect capture and the interpretation of capture data. Monitoring programs outside of commercial facilities were also conducted to determine the significance of insect immigration. Some additional issues that are being addressed are the relationship between insect movement patterns and trap capture and the relationship between trap capture and product infestation. Studies are also being conducted to measure the probability of a passing insect being captured by a pheromone trap.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Results of this research will help enable us to make recommendations about the optimal trap types, attractants, locations, and trap numbers to maximize the quality of information generated by monitoring programs.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A prototype clamping device was built and tested to determine the feasibility of removing the large breast muscles from broiler prior to carcass chilling. Clamping prevented the large muscle from contracting and resulted in cooked meat that was tender based on objective shear values. Clamping resulted in more uniform muscle thickness by controlling the fiber integrity until post-mortem muscle biochemical reactions were completed. Clamping also increased cooked yield of the breast meat compared to unclamped control breasts. Results were published in Poultry Science Vol. 81:121-125, 2002.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Successful completion of phase 1 will be followed by incorporating pulsed electric current through the clamped muscle to speed the rigor process. If this approach is successful, a private sector partner will be sought for commercial prototyping. The uniformity of size and increase in cooked yield are both positive developments.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Different near-infrared sensing techniques were studied for rapidly acquiring spectral information from apple fruit for predicting firmness and sugar content. Statistical models and computer algorithms were developed for extracting useful spectral data to predict apple firmness and sugar content. It was found that a sensing technique that uses spectral information obtained at different locations from the light source gave us good predictions on sugar content and showed improved predictions on fruit firmness. The findings of the research has lead to the next phase of research on developing a hyperspectral and/or multispectral imaging system for rapid prediction of apple quality. A feasibility study was also performed on developing a low-cost, portable near-infrared sensor for predicting quality of apple fruit. Relatively good results were obtained with the new sensor. ARS also completed a study on using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging for detecting bruises on apples. A hyperspectral imaging system was assembled and computer algorithms were created to identify bruises on apples of various physiological ages. The optimal spectral region and resolution were identified for effective detection of bruises on apples, which are important for further development of a sensing system for online sorting of fruit for surface defects.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The technology developed from this research will provide the fruit industry with a nondestructive means for assessing, grading, and sorting individual fruit for internal quality. This would allow the industry to deliver better quality fresh fruit to the consumer, increase consumer satisfaction and fresh fruit consumption, and thus improve the industry's profitability.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Lab and pilot plant research showed that oxidative unhairing could be accomplished rapidly using certain oxidative chemicals under specified conditions of pH, time and temperature. Hide integrity was maintained and hair was recovered with minimum degradation. The findings are the basis of an invention disclosure.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The oxidative processes are designed to replace the use of noxious sodium sulfide and to lessen the environmental impact of disposing of hair sludge in the waste stream of a meat packing plant or tannery. A CRADA is under development with a meat packing company to reduce the process to a commercially feasible one. ARS recently developed a sulfide-based rapid unhairing process; that process is now in use commercially. The concept of rapid unhairing replaces the slower processes used by tanneries, and hair removal on the kill floor reduces microbial contamination of meat and allows early inspection of hide quality.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A three-year project addressing the feasibility of grading peanuts at high moisture content was completed. The results clearly demonstrated that farmer stock peanuts could be graded at moisture contents higher than the required 10.5 percent without impacting peanut grading, marketing, or value.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Based on the results of this research, the United States peanut industry is currently considering changes to peanut marketing regulations to allow peanut grading at moisture contents higher than 10.5 percent.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Scientists at the National Peanut Research Laboratory in Dawson, Georgia, definitively demonstrated that peanut grading could be done at high moisture without impacting peanut grading or marketing, thus allowing the industry to adopt and implement new drying technologies to reduce added cost associated with lot identification required with current grading procedures.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:Due to the delay in implementing the Farm Bill (which has changes regarding the grading regulations) the industry will not be able to implement high moisture grading in 2002, but will give it stronger consideration in 2003 and future years.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: It was demonstrated that near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy can be used for the rapid and accurate determination of nitrogen and protein content in diverse cereal products. The unique spectral features of products with high-fat and high-crystalline sugar content were incorporated into the model. Because of the diversity of grains in the data set, crude protein was calculated using two nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors and two PLS models developed for the prediction of protein. For both models, crude protein was predicted with a similar precision to nitrogen and the results for both protein models are within the accuracy required for U.S. nutrition labeling legislation.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Simultaneous determination of constituents by near infrared spectroscopy increases the speed and efficiency of nutrient analysis while substantially reducing the cost for food manufacturers and regulatory agencies. Previous work from this laboratory resulted in development of a database for the accurate prediction of dietary fiber in diverse cereal products. The current work, demonstrating accurate and rapid prediction of protein content, has expanded the potential of NIR for the simultaneous evaluation of the macronutrients required for nutrition labeling. Both protein and dietary fiber content may be evaluated using one NIR spectrum after merely grinding the sample. The work is published as a journal article.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A series of enzyme formulations was evaluated for fiber yield and properties and for relative cost efficiencies. Recommendations were established for levels of enzyme and chelator required for specific yields and for fiber strength and fineness. The building to house the USDA Flax Pilot Plant at Clemson was improved, with repair to the roof, addition of an air handling and cleaning system, a new bag house for dust, and containers to hold enzyme formulations. Manufacturing of the equipment for the modular design of the flax pilot cleaning system, based on commercial design, was completed. Four modules were delivered to the Flax Pilot Plant. Initial plans were made for automation of the enzyme retting system for commercial application and integration with the cleaning system now in place.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The selection of an effective commercial enzyme and chelator identifies a reliable source of retting potential for consistent quality that also provides a cost basis for determining cost efficiency of the new enzyme-retting process. The USDA Flax Pilot Plant is the only system of its kind in the United States. The design, based on the commercial system being established in Kingstree, South Carolina, but with flexibility for research will allow tests with direct application to commercial interests. Integration of retting method and cleaning settings will permit consistent, high-quality fibers to be produced domestically for textile and composite industries. This work is essential to establishing a U.S. flax fiber industry.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The development of a density-independent moisture calibration function of the microwave dielectric properties of grain and seed was described in several papers published this year. The universal character of this moisture calibration was also documented in another publication showing that a single calibration served well for wheat, oats, and soybeans in spite of large differences in size, shape, and

composition of these three commodities. A new patent application was also filed based on these findings, which offers advantages over current technology for on-line sensing of grain and seed moisture content.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These developments provide for significant potential improvement in grain and seed moisture sensing equipment if practical commercial equipment can be developed to utilize these new principles for on-line moisture monitoring applications. Many inquiries about the new techniques indicate serious interest in improving moisture sensing for various applications, including moisture monitoring for improved yield measurement for combines in precision agriculture. Information has been provided to manufacturers of farm equipment and other industries dealing with granular and particulate products for which accurate moisture monitoring equipment is needed.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Preliminary studies showed that enzyme combinations containing xylanase were the most promising to shorten proof times, produce loaves with improved crumb characteristics, and extend shelf life of the baked product using frozen bread dough formulas.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The data obtained from this project, when completed, will address major concerns of the frozen dough industry. Findings will be documented in a peer review publication.

During FY 2001,ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed a simplified single wheat characterization system that utilizes NIR technology, but is modular in design so that machine vision can be incorporated at a later date. Recently a CRADA was signed with Perten Instruments to develop a commercial version of the prototype.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Several U.S. and international grain industries are promoting the development of this system and commercial prototypes are expected in the Spring of 2002.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This project was terminated in January 2001 after the technician/graduate student working on this project left the ARS. GIPSA did not wish to continue this project.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This project was terminated in January 2001 after the technician/graduate student working on this project left the ARS. GIPSA did not wish to continue this project.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: No progress to report on this project since the retirement of an ARS scientist about three years ago.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: No progress to report on this project since the retirement of an ARS scientist about three years ago.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Completed calibrations to determine vitreousness of Durum wheat in cooperation with FOSS and GIPSA. The calibrations were transferred to GIPSA. Recently signed an agreement to develop calibrations for a faster, lower-cost FOSS system that will replace the GC 310. Funding for this agreement was recently received from FOSS and a Post Doc was hired to conduct the research on the new instrument.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Results from the GC 310 vitreous wheat calibrations showed the advantages of using a sensors-based system to grade grain versus the current visual determinations. The new system will be faster and should be economically feasible for official inspection of U.S. grain.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Multiple papers were published on identifying scab, vomitoxin, vitreousness, protein and red/white wheat class. Recent accomplishments include using the system to detect internal insects and using the NIR attachment to determine wheat hardness.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The protein and internal insect detection calibrations were transferred to commercial units being used by grain millers. The internal insect detection calibration has been especially useful to the wheat industry as they seek to reduce insect fragments in flour.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Information, data, and design were transferred to GIPSA.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: No further action has been taken at this time.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A high throughput, acoustic based, sorting system to separate pistachio nuts with closed shells was commercialized and tested. An imaging-based sorting system to detect almonds having fragments of shell embedded into the kernel was developed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The classification accuracy for the pistachio nuts is greatly improved over currently available mechanical systems to separate closed shell from open shell nuts. These systems will begin to be marketed to the entire U.S. pistachio industry by summer of 2002. If implemented industry wide, the systems will increase U.S. open shell pistachio production by approximately 8 percent have a payback period of about 3 months for the required capital investment. A United States patent for the acoustic based sorter was applied for in April 2001. The sorting system developed to remove almonds with embedded shell has a processing rate of 40 nuts/second. The system is able to identify 82 percent of the nuts with embedded shell which is more accurate than human inspection accuracy of about 50 percent. After testing and refinement of the system in a processing environment, implementation of the systems in processing plants can be expected.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Artificial Neural Network calibration was implemented in the U.S. grading system this past year. It is being used in side-by-side comparison of our usual system for protein content in wheat. Data will not be available until this summer.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: If fully implemented it will mean a worldwide "level field" for international grain trade. While it has been successful in Europe and Australia, the United States, and Canada will provide the data and impetus for acceptance.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Technical papers were published outlining the development of a density-independent moisture calibration function of the microwave dielectric properties of grain and seed which automatically compensates for variations in the bulk density of grain and thus has potential for improving the accuracy of on-line monitoring of moisture content. This same calibration function offers potential for development of a universal moisture calibration, because a single calibration based on this new function served well for wheat, oats, and soybeans in spite of large differences in size, shape, and composition of these three commodities. A new patent application was also filed based on these findings, which offers advantages over current technology for on-line sensing of grain and seed moisture content.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These developments provide for significant potential improvement in grain and seed moisture sensing equipment if practical commercial equipment can be developed to utilize these new principles for on-line moisture monitoring applications. Many inquiries about the new techniques indicate serious interest in improving moisture sensing for various applications. Information has been provided to manufacturers of grain moisture measurement equipment and moisture sensing instruments used in other industries dealing with granular and particulate products for which accurate moisture monitoring equipment is needed.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Studies on sensory temporal profiles of beef loins from Angus cattle were begun with concurrent texture and NIR analyses. Data are being expanded to less tender cuts of (red) meat for further interpretation. Studies on sensory descriptive profiles and texture analyses of poultry were continued to incorporate factors that influence value and quality, including stimulation, deboning and marination.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Sensory temporal profiles influence differences noted in sensory tester responses to perceptions of tenderness. Results will be useful in further work to develop procedures to estimate tenderness. Ultimately, processors will be able to direct a raw product to appropriate forms for marketing.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed fumonisin sampling model and assessed suitability in describing the distribution of sample test results associated with testing lots of shelled corn for fumonisin. The sampling, sample preparation, and analytical variances associated with each step of the fumonisin test procedure have been shown to be functions of the fumonisin concentration. The model can be used to calculate an operating characteristic curve associated with a given fumonisin sampling plan.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Information is being used by FDA and grain industry.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Assisted Peanut Administrative Committee to determine how to use current domestic regulator samples to satisfy EU regulations without taking additional and costly samples for the U.S. industry. Assisted USDA/AMS by testing both automatic samplers and moisture meters for AMS approval for use in the peanut grading program. Assisted manufacturing industry in development and testing of aflatoxin sampling plans to assess the effectiveness of aflatoxin control programs in removing aflatoxin from edible products. Developed project for FSIS and peanut shellers that determined the number of samples that need to be taken by pneumatic sampler to obtain a representative grade sample for grading farmers' stock peanuts.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Results have been used extensively by government agencies, commodity industries, and manufacturers of finished products both domestic and foreign. Methods to evaluate and design mycotoxin sampling programs have been expanded, at the request of government agencies and industry.

During FY 2001,ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: FTIR and Raman spectroscopy are currently being utilized to study the interaction of protein, starch and lipids in the presence of water and as they are mixed in order to provide basic chemical information on the rheology of flour/water dough systems. A database containing mid-IR spectra of approximately 23 proteins of known secondary structure has been constructed. Since protein (in the form of gluten) is a vital functional ingredient in flour, this database has been used to compare the changes in secondary structure of gluten during mixing. Studies indicate that there are unique changes in protein secondary structure as a result of mixing, which could provide a chemical basis for a more objective determination of optimum hydration and development of dough systems. ARS is using this technology to investigate the significance of additional covalent bonds between amino acids of the HMW-GS that may have a role in gluten polymer formation, such as the tyrosine-tyrosine interactions recently proposed by scientists at Kansas State University. In addition, the effect of various ingredients or additives on doughs will be studied, and the chemical basis for these effects will be derived.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The results of this study will ultimately provide enhanced understanding of dough systems. A better understanding of the chemical basis for dough hydration, development, and breakdown will provide millers and bakers with a more objective means for monitoring and predicting the rheological properties of dough systems and their end-use functionality. Results from this research will provide the industry with rapid, online techniques for measuring optimum water absorption and optimum mixing time. In addition, the research results will allow the industry to quickly optimize ingredient input, as well as determine dough response to the addition of various ingredients. Infrared wavelengths critical to monitoring dough rheology will be extrapolated to the near-infrared so that industry personnel and researchers may easily utilize the results of this study.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A delay occurred in developing a commercial scale hydrodynamic pressure processing system as a result of unexpected variations due to treatment container construction and composition.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This development required additional studies to better understand the different detonic dynamics of shock wave propagations in order to develop a suitable commercial container and, more importantly, begin research on developing a nonexplosive, nonpyrotechnic meat tenderization system.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A CRADA with Hewlett-Packard was executed to develop the hand-held instrument. Resulting experiments were not successful in isolating a specific volatile that could be used as the "marker" for quality decisions.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The CRADA was terminated and the research redirected to identify enzyme "biomarkers" that indicate adequate heating of poultry meat to ensure destruction of pathogens.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Investigations in Marketing Peanuts to Assure Competitiveness project to analyze feasibility of screening farmer stock peanuts and chemical testing for aflatoxin was completed. New specific grade thresholds and associated probabilities that enable peanut producers and processors to determine the economic feasibility of screening peanuts were developed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Results indicated that mechanical screening prior to peanut marketing for value and quality improvement is not profitable for all farmer stock peanut loads. Newly developed economic thresholds enable farmers and processors to make informed decisions on whether or not to screen individual farmer stock loads prior to marketing.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The database has been expanded to include breeder varieties which are not in commercial production, but which have intermediate protein and starch values. These have been scanned by Near Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy. The overall models for protein remain very good with standard errors of performance around 0.25. The values for amylose are improved, but still higher than desired (approx. 1.0). Amylose analytical reference methods are the subject of further research.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: A "level field" for the trade of rice will be created when a valid database with reference data that truly reflects end use properties is constructed.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: For the 2000 crop year, 14 samples (x 2 locations) of durum translocation lines were milled and tested for bread baking quality. Of these samples, one line (L252R) exhibited baking properties that were similar to the spring wheat check (var. Len) and had dough mixing properties that were superior to the durum check (var. Renville). Tests on the 2001 crop were repeated on 8 translocation lines where L252R again exhibited acceptable baking properties. L252R has been in the quality program for 5 years, however, it has been deficient in agronomic properties because of environmental conditions during growth and maturation.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The breeder responsible for developing the durum translocation line L252R has decided not to release the line as a commercial cultivar because of poor agronomic properties. L252R will be used as germplasm to enhance other experimental lines in the breeding program.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: By the end of FY 2001, ARS researchers at Fargo, North Dakota, determined sources of variation in oat kernel size. The effects of genotype, environment and position with the panicle and spikelet were assessed and each source of variation associated with undersized kernels was determined. An oat cultivar with increased beta-glucan has been developed in collaboration with North Dakota State University.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Undersized kernels reduce milling yield. Plant breeders can use this new information to better select breeding lines with higher milling quality. A major oat milling company is already using these results to influence oat breeding programs to generate new varieties with kernel characteristics that are more suitable for milling. The collaboration with North Dakota State University has produced a cultivar, named HiFi, with 50 percent more beta-glucan than the average oat cultivar. Higher levels of beta-glucan have been demonstrated to have health benefits, and this new cultivar will enhance the benefits associated with oat consumption.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS researchers at Fargo, North Dakota, identified methods to evaluate sprouting damage in oats and determined the effect of sprouting damage on oat quality. Results indicate that sprouted oats exhibit higher rates of groat breakage during dehulling.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Higher rates of groat breakage cause less soluble fiber extraction. That reduces the nutritional value associated with the soluble fiber. Several U.S. oat milling companies are now using methods identified from the ARS sprouting research to identify and discard sprouting-damaged oats in their milling process.

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.

During FY 2001, ARS will

coordinate research results from scientists at ARS locations and selected international agricultural research centers of the CGIAR.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A Specific Cooperative Agreement was initiated between ARS and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic, to work on climatological analyses.

Utilizing funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria, was implemented.

An existing project with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Mexico City, Mexico, was expanded to initiate collaborative work on maize genomic research.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Under the auspices of the Specific Cooperative Agreement with ICARDA, each side contributed $100,000 to support a shared graduate student to study dry land climatological models of mutual interest for a period of 2 years. The research is particularly relevant to several western U.S. agricultural regions.

A Nigerian scientist was placed at the ARS Plant, Soil and Nutrition Laboratory (Ithaca, New York) to learn and conduct in vitro bioavailability studies on IITA's maize cultivar samples. This is part of a 3-year project designed to enhance the micronutrient density of maize, as well as other crops, an area of much relevance to both the United States and West Africa.

A powerful research team that includes members from CIMMYT, the ARS Plant Genetics Research Unit (Columbia, Missouri) and the University of Missouri was assembled. This team will mirror the MaizeDB genomic database and then will link and integrate into an expert system the crop and molecular information available at CIMMYT.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists from Beltsville, Maryland, Mandan, North Dakota, and Lincoln, Nebraska, participated in a World Bank mission to Matrouh, Egypt, to evaluate the potential for mutually beneficial, joint research projects.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Formal agreements to be implemented between ARS and the World Bank in FY 2002 were drafted. Areas of mutual interest, identified during the FY 2001 mission and to be funded in Egypt by the World Bank, include preservation of biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Reports were finalized and disseminated to appropriate parties.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The project spurred additional work between the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and ARS. The ARS National Plant Germplasm System using the ICARDA office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will organize plant collections with Central Asian cooperators.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A team of ARS scientists conducted an extensive institutional evaluation of the Jordanian Herbal and Medicinal Plants project.

The potential benefit of an ARS partnership with the Kazakhstan Drylands Management Project regarding work on carbon sequestration was assessed.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Formal agreements (Specific Cooperative Agreements) between ARS and the Project Preparation Units in both Jordan and Kazakhstan were developed and implemented.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ARS and the Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) of France was signed in May 2001. The MOU advances scientific and technological cooperation in both animal and plant genomic research.

The Labex Program, in which scientists from Embrapa (Agricultural Research Corporation) of Brazil are housed in ARS laboratories, was enhanced under the auspices of two formal agreements. Mutually beneficial research was conducted in the areas of integrated pest management, animal health, precision farming, and soil management.

The U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD) program reviewed approximately 100 proposals for joint research. BARD addresses many agricultural problems of common interest to Israel and the United States, such as water quotas for agriculture, labor issues, production and environmental issues, etc.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The ARS-INRA MOU provides a working framework for cooperative activities in areas such as food quality and safety, genomics, germplasm conservation and exchange, and plant health and breeding. Cooperations include long-term joint research projects, short-term staff exchanges, and other activities as mutually decided.

Labex fostered considerable high-impact, large-scale U.S.-Brazil cooperative projects, including those concerned with the complete genome sequence of X. fastiosa (causative agent of Pierce's Disease), genomic identification of disease resistance in bovines, and porcine and avian manure management.

The BARD Board of Directors approved 26 proposals in 11 disciplines for funding at about $300,000. BARD remains a cornerstone of mutual U.S.-Israeli efforts to overcome agricultural problems through sound scientific approaches.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS teams traveled to Russia and Uzbekistan to assess research institutes and identify potential collaborations of mutual benefit. The teams focus on research institutes that are primarily dedicated to agriculturally important animal and plant diseases. As a result of these visits and previous ones, ARS received over 65 new proposals from Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.

Twenty-seven approved ARS-Former Soviet Union (FSU) projects involve over 696 FSU scientists, including 298 former BW scientists, in the areas of plant and animal health. Ten of the 27 approved projects were funded for a total of $4.05 million.

Fifty-eight Russian and Kazakhstani scientists traveled to the United States to meet with ARS counterparts to develop project proposals or work on existing projects.

Computer workstations were delivered and installed at five Russian institutes in order to provide them with the software, hardware, and training to access the ARS National Agricultural Library databases. NAL staff traveled to Russia to provide training on the software and ensure proper installation.

In August 2001, ARS funded a Senior Project Manager (SPM) through the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), who is stationed in Moscow, Russia. The SPM is responsible for the coordination of ARS partner projects in Russia and Kazakhstan at the ISTC and will assist in the development, monitoring, and oversight of those projects.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: All projects that are selected for collaboration are enhancements to the ARS national research program agenda.

The program advances basic and applied research in agriculture and supports the transition of the New Independent States (NIS) to a market economy by strengthening scientific communities and integrating NIS scientists into the international community.

The program also supports U.S. foreign policy by helping to reduce the risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction expertise, increase transparency at former Soviet BW research sites, and support the transition to civilian research activities of former Soviet weapons scientists in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan by redirecting their biotechnology expertise to peaceful, agricultural research.

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 2001,ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Peppers: Research was conducted to develop new dual purpose ornamental/culinary pepper germplasm to meet the needs of this growing market sector. Diverse pepper germplasm resources have been utilized in a germplasm enhancement program in the Vegetable Laboratory at Beltsville, Maryland, to develop new pepper germplasm with unique gene combinations for leaf characteristics, plant habit, and fruit shape size, color and pungency. ARS completed final development of three germplasm lines and transferred these lines to an industry partner under a Material Transfer Agreement for final commercial testing.

Citrus rootstocks: US-852 is a new citrus rootstock that was developed by the USDA, Agricultural Research Service at Ft. Pierce, Florida. US-852 appears well-suited for production of sweet oranges and other citrus crops in some parts of Florida, showing good compatibility with commercial scions and producing healthy, high yielding trees. The major attributes of this new rootstock cultivar are its resistance to several important diseases, minimal production of root sprouts, and favorable effects on scion tree size, fruit quality, and productivity. Field and laboratory testing has suggested that US-852 is resistant to citrus tristeza virus, foot rot (Phytophthora nicotianae), and citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans). Tolerance to citrus blight and cold is also suggested by field observations.

Peach: Scientists at the Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory, Byron, Georgia, have developed peach varieties and rootstocks vital to the survival of the southeastern peach industry. Guardian rootstock, developed by ARS scientists in cooperation with Clemson University in Clemson, South Carollina, has resistance to root-knot nematodes and greatly enhanced survival on sites that have had Peach Tree Short Life.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Pepper: This research will provide new germplasm for the commercial marketplace. Three ornamental pepper breeding lines have been officially released and utilized by commercial seed companies to develop proprietary materials. Pepper breeding lines were featured in a silver medal winning exhibit on ornamental peppers at the Philadelphia Flower Show. This germplasm has been successful in national and international trials by commercial growers, seed industry representatives, and university researchers.

Citrus rootstocks: The USDA, ARS rootstock breeding program in Ft. Pierce, Florida, has produced hundreds of candidate rootstocks that have been preselected using an array of information, including molecular markers, laboratory, and/or greenhouse tests. Production and profitability of orange, grapefruit, and tangerine crops in Florida is severely limited by diseases, pests, and soil problems that affect the root system. There are many production areas for which no currently available citrus rootstock is expected to produce uniform, highly productive trees that will remain healthy for a long duration. Difficulties in maintaining quality manpower for fruit harvesting has also fueled interest in rootstocks which produce shorter trees that are easier to harvest. Rootstocks such as US-852 will help growers to increase production efficiency and profitability in a highly competitive world market.

Peach: Peach growers have struggled with obsolete varieties and reduced orchard life due to Peach Tree Short Life disease (PTSL). Producers must grow many varieties to maintain the peach supply from May to September and to adapt to the different climate zones, from coastal plains to mountains. These varieties will allow growers to maintain production over longer periods of the season, across diverse regions and on sites they may otherwise have had to leave.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Researchers at University Park, Pennsylvania, are applying ecological and physiological principles to develop pasture management systems that lower production costs and reduce the risks of drought. They found that planting mixtures of up to five forage species together increased productivity under drought stress and improved insect resistance. For example, white clover grown in mixtures of grasses and forbs instead of in a monoculture, produced more dry matter, had better water relationships, and was less susceptible to potato leafhopper attacks. English plantain, a forb from New Zealand, was found to be very productive during drought. However, this forb was found to be highly susceptible to freezing stress and will not survive Northeastern winters, and it should not be included in pasture mixtures until more cold-tolerant varieties are available.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Dairy producers in the Northeast are caught in a cost-price squeeze caused by falling milk prices. They are also under pressure to sell their land for development. One option is to use the 14 million acres of pastureland in the region more effectively to provide a low-cost grazing alternative to confinement feeding. Analysis has shown that shifting to pasture could save $121 to $153 per year per dairy cow. However, this conversion requires that producers have the longest grazing season possible and reliable forage production during periods of drought. Maintaining good forage production on pastures will improve farm income, keep cover on the ground to protect soil and water resources, and promote rural sustainability.

During FY 2001,ARS will

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Researchers at the Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research Laboratory at Wenatchee, Washington, have induced a Rhizoctonia-suppressive soil microbial community through wheat cultivation. Specific wheat cultivars suppressed the incidence of apple root infection by an introduced isolate of Rhizoctonia solani and selected for genotypes of flourescent Pseudomonas which demonstrated antagonism of the pathogen.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This research demonstrates that the manipulation of microbial communities to induce a disease suppressive soil environment has potential as a tool in the management of soilborne plant disease. This finding has significant implications in our understanding of beneficial plant microbe interactions and implementation of ecologically sound strategies for the control of soilborne plant diseases.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Cuphea was mechanically planted on 13.5 acres of Central Illinois farm land. Three acres of this planting was successfully harvested by a conventional combine and provided seed for additional studies. Weed control and development of a good stand of cuphea seriously impacted the crop but because of this weed pressure, potential herbicide candidates and application rates were identified. Part of the acreage (1.5 acres) was committed to a study for the reduction or elimination of the corn root worm carryover problem which now exists in many fields in the Midwest. The first year of the study demonstrated that cuphea will not serve as a host for the corn root worm. Forty pounds of cuphea seed was processed by a cooperator and initial processing conditions were identified. An awarded IFAFS grant in October 2001 resulted in greater than 40 acres of crop planted in the first year of a four year plan to commercialize lesquerella. Four thousand pounds of lesquerella seed was pressed by ARS personnel to give approximately 900 pounds of crude press oil. This oil is undergoing additional refining and is being supplied to cooperators for commercial product development of coatings and lubricants.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This year's cuphea plantings demonstrated the need for additional research on weed control and the development of a plant with better agronomic traits. The cuphea corn root worm rotation study demonstrated the initial potential of this crop in breaking the corn root worm cycle in the Midwest. This will aid the farmer by boosting corn yields through reduction of crop damage and improve the economics of corn production by elimination of approximately $15 - 20/acre insecticide application. In addition, a third rotation crop will provide alternatives to farmers who are struggling under record low commodity prices and provide a strategic raw material (lauric acid) which is currently 100 percent imported from the Pacific Rim countries. The lesquerella processing work is providing much needed oil for commercial development efforts on this crop. The grant has put in place a critical mass of cooperators from ARS, Universities, and industry to successfully carry lesquerella into commercialization.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: New genetic determinants were discovered and characterized in tomato fruit that control the rate and extent to which they soften, thereby decreasing their perishability. Also, new safe, natural chemicals present in plants were used to extend the shelf-life and freshness of many fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, while helping to maintain resistance to decay and growth of foodborne pathogens; conditions for their use were optimized.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These results will lead to development of new tomato lines, and potentially other fruits and vegetables, that have higher quality and longer shelf-life. Such tomatoes will also be better suited for use as fresh-cut slices, which are used so ubiquitously throughout restaurants and food service institutions. The naturally-occurring and safe compounds, which can be applied in a commercial setting to prolong the freshness and limit growth of microorganisms on various fruits and vegetables, will benefit the fresh produce industry, as well as food service institutions and all consumers of fresh produce.

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 2001, ARSwill

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A contract manufacturer was identified to produce 5,000 lbs. of a Fantesk^TM formulation to be used for testing the viability of Fantesk^TM in oil drilling applications. If successful, Shrieve Chemical, a CRADA partner, will begin test marketing of products produced by a contract manufacturer. A patent application on this formulation has been filed. Test formulations of various Fantesk^TM lotions were produced in cooperation with Hy-Gene Biomedical, a CRADA partner and licensee, and their efficacy as skin protectants has been established. Feedback from the studies has led the cooperator to request the production of 1,000 gallons of the lotion to be produced for a large-scale market test in various hospitals. Research with Azure Waves Seafood, a CRADA partner and licensee, has led to the first use of the NCAUR pilot plant to produce commercial materials, namely, 600 gallons of a flavor coating for breaded shrimp. The product will be test marketed in stores throughout the Midwest in early 2002. Research work with Heritage Fare, a CRADA partner, has led to the development of Fantesk^TM-based low-fat meat products. Heritage Fare is pursuing a license for the use of Fantesk^TM in low-fat meats.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Fantesk^TM technologies are penetrating various markets in both the food and industrial arenas. The commercialization of this technology will open new markets and applications for agricultural- based commodities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A continuous counter-current fractionation process was developed to simultaneously deacidify and enrich the phytosterol content of vegetable oils. A patent disclosure has been submitted for this research and cooperative research is ongoing with a university researcher. The use of liquid carbon dioxide as a potential solvent for extracting cedarwood oil was also investigated. Liquid carbon dioxide was found to be nearly as effective as supercritical carbon dioxide but uses much lower pressures and temperatures and provided an oil nearly identical in odor to the original cedarwood. Demonstrated economic feasibility of using supercritical carbon dioxide for the recovery of residual wax esters from expelled jojoba seed meal. Investigated the use of supercritical carbon dioxide for the selective extraction and recovery of neutral and polar lipid fractions from hibiscus seeds using supercritical carbon dioxide and ethanol modified supercritical carbon dioxide, respectively.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The de-acidified, phytosterol-enriched end-products are equivalent to those in commercial margarine formulations, and can be used directly for formulating nutraceutical products. Liquid carbon dioxide can be used effectively as a solvent for cedarwood oil, giving a high quality oil. The reduced pressures and temperatures of liquid compared to supercritical carbon dioxide, significantly reduce the costs of the process without sacrificing yield or quality. The oil obtained by carbon dioxide is uncontaminated by any solvents and could be used without further purification. Implementation of the proposed process for the recovery of residual jojoba wax esters is under consideration by an industrial cooperator. Lipid oilseed fractions are currently being evaluated for potential new product applications.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS researchers at Pullman, Washington, in collaboration with Washington State University and Montana State University, extended their determination of the genetic basis of grain texture by identifying additional mutations in puroindoline proteins that affect milling and baking quality. Three new hardness alleles in puroindoline b were discovered.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Understanding the relationship between puroindoline protein mutations will facilitate the improvement of end-use quality. CRADA work is being initiated to assess the utility of using puroindoline proteins in the modification of cereal grain texture.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A lignin-based encapsulation process has been patented for use with microbial insecticides. This process encapsulates the beneficial microbe and protects it from adverse environmental conditions (specifically degradation by exposure to sunlight) that otherwise reduced its effectiveness.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:This formulation technology currently is available to be licensed and has the potential to greatly extend the efficacy of the bio-insecticides. Development of this formulation is leading to cooperation with Brazilian scientists of Embrapa for potential use with the AgNPV virus currently applied to soybeans to control the soybean caterpillar.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Studies to reduce NOx output from diesel engines using biodiesel or blends of biodiesel in petroleum diesel have identified several potentially effective additives that reduce NOx emissions from biodiesel fuels. Freezing point studies showed that blending jet fuel with winterized biodiesel significantly improved cold flow properties of the blends.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These findings can aid in expanding the use of biodiesel fuel in diesel engines and encourage an increased use of biodiesel in aircraft fuel.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Improved scale-up bioreactor technologies and produced 0.5 Kg of bioproduct DOD. The ALA2 system produced several new potential value-added products. Their chemical structures and biosynthetic pathway are determined.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Three outside contacts were established to test new industrial uses of DOD. Genetic engineering of ALA2 system to produce one designed product will be done in collaboration with a university professor. Most of the ALA2 bioproducts are new chemical entities. In addition to their potential industrial uses, they also possess potential physiological activities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The complete printing test of patented heatset and sheetfed inks on two different substrates has been done at the Rochester Institute of Technology, with very good results.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: A large quantity of four color sheetfed ink has been prepared at special request and will be tested soon by Swartz Paper Company (Swartz Paper Company prints placemats for McDonald Corporation).

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Soybean oil-based biodegradable functional fluid for heavy equipment has been formulated. A patent is pending. In other work, estolides, which are derived from vegetable-based fatty acids have been recently modified to improve their physical properties. These improvements have established estolides as a potentially useful biodegradable functional fluid. A new class of estolides, oleic-saturated, were synthesized from oleic and saturated fatty acids with minimal amounts of acid catalyst. One of the main physical properties that a functional fluid must possess is oxidative stability. Thus, with <2 percent oxidative stability packages, the new class of estolides competed with mineral oil-based crankcase fluids currently on the market. With the addition of about 5 percent anti-oxidant package, this new class of estolides had oxidative stability comparable to high-performance aviation crankcase fluids, the most stable oils on the market.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Fully blended soybean oil-based hydraulic fluids have been prepared and are being evaluated by the Caterpillar corporation. This past year's work on the oxidative stability of oleic saturated estolides as a functional fluid showed that these new biodegradable fluids can compete with the current functional fluids on the market both in terms of performance and cost. These new oleic saturated estolides are a reusable domestic natural resource that will help reduce crop surpluses and help ease the dependence on foreign, petroleum-based oils. USDA and Petroferm are currently negotiating a license for this new technology.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Bioengineered a widely used phytase to enhance its activity at intermediate pH levels. A single site-directed mutation has resulted in an increase of the hydrolysis of phytic acid of 56 percent at pH. 4.0, at 37 C.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Since first being characterized and its gene cloned by the USDA-ARS, Aspergillus niger NRRL 3135 phytase, now marketed as Natuphos TM, has been widely accepted as an effective means to lower phosphorus levels in manure from nonruminant animals. However, one negative feature of the native enzyme is that its activity drops significantly at intermediate pH levels (3.0-5.0). This is the first reported enhancement of catalytic activity at pH 4.0 of this broadly used phytase at the physiologically important temperature of 37 C.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Enzymes were produced in transgenic plants and recovered by spraying plant juice on corn meal as a carrier or as leaf meal.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This work demonstrated a method of producing enzymes (phytase) as carrier by juice or by leaf meal were highly effective in animal rations, totally replacing inorganic phosphorus supplement and reducing the phosphorus in feces by half.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A novel process was developed to improve the functional properties of corn gluten meal. Processed corn gluten meal exhibited good emulsifying activity and emulsion stability.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Commercial corn gluten meal is a rich source of protein but has limited food applications because of its lack of emulsifying activity. Corn gluten meal with improved functional properties has commercial potential as a protein-rich nutritional ingredient in processed food applications.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Preliminary results showed potential of this approach. CRADA terminated due to partner's higher priority business concerns.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Results provided basis (in part) for new CRIS project created with FY 2002 increases in biobased materials funding, and demonstrate the potential to develop new materials from starch.

develop and commercialize biodegradable starch/polyester blendsin continued cooperative efforts with the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: New formulations incorporating starch and biodegradable poly(lactic acid) were developed. One U.S. Patent (6,191,196) was issued, and a continuation-in-part application was filed. Compositions with 40 percent by weight starch were used to produce plastic utensils which met Federal Specification L-F-560G Type III, which is the standard used by the U.S. military.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Results demonstrated that high levels of starch could be incorporated into biodegradable plastics without compromising their useful properties. Several contacts were made with commercial producers interested in these materials.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: An improved process extraction/filtration process was developed which reduced solvent demand and increased product purity.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Several companies requested visits to discuss potential uses, and one company has expressed interest in developing a CRADA.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Research demonstrated that the type of plasticizer used in protein films greatly affected the water content of the films, and subsequently the strength and flexibility at different humidities. It was shown that addition of salts to starch-based materials increased their electrical conductivity significantly. A plant trial was conducted at a large plywood mill to evaluate adhesive formulations containing soy protein.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These results provide the type of fundamental knowledge needed to develop new products from agricultural materials, such as films, sensors, and control devices which respond to changes in humidity. Successful plant trials bring the soy protein plywood adhesive closer to commercialization, which will create a substantial new market for soybeans.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Technology transfer of the ARS process for union dyeing of wool/cotton blends continued under a Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement with the Hercules Corp. Hercules provided additional funding to continue a collaborative investigation of the utility of certain Hercules resins in pretreatment applications to facilitate union dyeing with wool dyes.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The union dyeing technology, although not yet commercialized, has stimulated intense interest from a commercial company. When perfected, it will promote the use of wool-cotton blend fabrics that now cannot be dyed to a uniform color.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: U.S. Patent 6,200,789, "Enzymatic treatment of proteinaceous animal by-product materials to impart cohesion and strength," was granted on March 13, 2001. This patent describes a method for producing useful composites from animal by-products by treating the by-products with a solution containing the enzyme transglutaminase, then compressing and drying the compressed product. The patented method is available for licensing.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: A processor of materials that uses collagen hydrolysate expressed an interest in licensing the earlier patent U.S. 5,271,912 (December 21, 1993) "Enzymatic processing of materials containing chromium and protein." This patent describes a method for recovering gelatin, collagen hydrolysate, and chromium from solid leather waste. The ARS researchers were contacted by the Environmental Manager for a large U.S. shoe manufacturer that is now working with our collaborators in Texas and the Czech Republic to extend this research under an U.S.-Asia Environmental Partnership Contract. Four other inquiries were received from American companies working with gelatin and tannery waste.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists developed a rapid and specific genetic assay based on PCR technology for the detection of genes responsible for the biosynthesis of soft/tacky biopolyesters (medium-chain-length poly(hydroxyalkanoates; mcl-PHA). They discovered two strains of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas oleovorans NRRL B-778 and NRRL B-14682 capable of producing either pure or a mixture of the hard- and soft/tacky biopolyesters when grown on oils and sugar. They also demonstrated the feasibility of using low/no-cost byproducts from soy processing as feedstocks in the fermentative production of biopolyesters and biosurfactants.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The genetic detection method has proven valuable to researchers in the rapid identification and characterization of the genes that code for mcl-PHA synthesis. Collaborations had been established to screen microbial collections from other laboratories using this method. The two newly discovered Pseudomonas strains help expand the application potentials of PHA by providing additional biomaterials of different physicochemical and mechanical properties. The possibility of using low/no-cost byproduct streams of soy processing will positively impact on the economics of biopolyester and biosurfactant production.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Polyethyleneglycols (PEG) of different molecular masses were evaluated as effectors to obtain poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) in the size-range suitable for incorporation into the spinning of biodegradable synthetic fibers. Film formation was demonstrated by a solution-casting technique using the native and epoxidized poly(hydroxyalkanoates) obtained from tallow, soybean oil and linseed oil fermentation.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The PEG-modulated PHA molecular species is potentially useful in producing block-copolymers suitable for the synthesis of fibers amenable to bio-disintegration. The ERRC group continues to work with an industrial R&D laboratory under a Materials Transfer Agreement to assess this potential application. The solution-cast PHA films opened up various product development and application opportunities, such as improving the casting materials and techniques, refining the materials properties of the films, and applying the films on end-use products. Collaboration with another ARS location, WRRC, was initiated to test the oil/fat-derived PHAs as blending components in product development efforts.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed wheat-based biodegradable packaging wraps to replace polystyrene "clamshell" hamburger boxes at fast food restaurants. Prototypes have been tested for potential commercialization by packaging suppliers for the fast food industry. Developed lightweight starch-foam bead for as an aggregate in lightweight concrete. Commercial partners tested these agriculturally-derived aggregates under industrial conditions at pilot scale.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Wheat-based "clamshell" hamburger boxes were proven to be simple to make and competed very well with paper and cardboard, the fast-food industry standards, on the basis of performance, processing costs, and materials costs. In fact, these biodegradable packages from renewable materials have strength and thermal resistance properties better than typical cardboard boxes used at many fast food restaurants. Properties are very similar to polystyrene. Although they cost marginally more than polystyrene, they exhibit significant environmental advantages such as compostability. ARS researchers are working closely with a packaging company to bring these discoveries to large fast-food chains. Roughly 400 million tons of lightweight concrete are used annually in the building industry. The wheat starch-based lightweight concrete performed as well as, or better than, the industry standard -- concrete made by foaming air into the cement before setting. For deeper concrete pours, the starch-based aggregates behaved especially well, forming more uniform pores than the industrial standard, resulting in stronger concrete. More than 150 national and international companies have shown interest in licensing this technology.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ARS scientists at Madison, Wisconsin, determined the influence of genetics and the growing environment on levels of antioxidants in oats. Levels of avenanthramide were assessed, which is an antioxidant that is only found in oats and also considered to alleviate inflammations. Three cultivars were grown at seven locations in Wisconsin in replicated nursery plots, and the harvested grain was analyzed for antioxidant compounds. Significant cultivar and location differences were found.

IMPACT/OUTCOME:These results indicate that plant breeding could improve the concentrations of antioxidants in oats.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Corn-based fuel ethanol coproducts were evaluated as inexpensive fish meal substitutes for the aquaculture production of the warm water fish, tilapia.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Fuel ethanol coproduct-based fish feed formulations are currently used for commercial production of up to two million pounds of tilapia per year.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A novel process was developed to improve the taste characteristics of corn gluten meal. Spaghetti containing up to 5 percent of this modified corn gluten meal was judged acceptable by a trained taste panel.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Food products fortified with corn gluten meal will provide improved nutritional value to consumers while creating new markets for corn coproducts.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A new bacterial strain that can improve conversion of biomass sugars to ethanol was developed and patented.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The development of this organism can lead to more efficient and lower cost fuel ethanol production.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A novel, general system was patented for the sequential, directional cloning of DNA sequences. This system was used to construct biosynthetic pathways for production of the valuable carotenoids, lycopene and beta-carotene, in the fungus Fusarium.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Recombinant Fusarium strains are potentially valuable for commercial production of natural carotenoids from agricultural residues. The patented general method for multiple gene cloning will have broad applications for producing new bioproducts in recombinant organisms.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Microbial biosensors were improved for use in monitoring biomass to ethanol fermentations. A novel system based on tandem microbial sensors was developed for the analysis of glucose and ethanol mixtures.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Improved methods to monitor and control biomass fermentations will facilitate the commercialization of emerging bioconversion technologies.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Nutrim was licensed to Van Drunnen & Sons Farms of Illinois, which produces a wide variety of ingredients for the food industry. The company launched Nutrim commercially as a product of their Future/Ceuticals Division. Research work has continued on Nutrim focusing on applications in dairy products such as the production of low-fat, nutraceutical cheeses, and baked products. Research work using blends of Nutrim with soy and rice flours have shown positive health benefits in several different Asian foods.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The introduction of this technology to the market place will open new uses and applications for agricultural materials as well as providing a new nutraceutical additive for heart-healthy foods.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Z-Trim is under license negotiation with a large Florida-based technology consortium. Z-Trim is used a zero-calorie texturizing agent in low-fat food products. Work with the potential licensee on various uses of Z-Trim in dairy, and baked foods is ongoing. A CRADA agreement to support the development work is also under discussion.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The introduction of this technology to the market place will open new uses and applications for agricultural materials as well as providing a new zero-calorie additive for heart-healthy foods.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Cooperation with Oatrim licensees has resulted in a petition to expand its health benefits for food labeling as allowed by the FDA for selected oat products. Additional licensees for the technology are being pursued.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The continued production and utilization of this technology will open new uses and applications for agricultural materials. New modifications of oatrim will provide new nutraceutical additives for heart-healthy foods.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Commodity crop co-products were incorporated into materials for biodegradable mulch film applications in collaborative research with the University of Pisa, Italy.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Several formulations are being evaluated by an Italian company for potential use.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The effect of glycerol addition on biodegradability of starch-based materials was evaluated and demonstrated that, while some properties were improved, the biodegradability was not impacted. An increase in the non-starch component slowed the biodegradation rate.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: These results demonstrate the impact of formulation variables on biodegradation rates of starch-based materials, information which is needed by researchers developing these types of materials.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A new method was developed for quantitative analysis of individual components in starch-based materials.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This method is an advance in the practical analysis of multicomponent biodegradable materials, and can be utilized by other researchers in this area.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Discussions were initiated with a potential supplier/cooperator on dark meat utilization. Scope of the work was expanded to include heavy breeder hens.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Inclusion of meat from heavy breeders will result in new market opportunities for an historically undervalued product.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Demonstrated that blends of pectin/orange albedo/glycerol containing up to 35 percent albedo could be extruded into materials with mechanical properties that are similar to those of pectin/starch/glycerol extruded films.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Results demonstrate that low cost biodegradable albedo-containing films can be formed in a cost-effective manner with equipment currently used by manufacturers of conventional films. Adoption of this fabricating technique by producers will create new markets for pectin and citrus by-products, thereby increasing demand for pectin and U.S. citrus peel.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Identified and used an enzyme (pectin methylesterase) for efficient and specific structural modification of pectin, a valuable food hydrocolloid that can be produced from U.S. food processing wastes. A novel food-grade pectin with a distinctive functional property has been prepared with this enzyme (a pectin with high methoxyl content and high molecular weight that is highly sensitive to calcium). This pectin has unique gelling characteristics and increased water-holding capacity compared to conventional pectins.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Research provides a readily available and common enzyme for use by scientific and industrial investigators that is unequivocally identified and biochemically well defined. This work further demonstrates an enzyme-based technology capable of producing valuable pectins that cannot be produced by conventional chemical technologies. New functionalities introduced into pectin will broaden its market for use as a food gum and will enable new nonfood applications that will lead to increased demand for pectin and related bio-based products, which can be produced readily from surplus, low-value U.S. agricultural residues.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The insoluble "cellulosic" residue from an optimized corn fiber gum process was obtained in about 25 percent yield and was found to contain surprisingly high levels (33 percent) of inextricable arabinoxylan polysaccharides. As a result, ARS designated this material as cellulose/arabinoxylan residual mixture (CAX).

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Water absorbence and swollen volumes were measured and were quite high, suggesting possible commercial application as bulking agent or water absorbent. This possibility could be explored when corn fiber gum becomes a commercial reality. Then, its producer would have this potentially useful CAX residual mixture available for marketing. The results were published in Cereal Chemistry in 2001.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Developed and filed a patent on a new enzymatic wet milling process that produces high starch yields without the use of sulfur dioxide, a potentially hazardous chemical that is currently used in the milling industry and that is regulated by EPA and FDA. The starch from this new process has not been exposed to or oxidized by sulfur dioxide and preliminary physical testing indicates that it has good properties for use in food and industrial products.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This information was considered so important that it was reported to representatives of the entire U.S. corn wet-milling industry and the Corn Refiner's Association in a special workshop. As a result, the industry has decided to monitor the research to follow its development. If implemented, this new process could significantly reduce industrial sulfur dioxide emissions in the United States and could also increase yields and functionality of starch while lowering its cost of production.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A process for extracting zein, a valuable corn protein, from ground corn using ethanol as the extractant was modified, to allow use of simple equipment and to lower overall process costs. Three new methods were developed to efficiently recover the ethanol extractant and dissolved zein from the ground corn particles. The most effective method required only simple extraction devices, affordable by small dry-grind corn millers and ethanol producers.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: This new process should allow the overall process to produce a zein/lipid isolate at about $1.00 per pound, a price that has aroused industrial interest. Efforts to transfer the technology included discussions with U.S. industry and presentations at national and local workshops and meetings. Because of this, at least one U.S. company will make zein-coated paperboard food containers for an initial evaluation of their water barrier properties.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Films were prepared from carbon dioxide- casein, a form of the milk protein casein developed in an ARS laboratory. Films prepared from this casein are barely soluble in water, have good moisture barrier properties compared to films made from other protein films, and formed a good barrier to oxygen.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The combination of low solubility under high moisture conditions and the low oxygen permeability of CO2-casein films relative to other protein films and synthetic polyethylene films suggest that CO2-casein films may be a replacement for synthetic films in some applications.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Processing conditions were determined for production of a new protein isolate product containing more than 90 percent protein. A flowsheet for production of the isolate was also constructed for plant simulation and cost estimation studies.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The CRADA partner licensed the ARS high pressure technology for production of the protein isolate and is constructing a pilot plant based on the ARS flowsheet process to produce samples of the isolate.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Research demonstrated that the polar fraction of oat oil (also called oat lecithin, as prepared by water degumming of the crude oil), added to a bread formulation at a 0.5 percent level, improved loaf volume and shelf life (by inhibiting staling) equivalent to the addition of 3 percent shortening. The work suggests that oat lecithin can be substituted for vegetable shortening in a bread formulation to produce a loaf of equal, if not improved, quality and shelf life and would contain less fat and none of the trans-fatty acids that are present in vegetable shortening. Trans fatty acids are known to be associated with heart disease. Thus, the use of oat lecithin in bread could lead to a more heart-heathy loaf of bread.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: The published research caught the attention of the popular press and a number of articles appeared in news and trade publications. ARS has received inquiries from several major corporations and other smaller companies about the application of oat oil to their commercial formulations. Two companies have expressed interest in initiating commercial oat oil production, and ARS put them in contact with potential customers.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Alfalfa populations with larger stems and increased biomass production were identified and field tested. Management strategies, including delaying harvest until pod set and harvesting only twice during the growing season to maximize biomass production, were developed and evaluated successfully.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Proposed commercial project to burn alfalfa stems as a fuel to generate electricity was cancelled because of concerns over economic competitiveness. Germplasm is being maintained so research can be resumed if demand increases for renewable fuels in electricity generation.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Alfalfa plants were developed that produced at least 1.8 g of plastic (polyhedroxybutyrate) per kg of dried leaves and the trait was stably inherited by offspring. Field tests were not conducted because production rates were not economically profitable at this time, and because of public concerns of growing genetically modified crops.

IMPACT/OUTCOME: Seeds of plants are available for future research if the economic situation changes because of higher oil feedstock prices for plastics and fewer concerns of GMO crops.