QA vw art d . j~ DA z i ' r Z w 1975 Annual Report U~ A Year of Progress Where We Are - 1975 in Retrospect The year 1975 marnked tIle 100th aninixversary of the establishment of the first Agricultural Experiment Station iin the United States, thus initiating a concept - public support of agricultural iesear cl that has had a signifi- cant and lasting effect oi the development of our country. During the year, this event was recognized ini Alabama aiid throughout the Nation in many xays. The Faim-City Conmniittee of Alabama joinied together xith this Ag- ricultural Experiment Station to sponsor an Agricultural Appreciation Day on Novemiber 1:3 in Aubuirnii to conmnemorate this day ini history and to provide an audience for the piremicere showing in Alabama of a film entitled "Unfinished Miiracles." Thlie film tells a pows erful story of the results of public supported agricultuiral research in the free enterprise system of this Nation. The 1975 Yearbook of Agiriculture eiititled "That We Mav Eat" also tells the success story of the Agriciiltural Experiment Station programs in the past and then projects for the lutur e. II 1964, Dr. Zvi Criliches, Pr ofessor of Economics, University of Chi- cago, in a studv financed by the National Science Foundation and the Ford Foundation, concluded that each additional dollar spent on agricultural reseach and education leads to an additional return of $13 per year. I would like to see this study repeated today. The returns would probably be even greater . Public supported iresearch in tie Agricultural Experiment Station, and education in the School of Agrniculture and the Cooperaitive Extension Service are basic coimponeints of the success of America. Throughout this centennial year, those xho serxe their fello man in piublic supported scientific endeaxvors xxeire evei mindful that this Nation has no become part of a xorld ec'onomy, tlieefore increasing the chal- lenge. As xe look forw'arcl to developmenits in our Nation's third ceiturx, it is comforting to know that xe need iiot step llindly forward. We caii and should prepare for the futurie tlhrouglh impiroved research and educa- tion. Theie is a challenge for leader ship todas in food and fiber production to a degree almost beyond compiehension. North America and Australia arc the only areas of the world whichi aire consistent iet exporters of grain. 'his means our wool( populaition is close to the world food production limits. Yet, the record of population groth shos the world population to be expanding verr mrapidlv. From the dawn of civilization to 18301 was required for man to reach one billion inhabitants on this earth. Only 100 yearns xas required for the world population to increase by a second billion (iii 1930) . The third billion of population xas ieached in 3) years (1960). Before the middle of 1976, only 16 years later a total of 4 billion people will be liviog on this planet. In another 9 years, by 1985, we can expect 5 billion. Regardless of xw hat llapp)enis to sloxw dlown i poplilation increase, it seems certain there will be some 6 or 7 billion by the vear 2,000, and that's only 24 years away. During 1975, this Agricultur al Expeirnenit Station has been xworking to pirepare for these additional people. Progress xvas made in de- veloping the kind of field researlh facilities that will ibe required. Progress was also miade in staffing antd ini more adequatelv funding ongoing research of high priority through some special funding by the State Legislature. It is vital to the fuitur e of Alabama, the Nation, and this world that xe not step blindly into the future - especially when xe have the tools of the Ag- ricultural Experiment Station to light the xay. I am tremendously impressed xith the piogess that xas made by voiii Agriculltural Experiment Station dining 1935. The gireat number of areas in vhich new knowledge and un- derstanding was achieved. 1r. jobn Cottier, Piofessor of Poultry Science, xho has taught students of the School of Agriculture and tie School of \'eterinarx :Medicine about poultry anI poultry diseases and conducted research in poultry management for 45 years and in 1975 xas the senior member of our faculty, reviexs the history of agriculture at Auburn aund portr ays5 a tremendous histoiry of lead- ership. This is a great story, but the research a(ccomplishments of 1975 are even more important to the people of Alabama and this Nation. Wont you join me in reviexing these acomplishments in the pages that followv. One closing thought: In 1975, the people of these United States xere concerned, among other things, about the state of the econom, about infla- tion and joblessness. The concern should lie about produtivitv. Agriculture produced enough agricultural pr oducts to feed this Nation and export $22 billion of agricultural products. Each $1 billion in exports is reported to create 53,000 jobs. Thus, these agricultural exports alone reduced unem- ployment in this Nation by oxer one million jobs. Agriculture is beautiful! "I believe in farming because it makes all things possible." R DENNIS ROUSE, Director AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION MAY 1976/2M "The partnership of publicly financed research and education tied with a privately oriented agriculture is the magic mixture." This statement was made by R. Dennis Rouse, present director of the Agricultural Experi- ment Station, to explain the purpose of the experiment station. Agricultural research efforts, Rouse believes, must be continued and in- tensified if future generations share the legacy that we inherited - a nation and a world in which human beings can enjoy the wonders of a wholesome life. The director's contentions for the future become more significant in viewing the highlights of the past. The Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station was established by an act of the Legislature February 23, 1883 at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, which is now Auburn University. A farm of 226 acres adjacent to the college was purchased with $30,000 appropriated by the Legislature. The land was in poor condition and much of it had been abandoned for cultivation. To support research at the new station, the state approved the use of one-third annual net proceeds from a tax on commercial fertilizer. In return, the college was to make analyses of fertilizer on request and without charge. Auburn has been involved in agricultural research for over 100 years be- cause prior to the initiation of experiment station, Agricultural and Mechani- cal College of Alabama conducted experiments on crops and fertilizers in three different locations in the State. These were at Auburn, the Tennessee Valley near Courtland, and at Boiling Springs in Wilcox County. (No funds for experimentation were actually available until 1883.) But experiments at the Tennessee Valley and the Wilcox County farms were discontinued with establishment of the main station at Auburn. In 1887, Congress passed the Hatch Act and in 1888 the State Legisla- ture accepted the provisions of the act and designated Auburn as the site for the station. The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama Board of Trustees reorganized the station under provisions of the act. It provided $15,000 annually for the furthering of experiments throughout the State. For the first few years $2,000 of the amount was allocated to the Canebrake Experiment Station near Uniontown, the first substation. It was established by the 1884-1885 session of the Legislature to help farmers in the prairie section of Alabama. In 1927, the Alabama Legislature appropriated money for the establish- ment of substations in five major soil regions and ten experiment fields for important, but less extensive soils. Three other substations were established on major soil regions between 1943 and 1945. Two horticulture substations were started in 1948; and early in 1946 the station established a plant breeding unit for development and improvement of agronomic crops. Homer Tisdale and Jimmy Dick located this farm as one suitable for research aimed at the development of wilt resistant, root knot nematode tolerant cotton. The Ornamental Horticulture Field Station at Spring Hill, in Mobile, was established in 1951. The Experiment Station, 1883-1900 "The bane of our agriculture has been a disposition on the part of in- vestigators in the field of agricultural experimentation to draw conclusions and announce them as facts before they are definitely ascertained. This will be avoided, as far as possible, at this station." This comment was made by J. S. Newman, the first director of the station in 1883. Newman felt that most farmers did not have the time or money By G. J. COTTIER Professor of Poultry Science How We Got Where We Are to spend on research. Therefore the new station was to conduct experi- ments with accuracy and persistency and render the results to farmers. In the beginning years of the station, Newman acted as director of agri- culture and horticulture by conducting experiments with field crops, fruits and vegetables, animal breeding, and fertilizers. He often hand delivered results of research projects to farmers at farm meetings. George F. Atkinson, who served as biologist from 1889 to 1892 at the station, found that cotton rust was due to a lack of potash in the fertilizer. The Atkinson tomato, developed by the horticulture department and re- leased in 1966, was named for him. In 1892, Dr. C. A. Cary joined the staff as veterinarian for the college and experiment station. He was the foremost leader of animal health is the South at that time and assisted many communities in dairy and meat inspection. J. F. Duggar became a member of the station staff in 1896 as acting agri- culturist. He was an early advocate of experimentation in various soil types in Alabama. Duggar started the "Old Rotation" cotton experiments in 1896, which is one of the oldest continuous crop rotation experiments in the South. P. H. Mell, who was appointed the second director of the station in 1899 began work at Auburn as professor of natural history and later was head of botany and meteorology. The Experiment Station, 1900-1930 Duggar, as director in 1903, reorganized the station and created several positions. In 1914, he became the first director of the Agiricultural Exten- sion Service. Doe to his influence, the Alabama Legislature appropriated $75,000 in 1906 for the constr uction of Corer Hall, an agricultural building. It was occupied in the fall of 1909, burned in October, 1920, and was rebuilt in 1922. Farmers' Institute or Far mers' Week, a meeting for farmers was started in 1903 with Dr. Cary as the first director. Lectures were conducted during the meetings detailing progressive experimetnts. D)emonstrations of better farming methods were also given. With tihe establishment of substations, the interest in Farmers' 'Week declined and it was discontinued in the early 30's for farmers. It was the forerunner of the short cootrse for veterinarians. Dan T. Gray was appointed as instructor in animal industry in 1905, was head of the department in 1907, and was station director and dean of agri- culture from 1921-1924. Prioi to 1921, these two positions were held by four diffetrent people. M. J. Funchess was appointed assistant piofessor of agr iculture in 1909, head of crops and soils in 1920, and served as director of the Experiment Statiotn and (ean of agriculture from 1924-1951. He published the first technical bulletin from Auburn in 1916. Homer B. Tisdale joined the Experiment Station as plant breeder in 1913, and developed the Aubutrn 56 variety of cotton, which was released in 1956. This variety was recognized as one of the best commercial va- rieties thetn available. It bad high yields, resistance to fusarium wilt, and tolerance to root-knot nematodes. The botany department was established in 1909. In 1927, the name was changed to botany and plant pathology and it 1971 it became botany and microbiology. In 1919, the department of agricultural engineering originated with M. L. NTichols teaching courses in soil conservation and farm tnachiinerv. Nichols and his coworkers developed a channel type terrace to aid in controlling soil erosion. It was called "N ichols Terrace." W. D. Salmon came to Aubitrtn in 1922 as assistatit animasl husband- man its the department of animal husbandry. His early work was with nu- trition of swine. He later tratnsferred Isis interest to laboratory animals be- cause they could be used to speed up tutritiotn reseatch. He began the Animal Nutrition Laboratory and was ati outstanding leader it nutrition. From 1950 to 1957, Salmon served as head of the Department of Animal Husbandry. Homer S. Swingle joined the staff in 1329 as associate professor of Entomolog. He changed Ihis research interest to fish in 1933 and from this beginnitig his work was expasded to the world retnown Department of Fish- eries and Allied Aquascultures and the International Center for Aquaculture. Thc Station, 1930-Date Dr. E. V. Smith was dean of the School of Agriculture and director of the experiment station from 1951 to 1972. Smith began at Auburn as an instructor of botany in 1932 and was appoitted assistant dean and director in 1944. He became associate dean and director it 1949. Dr. Smith was active in the securing of np-to-date bildinsgs and facilities as the result of a bond issue in 1957. The buildings, dedicated in 1961, included Funchess Hall, Animal Sciences Annex, Livestock Arena, Meats Laboratory, McAdory Hall, and Sugg Laboratory. Dr. R. Dennis Rouse is the present director of the station and dean of the School of Agriculture. He joined the Auburn faculty in 1949 as an assistant professor and soil chemist. Dr. Rouse assumed the position of director of the Agronomy and Soils Testing Laboratory in 1957, and re- mained in this position until his appointment as associate director of the experiment station and assistant dean of the School of Agriculture in 1966. He became dean and director September 1, 1972. Many accomplishments have been made since 1930. Today the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station System consists of the main station at Au- burn and 21 outlying units throughout the state, see back page map. Acreage has increased from 226 acres, purchased in 1883, to 22,085 acres in 1976. A wealth of research has been undertaken at the Agricultural Experiment Station during the past 45 years. The broiler industry began in Alabama in the late 1930's. In the early 1950's a vaccine was developed for the control of coccidia, which can be used to fight this parasitic disease in the egg and broiler industries. In the late 1950's, another vaccine was developed in the Department of Poultry Science for control of the disease fowl cholera. TABLE I. THE ALABAMA EXPERIMENT STATION SYSTEM Main and Substations Main Black Belt Wiregrass Gulf Coast Upper Coastal Plain Piedmont Lower Coastal Plain North Alabama Horticulture Chilton Area Horticulture Au: Location Date authorized urnm 1883 Milstead Belle Mina Crossville Marion Junction Headland Fairhope Winfield Camp Hill Camden Cullman Clanton 1973 1927 1927 1927 1927 1927 1944 1945 1947 1948 1948 Acreage Original Present 226 4,609 3,226 240 240 1,116 220 720 735 1,409 1,790 160 145 Experiment Fields Tuskegee Tuskegee 1927 160 Prattville Prattville 1927 40 Monroeville Monroeville 1927 40 Brewton Brewton 1927 60 The Canebrake Substation at Uniontown has been discontinued as fields at Alexandria, Aliceville, Atmore, Gastonburg, Hackleburg Forestry Units Autauga County Barbour County Coosa County Fayette County Plant Breeding Unit Thorsby Foundation Seed Stocks Farm Ornamental Horticulture Field Prattville Clayton Alexander City Fayette Miscellaneous Tallassee Thorsby Spring Hill 1 1946 1953 1951 300 180 160 ,332 640 180 3,226 760 536 1,116 532 800 735 1,409 2,707 160 161 237 80 79 80 has Experiment and LaFayette. 300 180 160 1,332 664 180 7 22 Researchers are presently studying the advisability of using solar energy for the brooding of chicks in poultry houses. A beef sire evaluation program was established in 1950, which is the oldest in continuous existence. Finishing rations for beef cattle utilizing important feed stuffs have been developed and tested. Parakeratosis of swine was found to be caused by a zinc deficiency. Recent studies have proven that animal waste has significant value as feed for livestock, and that two-stage lagoon is an effective method for handling animal waste. In the Department of Agronomy and Soils, two types of cotton have been developed. Plains cotton was developed in 1940 and is a high yielding variety of cotton. The Auburn 56 variety of cotton was developed in 1956. It had resistance to fusarium wilt and was used mainly as a breeding material for new varieties of cotton. Also released in the forties was Auburn Crimson clover, a reseeding va- riety of clover with high herbage production, arrowleaf clover, and Regal ladino. Recently, two types of germplasm were developed. L2 vetch germplasm was found to be the source of hard seedcoat, which makes reseeding pos- sible. It also has high herbage and seed yields. Alabama 1894, another type of vetch germplasm, was found to have a source of high-seed produc- tion under Alabama conditions. The Soil Testing Laboratory at Auburn was established in 1953. The laboratory makes fertilization recommendations based on research for over 50 different crops. From 1953 to 1957, the samples taken totaled 44,000. Last year the total of samples taken rose to 63,000. The Soil Testing Lab- oratory operates jointly with the Agricultural Extension Serveie. Today Auburn has the world's largest freshwater fisheries research fa- cility and is recognized worldwide for its contributions to fisheries and aquacultural research. Research in the past has been very important not only to the people of Alabama, but also to the entire nation and the world. As the centennial in 1983 approaches, many more accomplishments will be achieved. TABLE II. PRESENT DEPARTMENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT STATION Department Original name started First head Agricultural Economics Agricultural 1928 J. D. Pope and Rural Sociology Economics Agricultural Engineering Agricultural 1919 M. L. Nichols Engineering Agronomy & Soils Crops & Soils 1919 M. J. Funchess Animal & Dairy Sciences Animal Industry 1907 Dan T. Gray Animal Health Research Animal Disease 1950 R. S. Sugg Research Botany & Microbiology Botany 1908 F. E. Lloyd Fisheries and Allied Fisheries & Allied 1970 Homer S. Swingle Aquacultures Aquacultures Forestry Forestry 1947 R. H. Westveld Home Economics Home Economics 1950 Ernestine Frazier Research Horticulture Horticulture 1903 R. S. McIntosh Poultry Science Poultry Husbandry 1947 D. F. King Research Information Publications 1947 K. B. Roy Research Operations Research Operations 1974 V. Lavern Brown Zoology & Entomology Entomology 1908 W. E. Hinds Name I\I()I1IL ~laUiillliL ~ Ulllllall I Jrr Some Ilnughlights o9 11975 I#esea rli AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL SOCIOLOGY Estate Planning Study An estate tax planning study indicated that estate plans used by farm owners conserved their estates. However, when the values of the estates studied were updated to reflect current values, the significance of using estate planning tools wisely was apparent. By using a will and a lifetime giving program, a savings in estate taxes of over $50,000 was possible in one of the farm estate examples studied. Farm Labor Problem Finding and retaining good farm labor has been a problem on many Alabama farms. A study of full-time labor on dairy farms in Alabama's Black Belt area indicated that farmners must consider industrial rules in re- cruiting labor, the gap between farm and non-farm industry wage rates must be narrowed, workers who can accept responsibility should be em- ployed, and adequate worker training is necessary to develop skills required in handling expensive animals, machinery, and equipment. Cost of Producing Milk Costs of producing farm products continued to increase in 1975. To pro- vide current cost data to the Alabama Dairy Commission, a study of pro- ducing milk on 57 Alabama dairy farms was conducted. Average 1974 cost per hundredweight of milk produced was $10.63. Average size dairy herd was 116 cows and the average farm size was 336 acres. Contracting Cotton Farmers are of necessity turning to contracts and other rmeasures to gain in product marketing. Various kinds of contracts and terms used in market- ing cotton were studied recently. It was found that the December futures price for the crop was closely related to the major contract prices. Growers assume considerably more risk and buyers considerably less risk on bale- type than on acreage-type contracts. Therefore, major prices on bale-type contracts should be higher at any given time. According to farmers, forward contracting provides protection against price declines and aids in planning for production. They also believe growers do not share in price increases, and are at a disadvantage in evaluating the cotton market outlook. Hog Marketing Methods From research on the price of market hogs in Alabama using prices for 1972 and 1973, it was found that differences in weights of hogs were not significant when they were sold at different markets in the State. There appeared to be no price advantages from selling by telephone bids, tel-o- auction sales, or traditional auction selling. Prices of hogs on Alabama mar- kets generally were competitive when compared with prices for National Stockyards, St. Louis, except during times of erratic pricing. Waste Disposal A regional plan for solid waste disposal in five Northwest Alabama coun- ties showed a possible annual saving of $118,000 compared to the use of sanitary landfills in each county. Problems involved in recruiting and keeping qualified laborers to operate the com- plicated machines used on Alabama farms got detailed study. Similar studies are directed toward the use of solar energy to provide energy for brooding pigs in a modern farrowing house. A 14-sow farrowing house has been com- pleted and the solar heating system is now being installed. ' " 'i.v' -~- " ' " V ~~..-' ' . ' Let The Tractor Do It Live horses of today have gone to greener pastures where they may wistfully watch their mechanical "horse" successors flex their muscles to tasks larger than the wildest imaginations. Yet, despite these changes, man still holds the reins to guide his beast of burden. The controls are no longer sim- ply "gee" or "haw." The speed is much faster, equipment is much larger, and the tractors are extremely complex. In brief, man's job is mentally, at least, much tougher. The best operator can control a tractor only within an accuracy of about 6 inches; therefore, a computerized digital control system is undergoing experimental tests by agricultural engineers at Auburn. Previously, researched analog guidance sys- tems designed to track on electrically charged underground wires were modified to incorporate digital control concepts, and elicited tracking accuracies of about 1 inch at surface speed of 1 to 12 miles per hour. Weeds that overtop peanuts at harvest (left) were found to be those that emerge during the first 6 weeks after plant- ing. Thus, early season weed control is essential for this crop. Remote controlled tractor guidance systems being re- searched at Auburn (right) may lead to precise operation that is superior to human operator accuracy. AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING Agricultural Engineers Heat the Birds Presently fossil fuels are the primary source of energy used to supply heat energy to brood baby chicks, poults, and ducklings. Agricultural engi- neers are researching a way to keep the birds warm and save fossil fuel too. A solar energy research team at Auburn University initiated a study in 1974 to determine the feasibility of adapting solar energy to poultry pro- duction programs. Since poultry requires a large amount of heat energy to efficiently convert feed grains to animal protein, the future supply and costs of this important meat commodity depend upon a constant, economical source of energy. A solar heated poultry house, similar to buildings used in the commercial poultry industry, is currently under construction. The equipment will be commercially available, "off-the-shelf," and the results should be readily adaptable to commercial production units. AGRONOMY AND SOILS Weed Competition Recent studies in the Department of Agronomy and Soils show that pea- nuts are highly competitive with sicklepod and Florida beggarweed. Herbi- cides and various cultural practices used wisely enable the peanut to favor- ably compete with weed infestation. Peanut yields are not reduced when peanuts are maintained free of sickle- pod and Florida beggarweed for as much as 4 weeks after emergence of the crop. If the grower can successfully control weeds for this period and maintain vigorous crop growth for the remainder of the season, peanuts can effectively suppress weeds that germinate after this period. Weeds compete with peanuts for more than 10 weeks after emergence of the crop before yields are reduced. Weeds that overtop peanuts at harvest emerge during the first 6 weeks after planting. j r.;l Continuing efforts to further improve animal productivity through crossbreeding is evidenced by the wide variation in appearance of beef research herds. A Highly Palatable and More Nutritious Sericea in the Making Experiment station scientists in the Departments of Agronomy and Soils and Animal and Dairy Sciences are developing a new sericea that is highly palatable to cattle, and tests show that dry matter and crude protein of this low-tannin sericea are more highly digestible than in normal or high-tannin sericea. Research shows that low-tannin sericea plants are 12 percent higher in digestible dry matter (DDM) than high-tannin plants as indicated by the in vivo nylon bag method. Using grazing steers and the Cr,O-chromogens technique, DDM was also found to be higher for low-tannin forage than for high-tannin. This was substantiated by a lower crude protein percentage of feces from cattle on low-tannin forage than from cattle on high-tannin sericea. Feces from cattle on high-tannin sericea contained 22 percent more crude protein than did that from cattle on low-tannin forage. Also, feces from steers on low- tannin forage was higher in percent in vitro digestibility than that from steers on high-tannin forage. In this grazing study, crude protein was higher than 16 percent during three 28-day grazing periods from May through mid-September. These findings indicate that low-tannin sericea varieties are not only more nu- tritious, but that cattle graze them with enthusiasm. Nematode Resistant Forage Grasses The sandy soils of the Southeast are infested with many different types of nematodes. Several species damage the roots of cool season pasture plants leaving them susceptible to drought and frequently resulting in severe stand losses. Research in the Agricultural Experiment Station at Auburn has shown that nematodes will cause over 50 percent reduction in tall fescue production. Nematode resistant tall fescue and phalaris varieties being de- veloped at Auburn will improve stand persistence as well as forage yield. An even more exciting prospect is that, with added nematode resistance, these cool season grasses will produce much needed winter forage on many of the sandy soils of the Southeast where nematode susceptible varieties cannot be grown. The possibility for expanded acreage as well as improved yield will mean more winter forage for Alabama beef herds. Irrigation and Fertilization for Commercial Tomatoes Research has shown that a medium irrigation level combined with 60 to 120 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer produced the best yields of tomatoes. Very high rates of nitrogen did not give additional yield increases and resulted in a trend toward a lower percentage of large tomatoes and a higher per- centage of small tomatoes. On soils testing low to medium in phosphorus, yields were generally increased about 20 to 30 percent by fertilizer phos- phorus. Fertilizer potassium increased yields about 10 to 20 percent on soil with low to medium soil-test potassium. ANIMAL AND DAIRY SCIENCES Grazing Program Studied Efficiency of land utilization and maximized production through a double- cropping system were the goals of a soybean-cool season grazing crop test. Yields of 30 bushels of soybeans and beef gains of 350 pounds and more per acre have been obtained. Feeder steers developed on this program finish to desirable slaughter weight and grade on a short-term finishing regime requiring modest amounts of feed grain. Carcasses From Animals on Grazing Good quality beef calves grazed for the full season on high quality cool season crops such as rye, ryegrass, and clover obtained Good and Choice slaughter finish with little or no supplemental feed. A study of meat quality attributes (flavor, tenderness, color) of beef from cattle finished on the above program and beef from grain finished cattle revealed no significant dif- ferences in meat quality factors within carcass grades. Sawdust Good Energy Source Although still in the developmental stages, preliminary data from animal scientists at Auburn reveal that subjecting sawdust to chemical treatment can unlock the cellulose and hemicellulose components to serve as valuable energy substrates for rumen microorganisms. Using this process, oak saw- dust has proved to have a digestible energy value comparable to good quality grass hay. Potential Growth Rate Studied Animal scientists have devoted considerable effort in a search for an ac- curate indicator of potential growth rate. Auburn data are preliminary but do indicate that plasma protein, certain enzymes, and cell number obtained early in life may be valuable predictors of yearling liveweight of beef cat- tle. Such measures of growth potential would be invaluable in selecting future breeding stock and would have significant effects on selection pro- grams. Crossbred Calves and Pigs Best Additional data support the practice of crossbreeding in beef cattle and swine, especially the use of crossbred dams. Most recent data show an 18 percent increase in average weaning weight of calves from crossbred cows compared to calves from straightbred cows of the British breeds. Com- parable differences in performance are obtained in swine research. Confined Swine Production Confinement swine production was studied in an effort to reduce labor requirements and therefore increase pork produced per unit of labor. In many respects this did occur since mechanization became possible in feed and waste handling. Research indicates reproductive problems occur in confinement production as evidenced by a lower conception rate, reduced birth weights, smaller litter numbers, and lowered livability of pigs. ANIMAL HEALTH RESEARCH Missing A Meal Can Be Fatal for Baby Pigs Animal health research is underway at Auburn to determine factors causing swine agalactia, a disease which causes little or no milk to be pro- duced by the sow. The condition can be fatal in the newborn pig because it has a very small amount of stored energy. Unless the newborn pig nurses, high death losses will occur from low blood sugar. The dangers of swine agalactia are in- creased during cold weather when the pig requires more nutrients to main- tain body temperatures. LEFT: Barley yellow dwarf, a disease recently found in central and northern A! bama plantings of wheat and oats, is being investigated at Auburn. TOP: Swi agalactia, a sow disease that deprives young pigs of milk that is essential to th, survival, is the subject of an Auburn animal health project. One major cause of the disease is mastitis or infection of the udder. Studies have shown that these infections are common in sows at the time of farrowing. When Cattle Should Be Treated For Parasites A study on the activity of intestinal enzymes of calves is being conducted to determine if the activity of enzymes produced by the lining of the in- testines can be used to tell when cattle should be treated for parasites. This test is being used to determine if there is a better method of diagnosing parasitism in cattle. Constant Struggle Goes on Against Germs Calves are being given various kinds of viruses to determine how defense mechanisms cope with viruses. Research is being conducted at Auburn to find out what type of viruses cause respiratory diseases (shipping fever). New Treatment for Impotence in the Bull From basic research on reproduction in domestic animals, a procedure was developed by Auburn researchers to aid in the diagnosis of one type of breeding failure in bulls. Injury to the male reproductive organs often re- sults in impotence due to interference with vascular blood flow. The site of vascular interruptions is located, the vessels are then ligated or tied, and blood pressure is restored. Bulls that previously would have been slaugh- tered can, in many cases, be returned to service. BOTANY AND MICROBIOLOGY Microbiologists Test Barley Virus A disease, barley yellow dwarf (BYD), has been identified recently in some wheat and oat plantings in central and northern Alabama. Representa- tive samples were forwarded to scientists at Cornell University for assay by aphid transmission. Barley yellow dwarf virus was isolated from three oat samples and three of seven wheat samples, thereby establishing occur- rence of the virus in Alabama for the first time. Research has been initiated to evaluate systemic insecticides for control of BYD. Cause of Auburn Water Odor Found The principal odor-causing factor, which has plagued the Auburn water supply each spring for the past 10 years, has been confirmed as geosmin, a common odor-causing compound in water supplies throughout the coun- try. Strong evidence indicates that actinomycetes are the causal biological agents. This is supported by the fact that over 98 percent of these organisms isolated from the water source produce geosmin and another odorous com- pound identified as 2-methylisoborneol. Big Savings Seen for Bama Peanuts One of the more important successes this year was the determination that significant germination losses of seed peanuts occur if they are not treated near the time of shelling. Last year, more than 8 million pounds of peanut seed were planted in Alabama. Most of them were treated long after shelling. Tests indicate a 10 percent loss in germination is not unusual. Prompt treatment after shelling would allow seeding rates to be cut 10 percent, thereby saving $500,000 in Alabama alone. Another test indicates wet-milling of the fungicide Bravo can reduce rates of application by one-third. Based on 2 years' data developed by Auburn, registration of the lower rate and plant retooling are underway. Since 60 percent of Alabama's peanuts were sprayed with Bravo five to six times last season, savings of $1.2 million can be expected from this finding in Alabama alone, which has 12 percent of the U.S. market. White Mold Control Developed A major breakthrough has been the development of white mold control through research. Trial recommendations of "experimental" labelled prod- ucts (7,000 acres treated in Alabama) showed that combinations of PCNB and contact nematicides result in control of the white mold nematode com- plex. Returns of 10:1 over cost were common in experimental fields. Indi- cations are that one of these products, Vitavax, will be labelled soon for white mold control. This product has a high probability of even more effec- tive control at 50 percent of the cost of PCNB. FISHERIES AND ALLIED AQUACULTURES Waste Fish-Fish Waste Tested Buffalofish, tilapia, and Chinese carp grow well in combination with cat- fish, but they do not at present have good market value when processed conventionally. Flesh from these species was separated from bones and scales by a mechanical deboner. It yielded minced flesh with good texture, light color, bland flavor, and was essentially free of bones and scales. The minced flesh was made into a variety of products such as fish cakes, filled shrimp, and crab products rating high in consumer appeal. Catfish processing waste amounting to 40 percent of the total weight of the fish currently has no economical use in industry. Technology has been developed to make dry and moist swine feeds, pelleted catfish feed, and canned dog foods from the catfish waste. These products have high ac- ceptability and nutritive value in animal feeding tests, and appear to be economically feasible products for commercial production. Life-Change Seen for New Lake Fish The impounding of the Chattahoochee River to form West Point Reservoir offered an excellent opportunity for sport fish researchers at Auburn to document the changes that take place in expanding fish populations. The 1975 year class (hatched in 1975) of bass was routinely sampled throughout the year. Those bass spawned early were large enough to effectively use the large year classes of threadfin and gizzard shad as forage. These fish grew rapidly and were able to continue to feed on shad throughout the year. As a result, they now range in size from 10 to 14 inches and weigh more than a pound. However, that portion of the bass population spawned later was not able to feed heavily on shad. These fish ranged in size from 4 to 9 inches in October-November and were in relatively poor condition. Those small bass that survive through the winter should grow rapidly after the forage species spawn in 1976. Fish Farming Shows Yield Increase Polyculture experiments, with channel catfish as the principal species, showed that a large production potential exists in the form of excess nu- trients in conventional fish farming operations. Feed and fertilizer inputs were constant, and yields were measured for ponds with catfish and com- pared with those where other species such as tilapia and silver carp were added to feed on plankton, detritus, and waste feed. Yield in popyculture ponds reached 4,500 pounds per acre, compared to 3,100 for channel cat- fish. This represents a 45 percent increase in yield from previously nonutil- ized nutrients. Catfish Dietary Needs Found The amount of ascorbic acid necessary to prevent the "broken back syn- drome" in cultured channel catfish was determined to be 30 milligrams per kilogram of diet. Symptoms of ascorbic acid deficiency in channel catfish include deformed spinal column, clubbed gills, depigmented skin, distorted gill opercula, eroded caudal fin, reduced level of ascorbic acid in liver and anterior kidney, reduced hydroxyproline in bone matrix, and lesions in several internal organs. Intestinal synthesis of some vitamins apparently occurs in channel cat- fish. Evidence of this is that catfish fed a biotin-free diet grew almost as well as fish fed diets containing biotin. Catfish must receive biotin for their metabolic needs from either the diet or intestinal microorganisms. FORESTRY Foresters Test Pine, Hardwood, and Christmas Tree Growth Foresters conducting field tests in the Upper Coastal Plain of Alabama with loblolly pine, sweetgum, yellow poplar, and sycamore have found that fertilizer increases the growth of these hardwoods, but not the growth of pine, and that mortality seems to be related to an increase in the rate of application. Maximum height growth of all species occurred on the lower slopes where soil moisture was highest. Arizona cypress, when planted for Christmas tree production, requires weed control, fertilization, and pruning of the trees. Weeds can be con- trolled in Lower Coastal Plain locations by spraying with Simazine, but two treatments within the growing season are necessary for good control. Map Shows Forest Vegetations Auburn foresters were instrumental in developing the first composite map of any Southern State showing vegetational provinces superimposed on satellite photography for Mississippi and Alabama. The imagery and type differentiation is at a scale that permits both state maps to appear on one 10 F sr sheet of paper. A key to all vegetational types appears on the reverse side of the map. Satellite coverage of Mississippi revealed some vegetation never described. Field checks reveal that this type is identifiable on the ground. HOME ECONOMICS RESEARCH Nutritional Status of Pre-Teen Girls The eating habits and nutritional status of 94 pre-teen girls (50 black and 44 white) are being studied over a 3-year period. During this second year of the study, black girls tended to be both taller and heavier than white. Their blood serum cholesterol values averaged 21 percent higher than those for white girls, but the latter tended to have higher triglyceride and hemoglobin levels than the blacks. The higher serum cholesterol levels for black girls might be an early indicator of potential circulatory problems in adulthood. Color Changes Recognized by Panel A consumer panel identified color changes such as yellowing or graying in white fabrics more accurately than they did color losses from dyed fabrics when asked to rate degree of color change. Color losses from pastel shades of blue and yellow were perceived less accurately than were those from the darker shades of the same colors. The color changes in the pink and red fabrics were readily identified by most panel members. Efects of Radiation on Yarn Durability Effects of light that reaches the earth's surface were studied on two types of yarn by researchers in an attempt to see if the yarns were affected by the Flesh from waste fish, separated from bones with mechanical deboner (above left), was used to produce fish cakes and other products that rated high in consumer appeal. Certain types of yarns were found to deteriorate when exposed to ultra-violet radiation in Auburn laboratories (above), while other yarns showed good resistance to damage. Forestry researchers found that fertilization increased growth of sweetgum, yellow poplar, and syca- more, but there was no growth im- provement by loblolly pine in the test conducted in Alabama's Upper Coastal Plain Region. ,' i ; I~S~L1 light. The two yarns, commercially available under the trade names Nomex and Kevlar, were shown to have deteriorating fibers when exposed to the light. These two yarns have superior strength. A third yarn, Qiana, was also exposed to ultra-violet radiation and tests showed that it had good resistance to the light. Salts Affect Fabric Flammability Results of flammability tests have shown that effects of sodium, calcium, and magnesium salts on fabric flammability are erratic, some (e.g. sodium carbonate) causing greater flammability while others, such as magnesium chloride, cause the fabrics to be less flammable. Pyrolysis studies indicate that the products of pyrolysis do change with changes in behavior of the vertical test. Those salts which render the fabric less flammable suppress the generation of methane and ethylene, two of the easily identifiable flam- mable gases. Lower values on the oxygen index tests also correlate with the identification of increasing amounts of hydrocarbon volatiles. Causes of Depressed Appetite and Growth Home economics researchers at Auburn are striving to determine the cause of depressed appetite and growth that result from feeding laboratory animals a ration of either a single inferior protein or one extremely high in protein. Tests show that either type of diet elevates blood ammonia and in some instances blood glucose. A better understanding of this basic regu- latory mechanism could lead to more efficient utilization of plant proteins for domestic animal feeds, help prevent adverse effects that often occur when high protein diets are fed to children suffering from protein calorie malnutrition, and help in the treatment of chronic liver diseases. HORTICULTURE Summer Pruning of Apples Research conducted by Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Sta- tion during the 1974 and 1975 seasons showed that fruit spur development can be induced on current growth by summer pruning. Under normal con- ditions, young apple trees do not form fruit spurs on current growth. There- fore, fruit is not produced on an apple shoot until it is in the third growing season. The current growth was pruned back to two to three buds during the summer on 5-year Top Red Delicious apple trees on M26 rootstock. Most of the buds that were left developed into fruit spurs if pruning was done from July 18 until August 1. Pruning done at earlier or later dates resulted in vegetative growth without fruit spur development occurring. Trees pruned July 18 and August 1 in 1974 produced 50.0 and 44.0 pounds per tree, respectively. In 1975, trees pruned produced 32.7 pounds per tree. The increased light penetration to the fruit surface due to removal of foliage by summer pruning has also resulted in earlier and greater red color develop- ment by the fruit. New Plum for Home and Roadside Markets A new excellent quality plum variety, Homeside, has been developed and released specifically for home and roadside market use. Homeside has consistently produced good yields of high quality fruit in central and south Alabama; it is adapted where chilling of 700 hours below 450 F occurs. Homeside compares favorably with varieties currently grown in home and roadside plantings and is more resistant to bacterial fruit spot, bacterial leaf spot, and bacterial canker. It should fill the need for a midseason variety for home and local market for southern Alabama. Insect Resistant Southernpeas May Lack Chemical Attractant When exposed to equal infestations of insect pests, mainly the cowpea curculio, some southernpea varieties suffer much less damage than others. This resistance has been shown to result in part from a lack of chemical feeding stimulant or attractant. In bioassay tests, the chemical was removed from susceptible varieties and added to resistant varieties, making them much more susceptible to the curculios. This understanding of the chemical nature of curculio resistance in southernpeas will be helpful in breeding varieties resistant to the insect. A Rapid Spot Test for Vitamin C Testing for vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has traditionally been a laboratory procedure requiring specialized equipment and skilled technicians. A new paper spot test procedure has been developed in Auburn's Horticulture De- partment that has reduced the time, effort, and skill involved in testing for acidity with litmus paper. The method has been successfully applied to the estimation of vitamin C in the juice from vine ripened tomato fruit. BELOW: Heavy fruiting of this young apple tree indicates fruit spur development that was initiated by experimental summer pruning. RIGHT: Accelerated broiler growth resulted from restricted feeding, which was accomplished in tests by auto- matic system using time clocks and motors to raise feeders (left) and then lower them (right) for specified feeding period. FAR RIGHT: Electronic debeaker de- veloped at Auburn, soon to be available commercially, speeds up the debeaking process, reduces chick trauma, and is less fatiguing on the operator. Shaping up Ornamentals with Chemicals Chemical manipulation of plant growth is providing the consumer with new and more desirable ornamental plants. Chemicals are also saving orna- mental plant growers valuable time and labor. The Agricultural Experi- ment Station has been screening many different types of chemicals. Growth retardants that reduce stem length have been used to tailor the size of chrysanthemum, Easter lily, poinsettia, and other flowering plants to home surroundings. A tropical vine has been turned into a "new" upright house plant by applications of growth retardants. Plant growth substances called cytokinins that cause cell division have been employed to increase the num- ber of shoots (and hence flowers) on garden chrysanthemums. Ethylene- generating compounds have been utilized to produce short poinsettias, re- move unwanted flowers in Easter lily bulb production, and to stimulate the rooting of cuttings. Chemical plant assassins have been used to selectively destroy the terminal apex and induce branching in azaleas and other woody ornamentals. An experimental inhibitor has sucessfully induced branching in azaleas and cleyera without killing the terminal apex. Instant Jelly Concentrate for Home Processing The Horticulture Department has been developing and testing frozen instant jelly concentrates suitable for processing standard quality jellies in the home. Formulas for apple, orange, concord grape, and muscadine grape have been developed. They are designed to yield 4.25 pounds of standard jelly from 12 fluid ounces of the concentrate when combined with 2 cups of water and 51/s cups of sugar. Jelly is finished by mixing sugar and water, heating, boiling one minute, adding concentrate and pouring. Total time required is 16 minutes. Trllilfgg POULTRY SCIENCE Poultry Disease Control Even though a high percentage of chickens are vaccinated against New- castle disease, the occurrence of several outbreaks of a more virulent strain on the West Coast has caused concern in the Southeast. Poultry researchers tested samples from many commercial flocks which indicated that adequate protection can be afforded against the more severe type with currently marketed vaccines provided the products are not weakened and are applied properly. A sample taken from flocks of more than 100 farms indicated widespread distribution of infectious bursal disease (IBD) in Alabama. The virus agent of IBD was widespread throughout the broiler areas with more than 75 percent of the flocks having been exposed prior to 6 weeks of age. The difference in effectiveness of commercially available drugs against field isolate and laboratory strains of coccidia lend evidence to this concern. Also, the possibility of genetic changes taking place, which make pathogens more dangerous, is now of considerable concern. There is evidence from research at Auburn that evolutionary changes among coccidia have taken place. This is supported by the occurrences of changes found in life cycles and pathogenicity of different strains of the two most important species studied. Tumor control tests have shown that extract from a wild fungi inhibited cancer cell growth in cell cultures from animal and human cell lines. Normal non-malignant cells were not as sensitive to the material. After purification and identification, animal trials will be conducted to determine the potential of this material as a cancer inhibitor. Electronic Beak Remover The Auburn Research Foundation has applied for a patent on an elec- tronic beak remover designed and tested this past year in the Poultry Science Department. This is the first advancement in beak removal in many years and has the advantage of minimizing trauma and reducing variability that occurs under present methods. This new device, which will soon be avail- able commercially, should be much faster and less fatiguing to the operator. 1=* Si "~rc,~~I S~r ~ "4 Feed and Light Relationships for Broilers Results obtained from intermrittent lighting andil or restr icted feeding pro- grams developed for broilis are being used in many parts of the United States. The use of intermittent lighting results in an additional growth rate compared with continuous lighting and gives ll to 0.10 pound better feed conversion. Restricted feeldinrg accomilished by mechanically r emoxvin g the feed has also resulted in up to 0.10 pound b~etter feed conecr sion, however, no additional growth rate was observed. This 0.10-pound saxviiig in feed could result in as mutch as 2.5 ceuts per bird in broiler piroduction costs. ZOOLOGY-ENTOMOLOGY War on Bugs Commercial and laboratory prcpaintions of viruses arid bacter ia were tested by entomologists against insect defoliator s of vegetables, sovbeans, cotton, and forest trees. Results indicate that these agents werr effective in controlling such pests as cabbage loopers, tent caterpillars, and polworms. However, their action was not as rapid as control vith conventional poisons. Thus, the biological control agent had to be applied earlier in an outbreak. Several state recommendations and federal pesticide registrations bave been supported by this research. Just Looking for a Home When the boll weevil invaded the Urnitel States aibout the trn ii of the century, it moved like a tidal wave from one end of the Cotton Belt to the other. All early efforts vere directed toward control of the pest, and only recently have scientists been able to answer some basic questions concerning its ecology. Movements of this species were monitored by using a series of pheromone- baited traps located up to 20 miles from isolated cotton fiells. The catch data from the traps indicated four significant periods of boll veevil move- ments: (1) short range movement in winter in response to stalk destruction, (2) short range movement in spring and early sumrmer from overswinterinig areas to cotton, (3) long range migrations during August and Septembnher, and (4) short range movement in fall to overwintering quarters. Shoo Fly A 1 5-year program of research on horse and deer flies was concluded in the past year with research on how these pests find a host. Results indicate that both chemical and visual stimuli are involved in host finding. The chemical stimulus used in researching is CO. Various parts of the horse fly body were tested electrophysiologically for a response to CO.,. Only the antennal and tarsal segments responded positively. These parts were viewed under a scanning electron microscope to determine the possible types of sensors and their locations. Pesky Beetle Stymied The southern pine beetle has caused great timber losses in Alabama for several years. Research has revealed that many infestations declined or completely disintegrated without apparent cause. The collapse or decline of such an infestation near Auburn was apparently due to host resistance fac- tors. Trees heavily attacked by beetles as overwintering sites in the fall of 1974 failed to yield beetle brood in the spring of 1975, ard the trees were still alive hnliii cut ini Mav. 1aatiott (I mc( 1,600 attak V teeled that attacks xvere uisuccessf ul with betle failing to establish galleries or adlults were "pitched out" in the galleries. lost galleries xwere completely filled with lar der ied resin atd Imany conlrtainiedl dead beetles. The aver age length of at gallery was only 2.6 centimeters. The American Woodcock, the Forgotten Bird TIc' Am erica woodcock has Iong beer ia gannc i Ird of sonme repiute in certain sectionrs of th IcortlheirnI Uniited States. Iowevex Cr, oun Is an occasionalI bird of this species has beer liarsvested iin Alabama, arid most of these xere shio t tnor by accidIernt tfhanr I' designit. Besearch reveals thtat a xaluable gami e resoi rc a Imax ve bel overooItciked iin th te past. Lir ge rm bets of this rnigratoryv liird over x it tei in Alabama. Thev nest Iher e irn eatlv spr ing (February anid MI ar chl) arid raise oecl tootl liefore toi gratinr g iotrtlh for the sumrmrier. Fur rthIicr research iwill pr ovide tlhte iecessaryv iinfoirrnmationt for scttin g seasonus, bag limits, and ml anagini g tIs resource. Pheromone-baited traps were used by boll weevil researchers to determine both short ard ong range movemit o( kc-Nit' du' ti &ffe*' vlt svni-is ct the, sca SiProjects Underway In 1975 AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL SOCIOLOGY Full-Time Hired Farm Labor Situation Dairy Production Costs Stack and Bale Systems for Hay Handling and Feeding Crop, Livestock, and Poultry Management Evaluation of the Beef Production Industry in the South Economic Position of Selected Alabama Agricultural Enterprises Evaluation of Phalaris and Phalaris Ladino Clover Pastures for Dairy Cattle Utilization of Solar Energy in Poultry Production Conserving and Feeding Crop Residues Beef Production on Selected Forage Systems Financial Management and Farm Growth Evaluation of Irrigation Potential for Alabama Changing Role of Selected Agricultural Credit Agencies Resource Use and Planning Estate Planning for Farmers Leasing Arrangements in The Tennessee Valley Economic Evaluation of Outdoor Recreation Facilities Effects of Investments in Recreational Resources on Income and Employment in Barbour and Marshall counties An Economic Analysis of Variations in Rural Land Value Efficient Vehicle Routing and Scheduling for Agribusiness Firms and Public Services Marketing Short-run and Long-run demand for Broiler Meat Alternative Forms of Vertical Coordination in Livestock Industry Effects of Policy and Technological Changes in Grain Marketing Contract Marketing of Cotton Processing and Marketing Catfish Marketing Performance of Selected Milk Pricing Systems for Southern Region Market Organization, Power, and Policies and Programs in the Dairy Industry Rural Development Human Resource Potentials and Mobility of Rural Youth Rural Development and the Quality of Life in the Rural South Public Services and Economic Development in Rural Communities Post Project Evaluation of Cheaha Creek Watershed Development Solid Waste Management for Northwest Alabama Preparation of Forestry Management, Fire Protection, and Fish and Wildlife Management Plans for West Point Lake, Chattahoochee River, Alabama and Georgia Continuance Planning in Outdoor Recreation Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING Cotton Production Engineering Systems for Cotton Production Cotton Plant Water Potential as Influenced by Various Tillage and Traffic Practices Development and Evaluation of Tillage and Cultural Practices Influence of Cultural Practices on Short-Season Cotton Correction of Subsoil Acidity in Cotton Production on Coastal Plain Soils Poultry Production Responses of Chickens to Variations in Air Temperature, Humidity, and Velocity Reproductive Performance of Artificially Inseminated Broiler Breeders Maintained in Cages Selected Environmental Factors on Feathering, Skin Lesions, and Growth of Broilers Utilization of Solar Energy in Poultry Production Conservation Tile-Outlet Terraces for Erosion Control in the Southeast Irrigation Evaluation of Irrigation Potential for Alabama Farm Machinery Determining Farm Machinery Capacities Automatic Direct Digital Control for Steering Tractors Stack and Bale Systems for Hay Handling and Feeding Fisheries Aeration Effect on Water Quality and Catfish Production Waste Control Animal Waste Treatment and Recycling Systems Evaluation of Wastewater Reuse Lagoon Systems Conserving and Feeding Crop Residues Process for Making Animal Feed from Waste from Cattle in Production Units Nut Culture Factors Influencing Vegetative and Reproductive Development of Young Pecan Trees with Trickle Irrigation Soybean Production Herbicide-Tillage Interactions on Soybean and Soil in Monoculture System AGRONOMY AND SOILS Soil Chemistry and Soil Fertility Nitrate Movement in Soil Profiles Effects of Soil Acidity and Calcium on Soil Solutions and Yield of Crops Diagnosis and Correction of Zinc Problems in Corn and Rice Relationship Between Micronutrients in Soils, Uptake and Response Ion Exchange and Stability Characteristics of Soil Clay Minerals Factors Affecting Vertical Movement of Nitrates Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Availability of Residual and Fertilizer Phosphorus Soil Classification Taxonomic and Interpretive Classification of Alabama Soils Forage Crops Chemical Profile and Nutritive Value of Forage Genotypes Establishment and Management of Pasture, Hay, and Silage Crops New Plant Introduction, Multiplication, Evaluation, Preservation Productivity and Quality of Phalaris, Annual Cool Season Grasses, and Legumes Plant Breeding Genetics, Breeding and Evaluation of Sericea and Vetch Breeding Festuca and Phalaris Species for Winter Production Breeding White Clover for Persistence and Yield Cotton Production Influence of Cultural Practices on Short-Season Cotton Evaluation of Cotton Varieties and Strains Weed Control Economic Thresholds of Weed Populations in Cotton Chemical and Biological Weed Control in Agronomic Crops Cultural and Environmental Effects on Herbicide Persistence Soybean Production Herbicide-Tillage Interactions on Soybean and Soil in Monoculture System Soybean Variety and Experimental Strain Evaluation Cropping Systems and Moisture and Fertility for Soybeans Alleviations of Soybean Root Restriction by use of Deep-Rooted Grass Grain Crops Grain Crops Variety and Experimental Strains Testing 15 Dairy Production Evaluation of Phalaris and Phalaris Ladino Clover Pastures for Dairy Cattle Environment Fertilizers and Organic Wastes Applied to Soils Reclamation of Surface-Mined Lands in Alabama Turfgrass Turfgrass Evaluation and Management Vegetable Production Plant Nutrient Requirements of Vegetable Crops Beef Production Beef Production on Selected Forage Systems ANIMAL AND DAIRY SCIENCES Nutrition Legume Protein, Preparation, Evaluation, and Amino Acid Composition and Metabolism Vitamin E for Swine Research in Confinement Chemical Profile and Nutritive Value of Forage Genotypes Livestock Waste as Animal Feed Use of Cellulase to Improve Ruminant Digestion of Cellulose Energy and Protein LeveLs in Blended Dairy Rations Effect of Dietary Cholesterol on Longevity in Rats and Factors Affecting Milk Cholesterol in Cattle Relationship of Nucleic Acid and Polyribosome Contents to Growth of Muscle of Beef Cattle Feeding Growing and Finishing Stocker Cattle in the Gulf Coast Area Growing-Finishing Systems for Beef Steers in North Alabama Evaluation of Pastures for Yearling Beef Steers (Limited vs. Continuous Grazing by Stocker Beef Steers) Growing-Finishing Systems for Steers in the Coastal Plains Selection at Two Weights and Its Effects on Efficiency of Swine Production The Function of Alpha-Keto Acid Dehydrogenases in A-K Acid Metabolism The Kinetics of Bacterial Thymidylate Synthetase and its Inhibition by Substrate Analogs Breeding Evaluation of Crossbred Beef Cattle Evaluation of Prospective Boars Performance Testing of Prospective Sires Effects of Breed and Breed Crosses on Milk Production and Other Factors in a Grade Beef Herd Selected Reproductive Phenomena in Cattle and Swine Evaluation of Specific Crosses for Commercial Swine Production Dairy Production Development of Prediction Tests for Microbiological Quality of Fluid Milk Prod- ucts Effect of Level and Quality of Protein on Lactation in Dairy Cattle Comparison of Urea and Soybean Meal in a Silage-based Complete Feed for Dairy Cows Evaluation of Floor and Bedding Materials in Freestalls for Dairy Cows Evaluation of Phalaris and Phalaris Ladino Clover Pastures for Dairy Cattle Waste Management Animal Waste Treatment and Recycling Systems Lagoon Waste Management and Recycling Systems for Confined Dairy Cattle Evaluation of Wastewater Reuse Lagoon Systems Processes for Making Animal Food from Waste from Cattle in Production Units Conserving and Feeding Crop Residues Meat Effect of Preslaughter Immobilization on Pork Quality Livestock Waste as Animal Feed Factors Responsible for Tenderness Variation in Meat Beef Production Breeding Methods for Beef Cattle in the Southern Region Beef Production on Selected Forage Systems Vr Drinking fountain provides clean water for swine in new Experiment Station facility. Forage Production Relationship Between Properties of Southern Forages and Animal Response Animal Health Significance of Microflora of Healthy Bovine Udders in Mastitis Control Endocrine and Muscle Relationships in Swine and Cattle Role of Endotoxin in Swine Agalactia Syndrome Fisheries Processing and Marketing of Commercially Cultured Catfish ANIMAL HEALTH RESEARCH Cattle Neurology of the Reproductive System in the Bull Virological Aspects of Bovine Respiratory Tract Disease Resistance to and Epidemiology of Infectious Agents Affecting Bovine Reproduc- tion Pathogenicity, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Cooperiosis in Calves Swine The Role of Endotoxin in the Swine Agalactia Syndrome Poultry Relationship of Blood Pressure to Blood and Aortic Tissue Lipids and Atheroscle- rosis in Turkeys Reproductive Performance of Artifically Inseminated Broiler Breeders Maintained in Cages BOTANY AND MICROBIOLOGY Disease Control Viral Diseases of Selected Grasses: Identity, Control, and Role in Predisposition Physiology and Biochemistry of Mycotoxin-Prodiucing Fungi Epiphytology and Control of Apple and Peach Diseases Rhizosphere Ecology as Related to Plant Health and Vigor Viruses and Mycoplasma-Like Organisms Causing Diseases of Corn Soil-Borne Pathogens of Peanuts, Their Complexes and Control Biology of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Seedling Diseases in Alabama Forest Nurseries and Plantations Epiphytology and Control of Scab and Brown Leafspot of Pecan :s .i ; ~i~~gri New or Unusual Plant Diseases in Alabama Fungal Spore Germination Inhibitors and Stimulators Associated with Surface Waxes of Peanuts Production of Mycotoxons (Other than Aflatoxin) by Fungi Isolated from Cot- tonseed Ecology and Taxonomy of Some Alabama Fungi Mycotoxicology of Stored Feeds and Seeds Ecology and Control of Fusiform Rust on Southern Pines Effects of Environmental Stress Factors on Some Energy-Related Processes of Plants Plants Distribution and Habitats of Alabama Poisonous Vascular Plants Herbicides Herbicide Movement from Application Sites and Effects on Non-Target Species Effects of Soditun Azide on the Microflora and Biochemical Activities of Soil Fate and Effects of Atrazine in Salt Marsh Ecosystems Insects Biological Control of Selected Arthropod Pests Environment Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Factors Responsible for the Musty/ Earthy Odor of the Auburn, Ala., Water Supply Cotton Production Influence of Cultural Practices on Short-Season Cotton Pesticides Pesticide Action in Salt Marshes With Microecosystems Activities of Nematicides and Fungicides on Non-target Soil Nematodes and Fungi FISHERIES AND ALLIED AQUACULTURES Aquatic Ecology Streams and Impoundments Ecology Aquaculture Management of Aquatic Plants for Sports Fish Production in Ponds Catfish Farming Aeration Effect on Water Quality and Catfish Production Catfish Diseases Catfish Breeding Catfish Nutrition Processing and Marketing Technology of Commercially Cultured Catfish Fish Biology Ichthyology Fish Diseases Cooperative Fish Parasite and Disease Study Fish Feeds and Feeding Cultural Procedures for Chironomids (Diptera) in the Laboratory and in Ponds Pond Management The Culture of Fish, Shellfish, and Aquatic plants in a Closed System Sportfish Management Aquaculture FORESTRY Resource Management Forest Practice Alternatives in Central Alabama Disease Control Ecology and Control of Fusiform Rust on Southern Pines Appraisal and Control of Endothia gyrosa on Pin Oak in Alabama Resource Economics Economic Alternatives for Managed Woodlots Forest Measurements Effectiveness of Standardized Forest Condition Classes for Aerial Photographic Forest Inventory Purposes Forest Products and Technology Evaluation of Particleboard Constructed from Loblolly Pine Logging Residue Evaluation of Southern Pine Plywood Properties Cold Soaking of Fence Posts in Preservative Materials Regeneration Reclamation of Surface-mined Lands in Alabama Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement Breeding Strategies for Genetic Improvement of Commercial Forest Trees in the South Genetics, Breeding, and Evaluation of Selected Forest Tree Species Breeding and Culture of Christmas Trees Forest Site Quality Physiographic Classification of Southern Pine Forest Lands Forest Physiology and Nutrition Forest Nursery Weed Control Nitrogen Fertilization of Loblolly Pine (pinus taeda L.) Growth and Nutrient Requirements of Selected Hardwoods Forest Stand Improvement Effects of Selected Silvicultural Practices on Timber Production and Wildlife Habitats Precommercial Treatment of Semistagnated Natural Stands of Loblolly Pine HOME ECONOMICS RESEARCH Housing Quality Housing Environment for Low-Income Families Nutrition Factors Affecting Dietary Habits of Teenage Families Patterns of Food Intake and Nutritional Health of Girls Metabolic Basis of Appetite Response to Amino Acid Imbalance and Protein Level Influence of Dietary Pyridoxine or Tissue Depletion of B6 in the Rat Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Food Habits and Nutritional Status of Older Persons Textile Utilization Effect of Near Ultraviolet and Visible Radiation on Selected Non-linear Polamides Consumer Perceptions of Changes in Fabric Properties Textile Safety Performance of Fabrics Treated with Flame Retardant Finishes Effect of Alkaline Earth and Alkali Metal Ions on Flame Retardancy of Selected Fabrics HORTICULTURE Breeding Breeding Improved Tomato and Pepper Varieties for the South Genetics and Breeding of Plums Southernpea Breeding for Insect and Virus Resistance; and Nature of Insect Resistance Genetics and Breeding of Muskmelon and Watermelons Breeding for Resistance to Gummy Stem Blight and Cucumber Beetles in Pickling Cucumbers Management Height Control in Floricultural Crops Factors Influencing Vegetative and Reproductive Development of Young Pecan Trees Nutritional, Cultural, and Varietal Investigation of Apples Regulation of Pistillate Flowering Processes in Pecan Control of Developing Fruit Depressant Effect on Subsequent Fruit Set and Growth in Annual Crops Peach Nutritional, Cultural, and Varietal Investigations Utilization High-Fold Freeze Concentration of Fruit and Vegetable Juices Characterization of Promising Fruit and Vegetable Varieties and Breeding Lines as Food Raw Materials and Processed Foods Soil Fertility Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Requirements of Vegetable Crops Varieties Performance Trials of Commercially Important Vegetable Crops Ornamentals Economics of Producing and Marketing Woody Ornamentals in the South Identification and Control of Diseases on Ornamental Plants 17 POULTRY SCIENCE Disease Control Relationship of Blood Pressure to Blood and Aortic Tissue Lipids and Atheroscle- rosis in Turkeys Genetic Bases for Resistance to the Avian Leukosis Complex Development of Avian and Fish Virus Antigen Systems Coccidiosis Study Coccidia and Coccidiosis of Poultry Susceptibility of Eimeria Species to Coccidiostats Diagnostic Services-Poultry Management Condemned Processed Poultry Products and Hatchery Management Reproductive Performance of Artificially Inseminated Broiler Breeders Maintained in Cages Paper Mill By-Products as a Source of Litter for Broilers Development of an Electric Automatic Beak Remover Environment Selected Environmental Factors on Feathering, Skin Lesions, and Growth of Broilers Responses of Chickens to Variations in Air Temperature, Humidity, and Velocity Utilization of Solar Energy in Poultry Production Effect of Atmospheric Pollutants upon Disease Susceptibility in Chickens and Quail Selenium and Vitamin E Functions in Poultry Pesticide Residue Studies Feeding Livestock Waste as Animal Feed Ecology Reptiles and Amphibians of Alabama The Hydradephaga (Coleoptera of Alabama) Ecologic Impacts of Wading Birds on Aquatic Environment Cotton Production Influence of Cultural Practices on Short-Season Cotton Miscellaneous Auburn University Entomological Museum Auburn University Vertebrate Museum a "8 c t i Solar poultry house nearing completion at Auburn will provide facilities for needed research about use of solar energy to provide energy needs in production. RESEARCH DATA ANALYSIS Statistics Development and Maintenance of Statistical Analysis System Evaluation of Irrigation Potential for Alabama ZOOLOGY-ENTOMOLOGY Pest Control Apple Insects Biology, Ecology, and Control of Forest and Shade Tree Insects Biological Control of Selected Arthropod Pests Biology and Control of Arthropod Pests of Woody Ornamental Plants in Alabama Ecology and Control of Some Parasitic Flies (Diptera) Biosystematics of Scale Insects of Alabama Ecology and Management of Heliothis spp. on Cotton, Corn, Soybeans, and Other Host Plants An Integrated System for the Suppression of Boll Weevil Control Tactics and Management Systems for Arthropod Pests of Soybeans Southern Pine Beetle Biology and Control of Arthropod Pests of Pecans Biology and Control of Selected Peanut and Soybean Insects Bionomics and Control of the Pecan Weevil Vegetable Insects Research Insect Enemies of Bark Beetles Infesting Southern Pines Biochemistry and Physiology of Arthropod Pheromones Wildlife Management Ecological Studies of Wild Turkeys Furbearer and Mammalian Predator Studies Woodcock Studies General Wildlife Studies Bobwhite Quail Studies Fc: :a IN I source of Funds Expenditures 19 WINDOWS ON RESEARCH Outlying units of Auburn's Agricultural Experiment Station serve as windows through which Alabamians can see first hand research being done to solve specific problems facing agriculture. The 21 outlying units in the System (located on the map) provide a close tie with Auburn research for every citizen of the State. Each year hundreds of farmers, agricultural industry personnel, and other interested individuals attend meetings at the substations, fields, and specialized units to observe current research. Many others make individual visits to learn about specific experiments underway. Auburn University Is An Equal Opportunity Employer