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ANNUAL REPORT 1985
ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICERS
James E. Martin, President
Paul F. Parks, Vice President for Research
David H. Teem, Acting Director
Tom E. Corley, Associate Director Emeritus
L. Aubrey Smith, Acting Assistant Director
Charles W. Bruce, Assistant Director
FOR THE
ADVANCEMENT tP
OF SCIENCE R
AND ARTS
Turfgrass research is an important segment of the Alabama Agri-
cultural Experiment Station's research program, with emphasis di-
rected in two general areas: (1) management of turf for home
grounds, recreational areas, and public or industrial grounds; and
(2) production and marketing of turfgrass as a commercial agri-
cultural venture. One of the newest projects, and one that is
making major contributions to successful use of centipedegrass, is
an evaluation of postemergence applied herbicides for con-
trolling annual grasses in established centipede. Results of
this research are expanding the weed control practices
available to turf managers.
Significant changes in the organi-
zation and administration of agricul-
tural programs at Auburn University
were initiated during 1985. Under
the new organization, the Agricul-
tural Experiment Station reports 
to
the Vice President for Research.
The School of Agriculture, For-
estry, and Biological Sciences 
re-
ceived a new name, the College 
of
Agriculture. The changes also created
a new School of Forestry and a new
College of Science and Mathematics.
The latter will include departments
of Botany-Microbiology and Zoology-
Wildlife. subject matter units that
were originally in agriculture and
which will include personnel 
with
joint Agricultural Experiment Station
appointments.
There will also be new leadership
in administration of agricultural re-
search. A new Director of the Agri-
cultural Experiment Station will be
named before the end of the 1986
fiscal year.
The purpose of these organiza-
tional and administrative changes 
is
to enhance the effectiveness of 
the
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Sta-
tion in fullfilling its mission: "To con-
duct both basic and applied research
for the establishment and mainte-
nance of effective agricultural and
forest industries and to improve 
the
quality of life in Alabama." This 
phi-
losophy of service has led to signif-
icant advances in agriculture and
forestry through the years, with ad-
vantages accruing to all citizens of
the State.
Another constant is the dedication
of the faculty and staff to fulfill this
mission. This dedication is evidenced
by the amount and quality of research
findings that were generated in 1985.
The research highlighted in this re-
port is only a small sample of the
total research program, but it 
does
give a good cross section of the scope
of research.
With a significant increase in funds,
we were able to address several 
im-
portant needs in 1985; however, 
sev-
eral years of reduced funds cannot
be overcome in one or two years. For
example, in the past 10 years the
number of scientist years devoted to
agricultural research has decreased
about 10 percent. This simply means
that we can address fewer problems.
Problems facing agriculture today are
more complex than in the past,
thereby requiring more people and
funds to solve. Therefore, with re-
duced funding ahead, we must 
be
highly selective in choosing and de-
veloping research projects to assure
that quality research is maintained 
in
areas that will result in the greatest
benefits from the investment in 
re-
search.
Since research is credited with re-
turning dividends of 40 to 50 per-
cent, most of us would want 
to
increase, not decrease, the nation's
investment in research. Food security
is critical to this nation and agricul-
tural research is the key to our food
security. Agricultural research is 
a
long-term process, and we must not
allow short-term surpluses or price
fluctuations to cause us to lose sight
of the necessity of continuidg such
research.
The citizens of Alabama are the
ultimate beneficiaries of research 
by
the Alabama Agricultural Experiment
Station. We are pleased to provide
each of you an accounting for funds
used for this research and a brief
overview of the findings of selected
projects. Your input into our research
program is important and we would
welcome your comments.
David H. Teem
Acting Director
.... 1rMB
Foreword 
3
Noteworthy Events 
5
Zoology-Entomology 
7
Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures 
9
Home Economics Research 
10
Poultry Science 
12
Animal and Dairy Sciences 
14
Animal Health Research 
15
Forestry Research 
17
Agronomy and Soils 
18
Horticulture 
21
Botany, Plant 
Pathology,
and Microbiology 
23
Agricultural Engineering 
25
Agricultural Economics
and Rural Sociology 
27
Honors and Recognitions 
29
Financial Report 
31
Information contained 
herein is available 
to all persons regardless 
of
race, color, sex, or 
national origin.
Several special events occurred during
1985 to call attention to the research
programs of the Alabama Agricultural Ex-
periment Station and to recognize current
and past accomplishments. These in-
cluded a reception to announce publi-
cation of a history of the Station,
sponsorship of international conferences,
a press conference to announce signifi-
cant new research findings, all-commod-
ity field days at outlying units, and
participation in the Sunbelt Agricultural
Exposition.
Publication of the 100-year history of
the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Sta-
tion was heralded by a reception held
September 8, 1985, on campus. Auburn
friends from around the State were joined
by agricultural research leaders from as
far away as Washington, D.C., at the event
hosted jointly with the Department of
History to recognize the Station's service
since 1883 and to honor the book's au-
thor, Dr. Norwood Kerr. A feature of the
occasion was the burying of a time cap-
sule containing a copy of the history and
other information about the Experiment
Station in front of Comer Hall.
The press conference held to announce
significant research findings was a first for
an outlying unit of the Experiment Station
system. Held at the Wiregrass Substation,
the conference featured reports from the
research team that had developed prac-
tical rotations of peanuts, soybeans, corn,
and small grain to reduce problems from
nematodes and improve overall produc-
tivity. The findings were widely reported
by weekly and daily newspapers and tel-
evision stations in the affected area and
by regional farm publications.
TOP: A copy of the 100-year history of the
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station was
among the materials placed in a time capsule
to be opened on the Station's 200th
birthday. CENTER: Even the TV reporters
wore Auburn caps while reporting from the
press conference at the Wiregrass
Substation. BOTTOM: Results of crop
rotation research got wide attention through
daily and weekly newspapers, area television
stations, and farm magazines that covered
the spring 1985 press conference.
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World authorities on soil dynamics
gathered on campus last June for an In-
ternational Conference on Soil Dynamics
and for celebrating the 50th anniversary
of the National Tillage Machinery Labo-
ratory. The Alabama Agricultural Exper-
iment Station joined the USDA Tillage
Machinery Laboratory in sponsoring the
event, which drew more than 100 par-
ticipants from 22 nations. A highlight of
the conference was unveiling of a plaque
honoring the late M.L. Nichols, Auburn
agricultural engineering faculty member
who played a major role in development
of the Tillage Lab, and his Russian coun-
terpart, the late V.P. Goryahkin, for their
pioneering efforts in development of the
science of soil dynamics. Bronze plaques
were cast for hanging at the Tillage Lab
and at the Moscow Agricultural University
in Russia.
The other international event cospon-
sored by the Experiment Station was an
International Symposium on Nursery
Management Practices for the Southern
Pines, held during August in Montgomery.
Other sponsors were the School of For-
estry and the International Union of For-
estry Research Organizations. The 155
registrants, representing 10 nations, heard
presentations by world authorities which
were published in a 606-page proceed-
ings that will likely become the recog-
nized source for information on pine
nursery management practices.
All-commodity type field days were held
at the Sand Mountain and Tennessee Val-
lev substations to offer area farmers an
opportunity to review research on several
crops and livestock during a single visit.
Several hundred farmers attended these
events that had research reports and tours
to substations during the year. CEN
plaque honoring contributions of the
L. Nichols was unveiled during the
International Conference on Soil Dyr
held in June on campus. BOTTOM:
science research was featured in Au
exhibit at the Sunbelt Agricultural E:
Moultrie, Georgia.
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dealing with soybeans, grain crops, hor-
ticultural crops, livestock, forages, and
cotton. In addition, the 1985 Commodity
Conference held by the Alabama Farm
Bureau Federation included crop and
livestock tours to the Tennessee Valley
Substation. Other outlying units held tra-
ditional field day programs covering field
crop, horticultural crop, and livestock
research to update area farmers on Ex-
periment Station work underway 
in each
area of the State.
V Auburn's agricultural exhibit at the
1985 Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in
S
Moultrie, Georgia, presented a compre-
hensive review of research in the area of
animal and dairy sciences. An exit survey
conducted by agricultural economics and
rural sociology faculty and students re-
vealed that visitors to the 40- x 80-foot
tent display were impressed with the
quality of work depicted. Live cattle and
sw ine were used to illustrate various types
of research.
The most important things to report for
1985, of course, are findings of research
conducted to support Alabama's agricul-
tural and forestry enterprises. Carrying
out such a research program has been the
mandated mission of the Alabama Agri-
cultural Experiment Station since its es-
TER: A tablishment 
in 1883, and the need 
for
late M. service-oriented research has never been
greater than it is under today's tough
namics economic 
conditions. Success 
of this re-
Animal
burn's search program is documented 
by se-
xpo in lected findings reported by 
subject matter
on the pages that follow.
Research in zoology-entomology has
continued to address significant problems
which impact upon broad constituencies
throughout Alabama. Studies in the basic
life science area of parasitology and pro-
tozoology have yielded new information
relative to the biology of the parasite
organisms Cryptosporidium and certain
other coccidia. This provides additional
information which is basic to improved
treatment of infected domestic animals.
The entomology program has generated
new findings which relate not only to
insect pest management in major agro-
nomic crops and livestock but also to
control of pest species in the home. Prom-
inent findings have been generated relat-
ing to biology and control of soybean and
livestock insect pests as well as the ever
present cockroach.
Auburn's wildlife research program
continues to be recognized as one of the
most outstanding in the region. Recent
findings provide the basis for improved
management practices for mourning dove
and wild turkey.
Control Being Sought
for Threecornered
Alfalfa Hopper
Until recently, the threecornered al-
falfa hopper was considered to be pri-
marily an early season pest that reduced
soybean stands. New studies in Louisiana
and Alabama, however, established that
threecornered alfalfa hoppers are an im-
portant late season pest of soybeans. Since
the economic threshold of one adult per
sweep after pod set (established in Lou-
isiana) is often exceeded in Alabama 
fields,
research was begun to verify the thresh-
old and develop control measures.
Threecornered alfalfa hoppers damage
soybean plants by puncturing plant stems
__________________ ,'1"'
and leaf petioles and removing sugars
from the phloem. This damage typically
occurs in a concentric ring around a stem
or petiole, and is called a "girdle." The
research underway is seeking a "weak
link" in its life cycle where control prac-
tices would be the most effective.
Temperature is known to play an im-
portant role in regulating growth and
mortality of the insect. For example,
threecornered alfalfa hopper growth in a
constant temperature of 85?F is approx-
imately twice as fast as at constant tem-
perature of 70?F. Mortality was decreased
approximately 50 percent at 85?F com-
pared to 70?F.
The impact of commonly used insec-
ticides on predators of threecornered al-
falfa hoppers has been emphasized in a
3-year field study. Assuming that an in-
secticide application for threecornered
alfalfa hoppers was needed at or near
beginning of pod fill, Lannate was found
to be the most effective insecticide at
reducing threecornered alfalfa hopper
populations while minimally disrupting
predator populations. Conservation of
predators such as big-eyed bugs and spi-
ders is important because of their ability
to reduce pest populations.
A mathematical model of threecornered
alfalfa hopper population growth is being
developed to aid Alabama's soybean
growers in predicting when threecor-
nered alfalfa hopper populations increase
to damaging levels.
Biting Midges
Involved in
Bluetongue Disease
Ceratopogonid midges, commonly
known as punkies or no-see-ums, are the
principal natural vectors of bluetongue
virus (BTV) which infects cattle, 
sheep,
and white-tailed deer. Alabama Agricul-
tural Experiment Station research singled
out four species of these minute, blood-
sucking flies as the most likely vectors of
BTV in Alabama. One species is known
to be involved in natural outbreaks of the
disease, whereas two others have been
found capable of supporting develop-
ment of the virus following laboratory
infections.
During the past year, the presence of
an exotic serotype referred to as BTV-2
was confirmed in Alabama for the first
time. Prior to this it was known to occur
only in central Florida, where apparently
it had been introduced from the Carib-
bean. Cattle in two Alabama herds in-
fected with BTV-2 have exhibited classic
bluetongue signs, including erosion of
the muzzle epithelium and oral mucosa,
lameness, abnormally small calves
dropped near term, and aborted fetuses.
These are the first clinical cases to be
associated with this particular BTV ser-
otype in North America.
Adult midges have been collected at
known or suspected outbreak sites in an
effort to isolate the virus from naturally
infected flies and to determine which spe-
cies are responsible for the current rapid
spread of this virus throughout the State.
The distribution of this virus is being
monitored in cooperation with virologists
and epidemiologists at the AU College of
Veterinary Medicine and the State of Ala-
bama Charles S. Roberts Veterinary Di-
agnostic Laboratory. Cattlemen are being
asked to notify local veterinarians and
appropriate State personnel when sus-
pected cases arise so efforts can continue
to help check the spread and incidence
of this potentially serious disease of live-
stock and wild deer.
The threecornered alfalfa hopper is now
recognized as a late season soybean pest.
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Lead Poisoning in
Mourning Doves
Studied
Over 3 million mourning do\cs arc
harvested annually in Alabama, thercb\
providing considerable recreational 
and
economic benefits to the State. The inges-
tion of spent lead shotgun pellets bN
mourning doves that feed in heavily
hunted "dove fields" may be a threat to
this activity. Results of Auburn studies
indicate that ingestion of lead shot 
can
be potentially harmful to mourning dove
populations. Analysis of gizzard contents
suggests that between 1 and 6 percent 
of
the mourning dove population ingest 
lead
shot.
In one experiment, four different 
groups
of 25 doves each were maintained 
on a
corn diet and were force-fed either 0, 1,
2, or 4 No. 8 lead shot. They then were
housed in outdoor flight cages that con-
tained suitable perches and overhead 
pro-
tection.
Mortality rates recorded during the 3-
week experiment were 0, 24, 60, and 52
percent, respectively, for 0, 1, 2, and 4
shot ingested. The majority of doves that
died did so when temperatures dropped
below the freezing point. In another ex-
periment, mated female mourning doves
maintained indoors at room temperature
on commercial pelleted feed were force-
fed either 0 or 1 No. 8 lead shot. 
Treated
females produced eggs with 
significantly
higher embryonic mortality than control
females even though no direct mortality
of the females occurred.
Wild Turkey
Reproductive Success
Limited by Predators
Factors affecting wild turkey reproduc-
tive success were determined in an Ala-
bama study completed in 1985. Hens 
that
had been captured and instrumented with
solar powered radio transmitters were
monitored daily (during the nesting sea-
son) to detect incubation behavior and
hatching. Poults were hand captured 
be-
fore they were 5 days old, fitted with 
tiny
radio transmitters, and released with the
hen. A total of 162 of 355 poults in 34
broods was instrumented and an addi-
tional 45 uninstrumented poults in four
broods provided data on mortality soon
after hatching.
Close monitoring of radios and field
signs found that the loss rate in 38 turkey
broods averaged "0 percent More than
brood habitat are needed for wild 
turkey
92 percent of mortality of the instru-
mented poults occurred within 
15 days
of hatching. Loss rates of uninstrumented
poults in the broods were not signifi-
cantly different.
High poult losses, attributed primarily
to predation, represent the greatest lim-
itation on wild turkey production. The
domestic dog ranked number one of the
identified predators. Losses to dogs were
due to predation on the hen before the
poults were old enough to survive on
their own. Raccoons and hawks were also
important predators. When nest losses to
predators are considered (averaging 
about
45 percent in Alabama), the overall im-
pact of predation on reproductive success
is heavy.
Hens which were relatively successful
in raising broods frequented moist forest
habitats that were more open, had taller
herbaceous plant growth offering cover
from predators, and were closer to 
roads
and openings than did hens that were 
less
successful in raising their broods. Poults
less than 2 weeks old fared well 
in old
fields with protective cover, but grazed
pastures were good habitat for 
older
poults. Since vegetative structure of 
the
habitat apparently affects 
poult survival,
management is needed to favor the growth
of good early brood habitat.
Understanding
Cockroach Biology
Leads to Control
Cockroaches are important pests, par-
ticularly in the warm, humid environ-
ment of Alabama. Large outdoor
cockroaches, such as the American 
and
smokybrown, often live in sewers but ma
also invade homes and restaurants 
car
rying pathogens and parasites with them.
Auburn research on cockroach survival
and movement has shown that the sirng!c
most important factor that influences
cockroach distribution 
is the availability
of water. The smokybrown 
cockroach, for
example, loses water through its cuticle
at over twice the rate of other outdoor
cockroaches and at over 10 times the rate
of indoor species. 
Consequently, 
this spe-
cies needs free access to drinking water
and must live in humid shelters. Other
species, like the indoor cockroaches, can
survive in drier areas with much less 
free
water.
Environmental 
factors such as 
temper-
ature, humidity, and rainfall were 
found
to influence outdoor cockroach move-
ment. Rainfall in particular may decrease
movement by up to 300 percent. Esti-
mates of cockroach population and dis-
tribution around 
houses, necessary 
to
evaluate control measures, must there-
fore be made over a several day 
period
to take into account variable environ-
mental conditions.
These physiological 
and ecological
findings provide the basis for 
control sys-
tems based on habitat modification that
will deny outdoor cockroaches their 
basic
needs. This approach to control is es-
pecially appealing since its cost is low
and, unlike most insecticides, will remain
effective 
indefinitely.
Cockroach research emphasizes habitat
modification that will deny outdoor
cockroaches their basic needs.
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1rasneries and AhPed quacuatures
Aquaculture, aquatic ecology, and fish-
eries management are the general areas
of research at the Alabama Agricultural
Experiment Station. In aquacultural re-
search, the main thrust is to obtain in-
formation required for the support and
promotion of the catfish farming industry.
Also in progress is research on other spe-
cies (tilapia, Chinese carps, freshwater
shrimp, and freshwater lobster) that may
play an important role in fish farming in
the State in the future.
Research in aquatic ecology is planned
to obtain information on Alabama's water
resources in rivers and large reservoirs.
These waters are valuable to a wide spec-
trum of users (industry, transportation,
recreation, water supply), and good in-
formation is required if they are to be
used wisely.
Recreational fishing is a major industry
in Alabama. Its estimated value is in ex-
cess of $250 million annually. Research
in farm ponds, community lakes, large
reservoirs, rivers, and on the Gulf Coast
is being done to increase the economic
return from Alabama's recreational fish-
eries resources while maintaining or im-
proving resource quality.
A high percentage of the research in
progress is planned to solve current prob-
lems that are limiting development, uti-
lization, and economic return from
Alabama's water resources (fish farming,
industrial development, and recreational
fishing). At the same time, some research
effort is being invested in solving prob-
lems expected in the future.
Best Paddlewheel
Design Identified
The efficiency of paddlewheels used as
emergency aeration in catfish production
ponds varied considerably depending on
shape of the paddles and their arrange-
ment on the hub supporting them. The
tests were conducted in a large tank. A
chemical was added to the water to re-
move the oxygen. The design and ar-
rangement of the paddles were evaluated
by determining the transfer coefficients
during re-oxgenation.
Paddles with a triangular cross section
were more efficient than rectangular, con-
cave, or flat paddles. Flat paddles with
holes drilled through their faces, flat pad-
dies with serrated edges, or flat paddles
with holes through their faces plus ser-
rated edges were no better in transferring
oxygen than plain, flat paddles. At the
same total paddle surface area, paddle-
wheels with 2-inch- or 4-inch-wide pad-
dles were no more efficient at transferring
oxygen than a paddlewheel with 6-inch-
wide paddles.
A staggered arrangement of paddles on
the hub (adjacent rows of paddles rotated
45 degrees) was better than a solid (side
by side) arrangement of the paddles. Ox-
ygen-transfer was greatest when the space
between rows of paddles on the hub was
4 inches. A hub diameter of 18 inches
was more effective than a hub diameter
of 10 inches and just as effective as a hub
diameter of 24 inches. Hence, the best
design for a paddlewheel aerator was to
mount 6-inch-wide, triangular paddles in
staggered rows with 4 inches of space
between rows on 18-inch diameter hubs
Operating conditions also influenced
oxygen transfer. At a given paddlewheel
speed, oxygen transfer increased with the
depth to which paddles extended into
the water. At a given paddle depth, the
rate of oxygen transfer increased as the
paddlewheel speed increased.
Selective Breeding
Improves Catfish
Studies on the genetics of channel cat-
fish indicate considerable potential for
improving characteristics of commecial
importance through selective breeding.
Heritability, or the ability to pass char-
acteristics from one generation to the
next, for body weight, feed consumption,
and feed conversion was 0.99, 0.70, and
zero, respectively, for Tifton fingerlings
and 0.67. 0.01, and -0.36 for Kansas Se-
lect fingerlings. Large dominance effects
were evident for Tifton and large mater-
nal effects were evident for Kansas Select.
Kansas Select grew more rapidly, ate more
feed, and had lower feed conversion than
Tifton. Tifton expressed more phenotypic
variability.
Genetic correlations between body
weight and feed consumption were near
1.00. Genetic correlations between body
weight and feed conversion were nega-
tive, indicating that faster growing catfish
utilized feed more efficiently. Direct se-
lection for feed conversion efficiency in
fingerling channel catfish would not be
successful, but indirect selection for feed
conversion efficiency via selection for
body weight has potential.
Methods of Disease
Entry Identified in
Channel Catfish
A bacterium that causes disease in chan-
nel catfish (Aeromonas hydrophila) gains
entry into the body in two ways. Injured
skin was found to be the primary one.
Bacteria also gained access to the internal
organs through intact skin and the diges-
tive tract, but only under conditions of
crowding and high temperature.
Lesions observed in experimentally in-
fected fish were compared to those seen
in acute and chronic natural infections.
Acute lesions were associated with both
natural and experimental infections. Acute
and chronic infections by A. hydrophila
in channel catfish can be differentiated
by the presence of heavy deposits of stain-
able-iron pigment associated with lipo-
fuscin in the liver and the spleen of fish
with chronic infections.
Trophy largemouth bass are available for
harvest in West Point Lake, a result of the
16-inch minimum size limit.
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-4a
Comparison of different paddle shapes, sizes, and arrangements on 
the hub provides the design for most efficient
paddlewheel operation.
Commercial Catfish
Food Has High
Quality
A study comparing four commercial
brands indicated that fish feeds available
to farmers in Alabama are of high quality.
In the study, four commercial catfish feeds
collected from fish farms in Alabama, a
positive control (Auburn formula), and
a negative control (low quality plant pro-
tein), each containing approximately 32
percent protein and 2.8 kcal of digestible
energy per gram, were fed to catfish in
ponds for 18 weeks. Weight gain was
equal among the commercial and positive
control feeds, but lower for the negative
control. Average fish size at harvest (1.0
pound) and feed conversion (1.j30 teed
to grain ratio) were good.
Method of
Vaccinating Affects
Disease Protection
Success of vaccination for the fish dis-
ease caused by the bacterium Edward-
siella ictaluri depends on the method
utilized and characteristics of the mate-
rial used. In a field experiment carried
out during winter and spring (February-
May), fingerling channel catfish were vac-
cinated with E. ictaluri by intraperitoneal
injection with either sonicated or whole
cell preparations and by immersion using
the same preparations. Following chal-
lenge, mortality of the fish vaccinated by
immersion in the sonicated preparation
was 11.8 percent, whereas mortality in
the groups immersed in whole cell bac-
terin, injected with the whole cell bac-
terin in adjuvant, or injected with sonicate
was 24.6 percent, 57.9 percent, or 41.7
percent, respectively. Although the fish
vaccinated by immersion with the soni-
cated bacteria had lower antibody titers
than those vaccinated by the other meth-
ods, the immersion vaccinates were more
protected against challenge with the
pathogen.
West Point Reservoir
Fishing Improved
Restricting the harvest of largemouth
from West Point Reservoir to fish 16 inches
in length or larger significantly improved
the quality of fishing. Results of fishery
and limnological investigations con-
ducted since 1976 on West Point Res-
ervoir indicated that some restriction in
the harvest of bass was necessary; con-
sequently, a 16-inch minimum size har-
vest was imposed in April 1983. The
rationale for this decision was that be-
cause of low bass recruitment and high
Home economics research during 1985
focused primarily on nutrition and foods
and consumer affairs. Within the nutrition
area, significant time was devoted to iden-
tifying important dietary considerations
for growing adolescents as well as to bet-
ter understanding the relationship of vi-
tamin E and exercise to physical health.
Work in consumer affairs continued in
fishing mortality, the percentage contri-
bution of bass to total standing crop was
low (i.e., less than 20 percent); this in
turn resulted in rather low levels of feed-
ing on prey species, particularly large
gizzard shad. As a result, most prey pop-
ulations were less than dynamic with few
young-of-year being produced.
Allowing large bass to accumulate as a
result of the length limit was expected
to reduce the abundance of shad, which
would result in increased reproduction
of this species. With more young shad in
the lake, the recruitment and growth of
bass should increase. In addition, the
structures of both the black crappie and
bluegill populations were expected to be
improved.
During 1985, the measured catch rate
of bass was 0.5 fish per hour of directed
fishing effort. Before the length limit was
imposed, catch rates never exceeded 0.2
fish per hour and averaged only 0.1 fish
per hour. Additionally, the percentage of
harvestable size bluegill in the popula-
tion has improved from 20 percent to
approximately 40 percent.
such areas as quality control testing of
fabrics for upholstered furniture, the ef-
fects of a farm wife's external employ-
ment on the family economy, and barriers
to affordable housing. These recent re-
search endeavors, like others in home
economics at the Alabama Agricultural
Experiment Station, seek to improve the
quality of life for Alabama families.
? a
Permeability of fabrics was found to vary
greatly among finishes.
Comfort and
Protection Measured
on Textile Finishes
The permeability of certain clothing
fabrics has important comfort and health
considerations for consumers, according
to continuing research on textile finishes.
This research assessed apparel fabric in
relation to comfort, the movement of
chemicals into and through them, the
effectiveness of the fabrics as barriers to
harmful environmental agents, and the
impact on energy utilization.
The permeability of fabrics was found
to vary greatly. For example, a 100 per-
cent cotton with a fluorochemical finish
(e.g., water and oil repellant) had the
highest air permeability, while a 100 per-
cent polyester fabric with an acrylic acid
finish (e.g., some flame retardants) had
the lowest. Generally speaking, higher
air permeability levels are associated with
more comfortable fabrics, particularly in
warm or hot weather.
Related research on the diffusion rate
of a variety of fabrics showed that dif-
fusion rate varied with fabric, finish, and
sometimes with pressure level. In com-
parisons of polyester material, the fabric
with the fluorochemical finish had the
highest diffusion rate. With cotton fab-
rics, however, the highest diffusion rate
involved fabrics with acrylic acid finishes.
Typically, higher diffusion rates are in-
dicative of greater penetration of aerosols
through the fabric.
Problems in Nutrition
Affect Adolescent
Health
American diets typically have excessive
amounts of sodium and insufficient quan-
tities of potassium. Such a chemical im-
balance has been linked to both heart
disease and hypertension. Since eating
habits of adolescents are poor, attention
has been directed to the sodium and po-
tassium intake levels of this age group.
Recent research with teenage girls indi-
cated a sodium intake level of 2-3 grams
per day. This amount of sodium is not
particularly high and, as such, is generally
good news for the health. of these ado-
lescents. Potassium intake (through fruits
and vegetables, for example) was 1-2
grams per day. Since 2 grams per day is
recommended, the data confirm that ad-
olescent diets provide low levels of po-
tassium.
Other research in adolescent health fo-
cused on the problem of anemia and the
nutritional factors that affect it. Fortu-
nately, a recent study showed that ado-
lescent females have higher levels of iron
in the 1980's than did an earlier sample
of adolescents in the 1970's. Results on
the intake of vitamin B6 and folacin, both
related to anemia, are less promising. Vi-
tamin B6, for example, was found to be
deficient in 13 percent of the girls stud-
ied. These girls appeared to be missing
some of the good sources 
of vitamin B6,
such as liver, meats, whole grain prod-
ucts, eggs, bananas, and fresh vegetables.
Folacin, found in leafy green vegetables
(cooked only a short time) and some
fruits (e.g., oranges), was found in lower
than desired levels in 65-75 percent of
the adolescents tested. When the same
adolescents were tested over 
a long time,
adolescent females with low folacin lev-
els at age 12 also had low levels at age
14.
This research has provided new and
valuable information on the nutritional
food intake of adolescent females. South-
ern diets, for example, have been as-
sumed to be good sources of vitamin B6
and folacin and excessive in sodium. The
new results, however, showed these as-
sumptions to be incorrect for adolescent
females. Although sodium intake was not
excessive, there was a clear problem with
low consumption of folacin and vitamin
B6. No doubt, a greater consumption of
unprocessed foods, fruits, and vegetables
would improve this situation.
Results from nutritional research identified problem areas resulting from eating habits of
typical adolescents.
4'
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Poultry Science
By action of the 1984 Alabama Legis-
lature, funds were made available to com-
plete Auburn poultry science facilities
that were begun in 1977. This action
further provided for continuing appro-
priation to develop the poultry program
in keeping with the industry's rapid
growth in the last several years. With
completion of new structures and reno-
vations now taking place or anticipated,
funds will be available for equipment
needs, personnel, and day to day research,
teaching, and extension requirements.
Valuable and needed research areas will
be begun or expanded as identified by
the department and its industry advisory
committee.
NIR Measures Poultry
Body Composition
With increased importance being placed
on value added products in poultry meat,
body composition has added meaning.
The demands for less fat on the carcass
is placing pressure on primary breeders
and researchers to develop rapid and eco-
nomical methods of fat determination and
then changing composition by breeding,
nutrition, or other means.
Since standard methods for chemical
determination of body fat, protein, mois-
ture, and ash are time consuming, near-
infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy
was tested for this purpose. These find-
ings indicate that the more rapid NIR
techniques are useful for estimating fat
and moisture content in whole poultry
carcasses and may have application in
estimating composition of further proc-
essed or restructured poultry products.
New Feeding System
For Broiler Breeders
Feeding broiler breeder flocks under
floor management has traditionally been
a compromise situation in which female
nutritional requirements are met and
males simply eat the same feed. Under
this management, the males eat too much
of the feed that is too high in protein for
their needs. The result is overweight
males, with accompanying foot and leg
problems which cause declining repro-
A new feeding system developed at Auburn permits separate feeding of male 
and female
broiler breeders managed on the floor, which improves performance and reduces feed 
cost.
p.
ductive efficiency by 40-45 weeks of age
when even higher sperm numbers are
needed for the aging hens. The bottom
line, of course, is reduced productivity
and lowered profits.
This problem can be a thing of the 
past,
thanks to a dual feeding system developed
at the Alabama Agricultural Experiment
Station. The system relies on using dif-
ferent feeders for males and females. Fe-
male feeders were modified by inserting
a plastic pipe in the grill, which makes
the openings too small for the large males
to feed. For the males, a pan type feeder
is placed 16-18 inches high between wa-
terers. This height prevents feeding by
females, so males can be fed the kind of
feed needed.
Research has shown that protein re-
quirement for the broiler breeder male
is considerably less than that of the fe-
male. The 15-16 percent protein level
fed the female proved to be a detriment
to age at sexual maturity and semen pro-
duction in the male. A higher percentage
of males fed a 12 percent protein ration
produced semen than males fed higher
protein rations. This was true of all male
productive ages.
Based on Auburn research and industry
trials, feeding no more than 4.5 ounces
per male per day of a 11-12 percent
protein feed with an energy level of 1,275
calories per pound will control body
weight of the male and maintain high
reproductive efficiency.
The installation of two feeding systems,
one for the female and one for the male,
has proved to be a simple and relatively
inexpensive way to manage breeders on
the floor. It is the first management system
developed to allow producers to manage
males in floor type breeder flocks as a
separate entity, and the U.S. broiler
breeder industry is rapidly converting to
it.
Sodium Zeolite
Improves Eggshell
Quality
Eggshell defects continue to increase
costs of egg production and subsequently
increase consumer prices for eggs. Efforts
to solve this problem include a series of
experiments in which sodium zeolite A
(SZA) was fed to commercial Leghorns
E r
and gave significant improvements to egg-
shell quality in both young and old layers.
Sodium zeolite A is a crystalline hy-
drated aluminosilicate of alkali and al-
kaline earth mineral elements having
infinite 3-dimensional structure. The ma-
jor characteristic of SZA is its ability to
gain and lose water reversibility and to
exchange mineral elements without ma-
jor change in structure. In the tests, it
consistently improved shell quality even
when hens were under optimal condi-
tions and fed the best diets possible. In-
dustry studies indicated that SZA can
reduce breakage from thin shells up to
30 percent. Thus, its use will have a
significant impact on the commercial egg
industry.
Method Diagnoses
Bursal Disease Virus
Being able to rapidly diagnose specific
disease conditions and immune status is
important in health management of poul-
try. Therefore, Auburn research gives em-
phasis to perfecting rapid and less
expensive diagnostic techniques for use
by the poultry industry.
The latest development is a system for
measuring and quantitating antibody to
infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and
reoviruses. Identified as KELISA (kinetic-
based enzyme-linked immunosorbent as-
say), the computer assisted technique was
Adding sodium zeolite to layer rations offers
chance for reduced egg shell problems.
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Blood typing research at the Experiment :>t,;, 
genetic susceptibility to Marek's disease in broil(
found to be more sensitive, faster, and
used less reagents than previously uti-
lized ELISA's.
The KELISA was used to determine (1)
the most efficacous vaccination program
for stimulating higher more durable an-
tibodies against IBDV in breeder pullets;
(2) the natural decay rate of maternal
antibody in breeder progeny; and (3) the
most opportune time for immunizing
breeder progeny against IBDV.
Cross reactivity between several field
and vaccine reovirus strains was also de-
termined using KELISA. The CO, virus
was found to be in a different serotype
than the other five reoviruses. Therefore,
if the CO, virus is used 
for immunization,
it should be combined in a bivalent vac-
cine with one of the other five reoviruses
for more broad coverage.
Blood Typing Studies
Aid Broiler Industry
Blood typing research continued to
provide needed technology for the com-
mercial broiler industry. Substantially
completed in 1985 were blood typing
reagents that allow differentiation of B
alloantigen genes segregating in three pri-
mary commercial broiler breeder lines
that are employed in international broiler
production.
Matings devised at Auburn produced
progeny in the United Kingdom showing
that the B9 haplotype of Line M conferred
truly high susceptibility to Marek's dis-
ease (MD) confirming results of a direct
blood typing test devised earlier at the
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.
This result not only gave much credibility
to determining genetic susceptibility to
I asis for tests to determine
MD by direct serological testing of B hap-
lotypes expressed on erythrocytes, but
helped the multinational firm distributing
Line M to reduce troublesome MD mor-
tality in the third-world countries by
eliminating B
9 
from the line.
New Coccidiosis
Vaccine for Turkeys,
Broilers
Several years work culminated in 1985
with the completion of a vaccine for the
control of the four most important spe-
cies of turkey coccidia. The product is
being manufactured commercially and is
now being used by one or more com-
panies in the most important turkey pro-
ducing states in the United States.
Controlling coccidiosis in turkeys by im-
munization looks particularly promising
because of the relatively long growing
period of turkeys, usually 15-20 weeks.
Other coccidiosis research reinvesti-
gated the feasibility of controlling the
disease in broilers with a vaccine that has
been on the market for more than 30
years. This was studied despite the belief
by some industry members that immu-
nization of broilers is impractical because
of the short life of most broilers, usually
not more than 7 weeks. In a series of 24
pen trials (usually 50 birds per pen and
4 pens per treatment), monensin, the most
widely fed anticoccidial drug for the past
14 years, was compared with chicken
CocciVac?. Although performance based
on weight gain and feed efficiency was
slightly in favor of monensin, the two
methods of control were not significantly
different. There were no deaths attrib-
utable to coccidiosis in either treatment.
Faculty of animal and dairy sciences
conduct research which ranges from basic
science such as genetic controls of mus-
cle and fat cell development to applied
research such as utilization of feed grains
and forages by domestic animals. Animal
research projects underway involve swine
nutrition, beef cattle nutrition, swine and
beef cattle breeding, nutritional bio-
chemistry, physiology, dairy cattle nutri-
tion, meat science, and growth biology.
The research areas are designed to help
the livestock industry produce healthful.
high quality animal products for a profit
by utilizing the natural resources avail-
able for production systems in Alabama.
Forages Prove
Valuable As Feed for
Sows
Forage rotational systems for sows were
compared with a stocking rate of 12 sows
per acre. Orchardgrass-crimson clover was
the perennial forage comparison, Tifleaf-
1 pearlmillet was the summer annual, and
rye-ryegrass-clover was used as the winter
annual forage. Sows grazing these pasture
systems got the bulk of their nutrients
from pasture, requiring only 33 percent
of the National Research Council levels
for energy and protein from feed.
Digestibility studies determined that
sows are capable of digesting over 50
percent of the fiber in high quality forage.
Digestibility is limited to the hindgut of
the sow through activity of the micro-
organisms.
Lactating sows were fed high and low
fiber diets to determine the effects of
dietary fiber on milk production, milk
fat, and litter performance. Milk produc-
tion did not differ at 7 or 21 days. Milk
fat content was higher for the sows re-
ceiving the high fiber diet at 21 days of
lactation. Litter performance traits were
not different between treatments.
The net return per acre was $268 when
quality forage was utilized in sow pro-
duction systems.
Selecting for Growth
Improves Economic
Traits of Swine
Genetic selection for swine growth rate
at 200 days was evaluated with three
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devoted to pasture made good net return.
generations of Duroc and Landrace breeds.
The results show that the line selected
only for improved growth rate increased
8.1 pounds per generation more than the
control line pigs at 200 days of age. This
results in a 6.7-day reduction per gen-
eration between the lines in time to reach
a market weight of 220 pounds. Carcass
measurements from the pigs representing
the select line for growth had less fat and
more muscle. These results indicate that
the simple selection for improved growth
to 200 days results in lower production
costs and improved carcass muscling. Re-
sults from this genetic selection study can
result in improved profits if adapted by
the swine industry.
Dairy Cattle Research
Improves Production
and Efficiency
New research findings indicate that
branched-chain volatile fatty acids fed in
lactating cow diets can result in improved
milk production and efficiency by in-
creasing dry matter digestibility and mi-
crobial protein synthesis in the rumen.
Another new project that involves the by-
pass of amino acids through the rumen
is expected to provide information which
could reduce production costs by in-
creasing efficiency of dietary amino acid
utilization.
Results concerning alterations in the
nutrient-partitioning hormones in early
lactation have pointed out the impor-
tance of the hormones glucagon and in-
sulin in dairy cattle milk yields. The
insulin/glucagon ratio was found to de-
crease during the early period of lacta-
tion. Studies of the pituitary/hypothalamic
axis in low- and high-producing dairy
cows have contributed significantly to un-
derstanding the controls for nutrient par-
titioning and the role of growth hormone
in high- and low-producing cows.
Milk production and grazing capacity
were compared when cows continuously
grazed either AU Oasis phalarisgrass or
low-endophyte (6.6 percent) fescue dur-
ing four 6- to 8-week trials over a 3-year
period. Daily milk production, butterfat
percentage, and daily gain were all higher
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for the cows grazing the low-endophyte
fescue when compared to AU Oasis phal-
aris. Phalarisgrass and low-endophyte fes-
cue pastures are both satisfactory for
lactating cows when compared to tradi-
tional ryegrass grazing.
Sorghum Silage, Grain
for Cattle Finishing
Cattle finishing rations composed pre-
dominantly of sorghum silage and
sorghum grain gave satisfactory results
when fed to yearling steers during a 124-
day trial. Urea, broiler litter, cottonseed
meal, and whole cottonseed were com-
pared as sources of supplemental nitro-
gen or protein. The results showed broiler
litter, urea, or cottonseed can be effec-
tively utilized as a source of nitrogen in
predominantly sorghum silage rations if
adjustments are made so that the energy
contents of the diets are adequate.
Desirable Carcasses, Infected Fescue
Competitive Cost from Damages
Forage-Grain Reproduction In
Finishing Cattle
High forage utilization followed by a
short finishing period gave promising re-
sults in an integrated beef cattle man-
agement research project at the Tennessee
Valley Substation. Steers were evaluated
for production traits under differing for-
age and grain finishing systems, with em-
phasis on forage utilization and short-
term grain finishing. Cool season grazing
included fungus-free fescue, and Tifleaf-
1 pearlmillet was the warm season forage.
When compared with corn for the short-
term feeding phase, wheat was found to
be a satisfactory substitute for corn in
cattle rations for Alabama feeders. Feed-
ing systems based on maximum forage
and limited grain resulted in desirable
carcass traits and competitive production
costs.
Heifer calves were assigned to pasture!
having 0-5, 51-60, or 88-98 percent of
the fescue plants infected with Acre-
monium coenophialum, the fungus that
causes fescue toxicity. During the 
winter,
hay was fed that had levels of fungus
infection similar to the treatment pas-
tures.
Data for the first year showed daily
gains of 1.5, 1.0, and 0.77 pounds, re-
spectively, for the different levels of in-
fection. The levels of A. coenophialum
infection had a direct impact on repro-
ductive traits. The heifers grazing on the
0-5 percent infected fescue had a 100
percent pregnancy rate, the 51-60 per-
cent infection resulted in a 67 percent
pregnancy rate, and the heifers on the
highly infected fescue (88-98 percent)
had only a 55 percent pregnancy rate.
A cattle finishing system that made extensive use of forage ahead of a short finishing period gave promising
results in an integrated beef management project.
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A summary of 1985 animal health re-
search reveals the emphasis given to prac-
tical aspects and basic knowledge that
should provide new avenues for the treat-
ment and prevention of diseases that af-
fect food producing animals. Such
research is important because healthy an-
imals are necessary to produce high qual-
ity meat in an efficient manner for Alabama
consumers. Research was conducted on
health problems of cattle, swine, and
poultry during the year.
Test for Chronic
Respiratory Disease
Chronic respiratory disease and infec-
tious sinovitis and air sacculitis are com-
mon respiratory diseases of chickens
caused by mycoplasmal infections. Within
limits of pathogenicity, Mycoplasma gal-
lisepticum and M. synoviae are presently
considered as the two most important
species responsible for widespread pneu-
monia in poultry flocks. Control measures
aimed at interrupting the infectivity trends
in poultry have been futile due to the
ubiquity of the organisms and spurious
serologic test results. There is encour-
agement, however, because of Alabama
Agricultural Experiment Station research
that is progressing toward the develop-
ment of a sensitive and accurate serol-
ogical test for the diagnosis of
mycoplasmal infections in chickens.
To develop a reliable and sensitive di-
agnostic test system with purified anti-
Fa: ~ ~ 1B ~ ~ aclr g
gens of M. gallisepticum and 
M. synoviae,
monoclonal antibodies were developed
against each of these mycoplasma spe-
cies. By limiting dilution analysis and
screening, stable heterokanyous produc-
ing specific antibodies were developed
and expanded both as ascities producing
tumors in pristane primed mice and in
tissue culture flasks. The tissue culture
supernatant fluid and ascitic fluid were
purified and the immunoglobulins thus
purified were tested for class and sub-
class specificity. This led to development
of the specific polypeptides against which
the monoclonal antibodies were devel-
oped and these antigens were found to
be highly specific. Antigens at a concen-
tration as low as 60 ng are still able to
react with the specific monoclonal anti-
bodies. Thus, a sensitive and accurate test
for diagnosis of mycoplasmal infections
in chickens appears to be possible in the
research.
Place of Infection
Affects Severity of
Cryptosporidiosis
Studies were conducted in chickens to
determine effects of Cryptosporidium, a
protozoan parasite of which little is
known, on broiler weight gains, feed con-
version, and carcass quality when inoc-
ulated into the lungs or into the digestive
tract. Data indicate that severe disease
infection of air sacs results from inocu-
lation of large numbers of organisms into
the respiratory tract. Infected birds gain
less weight, have poorer skin color, and
eat more feed than noninfected birds. In
contrast, digestive infections do not result
in significant disease, nor do they affect
weight gain, feed conversion, and carcass
quality significantly.
Immune Response of
Cattle Different from
Humans
Ideal immunity of infectious organisms
consists of the host being able to initiate
a variety of responses that will rid the
host of the infectious agent, in a manner
which does not damage the host, before
the infectious agent is able to injure the
host. Usually, this condition is not
achieved and the infectious agent is able
to injure the host before immune re-
Detailed laboratory study is a major part of
the practical research efforts underway to
mevr p rnew -P'IP fr trPeatmrrent aind
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responses consist of antibody production
by the host and a variety of cellular re-
actions that are concerned with removing
infected cells from the host.
Results of the Alabama Agricultural Ex-
periment Station project designed 
to un-
lerstand how the immune system of cattle
is able to destroy virus-infected cells found
that virus-infected cells can be destroyed
by a variety of mechanisms. While cattle
seem to have the same basic immune
mechanisms as humans, the relative im-
portance of different aspects of the im-
mune system appears to be different in
cattle. Unlike humans who have a cir-
culating cell that is able to kill virus-
infected cells in the presence of antibody,
cattle lack such a cell. However, after
cells of the bovine immune system are
stimulated, certain cells develop the ca-
pacity to mediate this function. A variety
of cells can kill virus-infected cells, but
in all instances the cells have to be cul-
tured before they demonstrate this ability.
Therefore, it appears that there is a fun-
damental difference in the way cattle and
humans combat virus infections.
Effect of Pour-on
Antihelminthics
Reduced by Wetting
of Cattle
The effectiveness of a pour-on formu-
lation of the antihelminthic levamisole is
reduced if dry animals are subjected to
heavy rain for 6 hours immediately after
treatment. If animals are wet when treated
and subjected to 6 hours of rain follow-
ing, the efficacy is seriously compro-
mised. These findings are from studies
that evaluated a pour-on formulation of
levamisole when cattle were treated im-
mediately prior to total body immersion
in water and during rain. Results were
based on pre- and post-treatment fecal
egg counts in naturally parasitized cattle.
An additional study was conducted to
compare the efficacies of levamisole, fen-
bendazole, and ivermectin on 205-day
calf weaning weights when the cows were
treated shortly after parturition. No dif-
ferences were observed among the three
antihelminthics in 205-day calf weight.
-~_ "~5~"
Forestry research in 1985 was charac-
terized by change and by increased op-
portunities for future research progress.
During the year, two positions became
vacant in forest biology, providing the
opportunity for expanding Auburn's lead-
ership role in forest regeneration re-
search, an extremely important research
area. Recent data indicate that each of
the Southern States is currently overcut-
ting its pine resource. The overcutting is
attributed to a lack of adequate regen-
eration on lands controlled by non-in-
dustrial private landowners. The southern
state that can exhibit a positive move
toward reversing this trend will have a
definite advantage over other states in
terms of attracting new and expanding
forest industry. Previous Auburn research
in forest nursery management and in sil-
vicultural herbicides provides a base for
excellence in forest regeneration re-
search. An economic update in 1985 in-
Research on various forest nursery problems 
is
segment of the Southeastern forest industry.
dicated that among Alabama's major
industries, forestry and the forest-based
industries are in the best competitive po-
sition for continued economic develop-
ment.
External funding for forestry research
increased substantially during 1985, up
36 percent over 1984. One of the grants
received in 1985 was a CSRS special, 3-
year research grant in wood utilization.
Under the grant, a team of scientists rep-
resenting timber harvesting, forest biol-
ogy, forest measurements, and forest
economics will assess the silvicultural
effects of various timber harvesting sys-
tems and make recommendations for im-
provement.
The U. S. Department of Agriculture
established a new competitive grants pro-
gram for forestry in 1985. For the pro-
gram's first year, only one of every dozen
proposals submitted was funded, and Au-
burn received one of these.
providing needed information for an important
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Volume equations (board foot and cu-
55bic foot) have been developed using For-
est Service (RRE) survey data. Findings
show that different species groupings, dif-
ferent model forms, and larger sample
sizes will result in improved model pre-
dictability. Models to predict changes in
bole length have also been developed
from RRE data. These models predict bole
length as a function of diameter, site, old
tree class, average bole length, a com-
"4 petition variable (basal area of trees the
lict 
same size or larger than the current tree),
;tand a bole length-site interaction. These
models have been assembled in a SAS
program which will provide estimates of
future tree characteristics (for trees with
. a DBH ? 5 inches) based on current tree
Forest Nursery Studies
Addressed Several
Needs
Post-emergence herbicide studies were
conducted with lactofen, fomesafen, and
PPG-1013 at several southeastern forest
nurseries. These herbicides appeared safe
on pine seedlings even at double rates.
A postemergence study on sand pine in-
dicated no injury with pendimethalin or
ethalfluralin.
Research on root growth potential
(RGP) of loblolly pine showed that ir-
rigation in October and November in-
creased January RGP. Root growth
potential was positively correlated with
root-collar diameter and root weight.
Findings from seed efficiency research
indicated that efficacy in southern pine
nurseries can range from as low as 40
percent to as high as 92 percent. The
median value was near 66 percent.
Studies involving eight half-sib families
showed the importance of family sowing
on seedling uniformity. Average root-col-
lar diameter of family-sown seedlings de-
creased as average date of emergence was
delayed.
Research on chilling requirement of
loblolly pine indicates that, for certain
sources, chilling requirements for suc-
cessful cool storage may be less than
chilling requirements for bud break.
-' Project Growth, Yield
MAAsle C~a alA~sA oA
and stand values. The models in the pro-
jection system include diameter incre-
ment, bole increment, and mortality.
Modern Sawmill
Management Results
in Maximum Profit
Two sawmill studies conducted during
1985 tested the empirical applicability
of a new approach to sawmill conversion
efficiency improvement analysis. One
study found that a mill could realize a
profit increase of 9 percent by limiting
sawlog input to logs with small-end di-
ameters of 7 inches and larger. In the
other study, there was a 17 percent in-
crease in profit when the mill restricted
input to logs with small-end diameters of
9 inches and larger. In addition, the study
mills could realize considerable increases
in profit by eliminating unnecessary log
overlength and by reducing green lumber
target sizes to conform with industry
standards. The studies indicate that mod-
ern management science techniques can
be consistent with a sawmill owner's pri-
mary objective of maximizing profits.
Vegetation
Management
Improves Pine Yield
A completed survey of 43 existing lob-
lolly pine growth studies provides long-
term comparisons of pine yield under
varying levels of hardwood and herba-
ceous vegetation. Data show a strong in-
A better understanding of soil and the
production of food, feed, fiber, oil, and
turf crops is being sought in agronomy
and soils research by the Alabama Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. Crop and
weed science research deals with plant
physiology, plant breeding, crop produc-
tion, and weed control. Soil science re-
search includes the study of chemical,
physical, and biological properties of soils
and how to modify these properties for
maximum production. These interrelated
studies provide a basis for understanding
the complexities involved in crop pro-
duction and soil management, and thereby
make possible the introduction of new
concepts in agriculture.
"'"
'14'
I
E
_ontrolrlng 1narcwooa aria neruaceous vegetaton resulted in large increases in pine growth,
with major response being in stem diameter growth of pines.
verse relationship between pine yield
(volume or basal area) and the proportion
of total stand basal area in hardwoods.
Consistent trends were found across the
South. Ten-year-old herbaceous vegeta-
tion control studies show double the total
cubic-foot stem volume for treated plots
compared to check plots. Major response
is in stem diameter.
Pine release studies during 1985
showed promising results with hexazi-
none + DPX-6376, glyphosate + DPX-
6376, and glyphosate + AC-252,925. Re-
sults from herbaceous screening studies
on sweetgum, sycamore, and cottonwood
indicate that although AC-252,925 and
terbacil damage all species, AC-252,925
provided good weed control.
In pine herbaceous screening trials,
Good Weed Control in
Minimum-Till Beans
Successful weed control systems for
soybeans produced under minimum til-
lage were identified in 1984-85 research
at the Wiregrass Substation. Good sick-
lepod control resulted from use of Lex-
one? applied preemergence (3/8 pound
active ingredients per acre) followed by
a postemergence-directed application of
Lorox? (1/2 pound) plus 2,4-DB (14 pound
active per acre). Sicklepod control was
excellent in minimum-tillage systems uti-
lizing two new herbicides: Scepter? ap-
plied preemergence at /4 pound active
ingredient per acre and chlorimuron ap-
early season applications of sulfometuron
methyl provided the best weed control
while the opposite was true for AC-
252,925. AC-252,925 without surfactant
caused seedling stunting the first year,
but symptoms were no longer apparent
the second year. Oxyfluorfen in combi-
nation with sulfometuron methyl gave
acceptable weed control and good pine
tolerance. A tank mix of glyphosate and
sulfometuron methyl was effective against
broomsedge without damaging pine seed-
lings.
Preliminary results of pine competition
control studies indicate that the use of
chemicals in forestry operations increases
survival, produces better growth, and
provides real rates of return on invest-
ment in excess of 10 percent per year.
plied preemergence at 0.06 pound. All
systems described also received a pre-
plant incorporated application of Treflan?
plus Surflan?, applied in a 15-inch band
in the drill row for control of annual
grasses. Treflan and Surflan were incor-
porated with the RO-TILL? basket attach-
ments. Also, all systems received Paraquat?
as a postemergence-directed spray in the
middles to serve as the common culti-
vation. All treatments were evaluated in
both full-season and double-crop soy-
beans, and in both 30-inch and twin 9-
inch row patterns, both centered on 30
inches.
No differences were found between the
two row patterns for any variable eval-
-i N
fftt
uated. All minimum-tillage systems, ex-
cept those using Scepter, produced good
soybean seed yields and moderately good
net returns to land and management.
Scepter reduced seed yields when ap-
plied preemergence at '/4 pound active
ingredient per acre. Additional research
has shown that Scepter did not adversely
affect yields when applied preemergence
at 13 pound followed by the same rate
applied postemergence over the top.
Full-season soybeans produced higher
net returns than double-crop soybeans.
Additional returns fron. wheat in the dou-
ble-crop soybeans did not offset de-
creased soybean returns from lower
yielding later plantings and increased
weed control cost (due to use of the more
expensive Roundup instead of Paraquat).
Nitrogen Fixation in
Soybeans Advantage
in Southeast
Nitrogen fixation by soybeans allows
Southeastern growers to produce accept-
able yields without adding N fertilizers.
This is especially important because soils
of the region supply little N for crops.
The role of nitrogen fixation (the process
by which certain bacteria enter the soy-
bean roots in the seedling stage and pro-
vide the plant with nitrogen from the air)
in production of soybeans was evaluated
in 1984 and 1985 research which deter-
mined the amounts of atmospheric nitro-
gen fixed by soybeans grown at nine
locations in Alabama. The technique in-
volved measuring the plant dry weight
and total nitrogen content of stems, leaves,
petioles, pods, and beans at physiological
maturity.
Large amounts of atmospheric nitrogen
were fixed by soybeans, averaging 193
pounds N per acre across five cultivars
and nine locations. Nitrogen fixation ac-
counted for an average 73 percent of the
total nitrogen in the crop. Thus, the ni-
trogen fixing system in soybeans is ca-
pable of producing high yields of protein
without application of fertilizer nitrogen.
This is a particular advantage for farmers
in the Southeastern United States, in con-
trast to the situation on prairie soils of
the Midwest where soybeans obtain only
about 40 percent of their nitrogen from
the air.
Centipede Usefulness
Improved by Research
Centipedegrass continues to grow in
popularity, with research providing im-
provements in cultural practices, seed
production, and varieties.
In a 3-year study evaluating numerous
postemergence applied grass herbicides,
sethoxydim was shown to be a safe and
effective herbicide for controlling annual
grasses in established centipedegrass. The
material was labeled for this use in 1985.
Work is continuing to establish the her-
bicide's safety to seedling centipedegrass
and allow labeling for use in newly seeded
turfs. Another breakthrough in weed con-
trol occurred when research found that
sulfometuron could be used to selectively
remove bahiagrass from centipedegrass.
Sulfometuron also controls a wide range
of annual grass and broadleaf weeds and
will improve greatly the weed control
practices available to turf managers.
Several promising experimental centi-
pedegrass genotypes have been identified
from the same material source which pro-
duced the new variety AU Centennial.
These genotypes are being evaluated for
their turf potential at Auburn and at other
locations from Virginia to Texas. Efforts
are also under way to produce self fer-
tilized seed from these selections to fur-
ther increase diversity within the species.
Research on seed production practices
has shown that yields can be enhanced
on infertile soils by applying 40 to 60
pounds of nitrogen per acre and by ceas-
ing mowing after July 15.
Amounts of atmospheric nitrogen fixed by soybeans amounted to 193 pounds of N per acre, averaged over five
cultivars and nine locations This heavy N fixation is especially important to farmers in the Southeast, where only small
Forage Breeding Adds
Superior Varieties
AU Dewey birdsfoot trefoil is the most
recent variety release for the forage
breeding program of the Alabama Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. Released in
February 1985, it has a high yield po-
tential when grown in monoculture or in
mixed swards with grass. It also has ex-
cellent stand persistence.
In grazing trails, pasture mixtures of
AU Dewey and grass gave high average
daily gains and good beef production per
acre. AU Dewey is expected to be best
adapted to northern Alabama. It is not
adapted to the Lower South where warm
season perennial grass competition is se-
vere. Certified seed of AU Dewey should
be available within 3 years.
Seed increase of AU Triumph tall fescue
has progressed to the point that seed
should be available throughout the South-
east in 1986. In continuing varietal de-
velopment with several species of clovers,
orchardgrass, bahiagrass, and tall fescue,
progress has been made in selecting for
fringe areas of adaptation. Lines of a giant
ball clover and of several fescues selected
for the Lower Coastal Plain are in the
seed increase stage. Lines of orchardgrass
and bahiagrass selected specifically for
northern Alabama are also being in-
creased. New varieties from several of
these advanced lines appear probable in
the near future.
Legume Cropping
Systems Provide Part
of Corn's N Needs
Early maturing winter legumes can be
used as a sole N source for summer crops
which have a low N requirement and a
relatively late optimum planting date.
However, these legumes do not provide
sufficient N for corn which has to be
planted early and has a high N require-
ment. The fertilizer nitrogen require-
ments for corn grown with and without
legumes in rotation were established in
research at the Wiregrass and Sand Moun-
tain substations. Cropping systems were
(1) fallow-corn-fallow-corn, (2) clover-
corn-clover-corn, (3) fallow-soybeans-
fallow-corn, and (4) clover-soybeans-re-
seeded clover-corn.
At the Wiregrass Substation, fertilizer
N requirements for corn production sys-
tems 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 180, 120, 180,
and 60 pounds per acre, respectively. At
AU Dewey trefoil, the newest Auburn forage variety release, has a high yield potential when
grown in monoculture or in mixtures with grass. It produced good beef gains in north
Alabama grazing trials
4ozI!d" A1- 1
. 4.
A
, 
I
Legume cropping systems provide part of
corn's need for nitrogen, thereby reducing
fertilizer cost.
the Sand Mountain Substation, cropping
systems changed yield levels, but had no
effect on N fertilizer requirements. Yields
peaked with 120 pounds N per acre, and
yields for treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4 were
110, 123, 132, and 155 bushels 
per acre,
respectively.
Narrow Rows, Early
Planting Give High
Grain Sorghum Yields
Row spacing and planting dates had a
tremendous effect on yields of non-irri-
gated grain sorghum in research at the
Prattville Experiment Field. Highest yields
were made in narrow rows planted in
April and May.
As row widths decreased from 36 to
18 inches, per acre grain yields increased
as much as 1 bushel per 1-inch reduction
in row width. Row widths used 
were 18,
24, 30, and 36 inches. Yield differences
between the narrow and wide rows were
greatest for planting dates that resulted
in highest yields.
Planting dates were mid-March, April,
May, June, and July. Highest yield for the
March, April, May, June, and July planting
dates were 82, 102, 80, 52, and 48 bush-
els per acre respectively The rapid drop
in yields between the May and June plant-
ing dates suggests that grain sorghum may
not be an economical grain crop for dou-
ble cropping systems that require late
planting dates in central Alabama.
t r.r
Growers, processors, and consumers are
all served by horticulture research at the
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.
The diversity of horticulture is reflected
in the major research accomplishments
in 1985: the culmination of many years
of food processing research in the pat-
enting of the thermal blast peeling proc-
ess; evaluation of innovative methods of
intensive vegetable production; estab-
lishment and evaluation of small fruit
plantings; disease and nematodt control
on ornamental plants; evaluation of trees
for landscape use; and evaluation of meth-
ods of preventing freeze damage to con-
tainer-grown azaleas.
Thermal Blast Peeling
Offers Food
Processing Efficiency
A new peeling and shelling process.
developed in food science research of
the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Sta-
tion, has been patented by Auburn Uni-
versity. The process, known as the
"thermal blast process," allows more ef-
ficient utilization of many agricultural
commodities. Interest shown by various
segments of the food processing industry
nationwide is evidence of the potential
of this process in the food industry.
Peeling is accomplished by rapid heat-
ing under pressure of the outer portion
of foods, followed by instantaneously re-
leasing the pressure to actually "ex-
plode" the peeling away. Only the
inedible outer portion of the food is
heated and the heat does not penetrate
to underlying edible tissues during the
4-20 seconds of heating in a closed, pres-
surized vessel when the food is subjected
to infrared heat from the vessel walls and
conductive heat from the superheated
steam pressurizing medium. Thermal
damage to the peeled product is minimal
because (1) the speed of the process
leaves little residual heat in the peeled
surface, and (2) the evaporative cooling
effect of the expanding steam leaves the
product surface at a great velocity.
While most peeling processes are lim-
ited to particular types of foods, the ther-
mal blast process is effective in the peeling
of fruit and vegetable crops, coring of
peppers, shelling of beans and southern-
The thermal blast peeling system developed and patented by the Experiment Stat on reciiic
product loss in peeling of many agricultural commodities.
peas, husking and silking of corn, pop-
ping of corn, skinning of onions, shelling
of nut crops, skinning of beef and swine
tongues, scaling and skinning of fish, and
removing of shells from shellfish. When
compared to conventional peeling proc-
esses the thermal blast process dramati-
cally reduces product losses and damage
to edible portions, reduces energy re-
quirements, reduces processing waste
streams which would require subsequent
cleanup, and eliminates the need for caus-
tic chemicals.
Potential Great for
Small Fruit Production
The last few years have been a time of
widespread interest in production of small
fruit as a cash crop in view of the po-
tential for high income per acre. In re-
sponse to this interest, research in 1985
emphasized production of rabbiteye
blueberries and strawberries.
Because of plant establishment prob-
lems with rabbiteye blueberries, research
at the North Alabama Horticulture Sub-
station evaluated the effects of different
soil amendments and mulch (incorpo-
rated at the rate of 1/2 bushel per plant-
ing site) for establishment of blueberries.
Peat moss amendment resulted in plants
with more vigor and growth than other
treatments. Pine bark and old decom-
posed sawdust resulted in better vigor
and growth than the non-amended plant-
ing sites, but not as good as peat moss.
There was little difference in plant growth
or vigor due to pine straw mulch since
all plants were trickle irrigated.
In an evaluation of 11 blueberry vari-
eties at the Brewton Experiment Field in
1985, yields from the 1980 plantings var-
ied from a high of 14,770 pints per acre
for Tifblue to as low as 6,938 pints per
acre for Delite. Tifblue, Premier, Climax,
Woodard, and Powder Blue were the best
performing varieties when 
yield, fruit size,
and fruit quality were considered.
Strawberry research at the Chilton Area
Horticulture, North Alabama Horticul-
ture, and Tennessee Valley substations has
concentrated on planting dates and sys-
tems, mulching systems, varieties, and
weed control. The matted row system
planted in late winter preceding the spring
fruiting season has outyielded the fall
planting and plantings on plastic. Yields
of the 21 varieties evaluated ranged from
2,200 to 14,000 quarts per acre. The best
i$4 ,li
Container-grown azaleas were protected from freeze damage by irrigating to build ul
cover and continuing to irrigate during subfreezing and thaw periods.
performing varieties have been 
Sunrise,
Earliglow, and Earlibell for early season
varieties, Cardinal and Allstar for mid-
season varieties, and Delite for the late
season variety when considering disease
problems and fruit yield, 
size, firmness,
shape, color, and quality.
showed no deficiency symptoms.
practical and effective method
venting molybdenum deficiency
settia is the incorporation of
limestone in the growing me
achieve pH 5.5-5.7 and weekly
tions of a dilute molybdenum s
Correcting Poinsettia 
Woody Ornament
Molybdenum 
Research 
Benefits
Deficiency 
Alabama Nurseryn
Research by the Alabama Agricultural
Experiment Station has shown that a com-
bination of low growing medium pH, low
molybdenum supply, and use of suscep-
tible variety influence the occurrence of
molybdenum deficiency. This deficiency,
characterized by leaf yellowing and mar-
ginal browning on plants just prior to the
Christmas sales season, is often reported
by Alabama growers. The economic value
of the crop is significantly reduced by
the occurrence of this unsightly injury.
Raising pH or applying molybdenum
prevented symptoms in this study. Vari-
eties Annette Hegg Brilliant Diamond and
Gutbier V-14 Glory were most suscepti-
ble to molybdenum deficiency. Under the
same conditions, Eckespoint C-1 Red
Research conducted to evalu
granular herbicides for control
trate spurge, a native summer anr
has become a major pest in cc
grown ornamentals in the St
showed that Rout* and OH-II ?
superior control 8 weeks after h
application compared to Ronst
industry standard. Other tests
these two materials to also provi
broadleaf weed control than Rons
Rout and OH-1I were safe when t
a wide range of ornamental plat
A 3-year study of post-plant apl
of granular nematicides found
macur?, Vydate?, Furadan?, and
controlled lesion nematode on
I
; ,
as-r~
~: 1
a:
American boxwood. A combination of fall
and spring applications provided season-
long nematode control.
Four methods of winter protection were
evaluated for container-grown azaleas: (1)
unprotected; (2) covered with copoly-
mer plastic film; (3) coated with a 1- to
3-inch layer of ice and irrigation discon-
tinued; and (4) iced with irrigation con-
tinuing during subfreezing periods and
thaw. Bark splitting was most severe with
the iced (irrigation discontinued) and
plastic covered treatments, less severe
SC with the unprotected treatment, and did
not occur with constant irrigation. Foliar
necrosis, dieback, and root injury oc-
curred only on unprotected and iced (ir-
rigation discontinued) treatments. Only
constant irrigation with subsequent ice
accumulation protected azalea roots,
stems, and foliage.
Plastic Mulch and
Row Covers for
Vegetables
Use of black plastic mulch and row
covers provided a better plant-growing
environment and improved vegetable crop
p ice
yields and profits in research at the Ala-
bama Agricultural Experimental Station.
Warm-season crops (watermelon,
The most
of pre- muskmelon, okra, squash, tomato,
eggplant, and bell pepper) responded fa-
of poi 
vorably to 
the support 
of black plastic
enough mulch and 
row covers. Use of black 
plas-
dium to tic 
mulch increased 
yields of these 
crops
applica- 30 
to 112 percent 
Row covers, 
row tun-
olution. nels, 
and floating covers 
also contributed
to this increase in yield.
al 
Row covers 
caused an 
increase in 
tem-
perature around the plant-growing envi-
ronment when ambient temperatures were
men much cooler. This caused a tremendous
increase in plant growth early in the sea-
ate new son 
when compared 
to plants grown 
in
bare soil without row covers or black
of pros-
nual that plastic mulch. 
As a result, these crops
matured 2-3 weeks earlier than those crops
ontainer-
which were grown under ambient con-
outheast, ditions. Earlier yield allows for greater
provided 
profits.
erbicide 
Cool-season 
crops (collard, 
turnip, kale,
tar?, the mustard, 
and English peas) 
which were
showed intercropped 
with the warm-season 
crops
de better produced 
satisfactory yields, resulting 
in
star. Both a successful 
intercrop system. 
In general,
ested on results of these studies 
show that such
nts. intensive production 
methods offer
plication chances 
for increased yield 
and profits,
that Ne- as well as a reduction in amount of land
Temik? needed to produce either crop alone un-
roots of der the monoculture system.
botany, iant *datnouogy, dnu mVILI, iijioa9y
The extensive and diverse research pro-
grams in botany, plant pathology, and
microbiology continued to address many
significant aspects of plant science and
microbiology during 1985.
Studies in plant physiology ranged from
determining the effects of new generation
fungicides on lipid metabolism of fungi
to elucidating the mode of action of her-
bicides on higher plants. Flower and pod
abscission in soybeans and the effects of
environmental and pathogen stresses on
development of soybean plants were in-
vestigated. Competitiveness of some ma-
jor weed species was established, and
taxonomic research continued to docu-
ment the flora and fungi of Alabama.
Research in plant pathology increased
understanding of the occurrence and de-
velopment of the major diseases of pea-
nuts, soybeans, horticultural crops, forage
and grain crops, and forest trees, and
identified effective control measures. The
fescue toxicity problem was a major sub
ject of research in both plant patholog\
and mycotoxicology, and research in m)
cotoxicology also involved fungal metab-
olites in corn, peanuts, and feeds toxic
to experimental and domestic animals.
Microbiology research focused on mo-
lecular genetics of prokaryotes, viruses.
and higher plants, the identification and
pathogenicity of fastidious plant patho-
gens, and the characterization of nucleic
acids of toxic fungi.
Genetic Engineering
Potential Shown in
Auburn Research
Plants with built in resistance to vield
and quality-limiting diseases have long
been a goal of agriculturists, and there
are many examples of success in this area
Now there is hope that this goal can be
reached quicker and more completely
thanks to advancements being made it
genetic engineering. Success in transfer
ring of virus genes to plants in prelimi
nary research at the Alabama Agricultural
Experiment Station indicates the poten
tial of genetic engineering.
The virus used in the Auburn research
is the tomato golden mosaic virus, which
belongs to the geminivirus group. Mem-
bers of the group infect a wide range of
plants and cause diseases such as tomato
golden mosaic, bean golden mosaic. cas-
sava latent, beet curly top, maize streak,
and wheat dwarf.
Geminiviruses are unique among plant
viruses in several respects. They are the
only viruses known to be composed of
paired spherical particles, a property from
which the name of the group is taken.
They are also the only plant viruses to
have their genetic information in the form
of single-stranded DNA, which is repli-
cated and expressed via a double-stranded
intermediate that can be found in infected
cells. Yet another unique feature of these
viruses is that the genomes of several
group members are divided between two
DNA molecules (called A and B) of nearly
identical size but different nucleotide se-
quence. Both of the DNA components
(similar to small chromosomes) are re-
quired for infcectivity, since each contains
about half the viruses' genetic informa-
tion.
Research on the function and expres-
sion of geminivirus genes (there are only
six or so) employed a recently developed
technique which allows genetic material
to be introduced into the chromosomes
of plant cells that can be regenerated into
whole plants. Plants altered in this way
are said to be transformed. Using a spe-
cially constructed vector (carrier) DNA
designed by the Monsanto Company, the
separately cloned DNA components of to-
mato golden mosaic virus were intro-
duced into petunia cells. Transformed
plants carrying either the A or B com-
Success in transferring of virus genes to this plant 
in preliminary research indicates the
potential for use of genetic engineering to develop 
crop plants with built in resistance to
ponent of the virus as a new genetic trait
were regenerated, and these plants were
normal in appearance. However, bio-
chemical analysis indicated that viral DNA
was released from the plant chromosome
and replicated in the cells of A-containing
plants, but not in B-plants. This indicates
that the A-component supplies the infor-
mation necessary to replicate itself 
and
the B-component, and that B provides
some function(s) required for symptom
development.
Transformed plants flowered normally
and were used in various crosses. Seed-
lings from crosses of A and B parents
displayed a remarkable phenotype. One-
fourth of the progeny of such crosses
showed symptoms of virus infection-
the proportion expected to receive an A-
genome from one parent and a B-genome
from the other parent. Biochemical analy-
sis of symptomatic progeny confirmed that
both A and B components were present
and replicated in these plants. Other pos-
sible combinations of crosses (AXA, BXB)
failed to produce progeny plants showing
symptoms of the virus.
These results, which convincingly
demonstrate that functional tomato golden
mosaic virus genomes can be delivered
into plants using transformation technol-
ogy, provide a new method for the study
of plant virus functions. The power of
this technique lies in the fact that natural
or modified genomes can be placed in
every cell of a plant, regardless of whether
they can produce active virus particles
capable of spreading to other cells by the
normal infection process. Viral genomes
have been constructed which carry mu-
tations at specific sites within viral genes.
Introduction of these into plants should
allow the determination of the function
of each individual gene.
Much has already been learned about
geminivirus replication using gene trans-
fer technology. As the ongoing studies
provide detailed understanding of viral
gene function, it is hoped that the find-
ings will suggest means for controlling
these important pathogens.
Apple Bloom
Suppressed by Sterol
Inhibitors
The newest generation of fungicides
classed as sterol inhibitor fungicides has
been reported to affect apple trees like
growth regulators. These effects were
shorter trees, retarded shoot elongation,
and leaves that were smaller, thicker, less
flexible, puckered. and darker green.
Blooming of apple trees during 
1983
differed among plots that 
had been sprayed
with different fungicides during 1982 at
the North Alabama Horticulture Substa-
tion. In fact, some trees sprayed with
sterol inhibitor fungicides had no more
blossoms than unsprayed check trees.
Subsequently, older generation 
fungi-
cides, i.e., carbamate (Dithane FZm) 
and
benomyl (Benlate?), were compared with
the fungicides Baycor? 
and Vangard?,
which are sterol inhibitors. All fungicides
were applied to Redspur Delicious apple
trees at recommended rates for control
of apple diseases during 1983. Apple
bloom in 1984 was significantly lower
after the season-long applications 
of Bay-
cor or Vangard than after use of the 
Ben-
late + Dithane FZ combination. These
results indicated that season-long appli-
cations of Baycor or Vangard apparently
had a cumulative effect which was det-
rimental to apple bud formation and sub-
sequent blooming the following year.
Fescue Diagnostic
Center Helps Solve
Toxicity Problem
Tall fescue is one of the most produc-
tive and best adapted cool season grasses
in Alabama, but a recently discovered
fungus known as the fescue "endophyte"
produces a toxic substance in the grass
that severely limits cattle weight gains.
In addition to poor weight gains, affected
animals may have lowered reproductive
capacity and may lose feet or tails as part
of the "fescue foot" syndrome. Since the
fungus does not produce any symptoms
on the infected grass, special tests de-
veloped at the Auburn University Fescue
Diagnostic Center have been used to de-
tect the endophyte in seed and pasture
samples. Through 1985, over 2,500 sam-
ples from 26 states and two foreign coun-
tries had been tested, 
and the endophyte
was detected in 84 
percent of all samples.
In fact, most older stands 
of Kentucky 31
fescue probably are infected at a level
which is damaging to livestock.
Data from farmer-submitted samples in-
dicate that cattle producers can often de-
tect this problem in their animals. Fescue
samples from cattlemen who reported
poor animal performance had an average
infection of 75 percent, 
while samples
from those who had 
observed no prob-
lems had only 57 percent infection. Sam-
ples from producers with problems like
"fescue foot" or reproductive disorders
had even higher levels of fungus. The
statistics for horse owners were similar.
Several key research findings are lead-
ing to a solution of the endophyte prob-
lem. First, it appears that the fungus 
is
spread only by infected seed, so this is
the logical point at which to prevent
further infection. Although the endo-
phyte has been greatly reduced by ex-
perimental fungicide treatments, chemical
control may never be economical. On the
other hand, storage of seed for at least 
1
year was found to be a cost effective
alternative to fungicides. The Auburn Fes-
cue Lab has also been able to identify
fungus-free seed fields of Kentucky 
31
and other varieties which have been used
as seed sources. As a result, seed tests
have shown an increase in the amount of
endophyte-free seed available to forage
producers. For example, the percentage
of seed samples that were endophyte free
jumped from 52 percent in 1983 to 83
percent in 1985. Purchasers of seed can
also benefit from recently 
enacted regu-
lations which require seedsmen to test
and label seed with the endophyte infec-
tion level on each 
bag.
Suppressed blooming of apple tree at left, in comparison 
to one at right, indicates effect of
previous-year spraying with sterol inhibitor fungicides.
ms,: , . &
rrr
Agricultural engineering research at
Auburn is characterized by applying basic
engineering science and design to solve
specific engineering problems in equip-
ment, structures, and 
systems for food,
feed, fiber, animal production, and for-
estry automation. Emphasis is on devel-
opment of (1) cropping system tech-
nology for reducing soil sediment, nu-
trient, and pesticide losses; (2) irrigation
optimization techniques for better utili-
zation of equipment and operating pro-
cedures to maximize profit; (3) new
technology for energy recovery from liq-
uid animal waste; (4) a microcomputer
control system for environmental control
of poultry houses to increase bird per-
formance and decrease maintenance and
operating cost; (5) a basic engineering
understanding of the soil compaction
process caused by agricultural equipment
wheel and tire traffic; and (6) improved
engineering design processes in forestry
automation.
Microcomputer
Improves Control of
Environment in
Poultry Houses
Most poultry house environmental con-
trol systems use conventional electro-me-
chanical components that only maintain
pre-set temperature or relative humidity.
The need, however, is for a control system
that allows some decision making and
changes in controlled variables in re-
sponse to changes in environmental con-
ditions. This need can be met by a
microcomputer based control system that
has been developed in Alabama Agricul-
tural Experiment Station research. The
system can control temperatures in the
brooding area, control ventilation based
on outside weather conditions as well as
house requirements, control a solar col-
lector-biomass burner heating system, and
predict brooding energy needs based on
weather forecasts. Several items of basic
design and operation criteria needed to
operate such a system were determined
in 1985.
Dew point temperatures are needed but
are much more difficult to measure than
are dry bulb temperatures. Weather data
tapes for Montgomery were analyzed for
patterns between early morning dry bulb
and dew point temperatures to see if a
dry bulb measurement could be used to
estimate dew point for the day. Evapo-
rative pad materials were tested for effi-
ciency and the velocity at which water
blows off the face of the pad. More basic
information on the equilibrium moisture
An analytical model developed to explain traffic-related compaction was found to predict soil
compaction and soil bulk density within 4 percent of measured values.
Ft i
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~~--I-,
relation between air and broiler litter
materials was obtained.
Weather data and equilibrium moisture
data information will be used 
to plan
more efficient poultry house computer
controlled ventilation schedules. 
Evapo-
rative pad data will be used in the design
of livestock computer controlled 
cooling
systems for Alabama weather conditions.
Analytical Model
Explains Traffic-
related Compaction
Soil compaction by machines is rec-
ognized as a problem in production ag-
riculture. However, the compaction loads
imposed by machines on the soil and the
distribution of these loads throughout the
soil profile are neither well known nor
understood. In cooperative research with
the USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Lab-
oratory, a six-directional stress state trans-
ducer was developed to measure
compaction loads at a point in the soil
caused by a moving tractor tire. The data
obtained indicate that compaction is
probably being caused in a different way
than had been previously perceived. The
results indicate that shearing stresses need
to be incorporated into soil compaction
models to assure accurate predictions of
compaction.
Past soil compaction models have not
accounted for all of the loads applied to
soil by wheels and tires. A model that
had been developed was expanded to
include more of these loads. Data were
collected for four distinctly different ag-
ricultural soils in Alabama-two sandy
loams and two clay loams. The moisture
content for each was selected to be rep-
resentative of field conditions. Based on
laboratory tests at the National Soil Dy-
namics Laboratory, the expanded model
predicted soil compaction and soil bulk
density within 4 percent of measured bulk
density.
Cropping System
Affects Sediment,
Nutrient, and
Pesticide Losses
I welve erosion study plots became fully
Oixrational at the Tennessee Valley Sub-
station in 1985 in a study to determine
the ctftct o fd dittrent ti!llage practices for
r
4
j
cotton on surface runoff quality. The til-
lage practices include no-till with winter
cover crop, spring till with winter cover
crop, no-till without winter cover crop.
and conventional tillage. The water qual-
ity factors analyzed include amount of
runoff and losses of sediment, nutrients
and pesticides. Runoff samples were col-
lected on 17 runoff storm events during
the 1985 growing season. There was more
runoff and sediment loss from conven-
tional tillage plots (2.4 inches and 1,580
pounds per acre, resnectively) than from
no-tillage plots without cover crops (1 .6
inches and 225 pounds per acre), no-till
with winter cover (1 inch and 192 pounds
per acre), and no spring till with winter
cover plots (1 75 inches and 688 pounds
per acre). respectively. Total precipita-
tion during the growing season was 22
inches. Analysis of particle size distri-
bution indicated that 60 to 70 percent
of the total sediment lost from the plots
were fine particles of clay (diameter less
than 0.002 mm). Fine soil particles have
been known as the major carrier of nu-
trients and pesticides.
Pesticides analyzed include Temik? (al-
dicarb) and Prowl?, applied April 22 and
23, respectively. High concentrations of
Temik (up to 350 ug per liter) and Prowl
(16.3 ug per liter) were found in the
runoff samples of the first storm (May 2)
after the application Temik was not de-
tected in the runoff samples of a storm
that occurred 10 days after the applica-
tion. However, Prowl was persistently de-
tected through August. Nutrient losses
were higher on conventional tillage plots
than on conservation tillage plots, mainly
because of high runoff and sediment losses
from conventional tillage
Irrigation
Optimization for
Maximum Profit
Water stress is a major contributor to
decreased crop yields in the humid South-
east. Low soil-moisture holding capacities
and non-uniform rainfall distributions are
the major culprits in the reduced yields.
Yields from rain-fed production are highly
variable from year to year and range from
maximum yields to none at all. One tech-
nique being utilized by many farmers is
the addition of supplemental water
through irrigation. Under humid condi-
tions in the Southeast, irrigation does lit-
tle to increase maximum yields but does
increase yields during "drought" years.
There are, therefore, two significant ef-
4 
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4: ... at...
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y-Ns;
Irigation research in 1985 inciuded an evaluation ot crop-yield variablity and Its
impact on irrigation-selection decisions
fects of irrigation on crop production:
(1) increased average yields over several
years, and (2) decreased variability of
yields. These factors, along with cost of
irrigation, must be considered in decid-
ing whether to use irrigation.
Based on these considerations, major
facets of irrigation have been examined
in Alabama. Of particular concern in 1985
was the evaluation of crop-yield varia-
bility and its impact on decisions to select
irrigation. An existing optimization tech-
nique called Minimization of Total Ab-
solute Deviations was utilized to optimize
the systems and crop selections. This
technique provides the mechanism to de-
fine the amount of profit desired and to
determine the least variable or risky man-
ner to achieve that profit.
Early results from the study indicated
that the most profitable choices for pea-
nuts, based on today's economic situa-
tion, include irrigation with large center-
pivot irrigation systems. By using smaller,
more expensive systems, however, the
amount of irrigated land could be in-
creased and yield variability and financial
risk decreased.
Energy Recovered
from Liquid Wastes
Because liquid waste transport systems
are used for most dairy, swine, and caged
layer production facilities in Alabama and
the Southeast, research is seeking an on-
site energy recovery system which also
allows recovery of the solids for refeed-
ing. Earlier research established methods
for recovering the solids in liquid wastes
for alternative feed ingredients, leaving
the very dilute liquid fraction for alter-
native energy production.
A new technology for energy produc-
tion using extremely dilute liquid waste
was evaluated in 1985. This is a novel
fermenter reactor technology that uses
inexpensive, common synthetic media to
retain biological growth while simulta-
neously allowing a much reduced treat-
ment time and small, compact treatment
vessels. This reactor technology has been
called SPAG (Suspended Particle-At-
tached Growth) and is approximately 2
years old in concept.
The potential of SPAG reactors is great
in that they allow a complete on-site waste
utilization system for dilute flushed
wastes: the solid fraction in 
refeeding,
the liquid fraction in energy production,
and the land application of the liquid
effluents. This technology is clearly su-
perior to conventional reactor technology
in energy production. Based on results
from the laboratory and bench scale stud-
ies, mesophilic digestion can be operated
at hydraulic retention time of 2 days and
thermophilic digestion of 1 day. This
compares to 5- and 10-day hydraulic re-
tention time for conventional reactors at
thermophilic and mesophilic tempera-
ture, respectively. This reduces the re-
actor volume required by a factor of 5
and concomitantly reduces costs.
The more than 20 active research proj-
ects involving agricultural economics and
rural sociology underway at the Alabama
Agricultural Experiment Station provided
useful information to farmers, agribusi-
nesses, rural residents, government, and
other agencies during 1985. In response
to the financial stress situation facing
farmers, a survey was completed early in
the year to determine the financial po-
sition of farmers.
A new project was begun to determine
some of the significant characteristics of
farmers who have experienced bank-
ruptcy. Details of their financial status for
the years prior to bankruptcy are being
studied to gain insights into the major
causal factors. A linear programming al-
ternative was developed to aid credit
agencies in scoring borrowers to deter-
mine if they would be good or poor credit
risks. Also, in efforts to meet the growing
present and future needs of farmers and
agribusinesses in the area of financial
management, research was strengthened
in microcomputer applications and use.
Farmers and Suppliers
Benefit from Exports
U.S. agricultural exports reached their
peak in the early 1980's and have gen-
erally declined since that time. This is
important to Alabama because farmers of
the State are important producers of prod-
ucts that enter export markets and the
export of farm products is important to
the Port of Mobile.
In an Alabama Agricultural Experiment
Station study of the effects of agricultural
exports on Alabama's economy, Ala-
bama's export share of farm products was
found to be almost one-fourth of the total
value of agricultural production. Soy-
beans were the leader in exports, fol-
lowed by poultry and poultry products
and then cotton and cotton linters. Wheat
and wheat products showed a dramatic
increase in export share in 1982. If Ala-
bama agriculture did not export, it was
estimated that the gross state product
would be reduced by 15 percent.
Much of the economic activity result-
ing from exports is generated by sales of
insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, farm
machinery, petroleum products, 
feed,
seed, and electricity and by hired labor.
An additional economic benefit, referred
to as "induced effects," is the purchase
by households of groceries, 
automobiles,
homes, televisions, clothing, and a wide
variety of consumer goods which would
be reduced if agricultural exports did not
exist. In total, the estimated total eco-
nomic activity generated by agricultural
exports was $1.206 billion in 1982, more
than half the total value of cash farm
receipts. Other than agriculture itself, the
chemical and allied sector from which
farmers buy their pesticides and fertil-
izers benefited most from agricultural ex-
ports.
Future Looks Bright
for Sod Industry
A young and growing segment of Ala-
bama's agricultural economy is the com-
mercial turfgrass sod industry. Acreage
data showed 5,450 acres in turfgrass sod
production in 1983. Since little was
known about marketing aspects, espe-
cially beyond the producer level, a study
was carried out that gathered information
from 20 producers, 200 households, and
22 landscape firms.
Sod markets were found to be domi-
nated by large growers (over 250 acres
in production), which accounted for 71
percent of total sales volume. Peak sales
months were between April and Septem-
ber, and May and June were the two most
important months. Pricing was carried
out on an individual firm basis, with
wholesale-retail differentials largely de-
termined by the amount of sod pur-
chased.
Although sod installation was a rela-
tively new service offered by landscape
contractors, 91 percent of the sod han-
dled was installed. Bermudagrass and cen-
tipedegrass were the two most popular
sod species, accounting for 75 percent
of the sod installed. Most of the contract-
ing firms had at least two major suppliers.
Findings of the study point to a bright
future for Alabama's sod industry. With
increased demand by both landscape con-
tractors and household outlets, the acreage
Export of Alabama-grown agricultural products through the Port of Mobile represents an important
economic activity. Soybeans have been the leader in agricultural exports from the State, followed
by poultry and poultry products and cotton and cotton linters.
.L~A
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3C- *
Azaleas repwfti a :rdjO d sdiel ri ! . ,r imaODama s nursery
industry. Growers expect sales to increase in the future, but at
a slower rate than in past years.
of sod should increase each year. Op-
portunities exist for smaller sod farms to
expand their acreage to take advantage
of economies of size in both production
and marketing. The geographical concen-
tration and majority of sod farms should
remain relatively close 
to their markets,
which are in or near the standard met-
ropolitan areas of Alabama.
Price elasticity of demand for sod was
determined to be highly 
elastic. Thus,
there appear to be opportunities for pro-
ducers and landscapers to increase their
sales by becoming more price conscious.
A 1 percent reduction in price was found
to be associated with a 1.8 percent in-
crease in quantity demanded. Little ad-
vertising was used by sod producers, but
advertising and consumer education offer
opportunities to strengthen markets for
sod.
Azalea Sales
Increasing by
Alabama Nurseries
Azaleas are an important part of Ala-
bama's nursery industry. Data from 1983
showed azalea sales of $15-$17 
million,
which was about 16 percent of the State's
total nursery sales. In a study of the eco-
nomics of production and marketing, 32
azalea producers reported that azalea sales
made up 22 to 100 percent of their sales.
The 32 growers used a total of 342 acres
to grow semi-dwarf and 
dwarf, indica,
and other azaleas. Semi-dwarf azaleas ac-
counted for 78 percent of sales.
Increasing family incomes, population
growth, consumer preference for more
leisure time, and new housing starts were
found to be major factors affecting the
demand for azaleas. The 32 growers
shipped azaleas to 
21 states in the South,
Southwest, Midwest, and East. The largest
shipments were made to Texas. Selling
methods involved salesmen, brokers, mail
order catalogs, and trade shows, with most
sales carried out at the wholesale level.
Growers stated that retailing involved too
many sales problems relative to revenue
generated. Growers reported that sales
had increased 5-10 percent annually.
Generally the outlook for the industry
was for continued growth but at a some-
what lower rate than for the past decade.
Position Selection
Important for Center
Pivot Irrigation
Fields in Alabama generally have irreg-
ular shapes and boundaries. This presents
a problem in designing an economically
effective irrigation system. Therefore, the
technique of linear programming and use
of grid points were used in researching
the possibilities for more cost-effective
irrigation system designs. Potential cen-
tral pivot points for each grid point were
evaluated for selected fields. A series of
constraint equations described the rela-
tionship between possible pivot locations
and the amount of water applied at all
points in the field. Two strategies, one
maximizing the number of pivots without
allowing overlap and the other allowing
overlap and a minimum deviation from
one application, were obtained. In strat-
egy one, nine center pivot systems were
positioned which resulted in 57 percent
of the land being irrigated. In strategy
two, 12 center pivot systems of the same
size were positioned, resulting in 63 per-
cent of the land being irrigated with 5
percent being irrigated twice.
Fewer Farmers Have
Reduced Policy Impact
Auburn's portion of a regional 
project
concerned with major issues 
facing ag-
riculture identified farmers as a new mi-
nority. With the small number of farms
remaining and the strong role of govern-
ment in agriculture, the role of the con-
,umer now overshadows the farmer in
the nation's food policy. At the price of
concentrated ownership and 
efficiency,
farmers will increasingly rely on a broader
public consensus that a viable agriculture
is a vital and productive national resource
that must be equitably maintained. 
The
need for a sustainable agriculture will
increasingly encapsulate a variety of po-
litical, economic, and environmental crit-
icisms of agriculture. The study also found
that farmers were being criticized for un-
dermining the long-term viability 
of ag-
riculture in terms of the abuse of soil and
water resources.
Agriculture can call for a policy re-
sponse by government that allows indi-
viduals to pursue a steady, sustainable
career in agriculture, the orderly demo-
graphic replacement of farm operators,
and a reasonable assurance of well being
for middle-class farm families in the years
ahead. A follow-up study is being carried
out on a national basis to gain definitive
insights of Americans about agriculture
and the farmer.
Economic Analysis
Reveals Narrow Profit
Margin for Dairying
Dairy farms in Alabama have been de-
clining in numbers for more than 20 years.
Total milk marketed by Alabama dairymen
has declined since 1970 and at present
more than 50 percent of the milk utilized
in Alabama is shipped into the State. And
the future is uncertain for Alabama dairy-
men, too, according to cost comparisons
between selected Alabama dairymen and
those in other regions of the United States.
The comparison showed that Southern
dairy farmers face narrowing profit mar-
gins. Variable costs per hundredweight
of milk produced in Alabama averaged
$12.69, but varied from $7.97 to $15.43.
Fixed costs averaged $4.03 per hundred-
weight and varied from $2.79 to $5.28.
Net returns per hundredweight averaged
$0.29, with the highest net being only
$1.73. Feed costs averaged 52 percent of
milk receipts.
Director's Research 
Award
The Director's Research 
Award was begun in 1981 as 
a
program for recognizing 
scientists who, during their 
careers
at Auburn, have made exceptional 
contributions to the mission
of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment 
Station. Two awards
are given each year, one for 
Assistant and Associate Professors
and one for Professors. Winners in 
1985, selected from among
the nominees proposed 
by individual departments, 
were John
D. Weete, Professor of Botany, 
Plant Pathology, and Micro-
biology, and David T. Hill, Associate 
Professor of Agricultural
Engineering.
Weete was recognized for his 
research in fungal physiology
and biochemistry, with special 
emphasis on fungal lipid bio-
chemistry, which has earned him 
an international reputation.
His research since joining 
the Auburn faculty in 1973 
has
resulted in over 100 publications, 
including books, book
chapters, refereed journal articles, 
and Experiment Station
bulletins. He authored two 
highly regarded books, "Fungal
Lipid Biochemistry," 
published in 1974, 
and a 1980 revision,
"Lipid Biochemistry of Fungi 
and Other Organisms."
Weete's most recent research 
has centered on the biochem-
istry of sterols and their 
role in biological membranes. 
His
choice of plant pathogenic fungi 
for use in these studies gave
applied implications to this 
basic research. His research on
the mode of action of sterol 
inhibiting fungicides has 
attracted
international attention, and 
he is considered a leader in 
this
important area of agricultural 
research.
Hill is conducting pioneering 
research in the area of ther-
mophilic digestion of animal 
waste for methane production
and the use of anaerobic filters 
in production of methane gas
from liquid substrates. A strength 
of his research has been ,
strong interdisciplinary approach 
in cooperation with faculti
in Animal and Dairy Sciences.
Since joining the Agricultural Experiment 
Station faculty ii
1979, Hill has authored or co-authored more than 40 refereed
journal articles. As a result 
of Hill's outstanding research 
an.
widespread reporting of 
results, Auburn is recognized 
as one
of the nation's leading research 
institutions in his area of
work. He received the FIEI Engineering/Young 
Researcher of
1985 award from the American 
Society of Agricultural Engi-
neers.
John D. Weete (seated) and David T. 
Hill were selected to receive
the 1985 Director's Research Award 
in recognition of exceptional
contributions to the mission of the Alabama 
Agricultural Experiment
Station.
nd ec Igni 
t io
Individual
Recognitions
Numerous honors, 
awards, and other
recognitions came to 
Experiment Station
faculty and staff during 
1985 in recog-
nition of their individual 
research accOm-
plishments and leadership 
in their fields
of endeavor. Some of 
these are identified
in the following list:
Troy B. Patterson-inducted 
into the
Alabama Livestock 
Hall of Fame.
Thomas A. McCaskey-received 
certif-
icate of appreciation for 
serving as Sec-
tion Chairman of the 
Fifth International
Symposium on Agricultural 
Wastes.
David G. Topel-received 
Scholar
Award from American 
Society of Animal
Science and European 
Association of An-
imal Production.
L.L. Lovshin-received 
Friends of Fish
Culture Award from National 
Department
of Works Against the 
Droughts, Brazil.
W.A. Rogers-received 
Special Appre-
ciation Award from 
Catfish Farmers of
America.
R.O. Smitherman-received 
Distin-
guished Service Award 
from Catfish Farm-
ers of America.
J.J. Molnar-member 
Council of the
Rural Sociological 
Society and Rural So-
ciological Society 
Liaison Committee,
American Association 
for the Advance-
ment of Science.
H.A. Clonts-nominated 
to the Re-
search Staff for the 
President's Commis-
sion on Americans 
Outdoors by the
National Association 
of State Outdoor
Recreation Liaison 
Officers and National
Recreation and Parks 
Association, and
treasurer of the National 
Association of
State Recreation 
Planners.
William E. Hardy-member 
Advisory
Council of Southeast 
American Institute
for Decision Sciences.
S.A. Edgar-received 
the Outstanding
Alumnus Award from Sterling College,
Sterling, Kansas.
G.R. McDaniel-First 
Vice President of
the Southern Poultry 
Science Association.
Paul A. Backman-Associate 
Editor of
Peanut Science.
David M. Bisaro-finalist 
in 1985 com-
petition for National 
Science Foundation
Presidential Young 
Investigator Awards.
Willard T. Blevins-Education 
Com-
mittee member, Southeastern 
Branch of
American Society for Microbiology.
Elroy A. Curl-Archives 
and Awards
Committee member, 
Southern Division 
of
American Phytopathological 
Society.
Norman D. Davis-Fellow 
in the Amer-
ican Academy of Microbiology 
and mem-
ber National Mycotoxin 
Computer Data
Base Committee.
Urban L. Diener-Fullbright 
Lecturer-
Research (Senior 
Scholar) at Campinas
University, Brazil, 
and member of Na-
tional Academy of 
Science/National Re-
search Council of Science 
and Technology
Support for Thailand and 
Mycotoxicology
Committee of International 
Society of
Plant Pathologists.
Robert T. Gudauskas-Executive 
Com-
mittee member and 
Plant Pathology
Chairman, Southern 
Corn Improvement
Conference.
Walter D. Kelley-Chairman 
of South-
ern Regional Development 
Committee 85-
07.
Archie J. Latham-Associate 
Editor of
Pecan South.
Paul A. Lemke-Editor 
of Applied Mi-
crobiology and Biotechnology 
and
Chairman of Awards 
and Grants Commit-
tee for Society for 
Industrial Microbiol-
ogy.
Gareth Morgan-Jones-Councilor 
of
Mycological Society of 
America.
Curt M. Peterson-Chairman 
of Repro-
ductive Abscission 
of Agronomic Plants
Symposium, Crop 
Science Society of
America, and Archivist 
of Alabama Acad-
emy of Science.
Rodrigo Rodriguez-Kabana-received
Distinguished Service 
Award from South-
ern Soybean Disease 
Workers, President
of Organization of Tropical 
Agriculture
and Nematology, 
Councilor of Caribbean
Division of American 
Phytopathological
Society, and Associate 
Editor of Plant and
Soil.
Bryan Truelove-Emeritus Associate
Science Editor of Weed 
Science, Chairman
of Monographics Committee 
and member
of Coordination Committee 
of Weed Sci-
ence Society of America 
and Constitution
and Operating Committees, 
Southern
Weed Science Society.
Clarence E. Johnson-received 
Amer-
ican Society of Agricultural 
Engineers Pa-
per Award for paper 
published in
Transactions of ASAE.
David S. Stringfellow-member 
of In-
ternational Embryo 
Transfer Societies Re-
search Subcommittee.
Charles R. Rossi-recipient 
of first
Beachman Award for Research 
Excellence
at Auburn University.
Ray Dickens-received Distinguished
Service Award from 
Southern Turfgrass
Association.
Wayne Clark-Executive 
Council of
Coleopterists Society.
James Harper-Executive 
Committee
of Society for Invertebrate 
Pathology.
R.P. Henry-Treasurer 
of Alabama
Academy of Science.
A.H. Williams-Secretary 
of Alabama
Academy of Science.
R.C. Tang-visiting professor 
at the Na-
tional Chung Hsing University 
of Taiwan
where he received a 55,000 
research grant
from the Department 
of Forestry, Council
for Agriculture, Republic 
of China, to
fund a 2-day symposium 
titled "Utiliza-
tion of Medium 
and Small Diameter
Trees"; received a plaque 
from the
Chinese Forest Products 
Association in
recognition of his assistance 
in upgrading
forest products research 
in Taiwan.
Honorio Carino-Vice 
Chairman of the
Production Management 
Technical Com-
mittee, Forest Products 
Research Society.
Thomas Elder-Chairman 
of the South-
eastern Section, Forest 
Products Research
Society.
Warren Flick-Chairman 
of the Ala-
bama Division, Society 
of American For-
esters
Bobby Lanford-Chairman 
of the
Council of Forest 
Engineering and 
will
coordinate the Council's 
1986 National
Meeting.
-.
FINANCIA L
APPROPRIATED ALL
FUNDS FUNDS 
Appropriated
Beef Cattle
Cotton
Dairy Cattle
Feed Grain
Fish & Wildlife
Forestry
Fruits, Nuts, & Vegetables
Human & Resource
Development
Ornamental & Turf
Pasture & Forage
Peanuts
Poultry
Soil, Lands, & Water
Soybeans
Swine
Other
9.8%
1.8%
3.8%
3.7%
5.5%
9.4%
10.6%
7.0%
5.0%
2.6%
3.1%
10.9%
5.4%
7.8%
7.1%
6.5%
100%
13.6%
1.9%
4.9%
3.6%
9.0%
8.4%
7.9%
5.0%
3.9%
2.5%
3.5%
8.4%
4.7%
7.7%
8.6%
6.4%
100%
State
Federal
Total
Appropriated
Contracts & Grants
State
Federal
Private
Total Contracts
& Grants
Sale of Research
Products
511,264,013
S3,905,880
S15,169,893 64.0%
S 469,018
5 1,580,082
S 1,842,680
5 3,891,780
5 4,629,781
Total Research Funds S23,691,454 
100.0%
47.5%
16.5%
2.0%
6.7%
7.8%
16.5%
19.5%
Produced by Department of Research Information
R. E. Stevenson, Editor and Head
J. R. Roberson, Associate 
Editor
Teresa Rodriguez, Art Designer