%Av
1 9 9 0
A N N U A L R E P 0 R T
E X P E R I M E N T
A U BU RN U N I VERS IT Y
-~r
4/ 
4 -A
i N r, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
O F '? s 
James E. Martin, 
President
L'''". Paul F. Parks, Vice President for Research
Lowell T. Frobish, Director
David H. Teem, Associate Director
Russell B. Muntifering, Associate Director
Charles W. Bruce, Assistant Director
R. E. Stevenson, Assistant Director
The information contained herein is available to all regardless of 
race, color,
sex, or national origin.
This report was produced by the Office of Research 
Information
R.E. Stevenson, Editor and Assistant Director
J.R. Roberson, Associate Editor
C.L. Smith, Associate Editor
T.E. Rodriguez, Art Designer
CONTENTS
FOREWORD
. 4
EXPERIMENT STATION RESEARCH WAS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT IN 1990
. 5
PRODUCERS AND CONSUMERS BENEFIT FROM 1990 EXPERIMENT
STATION RESEARCH...........................................10
OUTLYING RESEARCH UNITS PROVIDE DIVERSITY FOR RESEARCHERS
.................................................................. 24
REPORT OF REVENUES
.................................................................. 25
DIRECTOR'S RESEARCH AWARD
.................................................................. 26
rI if r
4
J
4
1
1 s
Visitors tour wetlands project at the Sand Mountain Substation in Crossville.
On the cover... Vegetable production is increasing in the State, as Alabama growers seek
alternatives to marginally profitable row crops. The use of plastics, as shown 
here in plots
at the E.V. Smith Research Center, has proven valuable in production and in providing
marketing flexibility for vegetable crops.
,I
FORE ORD Poultry Sct
provide sp
tion is ne
search fac
physiolog
ment, bic
fish prod
The new year will be filled
with many challenges and oppor-
tunities for each of us. Just the number
of the year, 1991, is interesting -
whether reading forward or back-
ward, it is the same. We can read
from right to left and look backward
to the security of the past or left to
right and see the challenges of to-
morrow. Sometimes, looking back to
past program goals, decisions, or
accomplishments 
helps to define the 
Lowell T. Frobis
Director AAES
route for the future.
impact wo
tion contii
In the 1988 Annual Report of the Alabama crease, pa
Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES), the estab- countries
lishment of a Task Force was discussed. The Task becomes 
rr
Force was challenged to look at Alabama's agricul- as U.S. col
ture, forestry, and related agribusiness industries 
in the Un
and to help the AAES to establish a research pro- visiting an
gram to enhance the profitability and sustainability 
ment of lu
of these industries in the future. It is evident that 
scientific ir
agriculture, forestry, and related agribusiness are ment, to us
important to the future development of the State's purposes,
economy. The Task Force's final report will be leading to
available in early 1991, but enough information 
has base.
already been gleaned to initiate the development
of specific research programs. 
Er
tinue to be
Also in the 1988 report, 
renovation and 
Proper wa
construction of new facilities 
were discussed. In late 
developme
1990, construction of a 
new greenhouse complex 
tion will I
was started. The old greenhouses 
will be removed few 
restri
and a Life Sciences Building 
erected in their place. 
agricultur
This will be a modern facility 
to enhance the biotech- 
awareness
nology effort in the Colleges/Schools 
of Agriculture, tion 
for w
Sciences and Mathematics, 
and Forestry. Poultry 
sumers wi
facilities have been renovated 
to provide the neces- 
water usaE
sary environment for much needed poultry disease
research. In addition, the continued development 
of TI
the poultry facilities has provided Alabama with the 
tunities av
best poultry research facilities in the Southern Re- 
producers
gion. Faculty have used their ingenuity to increase accept 
th
the utilization of crowded space in research on 
their tear
4 various agricultural problems. 
beyond 19
ill needed, however, is a new Animal and
ience Building and a Forestry Complex to
ace for current and future needs. Renova-
eded to provide modern and safe re-
:ilities, to enhance programs in plant
y and growth, integrated pest manage-
logical control, food science/safety,
uction and disease, and many other
important areas.
Programs have
been developed and imple-
mented that will provide di-
rection for the future. This
report highlights but a few of
the important research find-
ings of the past year. Some of
the results have immediate ap-
plication, whereas others lay
the foundation for future de-
velopments. The diversity of
AAES programs is evident.
Enough for the
past - what will agriculture be
like in the next century, which
is less than 10 years away?
, The shift from government-
owned and controlled pro-
h, duction systems to a free mar-
ket and global economy in
socialistic nations will greatly
orld agribusiness. As the world popula-
nues to grow, demand for food will in-
rticularly in the developing third world
until their agricultural productivity
more sustainable. Global demands as well
nsumer attitudes will impact production
nited States. People have dreamed of
d living in outer space for years. Develop-
nar bases provides new opportunities for
nvestigation of the moon and its environ-
se the materials of the moon for beneficial
and to conduct research and development
a self-sufficient and self-supporting lunar
ivironmental quality issues will con-
at the front of everyone's list of concerns.
ste management is needed, else further
nt of livestock, poultry, and fish produc-
be constrained. Alabama currently has
ctions on water use and discharge in
al production. However, increased
about water quality factors and competi-
rater use between industries and con-
11 likely result in new restrictions on
ge and effluent release.
hese are but a few of the many oppor-
'ailable to us in the future. 
Scientists,
legislators, and other citizens will
e challenges presented and continue
m effort to address the challenges
91!
EXPERIMENT STATION RESEARCH WAS
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT IN 1990
Each year research results from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment
Station are reported in a number of outlets. A system of publications dating
back to the 1880's provides detailed results of various research projects. Crop
updates and variety reports give more timely information on specific crops.
A long-established system of reporting in general farm and crop specific
magazines and in weekly and daily newspapers in the State keeps Experiment
Station research constantly in the news in both rural and urban areas of the
State and region.
The Experiment
Station, because of the
new and innovative
work done by re-
searchers at Auburn
University, is often in
the national news.
However, 1990 was a
special year - one in
which several Experi-
ment Station projects :
made national and in-
ternational news. In '
addition to State and 
?
national television, "
newspapers, and mag-
azines, Experiment
Station research was
shown on West Ger-
man television, the Micro-injection of genetically
British Broadcasting 
at the E.V. Smith Research 
Ce
of the bacteria within the cal
Company, Canadian
Broadcasting Company, Finnish television, and the
Cable News Network and reported in USA Today,
the Wall Street Journal, and the London Times.
A
altered
nter in
bbage
In April of 1990, researchers conducted
a field test at the E.V. Smith Research Center
near Shorter. In this
test, researchers in-
jected cabbage plants
with Xanthomonas
bacteria that were
genetically altered
to contain a light
producing gene from
a small fish found in
the Pacific Ocean.
The bacteria,
which is technically
known as Xantho-
monas capestris pv
capestri, causes black
rot in cabbage, cauli-
-N flower, and other
related vegetable
bacteria into cabbage plants crops. The bacteria
Shorter and (inset) 
movement occurs 
commonly in
plant.
Alabama and through-
out the United States, but does not cause
disease problems in any other crops. Researchers
pointed out that the bacteria is not aggressive
in nature, and noted that in greenhouse
studies, it was difficult to infect plants with
the recombinant version of Xanthomonas.
The gene donor in the recombinant virus
was Vibrio fischeri, which is found in certain small
marine fish. These fish contain a light producing
f""
lux gene, which functions much like lightning
bugs or fireflies do. Since this type light is not
common in the soil, when it occurs, it allows
scientists to easily track it in either plants or
the soil.
The research team, which included horti-
culturists, plant pathologists, and microbiologists,
successfully tracked the movement and spread
of black rot in cabbage. Perhaps more impor-
tantly, this recombinant bacterial gene is being
used as a model for studying other biocontrol
agents. The successful monitoring of a disease as
it progresses through a plant is the first step in
developing biocontrol agents that will augment
chemical fungicides now used to control these
diseases.
In the actual field test, cabbage plants
carrying the recombinant Xanthomonas genes
were placed in 12 X 12-foot plots in mid-April.
Though the actual microspray and direct injection
of the cabbage plants was conducted in solitude,
the subsequent reenactment for TV crews from
Montgomery, Columbus, and later CNN probably
makes this 12 X 12-foot plot of soil and these
cabbage plants the most widely publicized in the
world.
The glowing cabbage was erroneously
reported to be "glowing broccoli." Its publication
in the Houston Chronicle caught the eye of a West
German television producer, who took video shot
by the Department of Research Information and
included it into a news clip seen throughout Eu-
rope. By virtue of worldwide transmission of the
Cable News Network, news of the "glowing cab-
bage" was seen as far away as Saudi Arabia.
Auburn researchers are evaluating a
crayfish that grows to about a quarter of a pound
in about 6 months in Alabama ponds, survives
well on bermudagrass hay, and tastes like a Maine
lobster. The crayfish, usually referred to by its
native Australian name, redclaw, isn't very red at
all. In fact, it is orange and blue, and when held for
a few hours in clear water, it is a brilliant orange
and blue.
Redclaw has enough going for it as a
6 seafood delicacy that it doesn't need the Auburn
color gimmick to generate additional attention.
However, in Alabama the orange and blue lobster
was a natural for the media. The better news is that
it could become a natural for Alabama producers
and consumers.
An Auburn researcher found redclaw
during a recent trip to Australia. In winter testing,
an entire crop died on December 7, 1989, in ponds
at Auburn. In inside aquariums in the winter,
Auburn researchers found that redclaw's repro-
duction can be controlled - a major hurdle in
commercial production.
While redclaw could likely survive in
Alabama from early April until late October, the
first crop was not placed into ponds until early
June. At lower stocking rates, these animals grew
from less than a half ounce and less than an inch
long to over 6 inches long and 3 ounces by late
September. At stocking rates of up 50,000 redclaw
per acre, Auburn ponds are expected to produce
up to 3,000 pounds per acre. At stocking rates of
10,000 to 20,000, redclaw grow to a larger, prob-
ably more marketable, size.
In taste tests at Auburn, redclaw was
compared with Maine lobster, Florida lobster,
freshwater shrimp, and marine shrimp. In inde-
pendent testing, it was compared with 18 other
seafood products. In the Auburn test, redclaw and
Maine lobster were tied for the top rating in taste
and texture. In the independent testing, it ranked
third in taste, texture, and ease of preparation.
FAT BEEF AND MCDONALD3S
The development of AU Lean hamburger
is one of many beef and pork products developed
by AAES researchers in the past 20 years. How-
ever, the tie-in with McDonald's and millions of
health conscious consumers worldwide created a
publicity bonanza for Auburn.
Though working for many years to de-
velop low fat and other restructured beef and pork
products, much of the information on the reduced
fat ground beef had not been reported publicly.
The publication of Alabama Agricultural Experi-
ment Station Bulletin 606, "Advances in Lean
Ground Beef Production," created quite a stir
among the fast food kings. The publication, al-
ready in its second printing, continues to create
interest worldwide in the Auburn-developed
product.
Then, in the AU football program for the
Florida State game, a story on the lean ground beef
product explained some of the research findings.
Subsequent sporadic news stories galvanized
McDonald's into action, and the result was the
Auburn-developed McLean Deluxe?, first test
marketed in 22 McDonald's restaurants in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in early Decem-
ber. As a result, Auburn researchers were
seen and quoted in USA Today and the Wall
Street Journal, and seen statewide via video
shot in their lab and transmitted via satellite to
television stations throughout the State.
Human nutrition researchers and ag
economists made the Auburn study a team effort.
Surveys conducted by ag economists at Auburn
showed a strong interest among consumers for
low fat hamburger products. Human nutritionists
confirmed that the Auburn-developed product
does indeed offer superior nutrition standards to
more traditional ground ,
beef products. mTA
Typically,
ground beef at retail
stores contains between
20 and 30 percent fat.
Ground beef used by
fast food restaurants
typically contains 20-25
percent fat. For many
health-conscious con-
sumers, this is not ac-
ceptable. For ham-
burger connoisseurs,
the alternative - less
flavorable beef - is also
unacceptable.
Since Ameri-
A taste panel, including Auburn Ur
Martin (far right), tests McLean De
cans consume about 3 million pounds of ground
beef annually, and this makes up nearly 45 percent
of the beef consumed in this country, researchers
reasoned there had to be a happy medium be-
tween health and taste. After screening hundreds
of potential additives, the research team hit upon
the ideal ingredients - the so called "magic bullets."
By removing over 90 percent of the fat in ground
beef, then adding carrageenan and certain hydro-
lyzed vegetable proteins, the researchers were
able to produce a low fat ground beef product with
the one previously missing ingredient - taste.
In taste tests at Auburn, the low fat burgers
consistently outperformed hamburgers contain-
ing 20-30 percent fat. If the reception by consumers
in the McDonald's test market is a good indicator,
McLean Deluxe and other similar low fat products
are here to stay.
Acid rain and ozone are both aerial pol-
lutants that cause widespread environmental
problems. They have been implicated as causes of
a gradual decline in growth of pine trees in the
South. The dire economic potential of such a
slowdown insures state, regional, and national
interest.
The economic importance, environmen-
tal implications, and the unique "look" of the
plastic village constructed on the south side of
campus have kept the so-called acid rain project
frequently in the news.
'" The conclusion of the
first phase of the study
naturally generated a
A ~great 
deal of interest.
It is docu-
mented that acid rain
causes widespread tree
kills, and by getting into
kaw 7 the food chain via lakes
and streams, affects
wildlife in the North-
eastern United States
and in Europe. Specu-
lation has been that
acid rain is causing
similar, though less
niversity President James E. spectacular, 
reduction
luxe hamburgers.
in pine tree growth in
the South. Since pine trees are the single largest
cash crop in Alabama and since the South pro-
duces over 50 percent of the nation's timber, such
a slowdown could cost the State millions of dollars
annually and the region billions of dollars.
The Auburn research team determined
that ozone, not acid rain, is a more immediate
threat to Southern pine forests. The researchers
found that genotypes, or families, of pine trees are
affected differently by ozone. Annual growth of
pine trees sensitive to ozone decreased up to 20
percent, while those not sensitive to the pollutant
had no growth reduction. The obvious next step is
to determine which pine families are and
which aren't affected by ozone.
At the acid rain level tested at Auburn, the
nitrogen content actually slightly improved pine
tree growth. However, most Southern soils are
deficient in nitrogen and sulfur - major compo-
nents of acid rain - so this wasn't really unex-
pected. The bad news from acid rain may come
when soils become saturated with these chemicals
and lose their ability to absorb, or buffer, nitrogen
and sulfur. If this happens, trees and crops in the
South would likely be damaged by acid rain.
Fisheries researchers at the Auburn Uni-
versity Marine Extension and Research Center in
Mobile generated a great deal of interest among
the State's seafood industry by attempting to raise
oysters in an inland pond. Salt water is pumped
into the small pond from nearby Portersville Bay,
near Bayou la Batre, and mixed with freshwater
from an artesian well.
This first of its kind experiment could
provide gulf coast fishermen a new way to
harvest an old crop. If successful, pond pro-
duction would overcome some of the environ-
mental hazards that have rendered many areas
of Mobile Bay unfit for oyster harvest. It also
would eliminate depradation by natural predators
and reduce the chance of disease, compared to
oysters grown in the bay.
The first crop of oysters (50,000) was
placed (inside narrow mesh bags) in a 1/10-acre
pond on April 27, 1990. These oysters were sampled
and sized, then placed in larger mesh bags
according to size. Initial growth was surpris-
ing, as the oysters grew to about 1 inch in
diameter in about 6 weeks. Market size is
about 3 inches in diameter. Hot weather and
other natural causes slowed growth, still re-
searchers expect to grow two crops in 3 years.
,:hers checking oysters (left) after about 6 weeks of growth.
% .... ' Experimental pond used to grow oysters (above) and resear-
~ r.
While oysters have been grown in
mesh bags in bays along the Southeastern
gulf coast, none have been grown in inland
ponds. The oyster pond at Portersville Bay is
about 1/4 mile from the water, but water for
the pond must be pumped nearly a mile, be-
cause water quality nearer the site isn't ac-
ceptable.
fvwkAr 
"s
Auburn researchers were instrumental
in identifying and documenting the first known
case of Lyme disease in Alabama in 1986. Though
few knew much about the ailment that is
transmitted to humans by ticks, news of this
first case stirred interest among State and re-
gional media. Subsequent national media atten-
tion has created an ongoing interest in the Lyme
disease research being conducted by the AAES.
In a cooperative media project with the
Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, AAES
researchers participated in a live satellite feed to a
Huntsville television station. Subsequent canned
video feeds to other stations around the State
created a new level of awareness of the disease in
urban areas of Alabama.
Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial organ-
ism that causes Lyme disease, has been identified
by the AAES research team in black legged and
lone star ticks. Black legged ticks are closely
related to the tick species known to vector Lyme
disease in the Northeast. However, the Auburn
research indicates that lone star ticks are more
likely to attach to humans. Thus, the primary
vector to the disease-causing agent in wild ani-
mals may be different than the one that transmits
the disease to humans.
Many people mistakenly believe that deer
play a direct role in vectoring the disease to hu-
mans. As part of this research effort, the Auburn
research team has sampled tissue from hundreds
of deer killed by hunters at State wildlife manage-
ment areas and has collected over 3,000 adult ticks,
but these pose no threat to man. It is the 
immature,
or nymphal, stage of the tick that vectors the
disease to humans. Deer are not affected by the
disease-causing organism and merely serve as a
host for ticks.
It is well documented that dairy cattle
herds have a leader or head of the herd. Cows
routinely fight for this position in the herd. When
cows are returned to the herd or new cows are
introduced into the herd, this type behavior can
reduce milk production and interfere with repro-
ductive efficiency.
To reduce this stress, researchers sprayed
one group of dominant cattle with anise oil before
they were introduced into a new herd, while a
second group was swapped, but not treated with
anise oil. Normally this type cow swapping gen-
erates several days of social jostling as the char-
acteristically dominant cows fight for the
leadership role. However, aggression in the
anise oil-sprayed herd was less than half that of
the untreated herd.
Perhaps the most important result of the
study was that milk production remained constant
in the treated herd for the first 3 days after treat-
ment. In the untreated herd, milk production was
reduced up to 1.5 pounds per day.
Simple enough! So simple and practical
in fact that the research report even made the ABC
nightly news and the Paul Harvey Report. It also
was featured on Hard Copy, a weekly news fea-
ture show produced by Paramount Studios and
distributed nationally on the Fox Network.
PRODUCERS AND CONSUMERS BENEFIT
FROM 1990 EXPERIMENT STATION RESEARCH
The Conservation Reserve Program re-
sulted in more than 2 million acres of erodible
farm land being converted from conventional
row crop agriculture to timber production.
However, on a reasonably large percentage of
the acreage planted (10-15 percent), complete to
nearly complete tree mortality was observed. Re-
planting these sites resulted in repeited pine fail-
ure. Furthermore, no
evidence could be
found by casual obser
vation as to the agent
or agents responsibhl
for this mortality.
Auburn re
searchers found that
root feeding insects
primarily white fringe
beetle larvae, in asso-
ciation with nema-
tode-fungal patho
gen interactions wert
largely responsible
for the excessive
mortality. Research
ers also found than
these agents were
exacerbated by the
presence of a well
developed plow-
pan, particularly in
years of drought. In
I1
4:
iE
r
( ,'
i.
jA
e .. ,
c 
a ?
New watermelon varieties provi
Alabama growers.
addition, it was demonstrated that herbicide
residues from past crop production and her-
bicides used in pine culture to control weeds
were not involved in the mortality problems.
This research demonstrated that large
10 regeneration efforts, such as the CRP, can un-
cover significant unforseen problems that can
be solved through research. This is particu-
larly important in light of the massive tree
planting programs that are proposed to com-
bat increasing CO levels in the atmosphere
and global warming.
The discovery
that plant introduction
189225 was resistant to
anthracnose and gum-
my stem blight led to
an Alabama Agri-
cultural Experiment
Station watermelon
breeding program to
develop multiple dis-
d s ease resistant breeding
lines that produce
high yield of excellent
quality fruit. This re-
, search led to the
development and sub-
0 %; r, Vo.K sequent varietal release
of AU-Producer and
7 " 4t s? -" , AU-Jubilant, which are
- now grown worldwide.
: The new breed-
ing lines being con-
de marketing flexibility for 
sidered for release are
AW-82-50-CS - a high
quality melon with very dark red flesh
and AW-83-1001-CSY - a high quality melon
with yellow flesh. They are superior to cur-
rent varieties in yield, quality, and disease
resistance. Both are distinctly different types
of fruits when compared to the current
varieties.
i;~
Timber harvesting research centered on
more efficient use of large mechanical harvesting
and handling equipment. All of these studies
included time, efficiency, and economy of harvest
equipment.
The rotary rake is a larger version of a hay
rake, consisting of four, 7.5-foot-diameter pin-
wheels with serrated edges connected to a beam
with jump arms. The rake is pulled behind a bull-
dozer or rubber-tired tractor to take residual ma-
terial from timber harvesting operations into
windrows. Distance, slope in the direction of travel,
residual material weight, swath width, and the
number of stumps were significantly correlated
with time to rake.
The best model to predict raking time
included distance and slope and explained 90
percent of the variability in the data. Predicted
productivity ranged from 2.6 acres per hour
for a 200-foot windrow to 4 acres per hour for
an 800-foot windrow. Costs for rotary raking
ranged from $15 to $29 per acre compared to $20 to
$40 per acre for conventional raking.
A larger study was conducted over a 2-
year period to examine the productivity of one-
pass shear and chop, one-pass shear and disc, and
shearing and discing operations for site prepara-
tion. The three shearing operations were signifi-
cantly affected by the amount of down and stand-
ing residual material, the number and size of the
remaining standing stems, stump diameter, and
slope in the direction of travel. Discing, which
generally follows shearing, was significantly af-
fected by the amount of down residual material
and stump number and diameter. Productivity of
shearing operations ranged from 1.1 to 4.9 acres
per hour depending on the conditions encoun-
tered. Productivity for discing operations ranged
from 2.2 to 6.0 acres per hour.
The Norcar 600TH harvester and 490 for-
warder compose a fully mechanized system for
thinning pine plantations. The 600TH can fell,
delimb, and cut-to-length (using sensor-input to a
microprocessor) approximately two trees per
minute. Tree size was the major determinant of
productivity. Predicted productivity was a func-
tion of tree diameter breast height (dbh), volume,
and the number of pieces processed. Productivity
ranged from 3 to 35 cords per productive machine
hour (PMH) depending on tree size. At an hourly
cost of $100, harvesting cost per cord ranged from
$35 to $4 per cord. The 490 forwarder produced
about 7 cords per PMH depending on the forward-
ing distance, the size of the pieces, and the distance
between piles. At a cost of $42 per PMH, the cost
for forwarding was $6 per cord.
The use of impure phosphate rock can
result in the formation of water-insoluble impuri-
ties in commercial phosphate fertilizers. There is
some concern about the effects that increasing
levels of water-insoluble impurity compounds may
be having on phosphate fertilizer performance.
A series of field and greenhouse studies was
conducted by AAES researchers to evaluate the
agronomic performance of triple superphosphate
(TSP) fertilizers as related to the level of water-
soluble P and metallic impurities. Six commercial
TSP fertilizers were collected and evaluated in field
and greenhouse tests. The sources were manufac-
tured from the major sources of U.S. phosphate rock
(Florida, North Carolina, and Idaho). One source
was manufactured from Morocco phosphate rock.
Water soluble P among the various TSP fertilizers
ranged from 80 to 93 percent.
The commercial fertilizers were shown
to be equally effective sources of P and under
greenhouse conditions the sources were as
effective as reagent grade monocalcium
phosphate (100 percent water soluble). Addi-
tional studies with TSP type fertilizer materi-
als showed that 90 percent of maximum
growth could be obtained when TSP fertiliz-
ers contain more that 63 percent water soluble
P. Thus, it was concluded that current levels
of chemical impurities in commercial TSP fer-
tilizers do not present an agronomic problem.
Research was conducted in 1990 to eval-
uate the effectiveness of thrips control in reducing
tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) on several
commercial peanut varieties. Aldicarb (Temik)
has been the most effective recommended insecti-
cide in controlling thrips which are vectors of
TSWV.
TSWV is a relatively new disease on pea-
nuts in Alabama. It was first widely observed in
1986 and has since spread to over 90 percent of
peanut fields in the State. Although its incidence
within peanut fields in Alabama has been below 3
percent, experiences in Texas and Georgia
provide cause for concern about its potential
increase.
Although thrips populations were re-
duced by the insecticide treatment, the inci-
dence of TSWV was not. However, there was
approximately 50 percent less TSWV at all lo-
cations in Southern Runner peanuts, while
GK-7 variety tended to have an intermediate
level of TSWV compared to the other two
varieties. These data suggest that at-planting
insecticides, while providing early season growth
of seedling peanuts, do nothing to lower TSWV
levels. However, a substantial reduction in TSWV
can be achieved using Southern Runner peanut
variety.
LATE-BORN C
White-tailed deer fawns
may be born as early as May
or as late as November each ~
year in Alabama. Though later
born fawns start out at a disad-
vantage, recent Experiment Sta-
tion research indicates these
deer catch up in size during their
second year.
In an AAES study, 25 '
male fawns were collected at
random from throughout Ala-
bama. Birth dates of these fawns
ranged from May 20 to Septem-
ber 2. Most were born in Au-
gust. Body growth and ant-
ler development 
were stud- 
Date of bi
ied through 24 months of age in antler
as part of 
the Experiment 
Sta- deer.
tion's ongoing white-tailed deer research.
Results showed these deer had similar
body and antler sizes at 16 months of age if fed
optimum diets. By December of their second
year there were no significant differences in
body weight or antler size regardless of
12 chronological age. Yearling males averaged
weighing 128 pounds, ranging from 111 to 150
pounds. Yearling racks averaged 4.2 points, rang-
ing from 2 to 8.
Yearling males lacking branched antlers
and having body weights below about 115 pounds
in Alabama should be considered the consequence
of inadequate amounts of good quality food, a
condition usually associated with having too
many deer.
Though later born deer catch up in
growth, the wide range of birth dates among
white-tailed fawns presents problems for popula-
tion managers. Most herd condition decisions are
made using body weight and antler size related
to age. Traditionally, wildlife biologists have
lumped all samples into whole year-classes. In
actuality, in Alabama and certain other areas of the
Southeast, deer within these year-classes may dif-
fer in true age by as much as 4-5 months. Hence,
body weight variation within the 1 1/2-year class
may be related to chronological age as well as
nutrition. It is important to evaluate each
animal's weight at a given
month of age rather than con-
sidering them collectively as
the same year-class.
Recent Experiment Sta-
tion research has resulted in
the development of an aging
key that will allow field bi-
ologists to accurately age white-
tailed deer by month through
about 24 months of age. The
key was developed by taking
dental impressions of a number
S of deer of known age each
month through 24 months
and observing and measuring
tooth eruption and growth
rates. This accurate aging
key will facilitate more ac-
curate herd evaluations and
: hence more precise manage-
ment recommendations.
rth and nutrition prove key elements
development of young white-tail
Fiber blends of various compositions play
an important part in textile and apparel markets.
Selection of proper recipes and sequences in
chemical processing, particularly dyeing, requires
knowledge of the blend composition. In mechani-
cal processing, quality control of the manufac-
tured products is essential in order to rectify the
machine errors in the blending of the fibers. At the
market level, the ability to check fiber blend com-
positions quickly and accurately is of considerable
importance and value.
Various methods are used for the analysis
of fiber blends. These include measuring moisture
regain, scanning electron microscopy, opticalat-
tenuation, bundle load-elongation curve 
analysis,
the use of microwave resonators, improved
methods of quick chemical analysis, infrared
spectrophotometry, and near infrared reflectance
spectroscopy.
AAES researchers have developed a
straightforward way of using analytical pyrolysis
to give an estimate of the blend ratio of textile
yarns and fabrics. The method has the advantage
of being quick and reproducible.
Although the equipment used for this re-
search is of a specialized and relatively complex
nature, the method could be adapted for commer-
cial use on a simple instrument dedicated to this
purpose.
Analytical pyrolysis was used to de-
termine blend levels in cotton/polyester
yarns. Instead of trying to separate the indi-
vidual compounds created by pyrolysis, the
gas chromatographic conditions were set to
move the pyrolyzates quickly through the
column, and measurement of the total area of
the peaks became simple and reproducible.
By pyrolyzing known specimens of pure and
blended fibers, a calibration chart and a re-
gression curve were created that allow un-
known specimens to be pyrolyzed and their
blend ratios to be calculated. The weights of
the specimens tested and the areas of the
resulting programs are sufficient to give ac-
curate and reproducible results in a short time.
Embryos collected from cattle within a
week of conception resist infections by many
pathogens, but surface contaminants could result
in infections of embryo recipient cows after trans-
fer. Research in the AAES has contributed to the
development of treatments to insure that embryos
for transfer are free of organisms that might stick
to the surface of embryos and carry infections to
recipient cows.
Recent tests utilized special chemicals
synthesized by chemistry researchers at Auburn
to disinfect embryos. It is expected that this ap-
proach will be effective against a variety of micro-
organisms, including some that are known to re-
sist other treatments. A universal treatment re-
sulting in specific pathogen-free bovine embryos
would allow the salvage of genetic material from
cows that are infected with selected diseases,
and it would enhance the marketability of this
germplasm both nationally and internationally.
The quality of water in ponds is affected
by the condition of pond bottom soils. In channel
catfish ponds, fish are fed year after year and
organic matter accumulates in bottom soils. High
concentrations of organic matter in pond soils lead
to low concentrations of dissolved oxygen at the
pond bottom and favor the accumulation of toxic
substances such as nitrite and hydrogen sulfide.
Recently, Experiment Station research was initi-
ated to develop techniques for lowering organic
matter concentrations in pond soils.
Concentrations of organic matter in pond
soils were compared after fish harvest in ponds
that had been aerated each night for 6 hours and in
ponds receiving only occasional emergency aera-
tion throughout the production period. The in-
crease in soil organic matter was 0.60 percent
(from 1.44 percent in the spring to 2.04 percent in
the fall) in the nightly aerated ponds and 0.96
percent (from 1.53 percent in the spring to 2.49
percent in the fall) in the emergency-aerated ponds.
Several techniques for treating pond bot-
tom soils between fish crops were tested in labora-
tory-scale experiments. When soils were flooded
with 2 inches of water, organic matter concentra-
tions increased over a 9-week period. 
However,
when soils were dried and exposed to the air for 9
weeks, organic matter concentrations decreased
by 0.25 percent. Other procedures, such as tilling
and liming dry soils, did not appreciably enhance
the rate of organic matter decomposition.
Thus, good aeration of ponds during the
production cycle and drying of pond bottoms
between crops appear to be a good way of reduc-
ing the rate of organic matter accumulation in
ponds.
Alice du Pont, the most widely available
cultivar of Mandevilla, is grown for greenhouse use
or as a horticultural annual in temperate areas.
This plant blooms over a long season and is useful
for arbors, trellises, or other supports about which
the stems can twine.
The vigorousness of Alice du Pont creates
production problems for the grower since consum-
ers are interested in manageable plants in flower.
To produce flowering plants, growers frequently
contend with excess vegetative growth that twines
around other plants and structures. In research at
the AAES, multiple applications of Sumagic, a new
triazole growth retardant, effectively suppressed
vegetative growth and resulted in compact flower-
ing plants of mandevilla.
In preliminary 
work,
a single application of 30
parts per million (p.p.m.), or
higher, of Sumagic retarded
growth excessively for at
least 6 weeks, after which
plants began to exhibit nor-
mal growth. All rates of
Sumagic induced leaf cup-
ping, delayed flowering, and
reduced bloom size.
Single applications
of 5, 10, 15, or 20 p.p.m. - .
of Sumagic did not provide
acceptable control of in- 4
ternode elongation. With
two applications of Sumagic,
5 p.p.m. was inadequate,
10 and 15 p.p.m. were ac-
ceptable, and 20 p.p.m.
was excessive in controlling
shoot elongation. Multiple
applications of all tested 
. .
rates of Sumagic effectively
suppressed elongation. As
the concentration of Sumagic
increased, the interval be- Growth retardant 
pr
tween applications increased vegetative growth of
from 28.5 days with 2.5
p.p.m. to 39.5 days with
14 20 p.p.m..
Multiple application of Sumagic at rates of
2.5 to 20 p.p.m., reapplied when shoots begin to
elongate, is an effective means of controlling ex-
cessive vegetative growth of mandevilla and may
provide growers with an additional management
tool in production of this flowering horticultural
annual.
,ves ef
mande
Vitamin C has several functions within
the body, including formation of adrenaline, nor-
mal absorption and utilization of iron, nor-
mal development of connective tissue, and indirect
effects on the body's ability to use fat as an energy
source. Vitamin C also seems to be necessary for
the normal production and/or release of "stress-
related" hormones, such as cortisol, from the adre-
nal gland.
AAES studies in-
volving animals indicated
physical activity signifi-
cantly reduced the vitamin
C content of liver and adre-
nal gland tissue compared
to values obtained in seden-
tary animals. In 
addition,
exercised animals that re-
- '1 ceived vitamin C at three
times the requirement level
had plasma cortisol concen-
., trations lower than a similar
group of exercised animals
.*. r receiving the requirement
. - : level for vitamin C.
S\ Results of hu-
man work indicate reduced
cortisol levels and lower
exercise heart rates in sub-
jects receiving 600 mg of vi-
tamin C per day (10 times
- the recommended daily al-
: lowance) as opposed to
- when the same subjects re-
ceived the recommended 60
mg of vitamin C per day.
Findings from all of these
fective in controlling 
studies suggest 
that diet-
villa. ary vitamin C require-
ments are increased during
periods of strenuous physi-
cal activity.
AAES researchers have been studying the
immune response of cattle to infectious bovine
rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV). This virus produces an
acute respiratory disease that can lead to fatal pneu-
monia, especially when it infects newborn calves.
IBRV is a herpesvirus and, like its human
counterpart herpes simplex virus, it has proven to
be an extremely challenging virus to immunolo-
gists. The problem in eliminating IBRV, or other
herpes viruses, from a population of animals is that
the virus often is able to remain hidden in an
animal for a long time until a stressful situation
causes it to reappear. It is at this time that the virus
can be transmitted to other animals.
The researchers are currently trying to
develop a safe and effective vaccine to prevent the
disease. One approach is to utilize recombinant
gene technology and insert viral genes into a
harmless live virus. The animals are vaccinated with
the harmless virus and the added viral gene ini-
tiates an immune response to protect the animal
against the virus from which the inserted genes
were obtained.
The approach being used for IBRV is to
identify regions on the molecules that are impor-
tant in inducing protective immunity, chemically
synthesizing these areas, and using these as a
vaccine.
Late-planted determinate soybeans usu-
ally yield less than soybeans planted at optimal
planting dates in the Southeast. This has been
attributed to reduced vegetative growth. Devel-
oping cultivars with indeterminate growth
habit has been proposed as a means of over-
coming the lack of vegetative growth in late-
planted determinate soybeans. Experiment Station
researchers compared two determinate and two
indeterminate soybean genotypes in two late-
planting dates and two narrow-row spacings to
determine the value of the indeterminate growth
habit in late-planted cropping systems.
Delaying planting from June to July had a
large effect on yield, regardless of growth habit,
but affected the determinates (30 percent yield
reduction due to delayed planting) more than the
indeterminates (23 percent yield reduction).
However, determinates were consistently higher
yielding throughout the experiment.
Row spacing, 24 versus 12 inches between
rows, had no effect on yield. Parameters most
related to yield involved branching ability,
such as branches per plant node and branch pods
per plant.
Superior branching ability was the most
obvious reason for the yield superiority of the
determinates. Although the indeterminates were
taller and had more main stem nodes per plant,
this did not translate into higher yield. Thus,
indeterminate growth habit had no advantage in
this late-planted, narrow-row cropping system.
, ? , , , " """ ,(, , , ' - ", ,'
Forestry researchers, with the overall goal
of increasing profitability of woodland operations,
made several significant contributions which em-
phasize cost-reducing measures and consideration
of risks.
A linear programming analysis of a case-
study industrial forest tree nursery showed that
nursery profitability could be increased by de-
creasing the planting density of seedlings sold to
the company and increasing the density of seed-
lings sold to non-company users.
An analysis was made of the production
structure of the U.S. paper and paper board indus-
tries. A translog cost function was estimated for
the period 1958 to 1985. Own price elasticities
showed energy demand to be most responsive to
price changes and material demand least respon-
sive. Technological change bias was energy using
and labor and material saving.
Models for examining risk-efficiency of
rotation age, site preparation, and species-site es-
tablishment decisions have been developed. A
model for examining risk-efficient planting densi-
ties is currently being developed. A model for
machinery replacement under risk was developed.
Results indicated that when risk is considered,
machinery replacement becomes optimal at shorter
intervals than in the deterministic case.
A study was conducted to examine the
influence of thinning systems (forwarder or
skidder) on stand damage and economic returns
from commercially thinned loblolly pine planta-
tions. At low levels of mortality the skidder sys-
tem resulted in higher economic returns, while at
high mortality levels the forwarder system was
preferable.
Pheromones, the odors by which insects
and other animals communicate over long dis-
tances with members of their own species, have
become important tools for monitoring and occa-
sionally controlling populations of problematic
forest insects. Properly formulated, the synthetic
pheromones act like their 
natural counterparts,
attracting only one or a few insect species, possibly
including their specialized parasites or predators.
How does pheromone specificity evolve?
The commonly accepted hvpothesis invokes com-
petition for a private
channel of communica-
tion among co-occurring
species. Experiment Sta-
tion research on phero-
mone communication
and courtship songs of
Ips pine bark beetles of
the Southern United
States challenges this
idea. Auburn researchers
have developed a new
and simplified hypoth-
esis: Specificity in
animal communication
systems, like those of
the bark beetles, may
arise as a simple by-
product of evolutionary
divergence.
Distantly re-
lated species of Ips pine
bark beetles, like the trio
of coexisting Southeast-
ern species, are not
pheromonally cross-at-
tractive. Even at trees
hosting a mixed infesta-
tion, males of these three
species reliably distin-
guish among the court-
ship songs of the differ-
16 ent species' females.
However, whether co-occurring or widely sepa-
rated geographically, genetically closely related
species of Ips pine bark beetles are attracted to each
other's pheromones. And once attracted, males
fail to discriminate against the squeaky courtship
songs of females of the other species, thus leading
to infertile pairings.
ROGEN A LMIT NG FACTOR IN
Sericea lespedeza is a long-lived peren-
nial that is used for forage production and soil
conservation. Since sericea is dormant during
winter, it is desirable to overseed it with winter
grasses to extend the productive season. Fertiliza-
tion of sericea lespedeza and grasses should be at
the rate for the grasses grown. Auburn research-
ers investigated the possibility that sericea lespe-
deza litter might have an allelopathic effect on the
companion grass. Allelopathy refers to inhibitory or
stimulatory reciprocal biochemical interactions
among plants.
II
'V-
~1.
I.
- ,?
Research demonstrates both the positive and negative effect
of sericea lespedeza on subsequent forage crops.
Ryegrass was
less affected by sericea
lespedeza residues than
rye and tall fescue.
Germination, emer-
gence, seedling growth,
biomass dry 
weight,
and N content were re-
duced by sericea lespe-
, deza residues in rye and
i tall fescue.
Although rye-
grass was more tolerant
to the residues, biomass
dry weight and N con-
tent were also reduced.
Soils in which sericea
lespedeza was grown re-
duced the growth of rye,
ryegrass, and tall fescue
and lowered ryegrass
germination.
rNitrogen was
the main factor limiting
plant growth. The large
effect of N fertilization
more than compensated
s for the negative effects
of the residues in all
species.
1
c
m~t: ;i.~-.,;f+
f
A similar study was conducted with the
summer grasses bermudagrass and bahiagrass.
Both plant species were found to have a similar
response to sericea lespedeza residues. These
residues were found to inhibit bermudagrass
and bahiagrass growth, but did not affect their seed
germination and emergence.
The harmful effects of sericea lespedeza
residues are small compared to the effect of N
fertilization. Nitrogen increased biomass dry
weight and N shoot content. Thus, N was the main
factor limiting plant growth.
Wild radish, a member of the mustard
family, is a common and troublesome weed in
Alabama wheat fields. Since it grows rapidly and
canopies over wheat, it is assumed to be competi-
tive, although the extent is not known. Also, wild
radish seed pods break into one-seeded segments
and contaminate grain during the harvesting op-
eration. These segments are difficult to remove
from the grain. Some reports suggest that wild
radish seeds are toxic to animals.
Research was initiated to determine how
competitive the weed is with wheat. Wild radish
was shown to reduce yield in a 11.6-square-foot
area by 28 percent, in 1988-1989, when the weed
had an average dry weight of 0.11 pound. This
translates into 15 bushels per acre if the potential
yield is 50 bushels per acre. The wild radish
population would be equivalent to 3,755 plants
per acre or one per 2 square yards.
Pick-your-own berry operations have be-
come increasingly popular in Alabama. Though
blackberries remain the most popular, growers and
consumers alike have shown much interest in red
raspberries. AAES researchers are conducting ongo-
ing tests to find more desirable varieties of both
blackberries and raspberries for Alabama growers.
Research was initiated last year to deter-
mine if any red raspberry cultivars can be adapted
to Alabama's climatic conditions. Twenty-two
different raspberry cultivars were planted at the
E.V. Smith Research Center and an extensive back-
ground search was conducted to find any new and
older forgotten cultivars which might have po-
tential for Alabama. Cultivars with a special
ability to produce a fall crop (primocane fruiting),
plus the standard summer fruiting cultivars, were
included.
Interest in red raspberries is extensive
because they are such a high value crop. For
example, pick-your-own prices have ranged be-
tween $1.00 and $1.50 per pound, while wholesale
priced fruit can sell for $1.25 to $2.00 per half pint.
Retail prices in the past have been about $2.50 per
half pint. Potential yields range from 2,000 to 5,000
pounds per acre.
Blackberry cultivars and cultural prac-
tices are being evaluated at the Chilton Area Hor-
ticultural Substation. New blackberry cultivars
have average yields of 8,000 pounds per acre on a
commercial basis. Of particular interest is a new
thornless blackberry cultivar, Navaho, which re-
quires no trellis system and has excellent flavor.
Cultural investigations include mechanical prun-
ing treatments to reduce pruning costs and in-
crease yields.
Blackberries show excellent commercial po-
tential as an alternative to traditional agronomic
crops in all areas of Alabama. Potential returns of
over $9,000 per acre make blackberries an attrac-
tive enterprise for Alabama farmers.
Research is continuing on the adaptation
of a SCARA-type robot for robotic transplanting of
bedding plants. A robot gripper, incorporating
infrared sensing and water application, is being
tested using marigold, geranium, and other vari-
eties. The robot system is being evaluated as a
component in the mechanization of transplanting
seedlings from plug flats to growing flats and pots,
a repetitive and monotonous task for humans.
Preliminary results show the robot can
transplant 1 seedling in 5 seconds with a success
rate of about 90 percent for marigold and gera-
nium seedlings. Further work is planned to in-
crease the speed and success rate, evaluate other
varieties, and develop automated handling sys-
tems to reliably move flats into and out of the
work cell.
Experiment Station researchers monitored
effects of reservoir tillage and LEPA (low energy
precision application) irrigation on water conser-
vation on cotton production. They found that
reservoir tillage reduces surface runoff and in-
creases irrigation efficiency.
Reservoir tillage, a method of implanting
small reservoirs in crop furrows, retains water that
might otherwise be lost as surface runoff.
LEPA increases water use efficiency by
providing water to the crop using drop tubes.
Water is released approximately 1 foot above the
soil surface. Thus, losses caused by wind are re-
duced with this method.
The energy requirement for the installa-
tion of reservoir tillage was between 6.5 and 9.3
kWh per acre, depending on soil compaction and
moisture content.
STUIC
ALTERN
CATFISI
Results of stud-
ies on the economics of
water quality control in
catfish production pro-
vide some interesting
insights concerning pol-
lution abatement for
consideration by Ala-
bama catfish producers.
I
A.,.
First, a study
completed in late 1989 .,:
showed that the con- " - -
figuration of the fish
pond system was im- '"
portant in minimizing 
Dammer Diker 
used to cr
cost of water quality moisture and reduce soil er
control. Using dissolved oxygen as the measure
parameter in water quality, alternative pond sys-
tem configurations and water treatment proce-
dures were evaluated via computer simulation.
Combinations of ponds containing at least
18 two different sizes were preferred over pond sys-
eate ir
rosion.
tems with only one size. A maximum of 20 acres
per pond was considered best when combined
with at least one 5-acre pond. The purpose of
different sizes was to allow reuse of a smaller
production pond as a settling basin for effluents
drained from other ponds during fish harvest
activities. It is well established that approximately
95 percent of pond waters may be drained into
receiving streams prior to harvest without seriously
impacting water quality of the stream. The re-
maining 5 percent of the pond water contains 95
percent of the effluent load.
The most cost effective water treatment
procedure other than simple dilution was a con-
structed marsh filtering system. A marsh filter for
a 60-acre pond system was found to cost about $20
per acre to construct and operate under ideal
conditions and acceptable final effluent concen-
trations (up to 100 milligrams per liter BOD).
Alternative systems, such as a sand filter 
system,
cost much more, but are more effective in remov-
ing most types of waste.
An evaluation
of the different effects
of charges on cat-
fish pond effluents
and standards for
alternative levels of
waste dumped into
streams showed that
r" fish production is
Sgenerally not respon-
sive to taxes on the
effluent level dis-
I charged. Producers
would have the tend-
,,,.-- M ency to raise stock-
ing levels to as
high as 6,000 fish per
I -i acre to overcome any
- acharges 
imposed. A
fee (tax) of $135
S .t would be necessary
;:. . to reduce production
and subsequent waste
discharged. Produc-
"< tion would tend to
n-furrow reservoirs to trap 
continue increasing
up to 6,000 fish
per acre as taxes were raised.
On the other hand, an imposed standard
would be quite effective in limiting production
and effluent discharge. In fact, a restriction on
chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration to
12 milligrams per liter would cut the rate of pro-
p;-rz
duction by 50 percent. Also, such restrictions
would tend to force shorter production periods (1
year versus 2), but would yield about the same
total fish production over time.
In Alabama, the production of broiler lit-
ter is estimated at 2 million tons annually. This
represents a sizeable resource that has potential
for development and utilization as a feed ingredi-
ent, a fertilizer, or for conversion to methane or
other products.
An AAES survey of broiler litter composi-
tion in Alabama indicates the average composi-
tion of litter is 24.9 percent crude protein, 23.6
percent crude fiber, and 24.7 percent ash. Based on
the survey results, broiler litter of average compo-
sition has an estimated value as a replacement for
fertilizer nutrients of $28 per wet ton of litter. Its
value in an 80 percent litter-20 percent ground
corn grain diet for beef cattle to replace a diet of
corn, Coastal bermudagrass hay, and soybean meal
is estimated at $105 per wet ton of litter, four times
the fertilizer value.
However, to be used 
as livestock feed,
litter should be processed to render it safe from
pathogens, and to preserve its feed nutrient value
for ruminants. A common method of processing
litter is by deep stacking. Litter stored in stacks
undergoes spontaneous heating which promotes
destruction of pathogens.
Although moderate heating may be ben-
eficial, AAES studies indicate excessive heating
(over 140?F of stacked litter for long periods of
time) can be detrimental to its feed value. Exces-
sive heating causes a decrease in available dietary
crude protein through volatilization of ammonia
and by heat damage, which reduces the solubility
of the remaining crude protein.
To be used as a ruminant 
feed ingredient,
litter should contain at least 18 percent crude
protein; less than 25 percent bound nitrogen
(BN), and 30 percent ash. Based on these criteria,
about 35 percent of the litter produced in Alabama
would not be a suitable feed ingredient. There-
fore, the value of litter is largely dependent on how
it is managed.
Heat damage of litter can be controlled by
maintaining litter moisture below 25 percent
and by covering the litter stack with polyethylene to
restrict access to air.
Stacks covered with polyethylene
achieved lower temperatures (about 112?F) than
litter stacks that were not covered (168?F). The
covered stacks had less phosphorus bound or
insoluble nitrogen (BN), compared to the not cov-
ered stack.
Additional AAES studies indicate the ef-
fect of excessive heating on litter quality can be
significant. The BN content of fresh litter is about
10 to 15 percent of the total nitrogen, but after
excessive heating the BN can increase to over 50
percent. As litter nitrogen becomes bound or
insoluble, less is available as a source of dietary
nitrogen.
Development of depressed rural econo-
mies is a major goal of the State of Alabama. One
characteristic of most undeveloped rural areas is
an abundance of natural resources. Auburn re-
search has shown that these type resources can
provide a vital element in economic development
if properly managed, developed, and protected.
A strategy for rural development through
expansion of the tourism industry (combined with
resource protection) was developed in 1990 for
Lowndes and Cleburne counties. The basis for
that strategy is organization within the county to
combine private and public initiatives into long-
range directions as opposed to immediate period
exploitive development. The analysis reviewed
the potential for using existing natural resources
as a base for expanding visitation to the respective
counties. For example, in Lowndes County, the
ongoing hunting and fishing industries provide
substantial visitation to the county, but nearly all
money spent immediately goes to neighboring
counties.
Cleburne County, on the 
other hand,
needed a focus on existing opportunities associ-
ated with the presence of the Talladega National
Forest and the highly popular historical base asso-
ciated with gold mining. Strategies were devel-
oped to include planning for transportation, city-
county organizations, public-private 
joint ventures,
development of the services sector, and rural-
urban conflicts.
Cleburne County was found to have the
potential for increasing its income by $20 million
annually. Lowndes County income projections
were somewhat smaller because only a portion of
the county was included in 
the evaluation. Yet,
income still could be expected to rise by $1.0-$1.5
million annually from expanding only hunting
and fishing in the northern sector of the county.
Thus, the economic impacts of using natural re-
sources as tourist attractors is significant in rural
Alabama counties.
COMP S
Mortality is a normal component of broiler
production. For a flock of 100,000 broilers grown
to 49 days of age and averaging 0.1 percent daily
mortality (4.9 percent total mortality), approxi-
mately 5 tons of farm mortalities require disposal.
Burial pits are commonly used for the
disposal of poultry farm mortalities, but the per-
sistence of residues after
years of use and the po-
tential for ground water
contamination are seri-
ous disadvantages. In-
cineration is one of the
biologically safest meth-
ods of disposal; how
ever, it is slow, ex
pensive, and may .
generate air pollution. i ,
Thus, identification oft "
alternative methods
for the disposal of
mortalities is a pri
ority of the poultry
industry.
A potential al- "
ternative is composting,
a natural process by
which organic waste
material is biotrans-
formed into a more use-
ful end product, 
in an Research 
demonstrates 
con
environmentally and beneficial method of dispos
biologically safe pro-
cedure. This alternative was evaluated in an
AAES study of a commercial on-farm composter
that determined changes in microbial popu-
lations, temperature, and moisture during a
typical composting cycle.
During composting, the population of to-
tal aerobic bacteria remained relatively constant
throughout primary and secondary composting.
Initially high levels of enteric (coliform) bacteria
declined only slightly during 
primary composting,
but were reduced to nondetectable levels once the
compost was aerated by transfer to the secondary
composting bin. Temperatures in the primary bin
increased within 3-5 days to 110-120?F and re-
mained steady until the material was transferred
(7-8 days) to the secondary bin. Temperatures in
the secondary bin quickly achieved 140-150?F and
remained steady over 25 days of composting.
Moisture levels varied from 25 to 45 percent.
Coliform bacteria were effectively inacti-
vated during composting, indicating that enteric
pathogens (e.g. Salmonella) would be inactivated.
Results further indicate that aeration due to trans-
fer of compost from the primary to secondary bin
is critical for temperature generation and the re-
sultant thermal inactivation of enteric bacteria.
Based on this evaluation, composting is an envi-
ronmentally and microbiologically sound method
for the disposal of poultry farm mortalities.
3INE PUM
VESTING
MISING FOR
Removing
fish from produc-
tion ponds for ship-
ment to processing
plants is a slow, ex-
pensive, and some-
times dangerous pro-
cess. For these reasons,
research is underway
at Auburn to improve
fish harvesting proce-
dures.
nposting to be an economical and
-ing of
;ing of
poultry mortalities. Three methods
of loading market
channel catfish (1 to 4 pounds) onto transport
trucks were evaluated. A negative-positive
pressure pump (pump N-P) and a turbine
pump (pump T) were compared with the tra-
ditional boom and basket method of loading
fish. The loading devices were tested for the rate
that fish could be lifted from a concrete holding
h~
rf~ i Y ii i\
.4~ 1
S
'i,
"" ~
tank to a transport tank (10-foot lift) and the
trauma caused by the devices during loading from
earthen ponds.
Significant differences in average loading
rates were found among 
treatments. Pump T,
boom and basket, and pump N-P loaded an aver-
age of about 660, 348, and 119 pounds of channel
catfish per minute, respectively. Fish mortality
due to loading trauma was not different among
treatments when fish were placed in earthen ponds
and held for 3 weeks after harvest during the
summer months. Harvest mortality with the pump
T, pump N-P, and boom and basket 
were 15, 11,
and 6 percent, respectively.
Fish mortality was higher using the pump
loaders compared to the boom and basket. How-
ever, the turbine pump loaded market channel
catfish at a rate approximately two times and six
times faster than the boom and basket and nega-
tive-positive pressure pump, respectively. Pre-
liminary tests indicate that the turbine pump may
be more effective at loading fish onto transport
tanks than the boom and basket and could have a
positive influence on the channel catfish industry.
AAES researchers, in conjunction with
Auburn's Department of Civil Engineering, as-
sessed the ecological conditions of 34 Alabama
reservoirs, ranging in size from a few hundred
acres to 66,000 acres.
The goals were to document water quality
and define the trophic condition of each reservoir
in order to better manage and protect Alabama's
public waters. This trophic condition refers to
relative levels of nutrients and microscopic plant
growth in reservoirs. With excess nutrients from
point source (e.g. waste treatment effluent) and
non-point source run-off (e.g. from fertilized fields
and urban areas), reservoirs can become eutrophic.
Eutrophic reservoirs exhibit accelerated plant
growth, and as these extra plants 
die and decay,
oxygen demand can exceed supply. These low
oxygen levels can kill fish and damage the food
chain. Taste and odor problems also can result
from eutrophication, as well as difficulty in pro-
cessing potable water.
Most reservoirs in the study had trophic
state index values in the 40's and above (scale 0-
100, with each increase of 10 representing a dou-
bling of algal biomass). Lakes that had high TSI
values (50's-60's) in a 1985 EPA/ADEM eu-
trophication study tended to remain high or in-
creased in this 1989 study. Of 
greater concern,
however, were those lakes that had low TSI values
during the 1985 study and in 1989 had more than
doubled their trophic ranking.
Previous research at the AAES showed
that channel catfish, unlike farm animals, are
sensitive to a dietary deficiency of vitamin C. L-
ascorbic acid is the vitamin C source used in com-
mercial fish feeds, but over 50 percent is lost in
processing and storage.
Each source of vitamin C was fed at four
dose levels, 11, 22, 44, and 132 parts per million
(p.p.m.) for 14 weeks. Fish fed no ascorbic acid
(control) and the lower levels of ascorbic acid
sulfate grew poorly and showed signs of scurvy
(crooked backs). Growth rate and condition of fish
fed ascorbic acid phosphate was equal to that of
the fish fed L-ascorbic acid, even at the lowest level
fed. Higher concentrations of ascorbic acid were
found in tissues of fish fed ascorbic acid phosphate
than in fish fed L-ascorbic acid which indicates
that ascorbic acid phosphate is more available to
catfish than L-ascorbic acid.
Regression curves for growth showed that
ascorbic acid phosphate has equal vitamin activity
to L-ascorbic acid, but ascorbic acid sulfate has
only 6 percent of the activity of L-ascorbic acid.
Regression of tissue storage of ascorbic acid showed
that ascorbic acid phosphate had more (175 percent)
vitamin activity and that ascorbic acid sulfate had
only 5 percent more than L-ascorbic acid.
'f"'"i A("'JrF rPeA lfP I r . lD7aTEc
Outbreaks of cotton aphids have recently
become more frequent and severe in some areas of
Alabama. In addition, when outbreaks occurred
in 1988 and 1990, they were difficult to control
with chemical insecticides.
Concurrent with increased problems with
cotton aphids, tobacco budworms developed high
levels of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in
Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. In
response to this threat, entomologists in these
states recommended pyrethroid resistance man-
agement systems based primarily on the use of
alternative insecticides, such as organophosphates
and carbamates, in early and late-season. How-
ever, these systems were implemented with little
knowledge of their effects on other serious pest
populations.
In 1988-90, AAES researchers conducted
experiments to determine if cotton aphid con-
trol failures in Alabama were due to the
development of insecticide resistance. Experi-
ments also were conducted to determine some
reasons for aphid outbreaks and the impact
of a pyrethroid resistance management sys-
tem on aphids.
In 1988 and 1990, several populations from
throughout Alabama were found to have devel-
oped resistance to many commonly used insecti-
cides, including pyrethroids and organophospho-
rus compounds. Thus, control difficulties were, at
least in part, due to insecticide resistance. Resistance
developed rapidly in re-
sponse to insecticide
applications, but for
tunately, it was als
lost rapidly when in
secticide pressure wa
reduced . In 1989, virtu i n s c
ally no resistance wa '
found. .- . . .
Cotton aphi
outbreaks were in
duced by insecticid, , .
applications, whici
reduce beneficial in
sect populations. Ir.
1 year of this stud k
key beneficials wer
small predators an
pathogenic fungi. Ir ,
another year, 
key na
tural control agents
were parasitoids and
small predators. Un-
fortunately, in both
years the non-pyre
throid insecticide used
in early season in the
resistance management
system caused 
a greater 
Increased aphid 
damage in c
aphid outbreak than pesticide applications.
did the pyrethroid.
This outbreak was not entirely due to de-
22 struction of beneficial insect populations, but
i!
:otton
appeared to be partially due to insecticide-
induced changes in the cotton plant.
Sicklepod is a problem weed which can
reduce soybean yields as much as 30 percent at a
density of one weed per foot of row. Control of the
weed is possible through use of herbicides, al-
though many herbicide treatments will only dam-
age sicklepod and reduce the weed height rather
than completely kill it. By understanding how
the height of sicklepod affects its ability to com-
pete with soybeans for soil moisture, produc-
ers will be able to make more economical
weed control decisions.
In a recent test near Auburn, sicklepod
was grown at densities of 3 per foot of row.
Sicklepod was allowed to grow unrestricted in one
treatment, clipped to
the height of the soy-
beans in another treat-
ment, and clipped to
half the height of soy-
beans in a third treat-
ment. These heights
were maintained from
4 weeks after planting
- ,, , to harvest.
At soybean
flowering there were
no differences in soy-
bean water-uptake be-
tween treatments, but
by pod-fill differences
were apparent. Soy-
beans took up only
3.1 ounces of water
per day with un-
"' restricted 
sicklepod,
compared with 5.1
ounces per day with
sicklepod clipped to
the same height as soy-
. ! beans, and 6.8 ounces
per day with sicklepod
clipped to half the
was directly linked 
to certain height 
of soybeans.
Sicklepod water use at
this stage was 
5.8, 4.2,
and 1.3 ounces per day for unrestricted, clipped to
soybean height, and clipped to half of soybean
height, respectively. Clipping sicklepod to half
the height of soybeans improved yields 35 percent.
Reduction in sicklepod height played a
major role in the water use of soybeans by reduc-
ing the amount of water taken from the soil by
sicklepod, thereby leaving more water for soy-
bean use.
Auburn research evaluated a new reo-
virus vaccine for vaccination of chickens between 1
and 7 days of age. This product, Enterovax?, is a
modified live virus vaccine made from a mild-
reacting, cell-cultured cloned reovirus.
In the first trial, day-old specific pathogen
free (SPF) broilers were used. Reovirus vaccine
was mixed with Newcastle disease (ND) and infec-
tious bronchitis (IB) and given as a coarse spray
(CS), and with infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus
vaccine and given to chicks by subcutaneous
injection (SQ) at 2 weeks of age. Chicks were then
challenged with virulent reovirus at 2 weeks of
age. Results showed that vaccinated chicks had
resistance to infection as indicated by the absence
of gross lesions and high body weights at 42 days
of age. Antibody titers against IBD, ND, and
IB showed no interference among the four vac-
cine viruses.
Trial 2 was done with commercial
broilers having maternal antibody to reovi-
rus. Birds were vaccinated at 1 day of age
with reovirus. Some of the Enterovax vaccinated
birds also were given Marek's Disease (MD) vaccine.
At 2 weeks, birds were challenged with either
virulent MD or reovirus. Results showed that
vaccinated challenged birds had significant resist-
ance to reovirus at 7 weeks of age. MD challenge
results showed no interference with the two vaccines.
The third trial was done in commercial
broilers with maternal immunity vaccinated
under commercial conditions. Birds were
vaccinated either in the company's hatchery at 1
day of age by CS or at 7 days of age in the broiler
house. Some of the 7-day-old vaccinates received
reovirus vaccine by CS and others by drinking
water (DW).
Birds were challenged with reovirus at 21
days of age. Birds vaccinated at 1 day by CS, or 1
and 7 days by CS, or at 7 days by CS, or 1 day by CS
and 7 days by DW had protection against chal-
lenge at 6 weeks of age. However, a single vacci-
nation at 1 day of age was inferior to the other three
vaccination regimes. There were no differences in
results between the three 7-day vaccine regimes,
indicating that a single vaccination at 7 days by CS
or DW is sufficient to induce resistance to infec-
tion. Results indicated that Enterovax given by CS
or DW route between 1 and 7 days of age will
effectively induce immunity in broilers with ma-
ternal antibody and will not interfere with other
vaccines given simultaneously.
Growing chickens on short days and then
exposing them to long light periods each day is
well known for stimulating onset of egg produc-
tion. From this basic principle has evolved the
standard practice of rearing broiler breeder re-
placements on a daily light regime of 8 hours light
and 16 hours dark when birds are from 2 to 20
weeks of age. It is not known, however, if shorter
days could be used without reducing the benefits
of the controlled light system. Reducing the hours
of light would be desirable because this could
reduce energy requirements for lighting and
thereby lower cost of rearing replacements.
An AAES study was done to determine if
different periods of daily light could be used with-
out detrimental effects on broiler breeder replace-
ments.
After 1 week in which all birds were sub-
jected to 23 hours of light and 1 hour of darkness
daily, these four light:dark ratios were compared:
4 hours light: 20 hours dark
6 hours light: 18 hours dark
8 hours light: 16 hours dark
10 hours light: 14 hours dark
Results show that females grown out with
4 hours of light:20 hours of dark daily matured 11
days later than those raised on 6, 8, or 10 hours of
light. As a result, the 4-hour light females reached
peak production later than the others, had lower
production during weeks 23-30, and had lower
total production to 50 weeks of age. In contrast,
there was no difference in production to 50 weeks
among those raised on 6, 8, or 10 hours of light
daily. In males, sexual maturity was delayed for 7
days by the 4-hour daily light regime. There were
no differences among the 6, 8, and 10 hours daily
light groups. Body weight, semen concentration,
and semen volume were unaffected by lighting.
Since the results show no differences
among the lighting regimes using 6, 8, and 10
hours of light per day, regimes other than the
standard 8 light:16 dark can be used for rearing
broiler breeder replacements. Where climate-con-
trolled housing is used, the 6 light:18 dark regime
offers an opportunity for reducing energy require-
ments for lower utility costs. For operations using
natural light and natural ventilation, the 10 hours
light:14 hours darkness regime would be more
economical.
The effect of planting date and tillage
system on the abundance of several insects in con-
ventionally tilled Florunner peanuts was examined
in a 2-year, replicated field experiment at the
Wiregrass Substation in Headland. Late May and
* v .
Late planting date increases risk of lesser cornstalk borer
damage in peanuts.
mid-June planting dates and conventional, 
reduced,
and burned-stubble tillage systems were evaluated.
Burned stubble was evaluated because the
literature indicates that lesser cornstalk borer moths
may be attracted to recently burned areas. The abun-
dance of the two pests (lesser cornstalk borers and
click beetles) and two predators (ground beetles and
24 earwigs) was monitored weekly with pitfall 
traps.
Lesser cornstalk borer, earwig, ground
beetle, and click beetle counts varied with year.
More lesser cornstalk borers and ground beetles
were captured in traps in 1986 than in 1987, whereas
more click beetles and earwigs were captured in
1987. Approximately 1.9-fold more lesser cornstalk
borers were captured in traps from late-planted
peanuts in both years. Earwig abundance was unaf-
fected by planting date. Ground beetles were more
abundant in late-planted peanuts in 1987, but plant-
ing date did not affect abundance in 1986.
Tillage system did not affect the abundance
of any of the insects monitored in either year, and
no increase in lesser cornstalk borer abundance in
burned-stubble plots was noted.
These experiments indicate that avoiding
planting late should effectively decrease lesser
cornstalk borer abundance, and that burning stubble
will probably not increase lesser cornstalk borer
abundance.
OUTLYING RESEARCH
UNITS PROVIDE DIVERSITY
FOR RESEARCHERS
The Alabama Agricultural Experiment
Station is headquartered at Auburn University, but
it has research units located throughout the State.
Most of these are called "substations," with the name
derived from a "sub" unit of the Main Agricultural
Experiment Station at Auburn. This system of out-
lying research units provides researchers with the
opportunity to conduct tests in different soil types
and under different climatic conditions, bringing
localized technological advances to all parts of the
State. Many of the project summaries in this publi-
cation include data from one or more outlying units.
The roots of the outlying research system,
which now consists of 11 substations, three experi-
ment fields, four forestry units, the E.V. Smith
Research Center, and two other locations, go
back to the Alabama Legislature of 1927. This
forward-thinking group of legislators passed an
act providing for no less than 10 experiment
fields and five substations to be located in
the five primary soil districts of the State.
The five original substations, located at
Belle Mina in the Tennessee Valley, Crossville on
Sand Mountain, Marion 
Junction in the Black Belt,
Headland in the Wiregrass, 
and Fairhope on the
Gulf Coast, are still an integral 
part of the outlying
unit system. Between 1945 
and 1948, additional
substations were established 
at Camp Hill in the
Piedmont, at Winfield 
in the Upper Coastal 
Plain,
and at Camden in the Lower Coastal 
Plain. To sup-
port specialized agriculture, horticulture 
substations
were established at Cullman 
(North Alabama Hor-
ticulture Substation) and at 
Clanton (Chilton Area
Horticulture Substation). To 
serve the State's grow-
ing nursery industry, 
the Ornamental Horticulture
Substation was established 
in Mobile.
The latest edition to the outlying 
research
system, The E.V. Smith Research 
Center, is in real-
ity an extension of the Main Station 
research facil-
ity. As enrollment continually 
increased at Auburn
University in the late 1960's 
and early 1970's, it
became evident that the old, 
soil-worn research
areas on campus would have to 
be moved to allow
for expansion. The culmination 
of this shift in
research facilities came in 1978, 
with the dedication
of the E.V. Smith Research 
Center in Shorter.
Located about 30 miles south 
of Auburn, the
3,800-acre Center is divided into 
beef cattle, dairy-
ing, agricultural engineering, 
horticultural crops,
and agronomic crops areas.
Collectively, these outlying 
units provide
one of the top research facilities 
in the Nation.
Researchers can conduct 
tests on a wide range of
soils and climatic 
conditions. For example, 
corn,
cotton, and soybeans are grown 
statewide, but pro-
duction problems in the Tennessee 
Valley may not
exist on the Gulf Coast.
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL
EXPERIMENT STATION
REPORT OF REVENUES FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
The outlying research units 
provide an op-
portunity to conduct tests on 
specialized crops that
are endemic to particular areas 
of the State. For ex-
ample, peanuts are grown only 
in a 12-county area
in southeast Alabama, yet 
this crop is annually
among the top money-making 
row crops in the
State. Field tests on peanuts 
outside this area would
not be applicable to problems 
encountered by
growers, because of soil and climatic 
differences.
The outlying unit system also 
provides
facilities for researchers to conduct 
research on
specialized crops and 
commodities. For example,
much of the fruit and vegetable research 
is con-
ducted at the two horticulture substations, 
while
specialized work to help the State's 
nursery industry
is conducted at the Ornamental 
Horticulture
Substation.
This diversity allows small teams 
of AAES
researchers the opportunity to 
field test concepts
and theories and greatly eliminate 
geographic dif-
ferences as causal agents. The 
AAES outlying
research system also provides the 
statewide and
specialized field testing necessary 
to provide data
used by the Cooperative Extension 
Service to base
recommendations for various 
crop and livestock
production practices.
Another value of outlying units 
is the op-
portunity offered to farmers, home owners, 
and
other Alabamians to view research first 
hand. Field
days and other open house programs 
held each year
make Auburn research readily available 
to the
public.
Appropriated Funds
State
State paid employee benefits
Federal
Contracts and Grants
Federal
State
Private
$15,497,148
1,804,496
3,964,429
1,979,598
843,005
2,169,555
51.3%
6.0%
13.2%
4,992,158 16.5%
Auxiliary Revenues
Sales of research projects
Diagnostic services & feeds
Interest and royalties
Indirect & other cost recoveries
Total Revenues
3,128,065
253,832
197,991
356,178
3,936,066 13.0%
$30,194,297 
100.0% 25
DIRECTOR'S
RESEARCH
AWARDS
Dr. Jacob Dane Dr. David South
Dr. Jacob Dane, professor of agronomy and soils, was the recipient of the 1990 Senior Director's
Research Award. Dr. David South was the recipient of the assistant and associate professor level Director's
Research Award. Each award includes a $10,000 grant to be used for research by the winning scientist.
Dane is an internationally recognized authority in the area of hydraulic properties of soil. These
data are essential to development of computer models that can predict water movement through soils. He
developed a new procedure that minimizes the differences between predicted and measured water content
and was instrumental in improving the soil water flow equation through the introduction of an adaptive
grid spacing technique.
South is an associate professor of forestry and is well known throughout the State, national, and
international forest industries for his expertise in forest regeneration. He is probably best known for his work
with forest herbicides, which are now used extensively and save forest nurseries in the South an estimated
$2 million annually.
-Dr. Christine Sundermann was selected Alumni
Professor for outstanding research and teaching in
parasitology and protozoology
-Dr. Rodrigo Rodriguez-Kabana was elected
Fellow in the Society of Nematologist and Honorary
Member (highest award) of the Organization of
Tropical American Nematologists.
-Dr. Lee Stribling was chosen Wildlife Conserva-
tionist of the Year by the Alabama Wildlife
Federation.
-Dr. Keith Causey was selected Wildlife Educator
of the Year by the Alabama Wildlife Federation.
-Dr. Kira Bowen was appointed as a 3-year
Associate Editor of Phytopathology Journal.
- Dr. Paul Backman was named Associate Editor
of Plant Disease Journal.
-Dr. Gareth Morgan-Jones was selected as Editor
of Cryptogamic Botany.
-Dr. Barry Jacobsen is President-Elect of the
Association of Plant Pathology Department Heads
and Chairpersons.
- Dr. James Sartin was elected Editor of Domestic
Animal Endocrinology.
-Dr. C.R. Rossi was named President of the
American Association of Veterinary Immunologists
- Dr. Victor Panangala was elected to the Board
of Scientific Reviewers of the American Journal of
26 Veterinary Research.
-Dr. David Stringfellow is Editor of the Second
Edition of the Manual of the International Embryo
Transfer Society.
-Dr. Troy Best was named Editor-in-Chief of the
Journal of Mammology.
-Dr. Nick Hollar was named Editor-in-Chief of the
Wildlife Society Bulletin.
- Dr. Ralph Mirarchi was named Editor-in-Chief
of the Journal of Wildlife Management.
-Dr. Bill Fisher received a Special Achievement
Award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
-Dr. Tom Lovell was appointed to the Commit-
tee on Animal Nutrition by the National Research
Council of the National Academy of Sciences.
-Dr. John Plumb received the S. F. Sniezko
Distinguished Service Award from the Fish Health
Section of the American Fisheries Society.
-Dr. Cliff Flood was awarded the Distinguished
Agricultural Engineer Award by the Alabama Sec-
tion of the American Society of Agricultural
Engineers.
-Dr. Bill Hardy was elected President of the
Southeast Decision Sciences Institute.
-Dr. John Adrian was elected President of the
Southern Agricultural Economics Association for
1990.
allYI~