J~&LLIG -T Y A aI n p a k w y'.-DI C 5e c-J ) 1y - ' ' it IY STATION ANNUAL REPORT 1996 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR ............................................. COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION OF RED SNAPPER MADE POSSIBLE BY AAES STUDY............ BOLLGARD INCREASES COTTON YIELDS, BUT REDUCES PRODUCTION COSTS . ... .... ...... .. . NEW BIOENGINEERING TECHNIQUE COULD RESULT IN BETTER B.T. COTTON ........ ....... . BACTERIA FOUND TO IMPROVE SEEDLINGS IN PINE NURSERIES ... ..... ......... ..... ... . BREAKTHROUGHS POINT TO IMPROVED PROTECTION AGAINST POULTRY RESPIRATORY DISEASE... SCIENTISTS SEEK TO PREVENT COSTLY CELLULITIS DISEASE IN CHICKENS. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 5 IRRADIATION EXTENDS GROUND BEEF SHELF LIFE SIX WEEKS ...... .... .. ... ..... .... .. 5 PROTEIN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DAIRY CATTLE TOO HIGH ..... ... ........ ... .... ...... 6 SESAME ROTATIONS CONTROL NEMATODES AND PROVIDE ALABAMA A NEW CASH CROP.. .. .. ... 6 AGGRESSIVE AAES VARIETY TRIAL PROGRAM SINGLES OUT TOP VEGETABLES .. .......... .... .7 UNDERSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF GRAZED PASTURES . ..... .. ..... .... ... 7 ALABAMA AGRICULTURE WATER NEEDS TO TRIPLE BY 2050 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. 9 ZOOLOGISTS DEVELOP UNIQUE INDOOR LAB TO STUDY FRESHWATER MUSSELS. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9 ALABAMA TIMBER INVENTORIES ARE DECLINING. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ... .. ... ... .. ... ... 9 OFF-STREAM STORAGE PROJECT GOES INTO FULL SWING IN 1996....................... 10 TEXTILE RESEARCH RESULTS IN IMPROVED PROTECTIVE GARMENTS .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ..... 10 AAES PROJECTS APPROVED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1 996............................... 11 1996 FINANCIAL REPORT......................................................14 ON THEL COVER: WoXrtkers instill a high-density poly ethy lene liner in the 1 3-acre off-stream stonige reservoir at the AAES Tennessee Valley Subttition in Belle Mini. The facility allows researcheis to develop in ir rigation water suipply that is reliable, enwironmentally sustain~ithle, anal does not compete vvith other\ tiucr nieeds Sp1)ring 0 9 97 Vol u me 4 4 N urm h er I A QI \RI FRIl RI pORI OF RI \RCH Pt HI '011[) In~ I IE AL \BA IA ARiK til R \I. EXPERIIIA Ni Si xi IO. At HI RN UN NI\ FRSIT). JAMB1S MARION ... DA\VF)ID FM .... I MMII_ THOMPSON JI INI FFFN-TUN . . . S'Il WARI NCIINFIIIR R IM Ni IlX)SIN( R ... PAI (GRIE .. ..N. ROY ROB1RS1 ....IN ('AIl iRINI SMIT ..I ROBYN HEFARN... TE RESA RODRIGUE FL .Asoci~ate IDirector .Associaate D~iecitor .Associtale irttcor .Associte irttcto .Asociae IDiretor .. Associate E-ditor ... Art D~esigner EITIORIAL CO)MMITIE: Art ('happelka._ Asstcite Prtofesor ofForstry:i Rtobett Nelson. Associatec Professor tof Agricuilturatl Econtmtics and Rttral Stotioogy : Art Avxery. Prtess',o, Schootl tof Humttan Scietnces, David Sirtigetllo. Associaie P'rotlesor tof Animal Heatlth Researc.h: Beth Gne lal. AssistIant Professot otf Agrtotnmy and Sils: Geoffrey /cehnder, Asstc'iate Prtofessor of FEintmology, and Roy Rtoherson. EIT OR'S NOTE. Mentiont ot trade tamte, does not tttdicate eitdOt~ettteit by the Ailthatna Agticulturali E xpet itent Sttiton o Athurt I to erst\ ot Otne brand ox er antother. Anyx ut e o pesticide tales ttt exce. of labeled amtiuotst in reseacht eporied does. no cont.titutte ecom-i ttettdation of tuct rate. Snch toe itsiply part of he si- enitttlc tflestteatto) nean~r to ex attnate 'aInott. mtetnr aN, No chemical shIould he xt ed attt rttes abox e ihose per- mitted by the label. Ittlorttattott contained hteteti t'. ax ,i- ahle to all peronsx wxithout regttd to race. color, sex, or natonl triin She Alabama Agricultural Experiment Statiu i .\. \. i i,, signiant changc in 19i( as the A-\I administration was merged with the College of Agriculture Dean's Office, and deans of the four other AAES-affiliated colleges and schools were named AAES associate directors. These administrative changes were made to reduce overhead costs and make the AAES more supportive of faculty and departmental units respon- sible for research needed for clientele and citizens of Alabama. Never has AAES needed more help from the people it serves, and never have our clientele needed AAES more than at this time. We need a strong faculty, good facilities, and adequate operating budgets. While state bud- get reductions make these needs more acute, many entities are coming to our rescue. A coalition of agriculture, forestry, and veterinary medicine leaders are sponsoring legislation for a bond issue for new and renovated buildings at Auburn. This supplements gift dollars given by individuals and organizations for building programs. Other orga- nizations support our research through grants and contracts at the highest level ever. Also, alumni and friends of the five AAES-affiliated colleges and schools are generously giving annual dollars for overall academic support. We have the challenge now of (1) keeping the AAES organizations strong and effective in Alabama, (2) join- ing with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in more cooperative research/extension efforts, especially at AAES locations across the state, and (3) supporting teaching efforts, especially at the graduate level where research expertise will be developed for future years. This issue of Highlights is a unique product. It constitutes the 1996 AAES Annual Report. Making the Annual Report part of Highlights represents a significant cost savings for the AAES and puts the report before a much wider audience. Your comments on the report and its new format will be welcomed by this new director and Ils aissociates. James i. Marion Director, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station 1 AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 snappe~r habitats and co/lid leadl toi iiirLl'ds fi ) ii itmi i i/ priodttiir h NViI-/i'ivalue fish;. AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1 996 labama Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) research - conducted by faculty in Agriculture, Forestry, Hunn Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Sciences and Mathematics constantly changes to meet the demands of the modern world. However, one factor never changes: AAES' commitment to the traditional land-grant mission of advancing the production of food and fiber, protecting our environment and natural resources, and improving the quality of life for all Alabamians. From basic to applied science, AAES research provides direct benefits to the industries that drive Alabama's economy and to all citizens of the state. Following are but a few examples of benefits provided by Experiment Station research in 1996. +MME- RCAL PRODUCTION OF RED ,APPER MADE POSSIBLE BY AAlS and Alabama Marine Riesources reseatrcher s in 1 996 wsec the first to stccessfulls' iaise red snappers in captivity. In all previous attempts to raise snappetrs, thle fish never lived past 21 days. In the ctincnt pr oject, red snappers have strvived more than eight months and are well past the most criica 1 times when death could occ. Information gained in the study helped define the complete red snapper life cycle, which will allow resonurce ronagers to identify and preserve ciritical snapper habitats. lus, the ahility to grow red snapper in captivity could one day lead to the development of technology to taise the fish in ponds or special cages stspended in Mohile Bay or the (tlf of Mexico. Ayuacultire researchers closely' simulated the red snappers hahitat in outdoor tanks at the Marictltre (entci in ;ulf Shores. 'I anks vere stocked with algae and small cus- taceans to create a natutral food chain. (utlf-caught red snap- pers wetC atrtifcially spaws ned, and the resulting eggs vcre placed into the tanks to hatch. The oung snappers are no5 spending the wsinter in indoor tanks. Aided h an intensiv e thr c-cear AAES reseatrch effort, Alahama gtows ers led thc entitre cotton belt in tuse of Monsantos ness genetically crngineetcd cotton Bolh'atd, wshich is highly resistant to the devastating tobacco hud- worm. With thc wide adoption of Bollgard, the state's cot- ton fields y iclded an average oif 75() pottnds pet acte the second highest cotton lint s icld in Alabama history. Some producer had yilds approaching 1,50() pounds pet acre. Bollgad, a Deltapite cotton vatriet, expr esses a Bacilu/ thiriugis (B.t.) gene that pioduces protetns toxic to hudworms. In studies at the AAES Ptrattville Experiment Iicld, entromologists ftind that Bollgard is 99%i6 effective at controlling thle Itudssotli. AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 (1Imso~ns in 199 l used the bioengineered cot- ton as part of an Auburn- developed Integrated Pest Management (I PM) pro gram. L ess than 201%l of Y Alabama's 1996 cottjo acreage wxas sprayed with , , insecticides. 'laking int account the cost of usili the Bg. cotton, use of th IPM program reduced ti cost Of cotton insect coll trol abott $46 milliot. from the previois year. that ca o be lsd a'to prlodeh more B negati'e side-eflec ts o traditional -T C' r 'Pil I{j T- AAES molecular biologists in the Department of Borany and Microbiology have developed a new method for genetically transforming plants which could revolutionize efforts ro develop bioengineered crops. Researchers are now using the technique to create a new type of B. t. cotton that would be even more effective than Bollgard. Bollgard and other transgenic crops were trans- formcc by placing a foreign gene in the single set of chro- mosomes that reside in the cell nucleus. This means rhat there is only one copy of the gene in each cell. lhe new AA[S technique allows researchers to place foreign genes in a plant's chloroplasts, which means thousands of foreign gene copies woild be expressed per cell. Because of the low expression of the B. t. genes used in Bollgard, insects can develop resistance to the insecticidal proteins produced by the transgenic plant. Magnifying the expression by thou sands will I e .Y I e Int inselts from developing resistance. The new genetic engi- neering approach would also prevent "out-cross" problems that could oth- erwise lead to develop- Inent of weeds resistant to pests and herbicides. IMPROVE EDLINGS IN U, . ~Without methyl bio- Ci ouneering ie/11c mide, an ozone-depleting ffec(tie transgenic cC rops litthourt the bioenin ertdlants.h fumigant scheduled to be banned, forest nutrseries may not be able to produce the seedlings that are the foun- dation of the Soith's massive forest industry. In an effort to find an environmentally friendly alternative, AAES forestry researchers have identified several root-colonizing bacteria that allow a nursery to produce more and bigger seedlings. Using bacteria shown by the AU Biological Control Institute to promote growth in agronomic crops, forestry researchers found that some strains helped seedlings emerge from the ground up to three days earlier than untreated seeds. These bacterial treatments also pro- duced tp to fotr extra seedlings per sqtare foot, and all were of greater overall size and quality. Although the bacterial treatments did help control seedling diseases, they were not as effective as methyl bro- mide. In an effort to provide pine nurseries more effective biologically based tools, researchers are screening bacteria from nnrseries in hopes of discovering strains that specifi- call' benefit pines. 4 AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 PRoTEclION AGAINS Aycophamna gallisepticuum, which causes a debilitating chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in poultry, is difficult to detect and control with currently available technology. Rcsearchers in the AAES and AU College of Veterinary Medicine have identified two M. gallisepticum proteins that are viral mechanisms in the bacterium's abiliry to cause CRD and resist treatment. Further stidy of these proteins will aid in the development of effective diagnostic tools and immunization strategies against CRD. One protein, an "adhesin," enables the bacteria to adhere to the host's respiratory tract tissies. The other protein, an "agglutinating antigen," makes the organism highly adapt- able and resistant to the chicken's immune system, as well as current vaccines. Due to the P~oultr' scientist are testiln tratn presence of antigens on tile bacterium's membrane sur- face, infected poult or C'RD carriers could be detected by reacting tie blood sertm from an affect- ed chicken with the . gallisepticum agglutinating (cltmping) protein. " Researchers have identified the genes that encode for these two proteins. (irrent efforts are directed toward cloning the genes n / fscherichia coli baeteria t( produce large quantities oI the proteins for rse in effon1 - to develop a new diagnostic test and more effective treat ments for C(RI). mett Avian celluliis is an escalating problem for the U.S. poultry industry, costing more than $40 million annually. 'Ibis disease, characterized by large infections under the skin, causes a bird to be condemned by USD)A or severely trimmed at processing. Research by AAES poultry scientists has shed new light on the problem, including information that may one day provide a cure for this disease. Researchers developed a method to realistically induce the disease in chickens. This experimental model is now used to evaluate potential antibiotics and vaccines in cooperation with veterinary pharmaceutical companies. Some of these treatments have shown promise for controlling cellulitis. The experimental for a disease that costs the pool- model is also used to study the disease-causing mecha- nisms of cellulitis. Using molecular techniques, re- ea ,cIchers found that cel- Iulitis infection is caused by a unique form of . Coli. Identifying the characteris- w tics of these bacteria and \ ploiting any weaknesses tond will enable scientists to develop new preventa- tive strategies. :ETENDS - SELF LIFE SIX ia ~ OUND BEEF U.S. Department of ( i Agricilture officials are 5 AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 r~aidLOI) [I ,. ~t itio to, tI )ll() tIhe i ladiation of giirud beef, 1o imriove its safety and shelf life. In preparation for this development, AA[ S food scientists are examining the ef'fects of v arious levels of radiation on shelf lif'e, bacterial content, snoyproperties, and nutr itional quality of ground beef. Researchers are testinrg low doses of gainma radiation ranging from 1-7 kilograys (k( ;y); 1 kGy equals 100,000 rads. IPrelimrnarv results show that ground beef treated with 5-7 k(y wx 5as safe for conisumption antd of good quality up to six weeks in refigeration. I lowsever, meat treated with 7 kGy developed an "off-odlor" and strong aftertaste after six weeks of fr ccitt storage In the conitrol treatment, tintreated, refrig- erated ground beef was inedible within a week. Another interesting finding is that low dloses of radi- ation (1-3 kGy) appear to merely' injure . ('oil and bacteria associated wvith spoilage. Initial couints indicated no bacteria suvive'd, regardless of dlose level. But the bacteria recovered ini low-dlose treatments, whcereas doses of 5-7 k( v killed all hatter ia. Results from the vitamin content sttrdy are not yet anarlvced. HkU I LN F LUUMMvLNDA Fl \ID t:'V (tn Tn1 Fi'r MIilk produiction is oin the increase in Alabama; the statt' imrported 700% of its milk in 1 980 btrt now mntst imrport only 409/60. AAE S r'tsear'ch cotdl sptrr fzurther gr'owth in Alarbama's 270-farm dairy incdsry by scrbstanriall, curtting cows an 1 8? protein diet thi ough cdas 90) of the 305-~das milk production cycle, 1 5.5%0 to tday 180, then 1 3% 1 for the rest of' the lactation period. Based on recent research, dairy scientists suggest feeding cows 180% dietary protein throuigh day 60, then decreasing it to 14% throtrgh day 250. ']'his reduction saved approximately 57 cents per cow per clay but resurlted in abouit the same milk yield as the etirren tly' recommended dliet. Not overfeedi ng pro~tei n also decreases the t'nvi ron- mental impact of dairy operations. L ess protein in the diet means less nitrogen discharged f'romi animal holding facilities. MATODES AND PROVIDE ALABAMA Cotton, peanuit, and soybean produicers desperately need a weapon against nermatodles to replace furmigants that have been or stoon will be banned. AAES plant pathologists have found that planting sesame in rotation with these ctops nott cnly provides excellent nematode control, it has the potential to provide the stare a marjor new cash crop. Giv en a current market valuie of 25 cents per potund for sesame, researchers found that the break-even point for prodlucing the crop is 400 pounds per acre. E~xpe'rimental AAL'S plots in 1996 prodcltcl x'ieldls tip to 1,500 pouinds of sesame per acre. The world average sesame yield is 500-600 poun rd s. fe'c'd costs for lactating coXV5. I )airv scientists demnoristi atetl that exccl- let' milk~ procduction and Iliglict profits are possible by fettling less dietary pit) tein, the most expeilsi ctmpn enoitit of a coiw's tiet. Current recoitt mndttat ions at c to iee Es/n') nent .Stratton sesame fields in 1996 yielded uabout three times utore than the world aere sesame yield. 0-00A ~ '~'& r '~'' Tests also showed that pcanutt yieltds were sign ifica ntly enhanced in findts previouisly plamntedc in csamne. Another accom- plishment of the past y'ear ,ga the design of minor Atdaptations that will allow qtipment commonly necd in Alabamia to harvest AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1 996 sesanie. Researchers continucd to work out the details on how, when, and where to plant sesame in Alabama. In 1997, researchers will plant cotton and soybeans in fields that produced sesame in 1996. VARIETY TR Vegetable growers CAI daunting challenge in variety selection: there sometimes air hundreds of varieties of each crop r and the mix of varieties constanrl* changes. 'lo help prodtcers meet this challenge, AAES has empha- AA[FS resean hl / lon ili affcts erosion anld nutrien sized comprehensive variety trials - including both commercially available and experimental varieties since spring 1994. Since performance is affected by many factors, at least three years of study arc needed to scientifically identify Alabama's top-performing varieties. Based on results to date, researchers have identified the best-performing tomatoes, cucumbers, cantaloupes, watermelons, honeydew melons, sumler squash, green bell peppers, colored bell peppers, and white, yellow, and bi-color sweet corn. Other crops in the program include southernpeas, zucchini, sweetpotatoes, okra, pumpkins, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce. Variety trials provide other benefits as well: they offer a format for demonstrating different groving systems, and they stpport studies related to nutritional quality, con- sumer preference, and post-harvest handling. In addition to benefitting Alabama growers, variety trial results are applica- ble from Tecxas to North Carolina. nt ru L NVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF GRAZED AAFS agronomists and agricultural engineers are working to understand the importance of manage- nent variables on erosion, urface runoff, and nutrient 05lss from grazed pastures, especally those fertilized V ith poultry litter. Prelim- z natry results indicate that b e selection of forage pecies can play a role in minimizing these problems. elr/rou /of t specks Regardless of grazing noff fromgrazed pastures. pressure, pastures of upright bunchgrasses such as switchgrass allowed more runoff and sediment in one year than more pros- trate bunchgrasses such as tall fescue, or low-grow- ing grasses such as common bermudagrass. However, tall fescue pastures yielded more nutrients in a year than switchgrass or bermudagrass, regard- less of grazing pressure. One goal of this project is to provide data for computer models used to develop conservation plans for protecting highly erodible land. Existing models were developed mainly with data from row crop operations. Therefore, databases for these models contain much less information on how ero- sion, runoff, and nutrient loss are affected by graz- ing land management variables such as forage species grown, grazing system, and cattle stocking density. AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 ur//% ~ / /i , /)1ii / (HH// .- k -V yp AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1 996 I w' s .R,.a,. a"e NEFDCF Farm demand for wate l rs expected to reach 1 billion ,'il Ions per diy by 2050 in the 3i' COinniv n .rea covered by the Alabama Coosa-Tallapoosa and"' y Apalachicola-Chattahoochee- Flint river basins rn Alabamna. L Georgia, and Florida. This in (/0W / ,;'U 0/ / /0 /f/0 A-11S zoologists ect enangered mussels in Alabama. according to the Agricurltuiral Water )emand report, completed with the help of an AAES agricultural economist. As part of a comprehensive federal study of increasing water demands, the report is designed to guide water management strategies. Agricultural water use in the basins was 400 million gallons a day (mgd) in 1992, of which Alabama tused 2100. Demand is expected to reach 550 mgd by 2000. Alabama farmers are predicted to need 120 mgd by 2000 and 260 mgd by 2050. Only 6o of Alabama crop, orchard, nursery, and turf producers in the basin areas irrigated in 1992; irrigation needs are expected to double by 2000. Short-term water restrictions of 60%o in 2000 could catse gross losses of more than $1 14 million for corn, peanut, and soybean growers in the basin areas. A complete cttoff of irrigation would cost more than $203 million gross. LUV LQ aIW ULVLLOV UiN1UL IiNLi U Alabama boasts the nation's greatest diversity of freshwater mussels, which are economically important as pearl-seeding material for the Japanese pearl industry and ecologically important as a part of the aquatic food chain. Mussels once were abundant in Alabama watervas, but now .ihout half of all mussel species ire endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Mussels are known to be sensitive to water contamination from heavy metals, chemical tunoff. and nutrient enrichment. f lowever, it is not known whether the freshwater shellfish are vulnerable to water clouded by excess sediments. It is possible that mussels, which feed by filter- ing water through their bodies, may not be able to get enough food or may stop feeding alto- gether in very cloudy water. To address this issue, AAES zoologists have created a unique lab to assess the short-term environmental stress of suspended sediments on mussels. Researchers can observe mussel movement, shell growth, body condition, and feed- ing behavior in eight recirculating tanks treated with varying amounts of powdered clay to simulate sediment in streams. AT TIMBER INVENTORIES AAES forestry research shows that Alabama's timber inventories are being harvested faster than the) are being replenished through growth, and further inventory declines are expected. Declining inventories could seriously impact the state's $6.4 billion wood products industry. Federal forest inventory reports are released every eight to 10 years, but in the intervening years, forest managers face much indecision concerning timber availability AAES researchers developed a computer model to update the 1990 inventory report using annual severance tax returns, which are paid on the final products produced from timber in Alabama. With an annual harvest estimate based on these data, researchers projected timber inventories for the next 20 Years. AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Softwood inven- tories dropped 50 from 1990-95, and another 10%n drop is expected by 2000. In 2005, timber invento- ries could be 250 belows L - the 1990 level. Even with :I federally forecasted 9 1 %n increase in pine plantations by 2020, there will still be a shorthll in softwood inventories. Researchers are now using the model to Aubmn ,sca) ,ho ,H/[i ,,lal examine ways the forest ine heat stress and other physiologi clothing, such as the garments wor industry can mitigate this deficit, such as increasing the use of oriented strand board in structural panels and improving the growth rate of forests. Alabama ranks 10th in U.S. cotton production, with approximately 400,000 acres of the crop. Cotton yields would be drastically increased by irrigation, but that is nor an option available to all producers. A five-year, $1.35-million project was launched in 1996 to provide producers of cotton and other crops an otherwise unavailable water supply that is reliable, environmentally sustainable, and does not compete with other water needs. Iocated at the AAES Tennessee Valley Substation in Belle Mina, this project allows agricultural engineers to test the feasibility of pumping water from a nearby stream during the rainy winter months and using it to irrigate crops in the dry summer months. A model 13-acre "off- stream storage" pond vas completed and is being used as a source of water for 144 research plots irrigated by sprin- klers or drip irrigation. TIhese plots are being used to deter- mine minimum off-stream storage requirements for each If K. me ofC t i101. Ill .iclcl t ion, the facility vas used in 1996 to study irrigation management and evaluate inew variety of geneical- I engineered cotton. r EARCH A ULTS IN , PROVED ir u.~nOTECTIVE lp/ m)i:J; ' ir~iwOl laborltoy t'o c )ii cal responses to working in protective AAFS constmer n by forestry wood workers. affairs researchers, work- ing through the National lIextile Center, have an active pro- gram of designing and testing protective garments for timcr harvesters, military personnel, fire fighters, and orher einei gency workers. In one study, researchers found that coating cotton fabric with titanium dioxide particles creates a harrier that absorbs organic materials, such as chloroform, phosgene, and other hazardous chemical vapors. When the coated fahric is exposed to ultraviolet light, these harmftil chemicals ,iie hio- ken down into salt, water, and carbon dioxide. Another study resulted in the development of a method for testing friction betveen fabrics in different livers of protective garments. 'Ioo much friction between fabr ics impedes movement and makes the garment uncomfoirtable. Finding the right combination of fabric finishes will aid in the design of more effective barrier garments. Using the new technique, researchers tested interfabric friction in garments that include fabrics treated with various flame reradants (FR). Contrary to commonly held beliefs, results showed that not all FR finishes increase friction. In fact, some finish- es made fabrics less stiff and easier to slide against other fab- tics in multi-layer garments. 10 AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 De)pairirerit of Agricultrural E'conoic Is andir Rural Sociology M~u I InI StI.Icgics for Sclecc Naio a F11.11 ILi n Alablama LI'11 K 11111 L~ooi Issues112 Alffcting the 19.S. I i o \n Vccta blc Sy1stem C. fJoI. PI )Ifs~ I. KL11ILtCI1 & Lanl th LIco mi of RTI1 L isk in AIlaI)1,I I. N.lo III ' I. NoLak IvaLee [LI oic o 1. ILLLflL I thll AlaIbama1, P' Du)~flV,. JohnsonIII & N. Mar\innL . D epairiiieiit of AgrilcultmluI Enlginielig [AIstII I Ill( :copi1Lg Systemsl Im)paoven oulf, Agronocivy arid ol P1)omac in griulurean .1o11 1t nI /l 1 I L Kul and11 UilillIat~ioilre J. MFII III f(ll 811ifiIIoils fo Solt lLorI asI 1 SFFFl1IId bII SoillPoprte 815and.II 8g1 II LI osition 81.,1 l l lI'/22 Innel LI. AdaFLIBWH j Sui nal [lleF mG ai/ilg PIdcto SysLm for he lutca (P .8 9-106 Spei.II111ial G11 Lra - 1)1U ( 1ll AriLL ulture) NuLIriclnt ManaI~gCmeniiIn Sustainable 11.11iutural 5151121)1 11s1ing Cont inos, 1Lnglcn Plots111101 C.C Mitc1hell, Jr. M1111 obial I nteractions in Agricltu lral and1 FoLrestry I cosstemls IEstabhlishmen2t anld Maintenance of) F. Grta I orage-Based ivesc~t~k PllIIdu11tin Lin D .I Bransbv I cology of) Perennil1 Forage2 andc Su~stinl C112Frolpland-FIorage Systems Soil I crtilis fo~r Su~stinable Alabanma Vcgctl P 12 lroducion~ InteIgl ated1 Sustainale ProduciLL onII Pra~cices, LII ( 111111n ((rsyiOu/IIII /irIIIutn) C.I. Minks BrilIIr itter21 Manag~ileiment in MajoIr I LId Re~source Aras IIf the 81 uthllast N I 11s and Water QuaIl iI, (P1. 89) 10F6 Speil Grani - W1112r Q~uai~t S.W\. \Wood & E. Gucrtal Iffect ofI illage and 811i1 Fcrtility P'racice on P10I'anut P rodu~lc 111n J. Adamns & D. Hartzlog Cheicnstry and1 IiILIv.ailai.lily ofI Was.te (IltegratedL WXcd M'anagcmn f111) or SuLtainale2 C onservation11 I ilage Iroppin)IIg 8 Sstems Mi Patterson I 1L11.lIIgy, Platin I )nami~cs, and( 1rInrr[Ice A Bsis for UndeI~rstinding I. LI. WalIker Di )ersity and Intleractios1 of LBeneficial Bacter1i1 a11d Fuingi ill 111e Rizo'Isphere UtIilizing Potassiumn Bulffering Ca.pacity Posium F11511Lertiize'1r D~epartmnent of Animal and D airy Sciences ImpI(ro1vemen12t oII Re1pro~du[1111e I 1 I LIo Imance in BeefFemales111 (11112h & S. Schmidt I 1itrv Protein Adeqiuacy in Lactating UaK CoIII)l)ws l IIalIp~ Lean Meal P~roduction~ and Utilization D). Huffmian, W. NIike] &/ I. Smith D)airy Herdl Managcrnt Strategies fo~r Improve d IDecision-Miakinog and K. A. Cumml~))ins Alleviationl oII FnI11rolnmetal ConstraLnt Ito Beef Cat1 P1112roduction in thc Southeastern Un ited States S. P SchiL dt~L Nutritil S stev11ms for Swine to) Inicrease LReproIlutiIv12 I fic y . C hiba Selcio~n fIll lba G rowlsth in an Open-Nuclu L .wine111 Herd 1 D. Kuihlers Nutriionl LRegulatio~n of Insulin-like Growth IL)Ictolr- in RIIuninants tol EnhanIIce Lea Meati Ni Plroductiln G. D~avenpolrt Use IIf 111W-1 11 Supplem~ents for Beef 1). Ra~nkins Evxaluaton oI) Un1111cventonal Forages (Silagecs) and)1 Alternlate Feeds1L for D~airy B. M~oss ICellular and 1 Mlcular O~rganizational IE1ents1 Affectnig PoIrcine Uterine I apacits (I'I, 89106 CF1om11petitive F. 1. Bartol M'olcular Mchianis R)1)Iegulating Skel ltl Mus11 c Grolw)th arnd 1). Mlv~aney Deve lo~pmntIal IDeterinants of1 F. Bartl, I). Co111em)an &~ J. Floyd Plant1 I le1 Ih iIstry Response to1 Ozone11 S1112s) w11h Imnpl icatio~ns to1 R~uinant11 I Le his III) IR.B. MniLL f[cr1ing Rl~catioipsLII amon11g FEarly Handling, Learnin~g Abilit and ReLIaciity Io Foals1 C.A. o L(' all D)epartnment (of Entomnology Biolop~ andI M~anagementI ofIl the Wh'ite- Frinlged Beetl1e1 and11 Other Vegetable Inscts G,. /chndcr Biting idIges as) VctoIlrs of Animal Disea.ses inI Alabama G. Mu~lIen Biolop~g ;and1 Manal~gemen2It of Insects ofI Trees of Alabanma 1..1 Hach"1 IExploratory Reseairch in Fibto~mology W5. Brcewer A NiLlonl Agricultulrl ProgramiI to SCear Pest5 IontIrol Agent1s foll Minolr Fytmtc scseeil (I.'Ili i(L1dae1) o~f the Tribe W. (lark Faictolrs G overn ing thle RclatIi ve Impo~lrtance1 oIf Bccs as Pollnatlors 1. Cane11 Sstemtic s o~f Scale Ins1ctIs I va1l1ation1 ot P'est MIanagementl Svs12tms in P1ean0 lt) I. R. Weecks 8alivar GIlLand P~hysiology oII the1 Cl L clparasite, f1aemotbia/l1 I.W 8)( uppnl & NI.S. Cupp DeveloI~pmint anld Iintiegratio o11(f Mianagement Systems Ni.. ei ar illogical Conl~trol of Selct ed ArItLIropod11 Pests and Weeds Ma.naIgemlent of I arnished21 Pla~nt Bug and11 Secondalry Pests o~f Coto Ltlin the111 Absece~ ofI Boll Weevsil Im11prov121 Systems oIf Ma~nagemnent for Peca1,n 1I1sect anid Ni te2 Pests Bilogy aind IContIrol of Urban ArIthropod~l Pests in Albamna A. AppIel Imlpact and1 NManagent If I IrccII Jl12tl Bcctle and)1 Otherl Sc.IrabcicI Grubs1 ill Alabamia P~astures Isolaion and)1 Characterizatlion oIf Anicoa.glant Actsity in) Holln I I Sai a (P1 . 81)-106 1Comnpeiti ve Grant)i I '8 C11pp & M.S. Cu Ipp Intecgrat~ed Pest1 Mianagement of) I crmlites . O D~epartmnent of Fisheries anld Allied Aquacultures 1. (;rIz/Ic 11 AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Enhancement of Oyster Production in Coastal Waters of Alabama through Aquaculture D. B. Rouse, Y. J. Brady, R. K. Wallace & W Hosking Vaccination, Control and Causes of Bacterial Diseases of Catfish and Other Warmwater Fish J.A. Plumb Advancement of Hatchery Technology for Catfish and Other Commercially Important Fish Species R. Phelps Coastal Alabama Seafood Harvest (CASH) Project (P.L. 95-113 Cooperative Agreement) D. Rouse Model Annual Abundance of Commercial Shrimp Species and Quantify Factors that Influence Distribution and Abundance R.K. Wallace & W. Hosking Refinement of Channel Catfish Feeding Practices as a Management Tool T. Popma Bioassessment of Alabama Streams and Reservoirs D. Bayne & E. Webber Management of Aquaculture Ponds to Reduce Pollution Loads C. Boyd Department of Horticulture Develop and Distribute Deciduous Fruit Tree Clones Free of Viruses and Virus-Like Agents J. Norton Urban Tree Evaluation and Environmental Factors Affecting Urban Landscape Plant Use C. Gilliam, G. Keever, H. Ponder & D. Williams Biochemical Basis of Low Temperature Acclimation in Ripening Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) F. Woods Cultural Practices and Cultivar Evaluations for Pecans W. Goff Evaluation of Peach and Apple Management Practices W Dozier, Jr. Growth Regulation of Herbaceous Woody Ornamental Plants G. Keever Development of Sustainable Double- Crop Vegetable Production Systems for Alabama J. Kemble Molecular Markers for the Genetic Analyses of Plant-Microbe Interactions E Dane Implementation of Tomato IPM Practices (P.L. 89-106 Special Grant E. Bauske Department of Plant Pathology Managing Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Sustainable Agriculture with Emphasis on Crop Resistance R. Rodriguez-Kabana A Biological Control System for Root and Foliar Pests of Vegetables (PL. 89- 106 Competitive Grant) J.W. Kloepper, PA. Backman & G.W. Zehnder Plant-Colonizing Bacteria for Use in Plant Disease Control or Plant Growth Promotion J.W. Kloepper Integrated Biological Control of Cotton Diseases and Nematodes (EL. 89-106 Competitive Grant) R. Rodriguez-Kabana, E.M. Bauske & J. Kloepper Organic Amendments to Soil for the Management of Phytonematodes: Mode of Action and Microbial Ecology R. Rodriguez-Kabana Epidemiology of Plant Diseases in Crop and Urban Landscape Ecosystems K. Bowen Integrated Approaches for Control of Bacterial Diseases of Tomato and Pepper (PL. 89-106 Special Grant - IPM) M. Wilson Significance of Resource Limitation to Biocontrol of Epiphytic Phytopathogenic Bacteria (EL. 89-106 Competitive Grant) M. Wilson Ecological Approaches to the Biocontrol of Foliar and Floral Bacterial Pathogens and Pests M. Wilson Biological Control and Management of Soilborne Plant Pathogens for Sustainable Crop Production D. Collins Plant Viral Disease: Plant-Virus Interactions and Development of Management Strategies J. Murphy Agricultural Systems Management with Current Technologists: On-Farm Application of Doppler Radar K. Bowen, E Bauske, A. Hagan, P. Backman Department of Poultry Science Environmental Factors Influencing Broiler Growth and Meat Yield J. Renden and E. Moran Maximizing Profits In Commercial Leghorns while Minimizing Prolapse, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution Immunogenetics and Cellular Immunology of Resistance to Mareks Disease S. Ewald Genetic Bases for Resistance and Immunity to Avian Diseases S. Ewald Improved Diagnosis of Avian Reoviruses Using Molecular Biologic Techniques J. Giambrone Genetic Relationships of Growth and Reproduction in Diverse Poultry Populations G. McDaniel Development of New Processes and Technologies for the Processing of Poultry E.T. Moran, S.F. Bilgili & D.E. Conner The Interaction of Enteric Pathogenic Organisms and Their Effect on Poultry Health R.A. Norton & S.J. Ewald School of Forestry The National Atmospheric Deposition Program: A Long-Term Monitoring Program in Support of Research on the Effects of Atmospheric Chemical Deposition A. Chappelka Effects of Changes in Chemical and Physical Climate on Forestry Productivity in the Southern United States A. Chappelka Incorporating Physiological Processes into Growth and Yield Models of Southern Pine G. Somers and R. Meldahl The Chemistry of Lignin Complexes T Elder The Functions, Values and Uses of Forested Wetlands:How to Use the Resource in a Sustainable Manner K. Flynn Environmental Impact and Serviceability of Forest Roads R. Tufts Artificial Regeneration of Southern Pine D. Gjerstad Reducing the Need for Herbaceous Weed Control by Improving Southern Pine Seedling Quality D. South Modeling Natural Forest Stands in the South R. Meldahl Forwarder Systems for Timber Harvesting B. Lanford Effect of Stand Density on Grade Yield and Flexural Properties of Plantation- Grown Southern Pine Lumber E. Biblis Economic Analysis of Forest Policy and Timberland Investment D. Zhang Time-Dependent Structural Behavior of Oriented Strandboards R. Tang Physiological Mechanisms Controlling Tree Response to Environmental Stress L. Samuelson 12 Growth, Yield and Economics of Vegetation Management in Southern Pine Plantations G. Glover Forestry and Social Change J. Bliss Characterization and Mechanisms of Plant Response to Ozone in the Northeastern U.S. A. Chappelka Assessing the Environmental Impact of Artificia Regeneration Systems in Southern Forestry K. McNabb Forest Resources Management in the Southern U.S. M.R. DuBois Development and Implementation of Disease Control for the Production of Forest Trees S. Eneback Timber Supply Modeling and Policy Analysis L.D. Teeter Increasing Value-Added Contribution of Wood Processing: Modelling and Analysis of Integrated Operations H. Carino Policies and Institutions in the Southern Forest Economy W. Flick Duration of Load Behavior Laminated Veneer Lumber with Glue Joints (PL. 89-106 Competitive Grant) R. Tang Implications of Regulations and Property Rights Laws for Forest Land Use and Management (P.L. 89-106 Competitive Grant) D. Zhang & W. Flick Department of Consumer Affairs Technology and Competitiveness: An Assessment of Alabama Small Apparel and Textile Producers in Rural Communities and Development of Related Computer Technology L. Shanley Identifying Export Market Opportunities for Alabama Apparel Producers S. Forsythe National Textile Center: Computer- Integrated Forecasting for Demand- Activated Product Development, Production and Merchandising E. Brannon and L. Anderson National Textile Center: Gas, Liquid, Aerosol Fabric Barrier Systems L. Shanley and I. Hardin , National Textile Center: Marketing U. S. Apparel Products in Mexico S. Forsythe National Textile Center: Computer- Integrated Prototype to Enhance Demand-Activated Manufacturing for the Domestic Apparel Industry L. Anderson AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 National Textile Center: MFA Phaseout - Implications for the U. S. Fibers/Textiles/Fabricated Products Complex M. Barry and C. Warfield Evaluation of Lifestyle Imagery by Producers and Consumers in the Apparel and Textile Pipeline M. Solomon Mass Customization: Identifying Process and Management Strategies for Alabama's Integrated Textile Complex L. Anderson Department of Family and Child Development Social Support Networks and Well- Being in Rural and Non-Rural Families in Alabama D. Sollie Predicting Marital Dissolution: A Four-Year Prospective Longitudinal Study of Engaged Couples L. Lamke The Work-Family Interface: Perspectives from Employers and Employees in Small and Mid-Sized Businesses J. Pittman Parental Influences on Children's Well-Being:Multiple Pathways to Social Competence J. Mize & G. Pettit Facilitating Access to Health Care for Low-Income Families in Alabama: The Role of Head Start B. Vaughn Department of Nutrition and Food Science The Effects of Physical Activity and Carbohydrate Intake on Thiamin and Ascorbic Acid Needs in Man and Animals R. Keith Development of Monoclonal Antibody-Based Immunoassays for Detection of Species Adulterants in Cooked Meats Y-H. Peggy Hsieh Processing Factors Affecting Food Quality and Nutrient Composition J. Olds-Weese Dietary Fat and Infant Development M. Craig-Schmidt Chemical Reactions in Foods as Impacted by the Properties of Water L. Bell Nutrient Analysis and Interactions S. Gropper Food Chemical Stability in Solids: Impact of Water and the State of the System (P.L. 89-106 Competitive L. Bell Department of Botany and Microbiology Characterization of Mitochondrial DNA Replication in Brassica campestris and B. hirta B. Nielsen Biochemistry and Biotechnology of Fungal Lipids J. Weete Metal Uptake by Streptanthuspolyga- loides and Arabidopsis thaliana R. Boyd DNA Analyses for Rapid Detection, Strain Differentiation, and Vaccine Development for the Fish Pathogen, Edwardsiella ictaluri J. Barbaree The Bacterial Transposable DNA IS2: How Proteins Mediate and Modulate Both Excision and Transposition R. Musso Characterization, Cloning and Functional Analysis of Maize Sorbitol Dehydrogenase R. Locy Genetic Engineering of Chloroplast Genomes for Stress Tolerance and Molecular Farming in Plants H. Daniell Pit Membrane Structure and Development in Hardwoods R. Dute Production of High-Value Biodegradable Polymers in Tobacco (P.L. 89-106 Competitive Grant) H. Daniell Detailed Characterization of Tobacco Chloroplast DNA Replication Initiation Sites (P.L. 89-106 Competitive Grant) B. Nielsen Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Heat Stress on Yield and Composition of Proteins and Fatty Acids in Legume Plants J.H. Cherry & N.K. Singh Molecular Basis of Black Rot J. Shaw Hormonal Control of Gene Expression in Abscission of Cotton C.M. Peterson Department of Zoology and Wildlife Science Antisense Oligonucleotides as Specific Inhibitors of Protein Kinase C Isoforms M. W Wooten Development of Molecular-Based Indicators of Anthropogenic Stress in Aquatic Ecosystems M. C. Wooten Basic Aspects of Neurodevelopment in Berghia verrucicornis S. Kempf Evaluation of Benthic Invertebrates, Water Quality and Watershed Conditions in Southeastern Streams J. Feminella Evaluation of Female Mate Choice and Carotenoid-Based Plumage Ornamentation G. Hill Southern Reservoirs as Habitat for Migratory and Wintering Waterfowl G. Hepp Population Dynamics and Habitat Use by Alabama Beach Mice (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) M.C. Wooten & N.R. Holler The Biochemical Analysis of Fish Sperm Dynein and Associated Polypeptides A. Moss Diagnosis and In Vitro Development of T gondii, and Inactivation of Protozoa in Drinking Water C. Sundermann Yolk Processing during Insect Development J. Bradley Carbonic Anhydrase and the Evolution of Environmental Signal Transduction R.P. Henry Ecology of Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in Alabama T Best Environmental Endocrine Disruptors' Effect on Reproduction: Hormonal and Cellular Correlates M. T. Mendonca Public Perceptions about Wildlife Management in Alabama J.B. Armstrong Department of Animal Health Research Cloning of Mycoplasma gallisepticum- specific Agglutinating Antigen Gene(s) V. Panangala Ratite Disease Research P. Smith Epidemiological Considerations of Systems for Production and Transfer of In Vitro-Derived Bovine Embryos D. Stringfellow Nutrition and Disease Factors as Negative Regulators of the Growth Hormone Axis in Ruminants J. Sartin Species-Specific Detection of Cryptosporidium in Water using Molecular Probes (P.L. 89-106 Competitve Grant) C. Dykstra Joint (Interdepartmental) and Miscellaneous Administrative Planning and Direction of Research J. E. Marion Regional Research Coordination, Southern Region - Administration J. E. Marion Skeletal Problems in Poultry G. McDaniel and S. Kincaid Engineering-Economic Analysis of Irrigation and On-Farm Water Management in Alabama E. Rochester & L. Hatch Technical and Economical Efficiencies of Producing, Marketing and Managing Landscape Plants J. Adrian, J. Eakes & K. Tilt Water Management (PL. 89-106 Special Grant) J. Marion Interior Environment and Energy Use in Poultry and Livestock Facilities J. Koon, R. Brewer, C. Flood & B. Water Management, Alabama (EL. 89- 106 Special Grant) J. Marion Development of an IPM System for Management of German Cockroaches (P.L. 89-106 Special Grant - IPM) A. Appel & J. Koon (ENT & AN) A Biologically-Based IPM Program for Control of Cucumber Mosaic Virus on Tomato (P.L. 89-106 Special Grant - IPM) G. Zehnder, J. Murphy, E. Sikora & J. Kloepper Use of Propionate and Organic Acids to Inhibit the Growth of Foodborne Pathogens in vitro and in Ground Poultry and Beef Products A. Hinton, Jr. & D. Conner Development and Evaluation of Control Strategies for Diseases of Landscape Plants K. Tilt & A. Hagan Surface and Atomic Force Characterization of Wood Cellulose Surfaces (P.L. 89-106 Competitive Grant) R. D. Newman Development of Cage and In-Pond Raceway Systems to Culture Fish in Watershed Ponds M. Masser, L. Lovshin, R. Goodman, J.. Crews & K. Yoo Evaluation and Development of Plant Pathogens for Biological Control of Weeds P. Backman, F. Dane & J. Shaw Weed Control in Nursery and Landscape Crops C. Gilliam & G. Wehtje Control of Cucumber Beetle and Bacterial Wilt of Cucurbits with Beneficial Bacteria (P.L. 89-106 Special Grant - IPM) G. Zehnder & J. Kloepper Raw Soybeans and Whole Kernel Corn as Diet Supplements for Captive White-Tailed Deer M. Causey & R. Muntifering 13 AAES ANNUAL REPORT 1996 1 Jb F1-INAINUIAL KEPUKI TOTAL REVENUES 37 91 1 626 Statc 520,507,794 Feder al 54,446,514 C'ontracts and Grants $9,363,822 FederalI $4,662,897' Private $3,713,592 State $987,333 Auxiliary ti 3,5 3,4-96 Sale of Research P~roducts +2,35 1,130 Indirect Cost Recoveries $9)69,657 D~iagnostic Services $233,841 Interest and Royalties $38,868 ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION AUBURN UNIVERSITY AUBURN UNIVERSITY, ALABAMA 36849-5403 Jamies E. Marion, [Director POSTMASTER-Address Corection Requested