xt7v9s1kmg5p https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7v9s1kmg5p/data/mets.xml Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station  Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station 1994 journals  English College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station  The Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station 107th Annual Report 1994, June 30, 1995 text 2009ua018 The Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station 107th Annual Report 1994, June 30, 1995 1994 1994 2022 true xt7v9s1kmg5p section xt7v9s1kmg5p THE KENTUCKY
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

 

 

107th Annual Report
1 994

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
40546

 

  

     
     

THE KENTUCKY
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

107th Annual Report
1994

 

 

 

 

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
40546

    

To HIS EXCELLENCY,
HON. BRERETON JONES
GOVERNOR OF KENTUCKY

 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
     

I herewith submit the one hundred and seventh annual report of the Ken—
tucky Agricultural Experiment Station for the period ending December 31,
1994. This is done in accordance with an act of Congress, approved March 2,
1887, entitled, “An act to establish Agricultural Experiment Stations, in con-
nection with the Agricultural Colleges established in the several states under
the provisions of an act approved July 2, 1862, and under the acts supplemen-
tary thereto,” and also the act of Kentucky State Legislature, approved Febru—
ary 20, 1888, accepting the provisions of the act of Congress.

Very respectfully,

flwfl

C. Oran Little, Director
Lexington, Kentucky
June 30, 1995

 

    
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
   

’—_————_—_————

CONTENTS

Page
Purpose ........................................................................................................... 4
Agricultural Economics ................................................................................. 5
Agricultural Engineering ............................................................................... 8
Agronomy ..................................................................................................... 12
Animal Sciences ........................................................................................... 1 8
Entomolgy .................................................................................................... 22
Forestry ......................................................................................................... 27
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture .................................................... 30
Nutrition and Food Science .......................................................................... 34
Plant Pathology ............................................................................................. 36
Regulatory Services ..................................................................................... 41
Robinson Substation .................................................................................... 45
Rural Sociology ............................................................................................ 49
Veterinary Science ........................................................................................ 52
Publications .................................................................................................. 58
Statewide Research ...................................................................................... 86
Financial Statement ...................................................................................... 87

Staff .............................................................................................................. 88

 

  

  

PURPOSE

As a Land Grant institution, the University of Kentucky is responsible for
serving the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The College of
Agriculture, with its research, teaching, and Extension activities, has devel-
oped a structure and organization to provide the mandated Land Grant ser—
vices in agriculture and related areas.

The Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station has been providing re-
search results to farmers for more than 100 years. The continued growth of
Kentucky agriculture attests to the benefits of applying new knowledge and
technology to the agricultural production process. Much of the research lead—
ing to increased quantity and improved quality of Kentucky’s agricultural output
was performed by the Experiment Station.Also, College researchers address prob-
lems of agribusiness, consumers, international trade, food processing, nutrition,
community development, soil and water resources, and the environment.

Although much Experiment Station research has immediate application
to agricultural problems, scientists are also involved in basic research, gener-
ating new information to help solve present and potential problems. The abil—
ity of Kentucky producers to be competitive in domestic and world markets
requires an expanded base of knowledge in emerging areas of research appli-
cable to agriculture.

This Annual Report summarizes Experiment Station research highlights
for 1994. Lists of the faculty, research projects, and publications completed
during the year are also provided.

The research programs of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station
have benefitted Kentucky’s agriculture over the past century, and the results of
present and fiiture research will continue to serve Kentucky’s primary industry.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

Research in agricultural economics involves such diverse subjects as
improving the profitability of Kentucky agriculture and agribusinesses,
enhancing U.S. competitiveness in international trade of food and fiber products,
and assisting in the revitalization of the Commonwealth’s rural communities.

Enhancing Agricultural Profitability

Analysis of the 525 farms participating in the Kentucky Farm Business
Analysis program revealed that 1993 was another good year financially. Re-
turns varied around the state and by enterprises on specific farms. However,
net returns were positive for all areas of the Kentucky Farm Business Man-
agement Groups. While returns were down from 1992 levels, it should be
recognized that 1992 financially was the most profitable year since the early
19705. Central Kentucky farms, in particular, showed improved returns,
whereas only Ohio Valley livestock farms improved returns in 1993 in West-
ern Kentucky. Hog and beef farmers experienced positive net returns, but
dairy farmer returns were down statewide.

The University of Kentucky is the leading research institution examining the
role of crop insurance in agricultural production. In 1994, eight crops became
eligible for coverage under the Group Risk Plan (GRP) pilot program for crop
insurance: corn, wheat, soybeans, grain sorghum, cotton, barley, peanuts, and for—
age. Research continued on how farmers accept GRP insurance (measuring par—
ticipation rates) and how well GRP meets the insurance needs of farmers.

Kentucky beef producers and cattle buyers were surveyed to analyze beef
risk management practices in feeder calf backgrounding programs. Grazing con-
tracts with conventional weight-gain payment terms were found to be low-risk for
pasture owners, but were of little benefit to cattle owners. Risk management for
cattle owners required price risk management through fiitures hedging or put op-
tions purchases. Analyses compared different seasonal backgrounding operations
on fescue pasture and supplemental feeding, with and without grazing contracts.

A study of the adoption and use of bovine somatotropin (bST) in dairy
found that use will likely be determined mostly by sociological factors. Poten-
tial adopters of bST are characterized as being young, having more education,
having larger herds, and operating with relatively low net worth.

Research showed that trade liberalization was found to increase the de-
mand for US. meat in different regions of the world. However, export demand
increases are realized primarily through income effects in the importing coun—
tries. For households which consumed meats, the own—price elasticity was

5

 

    

found to be elastic at - l .8. All meats expenditure was found to fall with rising
education levels as well.

Two studies evaluated the US. burley tobacco program and the effect of
possible higher excise taxes on cigarette consumption. The first study evalu-
ated the Tobacco Improvement Act of 1985 and its impact on quota, stocks,
prices, exports, leasing, grading, and other alternative programs. The second
study reported that a 75 cent per pack excise tax would reduce U.S. cigarette
consumption by 15%, reduce burley use by $84 million, and net the federal
government $50 billion over a five-year period, while reducing state tobacco
tax receipts by more than $1 billion.

Several models were developed to appraise greenhouse enterprises. In
particular, the case of different size greenhouses is being analyzed from an
investment perspective given the irreversibility of the greenhouse investment.

Additional research activity focused on: how financial futures might be
used as a hedging strategy for smaller banks that tend to be concentrated in
rural areas; examining the impact of the Community Reinvestment Act on
rural banks; examining how farm family household motivation influences the
financial performance of US. agriculture; and assessing sustainable livestock
production and investment in livestock where the interaction of grass growth,
grazing, and wind erosion are evaluated.

Competitiveness Through International Trade

An analysis of the major external factors that might drive or explain trade
patterns in food and fiber products found that the US. tends to export bulk
agricultural products because of religious differences, low levels of urbaniza-
tion, unfamiliarity with the distribution system, and a general lack of aware—
ness of cultural differences. These non-economic forces were found to be more
important in explaining where the US. exported processed food than eco-
nomic variables such as GDP, income, or the level of foreign exchange re—
serves. The study concluded that the US. has been slow to adjust to a world
economy where processed foods are traded, rather than bulk commodities.

Research revealed that multinational food processing firms located their
facilities in countries were growth rates were high, where market size was
large, and where English was the spoken language. Results also showed that
there are many niches for processed foods from the US. such as wines, snack
foods, breakfast cereals, dietetic foods, microwavable products and pet foods.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Research is being conducted to understand not only how investments in
education affect economic development, but also how economic development
affects investments in education. One aspect of the study statistically explained
student test scores in Kentucky. One argument was that factors not under the
influence of school administrators, especially the socioeconomic background

6

 

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
   

     

of the student or the level of economic development in the community, have
to be controlled to arrive at accurate assessment of performance.

A study identified strategic policy levers, including improvements in edu-
cational attainment, which states may use to increase the number of biotech-
nology firms locating within their borders. Biotechnology has been viewed
both as a means of increasing value—added from agriculture, and stimulating
economic development and employment. Another study examined how edu-
cational attainment of the population affects a rural county’s ability to attract

medical doctors.

Research Projects

 

An Analysis of Finance Efficiency and
Socioeconomic Influences in Urban and
Rural Public Schools—SJ. Goetz

Analysis of Selected Economic Factors
Affecting the Long Run Viability of the
Northern Dairy Industry—KL. Beck

Analyzing the Future International
Competitiveness of the US. Food
Industry—M.R. Reed

Benefits and Costs in Natural Resource
Planning——R.C. Ready

Changing Patterns of Food Demand and
Consumption Behavior—B. W Bobst

Development of Multiobjective Decision
Criteria Models forA gricultural Investment
Appraisal—A. Pagoulatos

 

EconomicAnalysis of Southern Regional
Adjustments to a Dynamic Livestock-
Meat Sector—B. W Bobst

Exportation of Agricultural Products
from the Southern States—M.R. Reed

International Trade Research on
Commodities Important to the Southern
Region—MA. Marchant and M.R. Reed

Quantifiling Long RunAgricultural Risks
and Evaluating Farmer Responses to
Risk—H.H. Hall

Regulatory, Efficiency and Management
IssuesAjjecting Rural Financial Markets
—D. Freshwater

Rural Development: Alternatives in the
New Competitive Environment—SJ Goetz

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
     

 

   

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

gricultural Engineering research is directed toward solving existing and

emerging engineering-related problems found on Kentucky’s farms and
forests, as well as developing methods of protecting foods and other farm
products which are consumed or utilized by the public. Five broad areas of
interest are pursued.

Machine Systems design involves development and evaluation of basic
machine systems through the application of theoretical and applied mechanics. A
fully-automated burley tobacco harvesting and curing system is being tested on
Experiment Station farms. A mechanical spearing machine has been demonstrated
to farmers. A commercial version of the wire-strung portable frame system was
used on a limited number of farms throughout the burley producing area. A two-
row mechanical tobacco topper was shown to significantly reduce labor. An elec-
tric powered tobacco stripping aid is undergoing on—farm evaluations.

Techniques for targeted herbicide application using GIS/GPS and reflec-
tance sensors are being researched. A significant effort is in the area of robot-
ics and machine vision as a support technology for machine systems for har-
vesting, grading, and automated control of field machinery. The effects of
soil compaction created by heavy machinery on water infiltration, ground
water movement, and plant growth are being studied.

Bioenvironmental engineering involves applying sound engineering,
agricultural, and ecological principles to solving problems dealing with the
management and care of our natural resources. Research efforts include bet-
ter methods of controlling and managing soil erosion through the develop-
ment of better mathematical models to be used as design tools by engineers. A
4,000-acre watershed is being used to investigate the fate and transport of
agricultural chemicals on a karst watershed. Research efforts are directed to—
ward protecting ground water resources and rebuilding land disturbed by sur-
face mining activities and landfills.

Structures and Environment involves the design of farm structures and
environmental control systems for plant and animal production, feed storage
and processing centers, residences, and utility buildings. Research efforts are
directed toward reducing infiltration into residences, better management of
animal waste, improved design of grain storage systems and structures, im-
proved environmental control within poultry and swine growing facilities,
computer-aided design methods for dairy facility design, and the develop-
ment of alternative structures for curing burley and dark tobacco. Evaluation
of a low—cost field curing structure for dark air-cured tobacco showed satis-
factory curing during the 1994 season.

8

    
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 

Crop Processing research involves applying basic engineering sci-
ences, particularly heat and moisture transfer processes, to the processing,
storage, and handling of farm products. Management protocol has been
developed for curing burley tobacco in wire-strung portable frames over
sod for dry, wet and normal curing seasons. In each type of year, the to-
bacco cured on the portable frames was shown to be equivalent to conven-
tional barn cured burley.

Food Engineering involves applying engineering principles to achieve
efficient production and high standards of quality during processing, packag-
ing, storage, and distribution of food products. A milk coagulation sensor has
been developed using fiber optics and light reflectance that improves the con-
trol of cheese making. The sensor is being evaluated in this country and sev-
eral foreign countries. Research shows the applicability of using light reflec-
tance as an aid in making cottage cheese.

Other on-going research which has basic implications in more than one
of the areas mentioned above includes developing a profitable beef—forage
production system through computer modeling, and modeling growing swine.
Meteorological research will improve the understanding and use of weather-
related agricultural management models in the southern region. Research is
underway to identify ways of reducing the health and accident risk for farm
workers and youth.

 

Research Projects

Agricultural BMP’s and Surface Water Design Data for the 1’ 2V2, and 5%

 

 

Ground Water Interaction in Karst
Terrain—JL. Taraba

Agricultural Pesticide Handling and
Application Technology Demonstrations
—S. G. McNeill

Analysis and Management of Misting
Systems for Tunnel Ventilated Broiler
Housing—RS. Gates

Assessment of the Hydrologic Response
of Surface Mined Lands in the
Appalachian Coal RegionflRC. Warner

Calibration of STOWME: Computer
Model to Estimate the Inventory of Grain
Facilities—SC. McNeil]

Comparison of Integrated Electronic
Controllers to Conventional Staged
Thermostatic Control in Large Broiler
Houses—RS. Gates

 

Occurrences of Extreme Dewpoint
Temperature with Mean CoincidentDry-
Bulb Temperature—D. G. Colliver

Design of a Passive Greenhouse
Irrigation System Using Geotextiles and
Geomembranes—R. C. Warner

Design and Demonstration ofa Low-
Pressure Low-Flow Irrigation System for
Nurseries’ Containerized and Ball and
Burlap Areas—R. C. Warner

Development and Evaluation of a Model
for an Active Gas Collection System at
Municipal Landfills~—R.C. Warner

Development of a 3 —Axis Manipulator for
Harvesting of Fruit and Vegetable Crops
——S.A. Shearer

Development of the AutoCAD-SEDCAD
Interface—R. C. Warner

  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
     

 Development ofa Computer-Aided
Method for Determining Minimum
Ventilation Timer Settings in Kentucky
Broiler and Pullet Houses—RS. Gates

Development of Geographical Information
Systems (GIS) in the UK College of
Agriculture—KT Priddy

Development of Near-Real Time Weather
Station at Woodford County Research
Farm—KT Priddy

Development of Profitable Beef-Forage
Systems for the Southern Region—L. W
Turner

Development of the SEDCAD+
(Sediment, Erosion, Discharge by
ComputerAided Design) Model: Version
4—R. C. Warner

Development of Soil Temperature
Climatology of Southeast U.S.—K.T
Priddy

Development ofa Trickle Irrigation
Design and Specification Program—R. C.
Warner

Development of Weather-Related Insect
Forecast Model Output in Geographical
Information System (GIS) Format—KT
Priddy

Dynamic, Probabilistic Modeling of
Respiratory Disease in Livestock—L. W
Turner

Effect of Construction and Quality
Assurance on the Leachate Migration
from Agricultural Waste Lagoons -- R. C.
Warner

Effect of Ozone on the Storage Life of
Refrigerated Fruits and Vegetables—EA.
Payne

Energy Savings from Combined Natural-
Fomed Ventilation Systems for Greenhouse
Retrofits—RS Gates

Engineering Principles fiJr Conservation
Cropping Systems-«SA. Shearer

   

 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
   

Facility Design and Testing for Closed
System Plant Micropropagation—RS
Gates

Farm Family Health and Hazard
Surveillance Projec—L.R. Piercy

Fluid Power Drives fi)rA gricultural Field
Machinery—SA. Shearer

Ground Water Study of the Toyota Plant
Site, Scott County, Kentucky-G.K.
Felton

Hydrograph SeparationAnalysis of Karst
Flow Systems—GK. Felton

The Impact of Agricultural Systems on
Surface and Ground Water Quality—
G.K. Felton

Improved Curing of Burley Tobacco—
L.R. Walton

Improved Information Delivery by
Developing Internet Gopher/ Web Server
in the UK College of Agriculture—KT
Priddy

Improving Quality and Efficiency of
Burley Tobacco Market Preparation—
L. G. Wells

Infiltration Energy Losses in Residential
Structures—D. G. Colliver

Integrated Grazing System Decision
Support for Improved Sustainability and
Environmental Quality—L. W Turner

Interior Environment and Energy Use in
Poultry and Livestock Facilities—RS.
Gates

Knowledge—Based System for Single Stem
Greenhouse Rose Production—R. S.
Gates

Laboratory Assessment of the Influence
of Construction Quality Control in Dairy
Waste Lagoons—R. C. Warner

Maximum Daily andAnnual Nutrient and
Pesticide Loads fron Turfgrass
Management Areas—GK. Felton

   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
    

Mechanical Systems for Improving the
Labor Efficiency of Burley Tobacco—
L. G. Wells

Mechanics ofGranular Solids—~IJ. Ross

Milk Coagulation Sensor Development—
EA. Payne

Model Development and Verification of
a Tubular Trickle Irrigation System to
Increase Water Application Efliciency—
R.C. Warner

Modeling Responses of Growing Pigs—
L. W Turner

Nighttime Ventilation Strategies for
Summer Heat Stress Relief in Broilers“
R.S. Gates

Physical and Bioremediation of
Hazardous Waste Contained Soils
through Incorporation of Coal Fines and
in situ Environmental Management——
R.C. Warner

PreliminaryAssessment of Construction
Equipment, Moisture Content and
Moisture Incorporation Method on the
Performance of Dairy Waste Lagoons—
R.C. Warner

Reducing Heat Stress in Swine Through
Sprinkler and Fan Cooling—L. W Turner

Reducing Nitrogen and Phosphorus in
Swine Waste Through Diet Manipulation
—L. W Turner

The Role of Sediment in Nutrient
Transport in a Karst Ground Water
Catchment—GK. Felton

 

Sensor Development for Cottage Cheese
and Yogurt Culture—FA. Payne

Sequences of Extreme Temperature and
Humidity for Design Conditions—D. G.
Colliver

Site-Specific Management of Nutrients on
Agricultural Lands—SA. Shearer

Stress-Strain Modeling of Wheel
Compaction Incurred During Restoration
of Prime Farmland—L. G. Wells

Systems for Providing and Controlling
Interior Environments for Poultry and
Livestock Housing—RS. Gates

Targeted Herbicide Application Using
GIS/GPS and Reflectance Sensors—SA.
Shearer

Time Integrated Variable Control
Strategies for Animal and Plant
EnvironmentszS Gates

Utilization of Commercially Composted
Waste to Reduce the Transport of
Herbicides to Surface and Ground Water
—R.C. Warner

Variable Rate Seeding in Conservation
Tillage and No- Till Cropping Parameters
for Surface Mining in the Appalachian
Coal Region—RC. Warner

Wetting and Drying Rates of Soybeans in
the Pod Under Simulated Field
Conditions—SG. McNeill

 

 

  

  

AGRONOMY

he research objectives of the Department of Agronomy include: improv-
ing productivity and quality of crops, sustaining soil and water resources,
and revealing fundamental properties and processes of plants and soils.

Soils

Soil mineralogy research focused this year on evaluation of water dis-
persible colloid particles and their potential to facilitate transport of herbi-
cides to the groundwater. Preliminary experiments with intact soil columns
have indicted that up to 20% more atrazine and up to 100% more metolachlor
can be leached through the rooting zone and into the groundwater in the pres-
ence of water dispersible colloids.

A long-term research study designed to evaluate no—tillage versus mold-
board plow tillage system for corn production is in its 25th year. Corn yield
and soil property measurements strongly support our hypothesis that no-till-
age is a sustainable farming system. The most noticeable change observed in
soil properties includes the stratification of nutrients in the soil surface layer
of no-till. Organic matter, nitrogen, calcium, and potassium all tend to accu-
mulate at the surface of no-till.

Research in the soil microbiology laboratory is addressing non-point
source pollution by fecal bacteria and nitrate in agricultural systems. We are
investigating: the movement of fecal bacteria from poultry wastes through surface
runoff and infiltration; the management of runoff by grass filter strips; and the
effect of animal wastes on stimulation of denitrification in tillage systems.

Another project deals with pyrite oxidation and acid mine drainage pro-
duction, the most costly environmental pollutant in Kentucky. A breakthrough
was made in a new technology by which pyrite is inactivated through a coat-
ing process employing metasilicate. The silica coating technology is environ-
mentally friendly and protects pyrite more effectively than phosphate coating.

Crop Ecology and Management

Results of a long-term field study in no-till wheat indicated that fall ap-
plications of herbicides resulted in fewer broadleaf weeds compared to spring
applications. Weed control appeared to have a greater impact on the yield of
no-till wheat in 1994 than in 1993. The difference in impact of weeds on
wheat yield may be attributed to the fact that no-till plots tended to have more
problems with weedy annual grasses in 1993.

Research in the field and laboratory demonstrated that leaf senescence in
soybean, a yield limiting factor, is not caused by the high N demand of the

12

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   

    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   

seed. Seeds do not “demand” N from the leaf; rather, the accumulation of N
by seeds is totally dependent upon the N supplied by the leaf. Our work con-
tradicts the popular senescence theory based on the idea that seed N demand
caused the removal of N from the leaf and leaf senescence.

No-till tobacco production has been shown to be a feasible alternative to
conventional production, but several problems remain. Research is being con-
ducted to identify options for weed control.

On—farm testing of early maturing MG 11 soybean cultivars revealed con-
tinued strong yield performance under full season planting conditions. Early
planting of cultivars from Maturity Groups (MG) 00 to IV consistently re-
duced linolenic acid content of the grain. Perhaps there is a place for produc-
tion of newly emerging, early maturing soybean cultivars with genetically re-
duced linolenic acid levels in southern latitudes.

Several parameters affecting seed germination for tobacco transplant pro-
duction were evaluated in the float system. Based on the data, light to medium
tray filling, dome-shaped dibble with 3/4 in. depth, media with better gas ex-
change and melt—coat pelleted seed are important for good transplant production.

MH residues continue to be a cause for concern for burley manufacturers
and especially for burley exporters. Studies over the past several years were
geared toward residue reduction. No adjuvant or booster has shown consistent
favorable results. However, tank mixes of sucker control chemicals which have
other modes of action have successfully controlled sucker growth when com-
bined with reduced application rates of MH.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), a non-wood fiber producing plant, was
evaluated for its potential as a crop in Kentucky for producing pulp for mak-
ing paper. It is a relative of cotton and okra and is not related to marijuana
(Cannabis sativa L.) even though some varieties have palmate leaves that re-
semble marijuana. The Kenaf ranged from 9.5 to 12.0 feet tall and yielded
from 2.6 to 6.8 tons per acre. Yields of 6 to 10 tons per acre are needed for
economic production of Kenaf. The potential for Kenaf production in Ken-
tucky is dependent on the construction of a processing plant.

Plant Physiology and Genetics

Two major advances in understanding plant—pathogen interactions were
accomplished. The regulatory elements within a plant defense gene were
mapped using molecular genetic techniques, and a new signal molecule thought
to regulate the activation of plant defense responses was characterized.

Two clover cultivars are nearing the testing stage to determine suitability
for release: Kura clover (first season blooming, and high seedling vigor) and
Red clover (non-pubescent selected for faster drying and less dustiness).

The plant trichome may be viewed as a factory for producing certain
plant secondary compounds of commercial value. We are targeting trichome
enzymes involved in terpene and sugar ester synthesis with the goal of opti-

l3

 

 

    

mizing production of certain compounds and modifying existing trichome
metabolism to produce novel compounds.

We have purified and characterized novel poly(A)polymerases from several
plant species. These enzymes differ in significant ways from mammalian and
yeast enzymes; most interesting is the involvement of multiple components in the
non-specific reaction catalyzed by the plant enzymes. One component is a ribo-
nucleoprotein that may be involved in RNA processing and transport in the nucleus.

The investigation and manipulation of fatty acid biosynthesis and peroxidative
metabolism is continuing. We have transformed plants including soybeans with a
desaturase targeted to endoplasmic reticulum in cells. This research will provide
important insights in improving plant pest resistance and crop quality.

We have introduced genes into tobacco which conferred resistance to to-
mato spotted wilt, alfalfa mosaic, vein mottling, potato virus Y, and etch vi-
ruses. We have successfully introduced the bean pod mottle virus coat protein
gene into soybean and have produced second generation transgenic progeny.
All these materials are currently being evaluated.

New statistical methodology is being developed to analyze, identify and
exploit yield response patterns in multisite crop variety trials.

As interest in growing earlier maturity soybean as a hedge against weather
uncertainty increased, it became necessary to determine if soybean genotypes
adapted to full season conditions in the upper midwest are also the most suit-
able for Kentucky. Random maturity group I lines were tested in MN and KY.
Results indicated that early maturity group soybean varieties could be trans-
ferred from north to south with adequate predictability.

 

Research Projects

Alkaloid Accumulation in Acremonium Switchgrass Alone and in Mixed Swords
coenophialum Infected Tall Fescue—LP. with Legumes—M. Collins

Bush Breeding and Genetics of Trifolium
Analysis of MRNA Polyadenylation and Species—ML. Taylor

Metabolism in Plants— A‘G' Hunt Breeding Burley Tobacco fi2r Improved
Assessment of Constructed Wetlands for Pest Resistance and Productivity—M. T
Animal Waste Treatmen—WO. Thom, Y Nielsen

Wang andl D inger Breeding Improved Wheat, Oats, Barley

Bacterial Dissimilation of Nitrate to for KY—D. VanSanfier
Ammonium in Batch and Chemostat

Culture—MS. Coyne Cellular and Molecular Biology

Initiative in Dark Tobacco—GB. Collins
Behavior, Fate and Bioactivity of
Acetolactate (ALS)—Inhibiting Herbicides
—M. Barrett

Characterization and Modifications of
Metabolism Leading to Sucrose EsterAcyl
Constituents Important to Natural Insect
Biomass Production by Fescue and Resistance in Tobacco—~61 Wagner

 

 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
    
      

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
    

Characterization of Phytoalexin and
Sterol Biosynthetic Genes in Tobacco—
.l Chappell

Classification and Characterization of
Kentucky Soils through Soil Surveys—
A.D. Karathanasis

Classification Soils for Solute Transport
as Affected by Soil Properties and
Landscape Position—RE. Phillips

A Comprehensive Corn Weed Management
System fi)r Kentucky—W W Witt

Cooperative Agreement Relative to
Classification and Characterization of
Kentucky Soils Through Soil Surveys—
A.D. Karathanasis

Corn Breeding and Genetics: White
Endosperm, Food Quality Inheritance,
and Hybrid Performance—