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2006 Research and Education Projects

Southern SARE recieved 85 preproposals in 2006. After review 36 were invited as full proposals. After technical review of the full proposals, the Administrative Council chose 9 projects for funding with amounts ranging from $150,00 to $190,000.

The 2006 project chart below gives insight not only about what SARE reviewers look for in a grant but also a glimpse into what's currently on the mind of researchers. The slate of new projects this year is diverse geographically as well as topically. They stretch from south Florida to Oklahoma, addressing subjects as varied as large acreage no-till systems and rootstock grafting of heirloom tomatoes for market gardeners to various types of livestock grazing systems.

The following abstracts introduce the new projects. The project investigators will be entering their new projects into the data base and following up with annual reports throughout the life of the project. View the reports at www.sare.org

LS06-185 Biofumigation for soil health in organic high tunnel and conven-tional field vegetable production systems, $170,000

This project will test biofumigation - a soil-borne disease management strategy using natural chemicals from brassicas - as a control for two broad-spectrum soil-borne diseases that each pose a severe challenge to a different emerging vegetable production system. The fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum thrives in cool conditions, and attacks most of the crops grown in a system developed by Kentucky growers to produce organic vegetables year-round in solar heated high tunnels. Another fungus, Phytophthora capsici, spreads in warm weather and attacks many of the crops grown by the increasing number of farmers switching from tobacco to field vegetable production in our region. We hypothesize that biofumigation could be adapted to both the high tunnel and field vegetable system to manage these diseases while building soil organic matter and enhancing soil microbial activity. We propose a series of laboratory studies to identify promising biofumigant crops for each disease, followed by on-farm field trials adapting the biofumigation strategy to each system. The proposed research responds to specific emerging disease threats and addresses two of the most important research topics identified by local growers in a survey distributed at a recent SARE-funded workshop.

Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:

• Direct involvement of farmers and use of on-farm studies
• Clear objectives and methods
• Outreach plan is a strong part of the proposal
• Evaluation and outcome clearly identified
• Qualified investigators with clearly defined roles
• Detailed budget

Michael Bomford
Kentucky State University
125 Atwood Research Facility
400 E. Main St .
Frankfort , KY 40601
Ph: 502-597-5752
Fax: 502-597-6381
mbomford@gmail.com

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LS06-186 Increasing use of sustainable plants in production and landscape design, $180,000

The goal of this combined research and extension project is to simultaneously encourage the demand, production and ultimate use of low-input, horticulturally-desirable plants in southeastern landscapes. Through the reciprocal efforts of academic experts in Entomology, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and Green Industry representatives in landscape design, landscape architecture, maintenance and installation and plant production, we propose to research, develop and deliver a mutually conceived plant information and resource database.
Research has been conducted to identify pest resistant and other lower-input horticultural plants. That information, however, is not readily accessible. Producers of low-input and pest resistant plant material are often difficult to locate or the plant material is simply unavailable. These plants cannot be used if they are not easily identified, easily located, or even grown commercially.

We will engage Green Industry professionals with our multi-state, interdisciplinary research and extension team in the development of an inclusive plan to 1) identify optimal plant material (from both lower water and lower pesticide as well as horticultural aspects), 2) provide a tool to facilitate the location of these optimal plants and 3) educate Green Industry professionals on the feasibility and technical aspects of sustainable landscapes. Our goal is to enhance the likelihood that low-input plants will be specified in landscape design, thereby stimulating and expediting the production and availability of such materials.

The research component of this project will A) identify and develop pest resistant or other lower-input plant material suitable for the southeast and B) investigate, through surveys, interviews and facilitated conferences, the most appropriate methods to achieve components 2 and 3 of the plan above, including development of a logo and promotional plan for the database tool that we propose to call GreenResource.

The education and extension component will 1) offer a database and software package in an accessible, user-friendly and updatable web-enhanced format; develop the plant material source locator; and construct instructional modules) and 2) deliver programs via a variety of outlets such as multi-state agent training, statewide and regional conferences for producers and other Green Industry professionals, workshops for those involved in landscape design, implementation and curriculum development, and field days and "research on display" gardens.
This project will achieve the goal of increasing the use of low-input plants to create sustainable landscapes on a broader scale by engaging supply and demand simultaneously in a real-time, responsive, whole-system approach. Additionally, the incorporation of established avenues of Green Industry communication, successful database software (GardenSoft, Inc., http://www.gardensoft.com) and the participation of recognized experts in extension and research across multiple disciplines will strongly support and strengthen our efforts. The increased utilization of low-input plants as components of a sustainable landscape will reduce water demands and risks to human health and the environment.

This project, while intimidating because it has "so many moving parts", will more likely achieve the goal of increasing use of sustainable plants on a broad scale because the multiple segments necessary will all be engaged simultaneously in a systems approach to problem solving.

Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:

• Impact of project could be nation-wide and not just regional in scope.
• Multi-state and multi-institutional
• Team strategy is well defined
• Dissemination of information is to occur using a well thought out sequencing - research - branding and marketing strategies, participation at association and trade shows and field days, publications. Buy-in by professionals should also occur as CEUs will be awarded at training events.

Kris Bramen
Univ of Georgia
Dept of Entomology
1198 Experiment Street
Griffin , GA 30223-1797
Ph: 770-228-7236
Fax: 770-228-7288
kbraman@griffin.uga.edu

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LS06-187 Silicon soil amendments for enhancing disease resistance while improving overall crop health for cucurbits in organic farming systems, $180,000

Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:

• Disease management in organic systems is a significant barrier to the success of organic systems in the southeast. This project, although limited in its scope, will have a positive impact if it proves to be an effective tool for managment of disease
• They make a good argument for how this fits into the disease control strategies for organic systems
• Objectives and timeline are clear and realistic
• Evaluation approach is sound and very inclusive.

Lawrence E. Datnoff
Univ of Florida (IFAS)
1453 Fifield Hall, Hull Rd.
Gainesville , FL 32611
Ph: 352-392-3631 x 383
ledatnoff@ifas.ufl.edu

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LS06-188 Expanding the grazing season for sustainable year-round forage-finished beef production, $163,000

Forage-finished beef products have greater concentrations of nutraceutical compounds compared to beef from traditional grain-finished cattle. Markets are expanding for animal products raised naturally on forage based systems with enhanced nutraceutical content. Currently there are limitations in providing year-around supply of forage finished beef, which limits marketing potentials and customer satisfaction.

Production of forage-finished beef during fall, winter and spring months is effectively accomplished in the Southeastern U.S. through utilization of cool season forages. However, forages for finishing beef cattle in summer months are limited and research is needed to evaluate alternate forage crops (chicory, alfalfa, cowpea, pearl millet). Utilization of these alternative forages could alter the fatty acid composition, fat soluble vitamin content, and palatability of the resulting beef product.

Therefore, we propose evaluating various forages to expand the grazing season to improve forage production during the summer months, enhance animal performance and economic returns, and assess changes in beef composition and consumer acceptability.

Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:

• This information should aid limited resource farmers in making decisions on forages to use for grass finishing beef cattle by providing them with expected animal performance for budgeting purposes.
• The team assembled is experienced in this type of research and in working with producers in this region. Research will be conducted in three states in the south and direct involvement of extension agents and on farm demonstration and education plots should provide the opportunity for more rapid adaptation of their findings.
• The animal performance on various summer forages and carcass compositional changes related to these forage choices will be used in the economic analyses. This should provide a better understanding of the complete production system
• The objectives are clear and the work is in a reasonable time frame
• Extremely thorough outreach plan. Use of experiment stations, on-farm demonstration plots and short courses has a long history of success in this type of research. Planned publications are appropriate for this project. Websites will be developed and published for regional and national information delivery. Use of media campaign and the popular press is useful. Selection of the local farms in each state by county agents will expand the research to the producer level and should speed adaptation of the systems examined.

Susan Duckett
Clemson University
129 Poole Ag Center
Box 340311
Clemson , SC 29634-0311
Ph: 864-656-3427
Fax: 864-656-3131
sduckett@uga.edu

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LS06-189 Increasing sustainability of southern Great Plains ' agriculture through no-till production systems, $183,000

In the Southern Great Plains wheat is planted either with the intention of producing grain only or with the intention of producing dual-purpose winter wheat that is available for grazing by livestock from late November until early March and then harvested for grain. Grain-only and dual-purpose wheat are extremely important to the agricultural economy of the southern Great Plains. The proposed research and education project will be designed to address three major problems of growing winter wheat in the region. The first problem is that conventional tillage is used for more than 95% of the dual-purpose wheat in the region. The second problem is the unique disease and insect pest issues that arise as a result of the wheat monoculture that dominates the southern Great Plains. The third problem is that the largest cash outlay for producing dual-purpose wheat is nitrogen fertilizer, and applied nitrogen fertilizer is less than 35% efficient under current management practices.

We propose to address these three problems by investigating the impact of no-till practices on wheat forage, grain yield components, insect pest and natural enemy abundance, and disease incidence and severity using both spatially temporally replicated trials in the southern Great Plains. Further, we will evaluate the validity of sensor-based nitrogen recommendations in no-till wheat production systems. We will determine the economics of no-till versus conventional tillage for dual-purpose wheat under conventional fall nitrogen application with nitrogen fertilizer amount based upon yield goals and with field-specific spring nitrogen application with rates based upon yield potential as measured by optical reflectance technology in late winter. Finally, we will use a combination of field days, training sessions, journal articles, and extension publications to disseminate our findings to relevant stakeholders.

Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:

• Abstract is succinct in describing the problem and proposed research to address the problems
• Project team is highly qualified to conduct research.
• Project team is highly qualified to conduct research.
• Objectives and methods are sound and achievable in the time frame.

Jeffrey T. Edwards
OSU
368 Ag Hall
Stillwater , OK 74078
Ph: 405-744-9617
jeff.edwards@okstate.edu

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LS06-190 Perennial legumes as a sustainable source of soil organic matter in Southeastern organic farming systems, $190,000

Building soil organic matter (SOM) is critical for organic farmers, particularly in the Southeast where the hot, humid climate results in rapid SOM decomposition. Annual cover cropping is becoming more common as a way to build up SOM and its associated nutrients. However, winter cover crops alone are usually insufficient to supply the nutrients needed throughout the summer growing season. Additional amendments are needed, but they can be very expensive to buy or logistically difficult to process. For several years, the Agroecology Lab of the Univ. of Georgia has been experimenting with perennial legumes as a source of organic matter and nitrogen in an organic farming system. The legumes are planted in hedgerows, 4 meters apart, and the crop is planted in the "alley" between the hedges. The hedges are pruned regularly during the growing season. Results have shown an increase in soil N and P available to the crop growing in the alley. We hypothesize that root sloughing caused by a physiological imbalance following pruning results in a major nutrient and organic matter input into the cropping system.

An alley cropping system may be particularly beneficial in restoring degraded or fallow fields by providing a nutrient primer, while allowing the hedges proper time to be established. Once the hedges are established and cropping begins or is renewed, the hedges supply nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Of the several perennial legumes that we have investigated, Amorpha fruticosa (false indigo) has proven preferable. It is native to Eastern U.S.; its structure is that of a shrub; it sprouts prolifically; the stems are slight, and when pruned do not interfere with cultivation operations.

The objectives of this project are: to evaluate a strategy of soil organic management for organic farming systems that includes perennial leguminous shrubs in an alley cropping system as a sustainable source of nutrients; to analyze the contribution of root sloughing to soil organic matter and nutrient concentration; to develop an outreach component that will critically assess current management approaches, establish on-farm trials, disseminate research results, provide feedback to researchers, and conduct workshops and internships.

Field experiments will compare total crop yield, and soil physical and chemical properties in an alley cropping system with a system that relies on traditional inputs (composts and green manures) for nutrients. The contribution of root sloughing to soil fertility in an alley cropping system will be quantified with stable isotopes. To develop an outreach and education component, the Agroecology Lab has enlisted five commercial organic growers as an advisory group for a proposed network of organic farmers. Georgia Organics, the umbrella organization for organic farmers in Georgia, will cooperate in forming this network, and sponsor workshops for intensive discussions and feedback on techniques of organic matter management. The proposed research and outreach will significantly enhance current education activities, which include annual visits of over 1500 University of Georgia and regional students, an intensive ecological agricultural field course, a seasonal internship program, and grower workshops.

Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:

• The statement of problem and rational are accurate and reflect significant economic and environmental barriers to success in organic production in the southeast.
• The proposal does a good job of including multiple stakeholders in the project.
• The inclusion of multiple testing sites and methods indicates a desire to evaluate the system from a holistic approach. On-farm research sites should further this goal.
• It appears they will establish a continuous feedback loop from the grower stakeholders, which should provide direct evaluation and impact information.

Carl Jordan
University of Georgia
Institute of Ecology
Green Street
Athens , GA 30602
Ph: 706-542-6019
Fax: 706-542-6040
cfjordan@uga.edu

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LS06-191 Promoting the development of economically and ecologically sustainable pasture-fed beef markets, $193,335

The purpose of this project is to conduct research and education activities that will promote the development of pasture-fed beef (PFB) markets in Virginia. Previous research has shown that PFB is a niche market that has the potential to contribute to the ecological sustainability of farming; the economic well-being of farmers; the economic vitality of rural communities; and regional economic linkages.

Pasture-feeding is a production system that is seeing increasing adoption across the U.S., however with the exception of some studies on consumer demand, markets for PFB have received little treatment. The development of a PFB market that will contribute to both environmental and economic objectives requires additional research, including the product and service requirements of specific consumer groups and market outlets which would sell to them; constraints that affect product flow from farm to consumer; and the differing costs and benefits of alternative PFB production systems. This project will address these issues in the context of a research and education program for PFB markets in Virginia that will:

1. Identify and describe economic/financial properties of alternative PFB systems using different levels of off-farm resources, and how their product is valued by consumers;
2. Map the structure of the PFB marketing channels currently in use, and identify constraints and inefficiencies that currently constrain the market or will likely impede its expansion;
3. Analyze the potential for diverse retail and food service outlets to participate in PFB markets, and requirements for sales through these markets;
4. Analyze preferences and demand for PFB among growing Latin American, Asian, and European populations; and
5. Extend results of research through educational programs to producers and dissemination of research results through extension, industry and professional outlets.

Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:

• If successful, this model could be applied to other regions in the south.
• The team is particularly strong in excellent participation of farmers and others. Their roles have been delineated prior to funding of the research.
• Case study approach appears to be well suited for this type of research. Building on previous research is a plus. Methods and design are adequate and technically sound
• Results of exit surveys should indicate the immediate impact of the information. Follow-up surveys would aid in finding out the adoption potential for the new information presented.

Denise Mainville
Virginia PI&SU
316 Hutcheson Hall
Dept Ag & Applied Econ
Blacksburg , VA 24061
Ph: 540-231-5774
Fax: 540-231-7417
mainvill@vt.edu

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LS06-192 Biorational approaches for management of bacterial wilt and bacterial spot on tomato, $150,000

Tomato is the most significant vegetable crop in the southern U.S. totaling more than one billion U.S. dollars in farm gate value with Florida accounting for close to 65% of the fresh market production. In Florida, bacterial wilt and bacterial spot are responsible for many of the losses in fresh market tomato production.

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most important plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic bacteria in the tropical, subtropical and warm temperate zones of the world. According to a needs-based assessment survey for tomato IPM carried out by multidisciplinary IPM teams from seven states in the southeastern U.S., bacterial spot of tomato was identified as a major problem by more than 66.7 % of the respondents from Florida and South Carolina. Bacterial spot, incited by several species, will be referred to in this proposal for convenience as Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria. For many years control strategies were ineffective for both of these diseases.

However, more recently inducers of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and bacteriophages have been shown to significantly reduce bacterial diseases in tomato. The inducers have been used quite extensively, but using current application practices, yield reductions have been observed. In this research project, we will use several strategies to develop biorational approaches for integrated management of these two important bacterial diseases.

The objectives of this proposal are:

(1) to develop strategies in management of bacterial wilt by: (a) evaluating the efficacy and application methods of new biofumigants and reduced risk compounds in controlling R. solanacearum on tomato under greenhouse and field conditions; (b) determining efficacy of an SAR inducer (Actigard) in reducing bacterial wilt on susceptible tomato cultivars under field conditions at different inoculum levels, and evaluating integrated effectiveness and economics of field application of Actigard, biofumigant, and commercially available moderately resistant tomato genotype in management of bacterial wilt; and (c) using the data obtained in objectives 1a and 1b to develop and implement best management strategies for bacterial wilt in naturally infested commercial tomato farms;

(2) to optimize integrated management of bacterial spot with SAR inducers which have limited effects on plant yield by: (a) identifying resistant lines to determine if reduced rates of Actigard can be applied to enhance disease control without affecting yield; (b) determining the effects of modified application strategies of Actigard in combination with bacteriophages; and (c) combining the best management strategies in 2a and 2b for bacterial spot in field experiments; and

(3) to conduct a Cost Benefit Analysis on each bacterial wilt and bacterial spot management strategy selected for field trials and compare with current standard grower practice. Net returns over variable cost and total cost will be used to quantify the expected economic benefits.

On-farm demonstrations will be conducted in collaboration with growers and extension agents in north Florida and southern Georgia. Results derived from this study will be used to design more sustainable tomato production for controlling two important bacterial diseases of tomato in the southeastern United States.

Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:

• The research project employs an integrated approach to management of bacterial diseases in tomato.
• Objectives are clearly stated with detailed plan of work and timeline.
• Disease management research goals, in particular the biorational/chemical control aspects, are well presented. Methods are clearly stated and are technically sound
• The investigators do an admirable job in integrating assessment with each objective.

Timur M. Momol
Univ of Florida
N. Florida R&E Center
155 Research Road
Quincy , FL 32351
Ph: 850-875-7154
Fax: 850-875-7188
TMomol@ifas.ufl.edu

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LS06-193 Grafting rootstocks onto heirloom and locally adapted tomato selections to confer resistance to root-knot nematodes and other soil borne diseases and to increase nutrient uptake efficiency in an intensive farming system for market gardeners, $193,000

Profitable organic and sustainable tomato production is difficult in the Southern Region. Many growers have moved into covered culture systems (high tunnels) in order to decrease foliar diseases, increase productivity, and improve economic stability through season extension. Utilizing tunnels limits rotation options, however, which increases soilborne disease pressure, ultimately resulting in crop failures. This problem is particularly difficult for growers who have developed high-end specialty markets based on traditional or heirloom varieties lacking genetic resistance to
soilborne diseases. Sustainable and organic growers need research and extension support to implement methods enhancing tomato production and decreasing disease problems. The use of integrated systems which utilize both covered culture and grafting should be a promising strategy to help growers in the SE-USA.

We propose implementing a series of strategic experiments to test performance of heirloom tomatoes grafted onto resistant rootstocks in open field systems and in synergy with high tunnels. A key component of our research will be establishing collaborative arrangments with advanced growers, who face real problems, to conduct replicated on-farm trials. The on-farm research model will ensure an effective extension outcome, guide the project to target
real issues, and provide a mechanism to carry out experiments under natural levels of soilborne diseases, particularly southern bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), and root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne sp.). Performance of grafted plants in tunnels and in the open field will be compared to that of self-grafted and un-
grafted (control) plants. Because grafting technology is a site- specific management tool, scion and rootstocks utilized in on-farm trials will depend on the diseases present and the marketing needs of the grower. Disease resistance and harvest yields will be monitored on-farm, and this experience will provide an avenue of information exchange benefiting both the researchers and growers.

Results from on-farm experimentation on resistance to soil diseases will be supported by horticultural trials at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, NC. The CEFS site has no known soilborne diseases, but is a superior site to evaluate horticultural performance because of its long history of organic practices. Using commercial and public lines of rootstocks, multiple and single head training systems for grafted plants will be compared under reduced and normal fertility. A factorial design will be implemented where main plots evaluate tunnels vs. open fields, and fertility, graft combination, and training system treatments are subplots. Performance attributes to be investigated at CEFS include: total yield; disease and pest resistance; overall vigor; and nutrient
uptake efficiency.

Educational components of the project include development of a website to provide background information on grafting, illustrate techniques and list sources of tomato rootstocks and disease resistant-cultivars. The focus will be on rootstocks and cultivars that can be propagated and distributed through growers and seed exchanges. However, commercial (variety protected) cultivars will be included where they offer clear advantages. Educational and other
cooperators will be consulted on the most important characteristics of rootstocks, scions, and production systems and some may eventually be involved in distributing and testing rootstocks.

Points specifically mentioned by reviewers:

• Well written section providing good background of problem and evaluation of cost comparison. Strong component of proposal
• Strong component of proposal is that nine project participants are listed including four commercial farms, NCSU extension service, the Caroline farm Stewardship, Saving our Seed and a tomato breeder.

Mary Peet
NCSU
Box 7609
Dept. Horticultural Science
Raleigh , NC 27595-7609
Ph: 919-515-5362
Fax: 919-515-2515
mary_peet@ncsu.edu

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