Following are highlights from progress reports on projects selected to meet the C-FAR research focus: Increase the capacity of crop and animal systems to respond to changing world food demands. Nitrogen Effects on the Environment, Yields To evaluate the effects of nitrogen rate and previous nitrogen management history on grain yield, experimental plots were established at four locations in the Lake Decatur watershed in spring 1996. Nitrogen application rates varied. In early spring, corn was visibly taller and greener where increasing increments of nitrogen had been applied at three of the locations. At the fourth location, however, researchers observed no difference in growth or color at rates beyond the high-end increment. The location had a history of manure application in the years prior to 1992. Additional field studies are under way to determine the fate of residual soil fertilizer nitrogen and to evaluate uptake of fertilizer nitrogen by the crop. Researchers also will separate whole plant samples into grain and fodder and analyze them for fertilizer nitrogen content. Soil samples collected at harvest will be analyzed for total organic and inorganic nitrogen and for the amount of fertilizer nitrogen remaining in the soil profile. Tile line monitoring equipment that can be installed without disruption of the tile system will be used to monitor flow rates, periodically collect water samples for total inorganic and organic nitrogen analysis, and monitor soil and air temperatures and soil moisture levels. Robert G. Hoeft, Emerson Nafziger, Crop Sciences J. Kent Mitchell, Agricultural Engineering David Kovacic, Landscape Architecture Rob Hornbaker, Agricultural and Consumer Economics College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Illinois Animal Health Monitoring System An efficient monitoring system that collects data on multiple factors could provide precise data on health and disease factors affecting productivity of Illinois pork producers. To that end, researchers developed a monitoring system for the detection and evaluation of the most common, economically significant pathogens: porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus, swine influenza virus, actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and salmonella cholerasuis. Serological tests are used for detection of pathogen antibodies, except for salmonella. For salmonella, bacterial cultures from feces are used for diagnosis of infections. Ronald M. Weigel, Ned Hahn, Gail Scherba, Gay Miller, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign No-till Evaluations Research on the transition from conventional or mulch tillage to no-till started in 1995. As first steps, researchers mapped field plots using a global positioning system and determined base levels of soil nutrients and pH. Due to severe soil compaction, most of the plots were tilled to a depth of 35 centimeters in the fall of 1995. The remaining no-till plots were divided into fall or spring strip-till and no-till treatments. A 15 percent increase in plant stand (93 percent emergence), along with warmer soil and reduced side-wall compaction occurred in the strip-till compared to no-till. Looking at diseases, researchers observed a reduction in infection by Pythium sp. Data show a strong correlation between the presence of plant debris, especially of corn, and high populations of Fusarium graminearum, causal agent of wheat scab. A specific DNA probe for Ustilago hordei, causal agent of covered smut of barley, was sequenced and evaluated. It is possible to determine infection with this pathogen in seven days, important for barley screening programs. Wayne Pedersen, Emerson Nafziger, Robert Hoeft, Steve Hart, Robert Dunker, Crop Sciences John Siemens, Agricultural Engineering Mike Gray, Crop Sciences Richard Farnsworth, Agricultural and Consumer Economics College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Transgenic Swine Transgenic sows produce more milk on the same amount of feed, and their pigs grow faster. This is potentially a $200 million proposition in improved growth benefits nationwide. Second generation transgenic pigs were produced from the original bovine a-lactalbumin (a-LA) containing transgenic boar. The transgene was inherited through normal Mendelian genetics and the transgene appears to be stably integrated. The growth rate of the transgenic offspring as compared to the non-transgenic litter mates is statistically similar. This data suggest the transgene did not insert in a region of DNA that is necessary for normal growth and development. The transgenic females from this line will start to be inseminated in August 1996. Farrowing should start in early December 1996. Milk and piglet growth analysis will be performed at that time. In addition, researchers have produced an additional founder transgenic pig that contains the bovine a-LA gene. The transgenic Yorkshire X Duroc gilt was born in June and could be mated in December. Another transgenic line will then be established using the offspring of this gilt. In related work, researchers completed development of the bovine a-LA /human insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) gene construct and injected it into pig embryos. Five recipient pigs containing these embryos are due in October. The gene construct was produced by generating a synthetic gene that is a hybrid between bovine a-LA and human IGF-I. This hybrid gene construct will allow the expression of the synthetic mRNA specifically in the mammary tissue of swine and will cause mature human IGF-I to be secreted into milk. Matthew B. Wheeler, Animal Sciences College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Laboratory for Genetic Management of Crop Diseases Researchers identified several sources of resistance to Aspergillus ear rot and aflatoxin caused by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. With one source of resistance (Tex 6), the resistance is highly heritable, dominant and simply inherited. Results indicate the genes that control resistance to ear rot may not always be those that control resistance to aflatoxin production. Researchers backcrossed resistance into inbreds used in commercial corn hybrids in the Midwest. The backcrossed derived lines have acceptable yield and low aflatoxin in hybrid combination. With continued use of conservation tillage and susceptible corn hybrids in the Midwest, gray leaf spot of corn continues to be a problem. No commercially used corn hybrid has the high level of resistance necessary to avoid yield loss. Several sources of high levels of resistance have been identified, however. One unique, but largely unused source of resistance (061) has extremely high levels of resistance that is highly heritable, dominant and controlled by only a few genes. The UIUC team generated F3 generations and backcrossed susceptible selfed lines this summer for use with genetic research to identify chromosomal location of resistance genes. Additional research is necessary to use marker assisted selection to cross resistance into susceptible corn inbreds and efficiently recover the superior agronomic traits of the susceptible parent. Donald G. White, John W. Dudley, Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Infrastructure for Agricultural Research and Demonstration Centers This project provides support for the field research program at the University of Illinois research and demonstration centers located in important agroclimatic zones of Illinois. Equipment acquisitions included: starter fertilizer equipment and a combine yield monitor at the Monmouth Center; equipment to apply solution N fertilizer at the Orr Center; a planter, fertilizer injectors and disc sealers at Brownstown Center; a backhoe excavator at Dixon Springs Center; and a combine-mounted weighing system at Urbana. Drainage work was contracted at DeKalb. All of these infrastructure improvements have enhanced the capacity of researchers to conduct applied research vital to production agriculture in Illinois. Emerson Nafziger, Eric Adee, Kevin Barber, Robert Dunker, Stephen Ebelhar, Lyle Paul, Glenn Raines, Crop Sciences College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Reproductive Efficiency in Gilts Four replicates were performed between October 1995 and May 1996 using one of two genetic populations, a maternal line and terminal cross. Prepubertal gilts between 140-190 days of age were randomly assigned by age, litter, and weight to receive a progesterone implant plus P.G. 600, or P.G. 600 alone, or no treatment. Preliminary data indicate pre-exposure to progesterone may not enhance the induction response to P.G. 600. Alone, P.G. 600 may be used as early as 163 days of age to effectively synchronize a fertile estrus in females that vary considerably in body weight. Ovulation rate data indicate the number of ova may not be limiting from the induced ovulation and that pregnancy can be maintained. Limited data on litter size is available. This treatment may provide beneficial results for reduced estrus detection days and reduced numbers of replacement gilts needed and maintained by producers. Robert Knox, Department of Agriculture Illinois State University Somatotropin: Effects on Ovarian Function in Swine Researchers developed a Web home page for this project (http://www.siu.edu/~tw3a/cfargh.htm). The primary objective of the project is to understand the role of somatotropin (ST) as a molecular modulator of sterol metabolism and follicle survival in the ovaries of swine and mice using an in vitro ovarian cell culture system. Initial qualitative results of exposure of ovarian sections from ST-transgenic and normal mice to photographic emulsion show that the cytochrome P-450 cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (p450scc) is expressed differently in the ST-Transgenic mice and normal mice. Results of apoptosis assays indicate less programmed granulosa cell death in ST-transgenic mice. This would indicate that ST-transgenic animals would have the propensity to ovulate more follicles and ultimately lead to improved reproductive efficiency. T. Winters, C. Hausler, Animal Science, Food and Nutrition A. Bartke, Physiology Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Enhancement of Research on Soybean Diseases Studies are under way to determine the epidemiology of sudden death syndrome (SDS) and its resistance in soybeans. This project focuses on the development and testing of greenhouse screening methods for SDS and soybean cyst nematode (SCN). The project has been delayed due to time involved in hiring a post-doctoral individual to initiate pathological portions of the study. The post-doctoral has been hired and greenhouses have been modified to conduct these studies. O. Myers, P. Gibsons, D. Lightfoot, M. Schmidt, Plant and Soil Science L. Achenbach, Microbiology Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Female Swine: Anogenital Distance as Reproductive Indicators Researchers have collected data on nearly 700 gilts from 142 different litters. The correlation between the proportion of a litter that is comprised of males and the average anogenital distance for the gilts in that litter is 0.81. This indicates that when the litter has more males, and thus a higher probability of having females that were born to males, then there are more females that been exposed to male hormones. Androgen exposure is manifested in terms of the larger anogenital distance for females in male-biased litters. Will females with larger anogenital distances be more likely to have some degree of reproductive failure? This prediction(s) will be tested using gilts that are kept from previous identified litters. L. Drickamer, Zoology R. Arthur, T. Rosenthal, Animal Science, Food and Nutrition Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Phytoestrogens: Chemical and Genetic Analysis in Soybean Varieties Soybean phytoestrogens may influence mammalian reproduction. Thus, phytoestrogen production in different soybean varieties must be characterized. To date, three enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of soy flavanoids have been successfully mapped in the soybean genome. One of these has been linked to chalcone isomerase (CHI), and the product of CHI is the flavone naringenin. Narigenin is an isomer of the isoflavone genistein, the most abundant isoflavone in soybeans. To determine how specific phytoestrogens bind to an estrogen receptor and how soy-related phytoestrogens influence cell proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death), primary cells from fetal reproductive progenitor organs will be cultured in vitro. This culture system has been developed and preliminary data indicate that soy phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein modulate DNA synthesis in primary mesonephric cells derived from 60-day gestational age fetuses. T. Winters, B. Banz, B. Jacobson, Animal Science, Food and Nutrition D. Lightfoot, Plant and Soil Science Southern Illinois University at Carbondale External Competitive Grants Program Development of Disease-resistant Horseradish Studies are under way to determine the relationship between soil populations of the pathogen Verticillium dahliae and disease incidence and severity of verticillium root discoloration of horseradish. Other studies are aimed at determining when infection takes place and how soil temperature and pH affect disease development. On-farm evaluation trials were established at four locations, and selected genotypes were planted in sites with a history of severe root discoloration problems. These plants will be evaluated for disease severity at fall harvest 1996. As part of the breeding effort, researchers are evaluating horseradish cultivars for resistance to verticillium root discoloration. Seed lots collected from second and third generation horseradish clones planted in the greenhouse and in the field will be evaluated next season. C. Doll, Doll Horticulture Services D. Eastburn, Crop Sciences College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Tri-County Vegetable Growers Association Illinois Horseradish Growers Association Reducing Swine Odor Production and Emissions Computer modeling of background information on swine odor and release, an initial step in this research, will result in a white paper this fall. The paper will outline the state-of-the-art in odor research and provide an overall strategy for the most productive approach to researching solutions to the problem of animal facility odors. When remodeling of environmental control systems and special chambers is completed, researchers will collect samples of manure, urine and air to analyze for malodorous compounds. Researchers will evaluate the effect of diet manipulation, develop and test odor scrubber technologies, and assess systems to remove dust which carries odor. R. Easter, M. Ellis, P. Harrison, R. Johnson, K. Koelkebeck, R. Mackie, Animal Sciences G. Riskowski, Y. Zhang, Agricultural Engineering College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Developing a New Foundation for Sustainable Apple Growing Despite exceptionally high spring rainfall, researchers planted an experimental interstem/rootstock orchard site and collected data on growth and flowering. They will continue to collect detailed data related to soil, root, canopy and flowering and monitor disease and pest incidence. This project was a featured stop on the Illinois/Missouri Fruit Tour. Researchers are seeking grower participation. B. Taylor, S. Chong, Crop Sciences E. Billingsley, Cooperative Extension Service S. Ries, Plant Pathology College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign C. Doll, Doll Horticultural Services Illinois State Horticultural Society Early Detection of Pregnancy and Litter Size in Pigs Researchers propose a procedure to detect early pregnancy and litter size in the pig so that swine producers can check for pregnancy soon after mating and also determine potential litter size. In tests, they have determined pregnancy with 100 percent accuracy by sampling blood from presumed pregnant pigs as early as day 21. Researchers also have determined litter size, especially small versus large litters, in blood taken around day 25 or 26 after mating. The team recently completed a large field trial to determine if data collected in a research setting hold when the test is taken to the farm. Preliminary data look promising. J. Bahr, P. Dziuk, G. Hollis, Animal Sciences College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign A hardy apple tree that stands up to the environmental stresses of Illinois is a goal of researchers at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Return to the Table of Contents