SSEEDS: The CFAES Research Competitive Grants Program

2017 Report of Progress

Research and Graduate EducationGrant Development Support Unit

Table of Contents Research Committee MembersMary Gardiner, Entomology, ChairMacdonald Wick, Animal Sciences, Chair ElectLarry Antosch, Ohio Farm Bureau FederationKristina Boone, Ohio State ATIJoyce Chen, Agricultural, Environmental, and Development EconomicsMatt Davies, School of Environment and Natural ResourcesGary Gao, Ohio State University ExtensionDennis Heldman, Food Science and TechnologyJordan Hoewischer, Ohio Farm Bureau FederationAlex Lindsey, Horticulture and Crop ScienceMelanie Prarat, Ohio Department of Agriculture Animal Disease Diagnostic LaboratoryMary Rodriguez, Agricultural Communication, Education, and LeadershipSudhir Sastry, Food, Agricultural and Biological EngineeringRobert Scharff, College of Education and Human EcologyQiuhong Wang, Food Animal Health Research ProgramYe Xia, Plant Pathology

Graham Cochran, Associate Dean of Operations, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ex-Officio

Lori Kaser, Grants and Contracts Administrator, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ex-Officio

SEEDS Program CoordinatorMelissa Burant, Grants Development Specialist, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

SEEDS 3

Objectives 4

2017 in Review 5

Accomplishments 5

Bibliometric Analysis 6

Faculty Projects 9

Student Projects 29

Participating Faculty 34

Industry Partners 36

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For more information, visit the SEEDS website (oardc.osu.edu/seeds) or email us at seeds@osu.edu.

Produced by Melissa Burant, Project Manager, and by CFAES Marketing and Communications: Ken Chamberlain, Photographer; Heather Murphy Gates, Technical Editor.

SEEDS: THE CFAES RESEARCH COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM

The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) employs nearly 650 scientists and staff members who support CFAES’ research mission throughout the state. With a presence across the state of Ohio, including Columbus, Wooster, and nine research stations, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) is CFAES’ comprehensive research enterprise. CFAES scientists work closely with researchers in Ohio State’s Colleges of Education and Human Ecology, Medicine, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine, Biological Sciences, and Engineering.

At any given time, CFAES researchers are engaged in more than 400 research projects. These research projects are centered around three signature areas:

Addressing the differing challenges and vast opportunities of Ohio’s agbioscience industry is the ultimate goal of SEEDS: The CFAES Research Competitive Grants Program. SEEDS encourages excellence in research by promoting exploration that is consistent with the mission and vision of CFAES and by encouraging connections across disciplines, with industry, and with other external partners.

Established in 1996, SEEDS is unique among U.S. state-assisted universities. By fostering high-quality research among scientists supported by CFAES, SEEDS enables those scientists to collect the preliminary data needed to give them a

competitive edge in national programs. It also provides them with leverage to attract industry support. Due to the changing nature of economic and societal trends, the agriculture, food, and green industries depend on innovators and researchers to generate new processes and products. Ohio’s largest industry increasingly links with other industries to take on common challenges and opportunities in key areas such as food production and security, energy and the environment, and health and wellness. CFAES’s SEEDS program is just one of the many ways in which Ohio State’s innovative research and development connect to industry and the community on a global scale.

The following pages will provide a quick glance at the SEEDS objectives and successes. Each faculty project completed in 2017 is included with a brief explanation of the problem being addressed, its importance, and the impact of the results. You will also see a sampling of graduate projects, and a list of our industry partners.

For specific information regarding these projects, please contact the faculty members directly or contact SEEDS at seeds@osu.edu.

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Advanced bioenergy and biobased products

Environmental quality and sustainability

Food security, production, and human health

4

OBJECTIVES

Increase the competitiveness of scientists in extramural grant programs.

$25,768,180total CFAES funds awarded

$147,891,061extramural/matching/agency

funds generated

$5.77 : $1.00return on investment (1998–2017)

Encourage partnerships with industry and other stakeholders.

Invested $5.2 million in projects requiring

matching funds, generating $9.2 million

in industry matches.

Encourage the development of interdisciplinary teams.

$9MSEEDS funding

$29Mextramural

funding

10colleges

31departments

Encourage international collaborations.

Provide undergraduate students with research experience.

Provide graduate students with the opportunity to take part in the grant writing/review process.

Funded 70undergraduate student projects out of 119 submissions.

Funded 319 graduate student projects out of

797 submissions.

.

E

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2017 IN REVIEWThe 23 faculty grants completed in 2017 represent:

• $896,795 invested by CFAES• $1,994,208 in extramural funds received

• $312,973 in matching funds from industry partners• 18 publications and 18 presentations

• 8 graduate dissertations/theses• 1 patent application and 2 invention disclosures

• A return on investment of $10.18 (five-year average)

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Made more than 1,597

presentations throughout the world.

Published 997peer-reviewed

scientific manuscripts,

abstracts, popular press articles,

bulletins, and/or book chapters.

Funding percentage

of 41 percent for

faculty proposals.

Produced 78doctoral

dissertations and 119master’s theses.

Obtained 14patents, 26

invention disclosures,

and 6licensing

agreements.

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BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF A LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITYJulie Aldrige; Graham R. Cochran, Ph.D.; Keith L. Smith, Ph.D. Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership

INTRODUCTION

The goal of SEEDS: The CFAES Research Competitive Grants

Program is to address the differing challenges and

opportunities of Ohio’s agbioscience industry. There are

seven SEEDS grant competition categories, five of which are

highlighted below:

• Seed: to stimulate new research

• Interdisciplinary Team: to stimulate collaboration

between at least three academic units

• Matching: to initiate projects with funding support from an

external collaborator

• Industry: to initiate projects with industry nonprofits

• Doctoral: to support graduate student research

Bibliometrics is one measure of impact on the academic

community—or scientific productivity—of a publication,

individual, group, or institution. This bibliometric analysis of

SEEDS provides CFAES with information to assist with

evaluating commitment to the grant program.

agbioscience: the integration of scientific disciplines to

address critical needs of food security, safety, and health; environmental sustainability; and

biobased energy, fuel, and products

bibliometrics: the quantitative analysis of research literature

based on citations

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVESThe purpose of this study is to investigate the level of

scientific productivity of the SEEDS grant program by

bibliometric analysis of grant-funded research publications.

Objectives include the following:

• Calculate the Hirsch index (H-index) of the entire grant

program and each competition.

• Calculate the average citations per item for the entire

grant program and each competition.

• Compare the productivity of the SEEDS Interdisciplinary

Team competition to the other competitions.

METHODSCitation reports were generated using Thomsen Reuter’s

Web of Science (WoS). WoS is recognized as the world’s

largest collection of research data, books, journals,

proceedings, publications, and patents (Thomsen Reuters,

2015). A spreadsheet of all publications from 1999—2016

resulting from SEEDS grant-funded research was supplied by

CFAES. The spreadsheet consisted of 2,497 items.

Relying on authors to acknowledge affiliation with an institute

is a common source of error, as there is no standard

mechanism for identification (van Raan, 2005). To avoid this

error, the publication titles were used as the search terms.

Another source of error is the different ways a name or title

can be spelled or worded (Andrés, 2009). Each entry on the

list was cross-checked to accurately identify the title and

authors.

Publications were grouped by grant competition into

separately marked lists on WoS. The entire set of SEEDS

publications was also entered as a marked list.

22.24

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Average citations per item by SEEDS grant competition

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RESULTSAfter accurately identifying the title and authors, 579 SEEDS

grant publications were found in the WoS databases. Results

include papers, conference proceedings, book chapters,

patents, and doctoral dissertations. Along with the results for

the SEEDS grant program as a whole, five of the competitions

are presented here and were selected based on having a

minimum of 35 results in WoS.

• H-index of x if x published works have at least x citations.

• H-index combines measures of productivity and impact

into one indicator.

• Huang (2011) found 32.41 as the mean H-Index of U.S.

universities ranked in the top 500 in the world.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVESThe purpose of this study is to investigate the level of

Thomas Reuters Essential Science Indicators Database found

the citation average in agricultural sciences to be 7.05

citations per item for the period 2000—2010.

CONCLUSIONS• The Interdisciplinary Team, Seed, and Matching

competitions have consistently high levels of productivity

across measures.

• The Interdisciplinary Team has the highest percentage of

publications with 10 or more citations.

• The average citations per item of the SEEDS grant

program as a whole and the individual competitions

measure above average when compared with the

agricultural science field.

• The H-index of the SEEDS program and several

competitions is at or above average with research

institutions.

REFERENCESAndrés, A. (2009). Measuring academic research: How to undertake a

bibliometric study. Oxford: Chandos Publishing.Huang, M. (2011). Exploring the H-index at the institutional level. Online

Information Review 36, 4, 534—547.Thomson Reuters. (2015). Web of Science: Quick reference guide.

Retrieved December 16, 2015, from http://wokinfo.com/media/pdf/qrc/webofscience_qrc_en.pdf.

van Raan, A. F. J. (2005). Fatal attraction: Conceptual and methodological problems in the ranking of universities by bibliometric methods., 62,1, 133—143.

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Hirsch index by SEEDS grant

Interdisciplinary 153 3,402 51.00%

Doctoral 41 517 31.10%

Industry 38 686 39.50%

Matching 98 2,412 50.00%

Seed 195 3,764 47.70%

All SEEDS Publications 579 11,871 33.30%

Hirsch index by SEEDS grant competition, 1999—2016

Average citations per item by SEEDS grant competition, 1999—2016

EXPERIMENT STATION’S INTERDISCIPLINARY GRANT PROGRAMJulie Aldrige, Graham R. Cochran, Ph.D., Keith L. Smith, Ph.D., Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership

Table of selected results by competition, 1999—2016

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9

ADVANCED BIOENERGY AND BIOBASED PRODUCTS

As the importance of renewable sources for energy and materials increases, research and industry partnerships come together in this signature area to develop biomass-based

advanced energy technologies and value-added biobased products such as fuels, specialty chemicals, and fiber products.

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foams had desirable mechanical properties, particularly a

compression strength of around 3.5~4.0 MPa, suitable for

pipeline breaker applications.

Based on preliminary work on the synthesis of CG-based

polyols and formulations for synthesizing PU foams, this

SEEDS project demonstrated the potential for commercial

production of CG-based polyols and PU foams for pipeline

spray foam applications. A promising method for industrial

scale-up of the process (CG to biopolyols to PU foams)

was also developed. Additionally, this project will help

commercialize the one-pot thermochemical conversion

technology, a CFAES-patented system, for industrial

applications, and also provide a new market opportunity

for CG-based polyols, specifically pipeline spray foam

production.

Towards commercial production of crude

glycerol-based polyols and spray PU

foams for pipeline breaker applicationYebo Li, Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering*

Shaoqing Cui, Food, Agricultural and Biological

Engineering

Corresponding Professor: Harold Keener, Food,

Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Spray polyurethane (PU) foams are one type of insulation

material that has been widely used in construction

applications, such as walls, roofing, and trench breakers

for pipelines. Rising demand from the rapidly expanding

construction market has driven growth in the global spray

PU foam market. Alas, all of the raw materials used to

create industrial spray PU foam are heavily dependent on

petroleum. With concerns over the depletion and

sustainability of petroleum resources, considerable

research has been devoted to exploring renewable

alternatives to replace petroleum-based polyols. Crude

glycerol, a low-cost byproduct from the biodiesel industry,

is a highly attractive alternative, as it uses a one-pot

thermochemical conversion to create polyols without

additional inputs.

CFAES researchers determined the optimal operational

parameters for crude glycerol-based (CG-based) polyol

production specific for producing soft PU foams. Such PU

*indicates lead investigator

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US-Korean collaboration

on graphite electrode

development for microbial

fuel cellsAnn Christy, Food, Agricultural and

Biological Engineering*

plants to electrical current in

microbial fuel cells. Graphite, a

carbon-based material, is a common

material used for microbial fuel cell

electrodes with many advantages

including low cost, high conductivity,

and high stability. The project's

industry partner manufactured a high-

surface area graphite electrode with

a surface structure similar to that

found originally in the host rumen.

The goal was to enhance bacterial

adhesion and maximize electron

transfer, thereby improving reaction

kinetics by addressing both the mass

and charge transfer limitations of all

current microbial fuel cell designs

and resulting in higher power density

outputs.

The study compared the

performance of fabricated and

nonfabricated surface electrodes

using two biobased substrates:

glucose (soluble organic) and

cellulose (particulate organic).

Electrical current output was

sustained for over one month with

daily glucose and cellulose dosing.

The maximum voltage and maximum

power were analyzed to quantify the

performance of the microbial fuel

cells at the close of each

experimental run. Rumen

microorganisms produced current

from both glucose and cellulose

substrates in the two chambered

microbial fuel cells. microbial

Using glucose, microbial power

generation was 105 percent higher

with the enhanced electrodes

compared to traditional electrodes.

Similar results were found using

cellulose: power generation was

123 percent higher with the

manufactured electrodes.

Developing high-surface area

anodes can boost microbial fuel

cell performance. Results from this

research can be used to create a

next generation of microbial fuel

cell electrodes for maximum

bioenergy power output. If

adopted, this technology can serve

the needs of the agricultural

industry by providing waste

treatment while reducing energy

costs through on-site electricity

generation.

As the price of nonrenewable fuel

continues to rise, alternative energy

technologies will become much more

competitive. Additionally, if widely

adopted, overall CO2 emissions

would decrease because fuel cells

do not rely on combustion for energy

conversion, as traditional fuel sources

do. Microbial fuel cells can use a

variety of biobased and waste

materials to produce green

electricity, reducing dependence on

foreign sources of fuel and mitigating

environmental impact. However,

microbial fuel cells typically only

produce a small amount of electricity,

limiting the application of this

technology. Many factors affect

power output from microbial fuel

cells, including selection of

microorganisms, feedstocks, and

electrode material and surface area.

CFAES researchers investigated how

surface area can be adjusted to

increase the electrical output of

microbial fuel cells.

Naturally occurring microorganisms

in ruminant animals’ stomachs can

convert the chemical energy in

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Production of

polycarbonate biopolyols

from corn-ethanol process

byproduct for

polyurethane applicationYebo Li, Food, Agricultural and

Biological Engineering*

Shaoqing Cui, Food, Agricultural

and Biological Engineering

Corresponding Professor: Harold

Keener, Food, Agricultural and

Biological Engineering

Polyurethanes (PUs) are a class of

versatile polymers that are used

widely in a number of products such

as foams, coatings, binders, and

adhesives. It is estimated that the

PU industry in the United States

contributes approximately $59.9

billion to the national economy. At

present, raw materials used for

industrial PU production are almost

completely derived from petroleum.

With concerns over the depletion of

petroleum sources and their price

fluctuations, much research has

focused on developing renewable,

clean, and low-cost alternatives.

Biopolyols have been produced

from biofeedstocks, leading to

significant research to prove

biopolyols are a feasible substitute.

However, there are some inherent

problems associated with creating

biopolyols, including difficulty in

purification.

CFAES researchers have developed

a novel technology that can be used

to synthesize polycarbonate

biopolyols from distillers’ corn oil,

with the incorporation of CO2, to

produce PUs. Biopolyols with

variable properties were produced

from corn oil and CO2 with

conversion (corn oil to carbonate

linkage) of up to 75 percent. The PU

foams and coatings derived from

corn oil-based polyols were found to

have comparable properties to

petroleum-based ones, indicating the

developed process has potential for

industrial applications.

The proposed approach not only

offers an opportunity to produce an

increasingly desired biobased

alternative to petroleum-based

polyols and PU products, but also

increases the profitability of ethanol

production, which will significantly

benefit Ohio corn farmers. In

addition, the integration of CO2 into

the biopolycarbonate process reuses

CO2 produced during industrial

production, leading to a reduction of

CO2 emissions into the environment,

therefore, combating global warming

to some degree. Future research will

seek to optimize the process for a

more efficient synthesis route with

higher yields, and industry

collaborations will be established to

develop additional PU products,

such as adhesives and coatings, that

have commercially viable properties.

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ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Work in this signature area seeks to understand, protect, and remediate the environment and ecosystems to ensure long-term sustainability. At the core of this effort is the

realization that sustaining population and economic growth must be balanced with the preservation of natural resources and environmental assets.

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Evaluation of insecticides

for management of

western flower thrips on

ornamentalsLuis Canas, Entomology*

Ohio is the sixth largest producer of

ornamental greenhouse plants in

the United States, and recently, the

production of vegetable crops in

greenhouses in Ohio has increased.

Management of insect pests

attacking ornamental plants has

been done primarily using

insecticides. Recently, more

producers have started using more

selective insecticides, meaning they

have a lesser effect on nontarget

organisms such as biological control

agents (typically insects that kill the

target pest without causing harm to

the plant). For this reason, growers

may use more selective insecticides

to improve the effectiveness of pest

control while reducing overall

environmental impact.

One selective insecticide that has

been introduced into the market is

the active ingredient flonicamid. The

main objective of this SEEDS project

was to evaluate the effect of

flonicamid on western flower thrips,

a notorious insect pest of floriculture

crops in Ohio. The study evaluated

four different insecticide treatments,

with one untreated control. The four

treatments included the following

active ingredients: pymetrozine;

diblubenzuron; and flonicamid, all

applied as a spray to the plants

ridden with thrips, and a fourth

treatment in which flonicamid was

sprayed only to foliage before the

thrips were released (to evaluate

residual effect). Experiments were

done both in the laboratory and in

greenhouses.

The information obtained from this

project will be of great benefit to

producers of ornamental, plants as it

will help with the development of

appropriate insecticide rotations to

control thrips. In the future,

researchers plan to evaluate newer

insecticides and compare how well

they work on full insecticide rotation

programs. Furthermore, these

products will be evaluated for their

compatibility with biological control

agents.

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feeding from the host cell cytoplasm. New methods that

target Bt production and accumulation to a variety of

subcellular organelles rather than cytoplasm have been

developed and are currently being tested for their ability

to control plant-parasitic nematodes. Over 30 new Bt

constructs were developed and transformed into

Arabidopsis and soybean. Plants that expressed Bt

proteins were then tested to determine if they would be

parasitized by root-knot and soybean cyst nematodes.

Current testing suggests that Bt proteins can be used to

reduce nematode parasitism and that targeting the Bt

proteins to subcellular organelles may improve their anti-

nematode activity.

Targeted protein expression for

nematode controlChristopher Taylor, Plant Pathology*

Plant-parasitic nematodes are among the most destructive

plant pathogens to crops, causing more than $77 billion in

yield losses worldwide with nearly $6 billion in the United

States alone. These damages are considered

underestimates because plants can suffer significant yield

loss without showing noticeable aboveground symptoms.

Current management strategies include an application of

nematicides, biocontrol, crop rotations, or use of naturally

resistant varieties of crops. New strategies for nematode

control are needed, as previous methods have had limited

success in controlling plant-parasitic nematodes in the

field in part due to toxic, economic, and knowledge-based

limitations.

Recent advances in biotechnology have made it possible

to genetically engineer nematode resistance in

commercial crops. Recent work with nematicidal proteins,

such as the Cry proteins from Bacillus thuriengenesis (Bt),

has shown some promise in nematode control. CFAES

researchers are investigating the use of several new Cry

proteins for their potential ability to control nematodes.

Evidence gained from RNA analysis suggests that adult

female root-knot nematodes may be targeting sub-

cellular organelles to feed from rather than directly

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Using protein marking to

document active dispersal

of bed bugsSusan Jones, Entomology*

Bed bugs are small blood-sucking

insects that preferentially feed on

humans. These external parasites

are recognized as pests of

significant public health importance.

Affected people typically have

adverse health and psychological

effects, on top of significant

economic burdens, since it is

difficult to eradicate bed bugs once

established. In the past decade, bed

bugs have become pervasive pests

in cities and towns throughout the

United States, and the latest reports

from two nationwide pest

management companies reveal that

Ohio’s major metropolitan areas

rank among the most highly bed-

bug infested in the nation. Little is

known about the establishment and

spread of bed bug infestations, but

their success is thought to depend

upon the active dispersal of

individuals to acquire food and

mates.

The overall goal of this SEEDS grant

was to document the active

dispersal of bed bugs in vacant

apartments, using a laboratory-

based protein-marking technique.

As bed bugs can acquire an internal

protein mark specific to their blood

diet, researchers sought to track the

dispersal of those bugs that fed on a

unique vertebrate blood source, i.e.,

rats. The first phase of the project

was successfully accomplished with

the development and validation of a

novel rat enzyme-linked

immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to

detect the protein complex

immunoglobulin G, which is specific

to rats. A protocol was developed

that provided unambiguous results

confirming that bed bugs had fed on

rats rather than on other animals

commonly found in residences, such

as humans, cats, or dogs. Although

the researchers identified a set of

protein markers that distinctively

identified marked individuals, bed

bugs would not fully feed on rat

blood in the artificial feeding system,

which impeded further investigation.

into the stability of the markers under

variable environmental conditions.

Without the ability to assess stability

of these protein markers in variable

environmental conditions, no second-

year funding was requested for a

proposed mark-capture study in bed

bug-infested vacant apartments.

During the course of the lab research,

nonetheless, researchers made the

novel discovery that unique proteins

in the bugs’ feces could positively

confirm a variety of their diets. This

finding has significant implications for

future dispersal studies, as

researchers can track many of the

locations visited by specific groups of

bed bugs, including their temporal

hiding places, without the need to kill

bugs in order to test their gut

contents.

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The relevance of farming as an occupational identity to the adoption of best

management practicesEric Toman, School of Environment and Natural Resources*

Rural areas in central Ohio are becoming increasingly multifunctional in that their character is being shaped by a mix of

production, consumption, and conservation values. Agriculture may remain the dominant land use, but primary

production is not the only focus of landowners.

Natural resource management agencies often rely on typologies to classify groups of landowners to understand and

respond to their diverse interests and needs. However, existing typologies have often lacked a sound theoretical basis

or have not covered the full range of landowners. This SEEDS project addressed that gap by testing application of a

theoretically-based approach, the farmer-collective occupational identity construct (F-COIC), to classify landowners

based on their individual “farmer identity.”

A sample of 1,100 properties greater than 10 acres, with an agricultural designation in Wayne County, Ohio, were

randomly selected and sent a mail survey. The survey included nine items to assess farmer occupational identity,

general demographic items, and items to measure the adoption of best management practices (e.g. filter strips, crop

rotation, nutrient management, grass waterways). Results suggested three distinct “clusters” of rural landowners:

Non-farmers, part-time farmers, and full-time farmers.

Non-farmers were most likely to be female and held the lowest F-COIC scores (e.g., participants indicated that

agriculture was not a significant influence on how they viewed their identity). Less than one-fourth of non-farmers

followed best practices, such as applying fertilizer at or below recommended rates, or planting cover crops after fall

harvest. In contrast, more than half of part-time farmers tested soil for nutrient status, used crop rotation, and avoided

application of phosphorous on frozen ground.

Full-time farmers have a strong belief about being agricultural producers. These individuals have the highest F-COIC

scores, and were most likely to report a profit from their agricultural activities. This group was the largest and the most

active in implementing conservation practices, reporting the highest rates for all practices included in the

survey.

Results suggest the F-COIC can provide a useful approach to classify rural landowners. Moreover, findings suggest the

farmer identities of landowners can provide a useful typology to provide insight into how extension and outreach

programs may be targeted. To date, the team has successfully secured funding for a related project from the North

Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD) to complete a similar survey in two counties in Iowa and

Ohio. This project seeks to further validate the use of the F-COIC as a measure of farmer identity and assess the

influence of identity on land use and management decisions in rural areas. The researchers also plan to complete

comparative analyses across locations in the United States and with landowners in Victoria, Australia.

18

bacteria (Wood1 and Wood3) were started from single

colonies and grown in a liquid media. These bacteria were

applied to petunias in 4.5-inch pots by drenching the

growing mixes on the day after transplant. The growth of

the plants was evaluated, and subsets of plants were

harvested weekly to determine if the bacteria were

colonizing the roots. The pseudomonads Wood1 and

Wood3 were found to be colonizing the rhizosphere (the

media particles adhering to the roots) of petunia plants.

Root colonization rates were similar for plants grown in

peat and soil-less greenhouse mix containing bark. Plant

growth rate and quality were similar among the plants

inoculated with the bioreactors versus the lab cultures.

These experiments show that the bioreactor system is a

very viable way for growers to apply Pseudomonas

bacteria and that the selected bacteria colonize the roots

of ornamentals in standard soil-less greenhouse mixes.

Future experiments are needed to determine how other

greenhouse production practices and inputs may

influence the effectiveness of these pseudomonads. The

researchers also continue to evaluate additional bacteria

in the Ohio State Pseudomonas collection to identify

those that promote growth and confer tolerance to

environmental stress in a wide range of bedding plants.

Evaluating application technologies to

increase the efficacy of beneficial

microbe applications for greenhouse

bedding plant productionMichelle Jones, Horticulture and Crop Science*

The commercial greenhouse industry relies heavily on

chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and growth regulators

when producing ornamental plants. Growing concerns

about environmental contamination as well as worker and

consumer safety have led to increased interest in the use

of effective biological alternatives. Beneficial microbes

applied to plants as soil drenches, foliage sprays, or seed

treatments can enhance plant growth and make plants

more resistant to environmental stresses and diseases.

CFAES researchers have evaluated a number of bacteria

from an Ohio State Pseudomonas collection and identified

some that could potentially be used to improve the health

and quality of greenhouse bedding plants. Ohio State and

an industry partner have co-developed a patent-pending,

simple-to-use bioreactor system to deliver viable

populations of microbes. Each bioreactor consists of two

parts: a cap that contains the inactive bacteria, and a

growth chamber that contains liquid growing media. A

press of the cap releases the bacteria into the growing

media, and the bacteria culture then grows at room

temperature for 24—48 hours, at which time it is ready for

application. For growers to adopt these products, they

must have a simple and cost-effective method of applying

beneficial microbes that gives them consistent results.

This research was conducted to evaluate the use of the

bioreactors to apply beneficial bacteria during the

production of greenhouse crops, and to determine if the

selected Pseudomonas would colonize the roots of

bedding plants growing in standard greenhouse soil-less

mixes. Petunia seedlings were transplanted into two

standard-greenhouse, soil-less mixes: one was 85 percent

sphagnum peat and the other was peat plus 25 percent

bark. Laboratory cultures of two different Pseudomonas

19

Effect of selected

insecticides on biological-

control organisms used to

manage insect pests in

ornamentalsLuis Canas, Entomology*

Ohio is the sixth largest producer of

ornamental plants in greenhouses in

the United States. Typically,

insecticides are used for the

management of insect pests

attacking ornamental plants.

However, in the past three to four

years, more producers have started

using biological-control organisms.

These organisms are usually other

insects that kill the target pest and

do not cause harm to the plant

being protected. They cause no side

effects and are safe for both humans

and the environment. Growers who

desire to become more sustainable

have started using a combination of

pest management tactics, including

the use of biological-control

organisms and insecticides.

However, there is a lack of

information about how compatible

these insecticides are with some of

the most common biological-control

organisms.

The goal of this study was to

evaluate the insecticide with active

ingredient cyantraniliprole and its

compatibility with Eretmocerus sp., a

small parasitic wasp, and Amblyseius

swirskii, a predatory mite, on zinnia

plants. These insects are two of the

most important biological-control

agents released to control whiteflies.

CFAES researchers found that the

industry-produced insecticide was

very effective in controlling

whiteflies. Using two applications at

14 days apart, was enough to

eliminate whitefly populations.

However, the insecticide had some

negative effects on Eretmocerus sp.

Research found that beneficial

wasps survived well after 24 hours of

exposure to the insecticide.

However, after 96 hours, fewer

wasps exposed to the insecticide

were alive compared to the

untreated control. Therefore, it was

determined that the industry for

insecticide is an effective new tool for

the control of whiteflies. The

information obtained in this project

will be useful for producers

developing integrated pest

management programs against

whiteflies. In the future, the

researchers plan to evaluate the

effect of these new insecticides on

beneficial insects and how the

insecticides can be used to enhance

integrated pest control programs.

20

FOOD SECURITY, PRODUCTION, AND HUMAN HEALTH

This signature area focuses on improving agricultural production; enhancing the quality of food and feed; ensuring an adequate, affordable, and safe food supply; and maintaining agrosecurity to ensure food security and the basics of nutritional health for a growing

global population.

21

Targeting insect vector

effectors to manage

maize viral diseasesAndrew Michel, Entomology*

The black-faced leafhopper (BFL,

Graminella nigrifrons) is an

important vector of corn viruses.

When feeding on corn crops, the

BFL injects saliva containing viral

particles and effector proteins into

the plant host. These salivary

effectors suppress plant defenses,

making it possible to feed on the

plant and transmit viruses. Plant

feeding and virus transmission may

be prevented if these effectors

genes can be silenced. As part of a

SEEDS grant, CFAES researchers

identified effector genes encoding

for salivary effectors secreted into

maize cells.

To begin, the researchers dissected

salivary glands from BFL adults

feeding on maize plants. The

salivary gland and the carcass (the

whole body, minus the salivary

gland) were processed for RNA-seq

on the Illumina platform. To identify

BFL salivary effector genes, over

seven gigabytes of RNA-sequence

data was analyzed via a computer.

Researchers found nearly 7,000

genes that were differentially

expressed in the salivary glands

compared to the rest of the BLF

body. Out of 3,900 genes that

showed significantly higher genes

expression in salivary glands, 520

genes possessed typical effector

features. By using high-throughput

sequencing and extensive in silico

approaches, the researchers have

compiled a comprehensive catalog

of BFL’s salivary effector genes.

Effector proteins from insects share

similar DNA, amino acid, and protein

structure. The researchers took

advantage of this conservation

among insects, and with the help of

computer software, found 58 genes

matching these similarities. Out of

these 58 peptides, they found 40

that are potentially unique to BFL

saliva. Those 40 may provide clues

to the molecular interaction among

viruses and leafhopper saliva.

Researchers then measured gene

expression in salivary glands to more

confirm the sequencing results and

more accurately compare to other

tissues in the body. These

experiments validated expression in

the salivary glands as predicted by

the in silico analyses, and the

experiments showed much higher

expression than observed in the rest

of the body. Currently, researchers

are using RNA-interference to silence

the gene expression of these

putative effector proteins. After

silencing, the researchers will

measure the amount of virus

transmission as well as longevity and

fecundity to determine what impact

these effector genes have on BFL

biology. The researchers are

currently generating functional data

and plan to link the data to

phenotypic characteristics and virus

transmission.

22

Nanotechnology-based influenza vaccineChang Won Lee, Food Animal Health Research Program*

Swine influenza is an economically important disease that is responsible for up to $1 billion annual losses to the U.S.

pork industry. Furthermore, public health risk of swine flu infections is increasing. Swine vaccination is currently the

only viable tool for mitigating the impact of swine flu epidemics and pandemics. However, commercially available

vaccines are incapable of mitigating the disease outbreaks due to constantly evolving swine flu viruses. Therefore, the

goal of this SEEDS grant was to design and evaluate a cross-protective swine flu vaccine containing highly conserved

influenza virus subunit antigens delivered through biodegradable nanoparticles to protect pigs against emerging

genetically variant swine flu viruses. In collaboration with Southwest Research Institute in Texas, CFAES researchers

developed the liposome based ten conserved flu peptides antigens containing vaccine candidate. They evaluated the

candidate vaccine efficacy in intranasally vaccinated pigs and demonstrated enhanced immunity in a virus challenge

trial. This study result could be translated by further investigations through repeating the analysis, improving the

antibody response, and field trials in swine herds to develop a better swine flu vaccine to use in pigs of all age groups.

In the near future, the researchers plan to evaluate this candidate vaccine in pigs co-administered with potent

adjuvants, substances that boost the body’s immune response and may increase the effectiveness of the vaccine;

further improve its cross-protective efficacy; reduce the cost of manufacturing; and translate this innovative vaccine

technology.

Probiotic bacteria (E. coli Nissle 1917) to enhance the performance of broiler

chickens and control colonization with CampylobacterGireesh Rajashekara, Food Animal Health Research Program*

Issmat Kassem, Food Animal Health Research Program

Ramesh Selvaraj, Animal Sciences

Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of bacterial food poisoning in humans worldwide. Despite the recognized

significance of this pathogen, there is still a lack of effective and practical interventions to reduce human infections or

to limit C. jejuni colonization in chickens, where it naturally exists in the digestive tract. Additionally, antibiotic

resistance poses a serious public health concern, rendering medical care inefficient and costing billions of dollars each

year in the United States. Therefore, a critical need exists for developing sustainable antibiotic-alternative approaches

for animal agriculture.

The goal of this SEEDS research is to develop novel alternatives to antibiotics by targeting both the host and

pathogen to reduce the emergence and transmission of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter. Preliminary studies have

shown that a proven probiotic, E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), possesses anti-Campylobacter properties. Therefore, it is

expected that pre-colonization of chicken gut with EcN will enhance chicken gut health, and reduce C. jejuni

colonization. Indeed, the researchers found that probiotic EcN increased the average body weight of the chickens and

stimulated production of IgA in the bile. Further, they found that oral administration of probiotic EcN reduced C. jejuni’s

colonization of chicken gut. They anticipate that the outcomes will lead to the development of an innovative strategy

to reduce Campylobacter on farms and provide a timely alternative to antibiotics as they are phased out of poultry

production in the next two years.

23

vitamin D and the compounds in

soy-containing foods may protect

against prostate cancer;

specifically, genistein may raise

levels of the active form of vitamin

D and enhance its anti-cancer

activity.

The researchers designed a study

to determine the impact of soy on

vitamin D levels in a model of

prostate carcinogenesis by adding

bread enriched with vitamin D and

soy to the diets of mice. The

breads were formulated to contain

equal amounts of isoflavones and

either low or high levels of vitamin

D. Mice displayed no negative

effects on final body weight due

to the diets. Isoflavone

metabolites were measured in

mouse blood and showed equol

as the major metabolite without

significant impact of vitamin D

dose

dose on equol. One of the study’s

goals was to test new methods to

quantify the active form of vitamin D

in small biological samples, such as

those from mice. Several methods

and instruments were tested, but the

techniques were not able to quantify

the active form in mouse blood. After

six weeks of feeding, these diets did

not change prostate tissue weight.

Analysis is ongoing to measure the

effects of the foods on markers of

prostate cancer. The current results

of this study demonstrate the safe

consumption of a designed food

product for cancer prevention, and

the results support ongoing research

to understand how combining

vitamin D and soy may affect the

risks of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer outcomes

and phytochemical levels

in TRAMP mice fed food-

based vitamin D and soyKen Riedl, Food Science and

Technology*

Steve Clinton, Internal Medicine

Steven Schwartz, Food Science

and Technology

Yael Vodovotz, Food Science and

Technology

In 2017, the American Cancer

Society estimated that there were

161,360 men diagnosed with

prostate cancer and 26,730 deaths

from prostate cancer. Additionally,

according to the American Institute

for Cancer Research, it is estimated

that one-third of all cancers can be

prevented by maintaining a healthy

diet and lifestyle. Soy foods, such as

tofu, contain isoflavones, which may

be associated with a decreased risk

of prostate cancer. However, there

is evidence that another compound

in soy, called genistein, may be

more beneficial at reducing the risks

of prostate cancer.

A team of CFAES researchers

suggests that high levels of vitamin

D in the blood may decrease the

risk of developing prostate cancer.

There are a number of ways that

24

Cell biological

interrogation of viral

superinfection exclusionFeng Qu, Plant Pathology*

Superinfection exclusion (SIE)

functions in plants already infected

by one virus to exclude the re-

infection by a second virus that is

genetically similar to the first. SIE is

similar to cross protection, a

management practice that prevents

serious virus infections by pre-

treating plants with a similar virus

that causes a milder disease. For

decades, cross protection has been

used to control a number of plant

virus diseases, but the underlying

molecular mechanism remains

poorly understood. This lack of

knowledge has prevented

researchers from using cross

protection to protect against more

viruses.

To solve this problem, CFAES

researchers used turnip crinkle virus

(TCV)—a virus that infects turnip and

a number of other agricultural

plants—to investigate the molecular

mechanism of SIE and cross

protection. Specifically, they

analyzed SIE between two TCV

variants by examining the unique

intracellular structures formed by

SIE-inducing proteins. When a virus

infects a cell, it takes over the host

cell, reprogramming it to create

more

more copies of the virus

(amplification). The researchers

found that SIE functions by

prohibiting amplified copies of the

first virus from repeating the same

amplification process in the same

cell. Due to the similarity of the first

and second viruses, the second virus

cannot replicate in cells that have

been infected by the first virus,

preventing secondary infection of

the host. Additionally, researchers

found that only one virus protein is

responsible for this process, and it is

managed by switching between two

structural forms.

These results support a

groundbreaking view that the SIE

mechanism evolved to minimize the

accumulation of viral mutations by

limiting the cycles of virus

amplification

amplification. With fewer cycles of

amplification, there are fewer

chances to replicate mutations

that may reduce or eliminate the

function of the virus. Conversely,

targeting viral SIE is expected to

lead to the excessive amplification

of viruses, causing an increase in

mutations, making it more difficult

to sustain virus infections. The

researchers foresee using this

newfound knowledge to design

novel attenuated vaccines to

protect against life-threatening

viruses.

25

Anaerobic soil disinfestation to manage soilborne diseases in muck soil vegetable

productionSally Miller, Plant Pathology*

Vegetables are economically important specialty crops in Ohio, and some of the most intensive vegetable production

occurs on muck soils located in Huron and Stark counties. Muck soils contain high levels of organic matter and often

requires unique management strategies. The continuous use of these soils for a limited rotation of high-value vegetable

crops has led to the buildup of soilborne pathogens, which greatly reduce yield. Ohio muck vegetable growers have few

options for managing these diseases, and the existing options can be environmentally damaging and fossil-fuel

dependent. In this SEEDS project, CFAES researchers aimed to develop sustainable, cost-effective soilborne disease

management strategies for Ohio vegetable producers.

The researchers evaluated a microbial soil rehabilitation strategy known as anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) as a

means to manage soilborne diseases in muck soils. ASD is a three-step process in which soil is amended with a readily

available, inexpensive carbon source—such as wheat bran or molasses—irrigated to saturation and tarped with plastic

for several weeks. Beneficial microbes break down the added carbon sources and produce compounds toxic to

soilborne pathogens.

Before this tactic can be recommended to growers, the researchers first had to evaluate which carbon sources were

most effective, and determine the impacts of ASD on soilborne diseases and plant health. Field trials were conducted at

a commercial farm in Stark County and the Muck Crops Research Station in Huron County. Two key soilborne diseases

were targeted: root knot disease, caused by the nematode Meloidogyne hapla and clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora

brassicae. Three carbon sources were evaluated: wheat bran, molasses, and a wheat bran plus molasses mixture. These

treatments were compared to a nonamended, uncovered control, and each plot was replicated four times. Soils were

collected following treatment for a post-ASD bioassay in which plants were grown in field-treated soils. Fields were

planted with either lettuce (Stark County) or mustard greens (Huron County). Plants were harvested and evaluated for

biomass and disease. Plants grown in post-ASD bioassays were also evaluated for biomass and disease.

All ASD treatments significantly reduced nematode galling in lettuce: up to 80 percent in field trials and up to 98 percent

in post-ASD bioassays. Treatment with wheat bran plus molasses significantly increased lettuce biomass compared to

control plots in both the field and bioassays. No reduction in clubroot disease was observed in mustard greens in the

field, but significant reductions were observed in post-ASD bioassays. Treatment with ASD did increase root vigor for all

ASD carbon sources in mustard greens field trials. Treatment with bran plus molasses significantly increased mustard

greens biomass compared to control plots in bioassays.

The results of the 2016 trials were promising and were supported by further positive results in 2017 trials. Based on

these findings, researchers are now confident in recommending ASD for the management of root knot nematodes in

muck soils; however, further research is needed to determine the best management of clubroot.

26

development of novel insecticides to protect soybean

crops. CFAES researchers tested small molecule inhibitors

of mosquito inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels as potential

insecticides for aphid control. Previous work had shown

that these inhibitors kill mosquitoes, but it was unknown

whether they were effective against aphids. With SEEDS

funding, the researchers characterized the toxicity of four

Kir channel inhibitors against soybean aphid nymphs, and

identified one molecule (VU1) with greater effectiveness

compared to the other three. They were able to express

the two soybean aphid Kir channels in frog egg cells to

confirm that VU1 does inhibit these channels. Thus, Kir

channels represent new potential molecular targets that

may be used in developing insecticides to control aphids.

Kir channels as new insecticide targets for

controlling the soybean aphid and brown

marmorated stink bugPeter Piermarini, Entomology*

Soybeans are one of the most important commodity crops

in the state of Ohio, covering approximately 4 million

acres and having an annual economic impact of

approximately $5.3 billion. The soybean aphid Aphis

glycine has ravaged soybeans (Glycine max) in the North-

Central region of the United States since its initial invasion

in 2000, placing an estimated 80 percent of the North

American soybean crop at risk. Economic losses from the

soybean aphid cost producers billions of dollars annually.

Insecticides are the most commonly used management

tactic for soybean aphids, but most are nonspecific

chemicals that have significant impacts on honey bees

and other beneficial insects. New selective chemicals for

soybean aphid control are needed for the effective and

safe production of this important crop in Ohio.

The goal of this SEEDS project was to identify new

chemicals and molecular targets to guide the

development

27

The Asiatic garden beetle (AGB) is an invasive pest that

feeds on a multitude of crops including turf, horticultural,

and agricultural commodities. For the past four years, the

AGB has caused severe yield loss in Ohio corn, with the

heaviest damage occurring in northern Ohio counties near

Lake Erie or in sandier soils near the Maumee River

watershed. The main goal for this SEEDS project was to

evaluate management strategies to limit damage to corn

plants.

CFAES researchers’ original objectives were to determine

the efficacy of a new industry partner’s insecticidal seed

treatment against AGB in corn. Some insecticidal seed

treatments are highly toxic to honey bees and other

pollinators and have been linked to pollinator losses. The

new seed treatment is less toxic and, hence, more safe to

pollinators, but the question remained as to whether it

could control AGB. Researchers planted a field trial in 2016

in Fulton County, Ohio, which included the industry

partner’s insecticide-treated corn as well as standard

insecticide-treated seed and an untreated control. The

researchers did not find any significant differences in

stand counts or yield among any of the treatments. AGB

pressure was very light based on surveys, but the field was

heavily infested by western bean cutworm, a caterpillar

pest that feeds on the ears of corn, which may have

impacted yield measurements. Additional studies with

higher AGB pressure will be needed to fully determine if

this newer seed treatment can provide control against

AGB.

The researchers also tried to establish a colony of AGBs,

but due to the lack of large populations, not enough grubs

were collected. Further refinement of AGB-rearing

protocols are ongoing, but establishing an AGB colony will

be critical to develop new management strategies for this

new and invasive pest.

Generating new resistance specificity to

the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae

in rice using the revolutionary CRISPR

genome-editing technologyGuo-Liang Wang, Plant Pathology*

Rice feeds more than half of the world’s population and is

a lifeline for millions in developing countries. Rice

production worldwide, however, is greatly affected by rice

blast disease caused by the fungal pathogen

Magnaporthe oryzae. Because of high genome instability

in M. oryzae, the life span of most newly released rice

cultivars with blast resistance is only two to three years.

This creates a major challenge in developing new rice

varieties that are resistant to this fungus.

In response, CFAES researchers used CRISPR technology,

which enables targeted gene editing, to substitute the

desired resistant gene into rice plant DNA. Next, the

researchers needed to ensure that the desired gene was

properly expressed in rice. To test this, they used particle

bombardment, which injects foreign DNA into a host cell,

with rice tissue. Successful introductions of control marker

genes were confirmed by observing their expression after

numerous trials. The replacement of the endogenous

sequence with the donor DNA fragment was confirmed in

rice protoplasts. Callus tissues are being generated using

both particle bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated

transformations.

The researchers will continue to generate more transgenic

lines from these transformations and will identify lines with

the target replacement, hopefully introducing a rice variety

that is resistant to M. oryzae. They plan to apply for

additional funding for the project through USDA-NIFA.

Improving management of Asiatic Garden

Beetle: An emerging corn pest in OhioAndrew Michel, Entomology*

Kelley Tilmon, Entomology

28

Transgenic quail as a

model for flu researchChang Won Lee, Food Animal

Health Research Program*

Kichoon Lee, Animal Sciences

Prosper Boyaka, Veterinary

Biosciences

The poultry industry is constantly

threatened by the danger of avian

influenza, with outbreaks resulting in

the culling of millions of poultry.

These massive depopulations cause

significant price fluctuations in

poultry-related farm goods. Even

more alarming, avian flu is a disease

with zoonotic potential, meaning it

can spread between animals and

humans. In China, since October

2016, at least 460 human cases of

avian influenza and numerous

deaths have been reported

according to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention. Many live

poultry markets in China were shut

down to reduce human contact with

infected birds after a surge in human

avian flu infections. Extensive efforts

being made to control avian

influenza in poultry have not been

successful due to continuous

mutation of the virus and

emergence of new variants. Thus,

there is an urgent need to develop

novel tools and approaches to

combat avian influenza.

CFAES researchers conducted a

study to determine the role of a

gene

gene, known as Toll-like receptor 3

(TLR3), and utilize the knowledge to

develop transgenic poultry that is

more resistant to influenza. First, the

researchers cloned and sequenced

chicken, turkey, and quail TLR3

genes. TLR3 for all three poultry

species had 2,691 base pairs of the

full-length coding sequence.

Relatively high sequence similarities

were identified between chicken and

quail TLR3 (93 percent) and turkey

and quail TLR3 (94 percent). They

also identified that avian TLR3

proteins have a deletion of an

important cleavage site that is

conserved in mammalian TLR3

proteins and produces membrane

bound and soluble forms of TLR3 in

mammals.

To manipulate the quail genome, the

researchers developed a poultry-

specific CRISPR/Cas9 system, one of

the most powerful tools for efficient,

targeted genome editing. Using

this newly developed system, they

generated quail cells that lack the

TLR3 gene (TLR3 knockout). Upon

infection with the influenza virus,

the TLR3 knockout cells showed

extensive cell damage compared

with control cells, suggesting that

TLR3 plays a role in protecting

against influenza.

The researchers further confirmed

that cells over-expressing TLR3

do, in fact, suppress influenza

virus replication. Based on these

findings, transgenic quail offspring

are being developed to further

study TLR3 and its role in

protecting against influenza. This

study also has great potential to

be expanded to target other

immune, or disease-resistance

genes that can be applied to

various bacterial and viral

diseases.

29

STUDENT PROJECTS

The CFAES Undergraduate Research Competitive Grants program, funded to a maximum of $3,300 per award, provides undergraduate students with a professional grant-writing, research, and reporting

experience. Projects are designed, submitted for review, and carried out with a faculty member.

The Graduate Research Competitive Grants program offers two levels of funding. Single investigators may receive up to $5,000 per award, and team projects up to $10,000. Graduate students who receive awards are asked to serve on a panel to review applications in the following year’s competition. This experience

provides students with an opportunity to develop their grant-writing and reviewing skills, which are essential to their careers.

Elizabeth Ames Carlos Esquivel

Jaqueline Nolting Rodney Richardson

Dennis Morris

30

Distillers grains are a co-product of ethanol production

and are commonly fed to dairy cattle. However, distillers

grains are enriched with phosphorus and sulfur. Feeding

high distillers grain diets to dairy cattle may increase

phosphorus and sulfur excretion, and may negatively

affect water and air quality via phosphorus run-off or

odorous, sulfur-containing gas emission. Distillers grains

are also an enriched source of polyunsaturated fatty acids

and are limited in lysine; therefore, decreased milk fat and

protein production is a concern. Monensin is a commonly

used feed additive in the dairy industry. It increases

productivity and has decreased phosphorus excretion.

CFAES graduate researchers hypothesize that the addition

of monensin to a distillers grain diet may decrease nutrient

excretion and increase productivity of dairy cows.

In this study, feeding distillers grains at 28.8 percent of the

diet to replace soybean meal, soy hulls, and supplemental

fat and phosphorus, increased phosphorus and sulfur

excretion by 53 percent and 257 percent, respectively.

The addition of monensin to the 28.8 percent distillers

grains diet did not affect phosphorus and sulfur excretion.

Furthermore, the high distillers grains diets with or without

monensin decreased feed intake, milk fat production, and

milk protein production by 6, 25 and 6 percent,

respectively. The addition of monensin to the high

distillers grain diet further decreased milk fat and protein

production by 12 percent and 6 percent, respectively

compared to the diet without monensin.

These results show that feeding dairy cows distillers grains

at 28.8 percent of the diet increased environmental impact

of dairy production via an increase in phosphorus and

sulfur excretion and a decrease in production. Further

research is needed to test distillers grains’ inclusion rates

that maintain productivity while minimizing nutrient

excretion of dairy cows.

Are insecticides harming our native

predatory natural enemies?

(DOCTORAL)Carlos Esquivel, Entomology

Luis Canas, Entomology (Advisor)

Andrew Michel, Entomology (Advisor)

Biological-control agents and insecticides are critical

components to manage pests in agricultural landscapes.

However, toxicity of insecticides on natural enemies is

poorly understood. Evaluating insecticide toxicity and its

impact on natural enemies is critical to determining

compatibly in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

programs. Therefore, we performed a series of topical

efficacy insecticide trials on the native predatory lady

beetle Hippodamia convergens. In brief, we found some

insecticides were more toxic than others. From the most

to the least toxic were lambda-cyhalothrin, acetamiprid,

chlorantraniliprole, chlorpyrifos, clothianidin, carbofuran,

and thiamethoxam. Thiamethoxam is an important

insecticide and commonly used seed treatment, which

was also the least toxic on convergent lady beetles.

Thiamethoxam was further evaluated for indirect oral

toxicity to predatory natural enemies. Oral toxicity trials

were performed using aphids as prey, and lady beetles

and the native minute flower bug Orius insidiosus. Both

lady beetles and flower bugs are important predators of

aphids. Aphids are among the the most important pests in

agriculture in the United States. Aphids were initially fed

on plants with thiamethoxam to ingest the insecticide.

These “toxic” aphids were offered to lady beetles and

minute flower bugs. We observed important reductions of

life span in minute flower bugs, whereas lady beetles were

not affected.

Therefore, we conclude that thiamethoxam is likely safe

for lady beetles and compatible with IPM programs.

Insecticides are important tools to control pests when

pests reach levels that cause economic damage; it is our

goal to develop compatible tactics useful in IMP programs

and to protect our native biological control.

Effects of feeding dairy cows distillers

grains with and without monensin on

nutrient excretion and production

(MASTER’S)Dennis Morris, Animal Sciences

Chanhee Lee, Animal Sciences (Advisor)

31

Links between wintering habitat, breeding phenology, and post-fledging survival, in a

migratory songbird (MASTER’S)Elizabeth Ames, Environmental Science Graduate Program

Chris Tonra, School of Environment and Natural Resources (Advisor)

Migratory birds complete their annual life cycles in areas up to thousands of kilometers apart, and events in one location

can influence events in a subsequent location. Understanding these carry-over effects is fundamental to identifying

seasonal variation in mortality and limits on breeding output. Without revealing carry-over effects, researchers cannot

effectively conserve or manage migratory populations, many of which are in enigmatic decline. This presents an

enormous challenge, as many migratory organisms complete their annual cycles in disparate places and can be difficult

to track from one season to the next. Research examining carry-over effects between winter and breeding seasons has

only been conducted on a few migratory songbird species, but has shown that winter habitat quality can affect migration

timing and, ultimately, breeding success. Furthermore, as technology allows researchers to observe life-cycle stages that

were previously obscured, incorporating how these stages contribute to population dynamics has led to a reassessment

of conservation and management needs. This has particularly been the case with small songbirds, where young birds

can now be radio tracked during the post-fledging period (the period after the young birds leave the nest and before

they depart for the wintering grounds), leading to an appreciation of how that stage is often limiting for the survival of

young and the population as a whole.

The objective of this research was to explore carry-over effects between wintering and breeding events, and explore an

unexamined life-cycle stage in a migratory bird of conservation concern, the Prothonotary Warbler. CFAES graduate

researchers examined three important aspects of Prothonotary Warbler ecology: timing of arrival to the breeding

grounds; breeding success; and post-fledging survival to determine if carry-over effects from winter habitat limits post-

fledging survival through impacts on arrival and breeding. Tracking of the young during the post-fledging period

revealed that 65 percent of young survive the first three weeks after leaving the nest, with all mortality taking place

during the first seven days. Compared to other songbird species previously studied, this is a relatively high rate of

survival, indicating that the post-fledging period is likely not a limiting factor for the Hoover population. The best survival

model for this population indicates that the timing of the parent’s arrival to the breeding grounds plays a significant role

in the post-fledgling survival of young. The date the young left the nest and the number of siblings that left with them

also significantly affected their survival.

Contrary to the relatively high post-fledging survival rate, the researchers found an alarmingly low rate of breeding

success. Natural cavity nests were able to fledge young 36 percent of the time, and artificial box nests only fledged 13

percent of the time. These low rates of fledging success are likely due to a high concentration of predators, especially

raccoons, likely caused by the proximity to urban areas and development. However, the greatest factor contributing to

the low breeding success is the design and layout of the artificial nest boxes, put out by a local volunteer, that were not

equipped with predator guards or baffles. The researchers are currently experimenting with possible solutions to this

problem and working to increase the breeding success of the population to ensure its future stability.

32

Presence of influenza A viruses in poultry and waterfowl at Ohio agricultural

exhibitions (DOCTORAL)Jacqueline Nolting, Agricultural and Extension Education

Andrew Bowman, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (Advisor)

Scott Scheer, Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (Advisor)

Wild waterfowl are a natural reservoir for influenza A viruses and are commonly infected with mild strains, having few

negative health effects. However, on occasion, influenza A viruses from wild birds are introduced into commercial

poultry where they can become highly pathogenic, causing significant morbidity and mortality among infected poultry

populations. The outbreak of highly pathogenic H5Nx influenza A viruses in the United States during 2014—2015 caused

devastating economic losses, which led to measures being put into place to control and eradicate H5Nx from the U.S.

poultry flock.

One such measure was to ban poultry exhibitions. This decision dramatically impacted youth raising poultry as part of

agricultural education programs. It has been well documented that swine at agricultural fairs are shedding influenza A

viruses, which occasionally are transmitted to humans; however, the risks of this behavior for influenza A virus

transmission via poultry is undocumented. It was hypothesized that while influenza A viruses are possibly circulating in

exhibition poultry during agricultural fairs, the prevalence was likely low among healthy birds. Estimating the impact of

poultry exhibition bans on influenza A virus eradication requires knowledge of typical influenza A virus prevalence in

these animal populations during the exhibition period.

During summer 2016, surveillance was conducted at 20 Ohio fairs to estimate the prevalence of influenza A virus in

exhibition poultry. Cotton gauze was used to wipe cages, waterers, and feeders of both market and nonmarket chickens

and turkeys. In addition, fecal material was collected from both market and nonmarket ducks. In all, 400 samples were

collected and screened for influenza A virus using rRT-PCR. Two samples, one collected from a chicken cage and one

from a turkey cage at two different agricultural fairs, were rRT-PCR positive. Virus isolation attempts with both

embryonating chicken eggs and MDCK cell culture were unsuccessful.

Although viable influenza A virus was not detected in exhibition poultry at select Ohio county fairs in 2016, the presence

of nucleic acid suggests at least contamination in the exhibition area, if not actual infection. Surveillance conducted by

the Animal Influenza Ecology and Epidemiology Research Program showed swine at both fairs were negative for

influenza A viruses; therefore they were not responsible for the nucleic acid detection in the poultry exhibition

environment. This detection highlights the risk exhibition poultry could play in the transmission and spread of influenza A

viruses between humans, swine, wild birds, and domestic poultry. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand

the posed risk and to develop mitigation strategies to minimize transmission events.

33

Immunotoxicological response of honey bees and bumble bees following exposure to

commonly encountered xenobiotics (MASTER’S)Rodney Richardson, Entomology

Reed Johnson, Entomology (Advisor)

Ohio’s economy benefits greatly from the ecological services of managed pollinators, and the honey bee provides

pollination services that are vital to Ohio agriculture. Losses of managed pollinators pose a threat to Ohio honey and

food production and unfortunately, the health of honey bee populations continues to be threatened by pathogens,

pesticides, and parasites. In 2013, the value of Ohio honey production was $2.7 million, a modest economic contribution

in light of the $63 million contribution from pollination services provided to Ohio pumpkin, squash, cucumber, blueberry,

and apple production in that same year. Ohio apiculture continues to suffer staggering annual colony losses. During the

2013—2014 winter, Ohio beekeepers reported colony losses of 50 percent to 80 percent, according to the Ohio

Department of Agriculture. The following winter (2014—2015) resulted in a similarly abysmal overwintering loss of 49

percent for the average Ohio beekeeper, according to the national Bee Informed Survey.

Among invertebrates, cellular innate immunity is critical for defense against pathogenic invasion. While the study of

cellular immunity has received much attention for certain insects, the study of honey bee and bumble bee immune cells,

or hemocytes, has received relatively little attention. Much of the understanding of honey bee hemocytes is derived

from a limited set of methodologies, predominately bright field microscopy, making broad and confident conclusions

difficult. With SEEDS funding, CFAES graduate researchers set out to investigate how toxic exposures affect honey bee

and bumble bee cellular immunity. While investigations of the effects of pesticides on honey bee hemocytes remain

ongoing, the researchers have focused recently on refining the methods used to distinguish honey bee immune cells,

measure their abundance across individuals, and characterize their function with respect to phagocytosis and ROS

production.

The researchers’ findings suggest that honey bees possess two major immune cell types, granulocytes and

plasmatocytes. Granulocytes appear to be predominant in developing worker larvae while the circulatory fluid, or

hemolymph, of adults was dominated by plasmatocytes. Further, the researchers observed stark functional differences

between these cells. Overall, this work expands the knowledge of honey bee hemocyte immune mechanisms and

provides apicultural researchers with additional methodological tools for studying such mechanisms.

Chang Won LeeFood Animal Health Research Program

Yebo LiFood, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Andrew MichelEntomology

Sally MillerPlant Pathology

Luis CanasEntomology

Ann ChristyFood, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Susan JonesEntomology

Michelle JonesHorticulture and

Crop Science

34

PARTICIPATING LEAD FACULTY

Christopher TaylorPlant Pathology

Eric TomanSchool of Environment and Natural Resources

Guo-Liang WangPlant Pathology

Peter PiermariniEntomology

Feng QuPlant Pathology

Gireesh RajashekaraFood Animal Health Research Program

Ken RiedlFood Science and

Technology

35

PARTICIPATING LEAD FACULTY

36

OBJECTIVES

3Bar Biologics Inc.3-I6062 Holdings, LLCAccuDX Inc.ADM Alliance NutritionAfrivaxAg SpectrumAlltechAlpaca Jack’s Suri FarmAmerican Aggregates Corp.American Berry CooperativeAmerican Coal Ashland

AssociationAmerican Hosta SocietyAmerican Jersey Cattle

AssociationAmpac Seed Co.Antorchas FoundationArcher Daniels Midland Co.Argus Control Systems Ltd.Arisdyne Systems LLCAround the World GourmetAsgrow Seed Cp.Athersys Inc.AviagenBASF Plant Science GmbH Bass EndowmentBayer Advanced LLCBayer Corp.Bayer CropScience LP

Environmental SciencesBedding Plants Foundation Inc.Berlin Natural Baker Inc.Biotechnology Research and

Development Co.Boehringer Ingelheim-NOBLBritish Columbia Greenhouse

Growers’ Association

British United Turkeys ofAmerica

California Avocado CommissionCamelid Health FoundationCampbell R&DCargill Animal Nutrition CenterCattlemen’s Carcass Data

ServiceCenter for Asceptic Processing

and Packaging StudiesCenter for Innovative Food

Technology (CIFT)Central Ohio Hosta SocietyCertified Angus BeefCiba Crop ProtectionCinergyCity of ColumbusCleveland MetroparksCognis Deutschland GmBH &

Co.Consortium for Plant

Biotechnology ResearchCooper Farms Inc.CultivaDairy Management Inc.DanoneDebevc Farms Inc.DeVentureDinamica Generale US Inc.Donlar Corp.Dow AgrosciencesDuPontDurable Poly Solutions LLCDynal BiotechEagle-Picher Minerals Inc.EarthgroEdstrom Industries Inc.E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co.Elanco Animal HealthElectric Power Research InstituteEli Lilly and Co.Farmland IndustriesFar Point Enterprises Inc.First EnergyFive Points Equipment Co. Inc.Floriculture Industry Research

and Scholarship TrustFood Science AustraliaFremont Pickle Growers

Association

Fruit Growers MarketingAssociation

GarickGeneral ChemicalGreat Lakes Hosta SocietyGreen Circle Growers Inc.Gregson Technologies Inc.Gustafson Inc.Harran University, Turkish

RepublicHarris Moran Seed Co.Hillshire Farm and Kahn’sHirzel Canning Co.Holmes Cheese Co.Holmes Cheese TableHormel FoodsHorticultural Research InstituteIams Co.Ideasphere Inc.Infectech Inc.Ingredient Innovations

InternationalIntegrated Research Technology

LLCJarrow Inc.Jatco Inc.J. Frank Schmidt Family

Charitable FoundationJiangxi Provincial Centre of

Irrigation ExperimentKamiasahi Feedlot Ltd.Kanter AssociatesKohlpyrKraft Foods Global Inc.Kurtz Brothers Inc.Land O’Lakes Inc.Lilly Research LaboratoriesLipha Tech Inc.Lipton Tomato Research CenterLois Smucker’s GreenhouseLoveland Industries Inc.Magical Farms Inc.Maple Leaf Farms Inc.Mars Chocolate North America,

LLCMartek Biosciences CorporationMBP International Ltd.Merck Research LaboratoriesMerial LimitedM & G Polymers USA

Industry Partners

The following industry partners and organizations have provided matching funds for CFAES faculty through the SEEDS program.

37

OBJECTIVESMicroBio LimitedMid-America Food ProcessorsMiddlefield CheeseMidori Renewables Inc.MidtechMidwest Regional Hosta SocietyMinistry of Culture, Education,

and Scientific Exchanges,Spain

Monsanto Co.MTD ProductsNational All-Jersey Inc.National Fish and Wildlife

FoundationNational Sea Grant ProgramNational Wildlife FederationNatural Fiber Composites

Corp.North American Strawberry

Growers ResearchFoundation Inc.

Nourse Farms Inc.Novartis Crop Protection Inc.Nunhems USA Inc.Nursery Growers of Lake County

Ohio Inc.N-Viron International Inc.Ohio Bioprocessing Research

ConsortiumOhio BioProducts Innovation

CenterOhio Corn Marketing ProgramOhio Crafted Malt House LLCOhio Dairy Farmers Federation

Inc.Ohio Dairy ProducersOhio Floriculture FoundationOhio Fruit Growers SocietyOhio Lawn Care AssociationOhio Nursery and Landscape

Association Inc.Ohio Pork Producers CouncilOhio Poultry AssociationOhio Seed Improvement

ResearchOhio Sheep and Wool ProgramOhio Small Grains Marketing

ProgramOhio Soybean CouncilOhio Space Grant Consortium

Ohio Vegetable and Small Fruit Research and Development

OHP Inc.Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable

GrowersOptimum Quality Grains LLCOrganic TechnologiesOrganic ValleyOtterbein CollegeOutbackPanAridusPark FoundationPennington Seed Inc. Oregon

DivisionPetroseedPfizerPharmacia, Wyeth Ayterst

ResearchPhilip Morris Inc., Shared

Solutions in AgriculturePhycotransgenicsPIC USA Inc.Pig Improvement Co.Pioneer Hi-bred International

Inc.Polter’s Berry FarmPolymerOhio Inc.Protein Technologies

InternationalPurity Foods Inc.Quality Liquid FeedsRainbow Treecare Scientific

AdvancementsRainforest Phytoceuticals LLCRavenRhodia Inc.Roche Vitamins Inc.SatlocSchillinger Genetics Inc.Schmack BioEnergySCI Protek Inc.ScottsSelect Sires Inc.Seminis Vegetable Seeds Inc.Small Farm InstituteSmithers-Oasis CompanySouthwest Research InstituteStandard Process Inc.Sustane Natural FertilizersSyngenta

The Andersons Inc.The Chef’s Garden Inc.The Cookie CopThe Garland Co. Inc.The HANOR Co. Inc.The Iams Co.The Scotts Co. and

SubsidiariesTheis Technology Inc.Thomas CookToh Products LLCTop Soil Precision AgTree Research and Education

Endowment FundTrimble Navigation UnlimitedTropical TraditionsTruGreen-ChemlawnUniversity of California, Davis ValentVerdesian Life Sciences LLC

(Biagro Western Sales)Vineland Enterprises LLCWarner Endowment GrantWelch’sWest Texas A&M UniversityWilmington CollegeWoori Carbon Co.Zinpro Corp.Zoetis

mailto:gdsu@osu.edu

141

40

$897K

45% 11%14%17% 13%

INVESTING IN RESEARCH

DC DAYSIn 2017, 4 faculty membersand 3 staff memberstravelled to Washington,DC. The DC Days programallows early career faculty achance to meet programofficers and discuss fundingopportunities.

FIRST TUESDAYSFirst Tuesdays is aprofessional developmentprogram for new CFAESfaculty. A total of 28 facultymembers attended theprogram throughout theyear.

$109K

SEEDSEach year, CFAES researchersare invited to participate in theSEEDS program, an internalcompetition for funding. Thereare awards for individualfaculty, faculty teams,graduate, and undergraduatestudents.

EDUCATIONALOPPORTUNITIES There are many opportunitiesfor faculty to learn about arange of topics. In 2017, over26 sessions were promotedvia the CFAES ResearchNewsletter.

Research and Graduate Education

1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 446912120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, OH 43210

seeds@osu.edu

oardc.osu.edu/seeds

cfaes.osu.edu

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this

publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.