Nontechnical Summaries: Sustainability Tipsheet
Click a paper below to view the nontechnical summary.
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 001, will be presented at 8:30 AM, Sunday, 25 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 001
Glyphosate: A once-in-a-century herbicide
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Their
Economic Impacts
Lead Presenter's Email: sduke@olemiss.edu
Stephen O. Duke, Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, P. O. Box 8048, University, MS 38677, Fax: 662-915-1035, sduke@olemiss.edu, and Stephen B. Powles, WA Herbicide Resistance Initiative, University of Western Australia
Abstract
Since its commercial introduction in the mid 1970s, glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) has become the dominant herbicide of all time. There are several reasons for its success. It is a highly-effective, broad-spectrum herbicide, yet it is very toxicologically and environmentally safe. It translocates well, and its action is slow enough to take advantage of this. It is the only herbicide that targets 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), so there are no competing herbicide analogues or classes. Since it became a generic compound, its cost has dropped dramatically. Perhaps the most important aspect of the success of glyphosate has been the introduction of transgenic, herbicide-resistant crops just over ten years ago. Approximately 90% of all transgenic crops grown world wide are glyphosate resistant, and the adoption of these crops is increasing at a steady pace. The use of this almost ideal herbicide is now being threatened by the evolution of glyphosate-resistant weeds.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
This is just a introductory paper for a symposium. It will
summarize the state of research in this area and will cover research
needs. So, there is nothing new here.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
see above
Special Instructions/feedback: none
Stephen O. Duke
Natural Products Utilization Research Unit
USDA-Agricultural Research Service
Phone Number: 662-915-1036
Fax Number: 662-915-1035
Email: sduke@olemiss.edu
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED
UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 005, will be presented at 10:25 AM, Sunday, 25 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 005
Grower perceptions and experiences with glyphosate-resistant weeds
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Their
Economic Impacts
Lead Presenter's Email: chuck.foresman@syngenta.com
Chuck Foresman and
Les Glasgow, Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc,
Abstract
The rapid adoption of
glyphosate-tolerant (GT) crops is unlike any other technologial
advancement in modern agriculture. But widespread use of glyphosate is
revealing a flaw in the technology - resistance. Since the introduction
of GT crops just ten years ago, six weed species have been confirmed
resistant to glyphosate across sixteen states in the
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay language what you have done,
why it is significant and what are its implications (particularly to
the general public)
The incredible popularity of glyphosate-tolerant cropping
systems has led many weed science experts to be concerned about the
continued development of glyphosate-resistant weeds. Syngenta
is a major marketer of glyphosate products and over the past six years
has been actively investigating resistance issues and taking a
leadership role in communicating management strategies to the
marketplace. In 2006, Syngenta commissioned a study of 400
corn, soybean, and cotton growers to gauge their perception of weed
resistance and the effects it has on their farm today and will have in
the future. The survey found that grower awareness of weed resistance
is increasing. About four in 10 growers believe the
resistance problem is getting worse. When asked how
resistance will impact their pocketbook, growers reported an estimated
$13.90-$16.30/A to control glyphosate-resistant weeds and 7-8% yield
loss. Finally, growers also believe that new products or
technologies will alleviate the problem of glyphosate resistance, which
is not the case. Knowing grower beliefs and experiences with
glyphosate resistance will help Syngenta continue to be an active
leader in weed resistance management – through promotion of
long-term, viable solutions to resistant weeds along with continued
education and awareness.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
This research was conducted in both the northern and southern
geographies – where weed resistance is increasing.
In addition to asking growers if they have seen resistant
weeds in their area, this survey went on to ask growers about the
implications resistance can cause them. Respondents shared
ways they have to control resistant weeds today as well as what they
perceive the added cost of resistant weeds will bring to their
pocketbooks. While other surveys have been conducted on weed
resistance, understanding the added treatment costs and potential yield
loss helps illustrate how dramatic the problem can become for growers,
as well as provides direction on the current understanding of the issue
and where efforts need to be focused to have the greatest impact on the
future.
Chuck Foresman
Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc
Phone Number: 336-632-7176
Email: chuck.foresman@syngenta.com
The paper on this research, AGRO 006, will be presented at 10:50 AM, Sunday, 25 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 006
Glufosinate-resistant crops
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Their
Economic Impacts
Lead Presenter's Email: jon.fischer@bayercropscience.com
Jon Fischer, Bayer
CropScience,
Abstract
Glufosinate ammonium (GA) is a
non-selective, non-systemic herbicide that controls a broad spectrum of
annual and perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds. It was first sold
commercially for non-selective use in 1981. It was first used in
combination with a GA resistant crop, LibertyLink canola, in 1995,
followed by LibertyLink corn in 1997, LibertyLink cotton in 2003, and
LibertyLink soybeans targeted for 2008. Total market size for GA use in
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Glufosinate ammonium has been successfully marketed for use as a
non-selective herbicide that can be applied over the top of LibertyLink
crops, including canola, corn, and cotton. Glufosinate
ammonium offers farmers a weed control alternative option to glyphosate
that offers the same type of environmental safety and efficacy as
glyphosate.
In-field research and observation trials have demonstrated that in no cases do weeds that have developed resistance to glyphosate also exhibit enhanced tolerance to glufosinate ammonium herbicide. Therefore glufosinate ammonium can be used as an effective tool for weed resistance prevention and managment.
Judicious use of products like GA in rotation with glyphosate will keep both technologies viable longer than the lifespan of either product in a continuous monoculture could acheive.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
Historical dates are presented in the abstract above. Bayer
is the only current manufacturer and seller of glufosinate ammonium
containing herbicides.
Jon Fischer
Bayer CropScience
Phone Number: 608.836.3060
Email: jon.fischer@bayercropscience.com
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 022, will be presented at 3:30 PM, Sunday, 25 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 022
Resistance to glyphosate from altered translocation patterns
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Evolved Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds and Weed
Shifts
Lead Presenter's Email: christopher.preston@adelaide.edu.au
Christopher Preston and Angela M. Wakelin, School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond 5064, Australia, Fax: +618 8303 7311, christopher.preston@adelaide.edu.au
Abstract
Glyphosate is a highly-mobile herbicide that normally translocates throughout the plant. The accumulation of glyphosate in meristematic tissue is required to kill a plant. Therefore, a constitutive reduction in glyphosate translocation to meristematic tissue could result in resistance to glyphosate. In a number of glyphosate-resistant Lolium rigidum populations a change in the translocation pattern of glyphosate was observed compared to susceptible plants. In the resistant plants, glyphosate was preferentially accumulated in the leaf tip; however, in susceptible plants, glyphosate accumulated preferentially in the stem and roots. A single dominant gene controls resistance to glyphosate and the altered glyphosate translocation pattern co-segregates with glyphosate. In at least two populations of glyphosate-resistant Conyza canadensis, a similar mechanism of resistance has been observed. In this case, reduced translocation of glyphosate to roots was observed. It appears likely that altered translocation patterns could be a common mechanism of resistance to glyphosate in weeds.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Glyphosate is able to kill perennial weeds because there is widespread
movement of the herbicide moves throughout the plant.
Glyphosate applied to a single leaf will move to other leaves, the
roots and other parts of the plant.
Glyphosate resistant weeds have evolved because of the intensive use of glyphosate for weed control. One way these weeds have become resistant to glyphosate is through changes in the way glyphosate moves around the plant. Instead of glyphosate moving throughout the plant, it becomes concentrated in the tips of leaves. This means there is insufficient glyphosate present at the growing point to kill the weed.
This type of resistance can be spread through pollen and individuals containing a single resistance allele are able to survive glyphosate application at the normal use rate. This type of glyphosate resistance also appears to reduce the fitness of plants that carry it. These effects influence how glyphosate resistance can be managed.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
This work improves our understanding of glyphosate resistance and how
to manage it.
PMB 1
Glen Osmond, 5064
Phone Number: +618 8303 7237
Fax Number: +618 8303 7311
Email: christopher.preston@adelaide.edu.au
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 023, will be presented at 3:55 PM, Sunday, 25 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 023
Weed species shifts in GRCs
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Evolved Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds and Weed
Shifts
Lead Presenter's Email: mdowen@iastate.edu
Micheal D. K. Owen, Agronomy, Iowa State University, 2104 Agronomy Hall, Ames, IA 50011, Fax: 515-294-9985, mdowen@iastate.edu
Abstract
The adoption of glyphosate-based crop production systems has been an important revolution in agriculture. Unfortunately, it is clear that the changes in weed communities to species that do not respond to current glyphosate-based management tactics are increasing at an increasing rate. However, it must be stated clearly that glyphosate-resistant crops (GRCs) by themselves do not influence weeds. Rather, the management decisions imposed by growers on the crop system, specifically the frequent use of glyphosate, create the ecological selection pressure that ultimately results in significant changes in the weed community. Examples of weed shifts in GRCs include, but are not limited to, Asiatic dayflower (Commelina communis), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus), and morning glory species (Ipomea spp.). The changes in weed communities are inevitable unless due consideration is given to developing a diverse weed management program and to reducing the selection pressure imparted by the glyphosate-based management practices used.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
The use of GRCs is now an important component of production agriculture
and changes in weed populations are occuring rapidly in response to
grower adoption of these crops and subsequent use of specific
herbicides. The presentation will describe these changes in
weeds and assess the implications of these changes.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
The presentation is a summary of research that has been conducted
and/or ongoing by many weed scientists.
2104 Agronomy Hall
Phone Number: 515-294-5936
Fax Number: 515-294-9985
Email: mdowen@iastate.edu
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 038, will be presented at 8:45 AM, Monday, 26 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 038
Simulation modeling to aid in glyphosate-resistance management
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Resistance Management and IPM Aspects
Lead Presenter's Email: P.Neve@warwick.ac.uk
Paul Neve, Warwick
HRI, University of
Abstract
The evolution of resistance to glyphosate is a complex phenomenon under the control of interacting cultural, biological, and genetic parameters. Simulation models are useful tools to integrate these parameters to explore the key drivers for the evolution of resistance. They also provide a means to compare the efficacy of glyphosate-resistance management strategies. Using evolution of glyphosate resistance in Australian, populations of Lolium rigidum as an example, I will demonstrate the utility of models: i) to understand the biology of resistance; ii) to identify gaps in knowledge and highlight research priorities; iii) to design and to assess management strategies to minimise risks of resistance; and iv) to assess the potential impact of glyphosate-resistant crops on resistance evolution. Modeling outcomes and management principles will have application beyond the Australian experience.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Glyphosate is the world's most important herbicide. In the last 10
years, as global glyphosate use has increased, there has been a steady
increase in the number of weed species evolving resistance to
glyphosate. These resistant weed populations threaten the
sustainability of glyphosate use and this may have downstream effects
on productivity and commodity prices. A computer model was developed to
simulate evolution of glyphosate resistance, so that the major risk
factors resulting in resistance could be quantified. The model was
subsequently used to explore management practices to minimise risks of
glyphosate resistance evolution. Strategies for the mitigation of
glyphosate resistance risks will be presented.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
My presentation will be a mixture of research conducted 4-5
years ago in
Warwickshire
Phone Number: +44 2476 575843
Email: P.Neve@warwick.ac.uk
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 039, will be presented at 9:10 AM, Monday, 26 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 039
Sustainable use of glyphosate in North American cropping systems
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Resistance Management and IPM Aspects
Lead Presenter's Email: david.i.gustafson@monsanto.com
David I. Gustafson,
Monsanto Company,
Abstract
Monsanto has a broad internal and
external effort to develop and tomimplement sustainable weed-control
practices to help limit the spread of existing glyphosate-resistant
biotypes and avoid selecting new ones. The goal of Monsanto's ongoing
sustainability trials is to measure directly the net economic return to
the grower among multiple weed control options. The options include
factors other than choice of herbicide, such as tillage and crop
rotation. As the results of these trials become available, the
information will be published and incorporated into updated grower
recommendations. Obviously, if additional species become resistant
which are not the current subjects of these particular trials, weed
control options for those other biotypes will be communicated as soon
as the information is known. To date, this has worked quite
effectively, suggesting that continuous Roundup Ready®
cropping systems in
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
This research is intended to demonstrate that growers can continue to
use continuous Roundup Ready cropping systems, despite the occasional
occurrence of glyphosate-resistant weeds. Glyphosate is the
active ingredient in the Roundup family of herbicides.
Roundup Ready crops are those that have been engineered to tolerate
direct applications of Roundup herbicide.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
Our work suggests that continuous Roundup Ready
cropping systems can be sustainable, i.e. it is not necessary to rotate
away from a Roundup Ready crop in order to maintain a high level of
sustainable weed control.
Special Instructions/feedback: This ACS symposium will bring together a number of researchers with a diversity of views and perspectives on the glyphosate resistance issue, so it should be interesting.
David I. Gustafson
Monsanto Company
Phone Number: (314) 694-2698
Fax Number: (314) 694-3688
Email: David.I.Gustafson@monsanto.com
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL
DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 040, will be presented at 9:35 AM, Monday, 26 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 040
Sustaining glyphosate in South American cropping system
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Resistance Management and IPM Aspects
Lead Presenter's Email: pjchrist@esalq.usp.br
Pedro Jacob Christoffoleti1, Joao Baptista Galli2, Daniela Neves Ribeiro1, Bianca Assis Barbosa Martins1, and Murilo Sala Moreira1. (1) Department of Crop Science, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Padua Dias, 11, Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil, Fax: + 55 19 3429 4285, pjchrist@esalq.usp.br, (2) Research and Development, Monsanto Brazil
Abstract
South America represents about 12% of
the global land area, and
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Conservation of natural resources is essential in the South American
agricultural areas, especially in Brazil where the tropical and
sub-tropical climates require conservation production system that
maintain the sustainability of the agroecossystem by reduction of soil
erosion and maintenance of the soil fertility and humidity. The
sustainability of tropical systems is obtained by good agricultural
practices, being the no tillage system the agronomical base for that.
To practice no tillage system the herbicide glyphosate is an essential
tool in order to form soil protection with plant residue which is
obtained by natural vegetation or cover crop cultivated during the
intercropping season. This practice has been adopted by most of the
South American farmers that are conscious with the natural resources
conservation. However, some problems with the intensive and repetitive
use of glyphosate have occurred in the agriculture such as selection of
resistant and tolerant weeds to glyphosate, jeopardizing the
technology. Therefore, farmers must pay attention to factors that
impose this weed selection and designing herbicide and non-herbicide
strategies that effectively delay/manage glyphosate resistant weeds and
undesirable shifting in the weed community in cropping systems based on
recurrent glyphosate application. So that is a challenge in
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
The novelty of the paper is the survey about the perceptions of the
Brazilian farmers about the problems with resistant and tolerant weeds
to glyphosate, and the level of adoptions of good agricultural
practices in order to prevent or manage it. That is essential to guide
future researches and actions to inform farmers of the best
alternatives for weed control in conservation tillage systems. Another
aspect is the viability to use integration of cover crop rotation and
forage crop intercropped in the soybean production system in order to
increase weed biodiversity and reduce the weed community specialization
and selection.
Pedro Jacob Christoffoleti
Department of Crop Science
University of Sao Paulo
Av. Padua Dias, 11
Piracicaba, 13418-900
Brazil
Phone Number: +55 19 3429 4190
Fax Number: + 55 19 3429 4285
Email: pjchrist@esalq.usp.br
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 041, will be presented at 10:15 AM, Monday, 26 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 041
Managing the risk of glyphosate resistance in Australian
glyphosate-resistant cotton production systems
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Resistance Management and IPM Aspects
Lead Presenter's Email: jeff.werth@dpi.qld.gov.au
Jeff Werth1, Christopher Preston2, Ian Taylor3, Graham Charles4, Grant Roberts5, and Jeanine Baker2. (1) Leslie Research Centre, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, 13 Holberton St, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, jeff.werth@dpi.qld.gov.au, (2) School of Agriculture, Food & Wine, University of Adelaide, (3) Cotton Research and Development Corporation, (4) Australian Cotton Research Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, (5) Australian Cotton Research Institute, CSIRO Plant Industry
Abstract
Glyphosate-resistant cotton varieties are now an important tool for weed control in Australian cotton production systems. To minimize the likelihood of resistance developing through the use of these new technologies, and to protect their sustainability, weed scientists, together with herbicide regulators, industry representatives, and the technology owners have developed a framework that guides the use of the technology. Central to this framework are a crop management plan (CMP) and a grower accreditation course. Simulation models which take into account the characteristics of the weed species, initial gene frequencies, and any associated fitness penalties are utilized to ensure that the CMP developed is sufficiently robust to minimize resistance risks. The simulations showed that when a combination of weed control options was employed in addition to glyphosate, resistance did not evolve over the 30 year period of the simulation. This underlines the importance of maintaining an integrated strategy for weed management to prevent glyphosate resistance evolving, and therefore prolonging the use of glyphosate-resistant cotton.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
To minimise the likelihood of resistance developing through the use of
glyphosate resistant cotton, weed scientists, together with herbicide
regulators, industry representatives and the technology owners have
developed a framework that guides the use of the technology.
Central to this framework is a crop management plan (CMP) that is a requirement for the commercial release of glyphosate resistant cotton. The CMP encourages the use of a range of weed management practices in glyphosate resistant cotton, rather than relying on glyphosate alone. Critical to the CMP is the requirement that any weed that has been sprayed with glyphosate and survives must be controlled by an alternative weed control tool so that seed set does not occur.
The CMP also includes a grower accreditation course that must be completed before growing glyphosate resistant cotton seed. This course educates users on glyphosate resistant technology, weed management, herbicide resistance, resistance management strategies and the legal requirements of growing glyphosate resistant cotton.
In a project funded by the Cotton
Catchment Communities Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), the CRC for
Australian Weed Management and Monsanto
This underlines the importance of
maintaining a combination of weed control options in glyphosate
resistant cotton in order to ensure that survivors from glyphosate
applications are controlled before they set seed. These
resistance management strategies were incorporated into the CMP, aiding
the prevention of glyphosate resistance evolution through their
adoption. It is essential that the cotton industry in
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
Work has been done simulating glyphosate resistance in situations where
resistance has occurred i.e. rigid ryegrass in
However, this project is new in that it endeavours to predict the likelihood of glyphoste resistance development in a glyphosate-resistant crop, on weed species that have not developed glyphosate resistance. This is a proactive approach that has been taken in order to prevent glyphoste resistance occurring.
Jeff Werth
Leslie Research Centre
Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
13
Phone Number: 61 7 4369 8851
Email: jeff.werth@dpi.qld.gov.au
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 043, will be presented at 11:05 AM, Monday, 26 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 043
Disease control activities of glyphosate in glyphosate-resistant crops
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Resistance Management and IPM Aspects
Lead Presenter's Email: paul.feng@monsanto.com
Paul CC. Feng1, Patricia M. Caldwell2, G. James Baley1, and Frank C. Kohn1. (1) 700 Chesterfield Village Pky W, Monsanto Co, Chesterfield, MO 63017, Fax: 314-737-6677, paul.feng@monsanto.com, (2) Plant Pathology, University of Kuazulu-natal, South Africa
Abstract
The herbicidal activity of glyphosate is derived from inhibition of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase, a key enzyme in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants, fungi, and bacteria. Recent studies in glyphosate-resistant crops have shown that in addition to its herbicidal activity, glyphosate may also exhibit activity against fungi thereby providing disease control benefits. This presentation will summarize our work in glyphosate-resistant wheat demonstrating that glyphosate has both preventive and curative activities against Puccinia striiformis and Puccinia triticina, which cause stripe and leaf rusts in wheat, respectively. We will also summarize our recent results from growth chamber studies in South Africa and field studies in South America that confirm the activity of glyphosate against Phakopsora pachyrhizi which causes Asian soybean rust.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Glyphosate is a broad spectrum herbicide used world-wide.
Recent studies showed that glyphosate has activities against some fungi
that cause diseases in crops. Previous results showed that
glyphosate reduced leaf and stripe rust diseases in
glyphosate-resistant wheat. Recent results confirmed that
glyphosate also reduced Asian soybean rust in glyphosate-resistant
soybeans. These results suggest that in addition to effective
weed control, glyphosate application may also provide additional
benefits in disease control in glyphosate-resistant crops.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
The beneficial effects of glyphosate in disease control was first
reported in 2005
Paul CC. Feng
Monsanto Co
Phone Number: 314-737-6683
Fax Number: 314-737-6677
Email: paul.feng@monsanto.com
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 052, will be presented at 2:10 PM, Monday, 26 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 052
Fate of glyphosate in soil and the possibility of leaching to ground
and surface waters
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Health and Environmental Aspects of
Glyphosate-Resistant Crops
Lead Presenter's Email: okb@kvl.dk
Ole K. Borggaard and Anne Louise Gimsing, Department of Natural Sciences, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Thorvandsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark, okb@kvl.dk
Abstract
In soils, glyphosate can be inactivated by sorption and degradation. Both processes are strongly soil dependent. Glyphosate is fast and strongly bonded by variable-charge soil minerals, primarily aluminium and iron oxides. Glyphosate and phosphate may compete for sorption sites indicating risk of glyphosate leaching in agricultural soils saturated by phosphate because of surplus phosphate-fertilization. However, on most soils this competition seems modest indicating negligible glyphosate leaching in homogenous, non-fractured soils, while by-pass flow in fractured soils may lead to transport of glyphosate (and phosphate), and hence water pollution. Glyphosate degradation in soil is a microbially-mediated process and the extent depends on the soil type. Mineralization (complete degradation) has been found to correlate with the number of Pseudomonas spp. bacteria, but also with other microbial and chemical properties of the soils.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Inactivation of glyphosate in soils by
binding and degradation is very soil dependent. Microbial glyphosate
degradation can take a few weeks in some soils while in other soils it
can take many months. Binding of glyphosate can vary from moderate to
very high depending on the soil.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
Substantiation of great variability among soils to bind and degrade
glyphosate is new but also the observed leaching of glyphosate in
clayey but not sandy soils. The study also showed that in contrast to
previous investigations, this study incates that phosphate saturation
of the soil seems to play a minor role in glyphosate binding and
degradation.
Ole K. Borggaard
Department of Natural Sciences
The Royal Veterinary and
Thorvandsensvej 40
1871 Frederiksberg C,
Phone Number: 453-528-2419
Email: okb@kvl.dk
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 055, will be presented at 3:55 PM, Monday, 26 March 2007, during the symposium, "Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and Weeds: Present and Future".
AGRO 055
Comparison of environmental effects of glyphosate-resistant crops vs.
what they replace in
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Glyphosate-Resistant Crops and
Weeds: Present and Future: Health and Environmental Aspects of
Glyphosate-Resistant Crops
Lead Presenter's Email: gijs.kleter@wur.nl
Gijs A. Kleter, RIKILT - Institute of Food Safety, Wageningen University and Research Center, Building 123, Bornsesteeg 45, NL-6708PD Wageningen, Netherlands, Fax: +31-317-417717, gijs.kleter@wur.nl
Abstract
The commercial cultivation of
genetically-modified, glyphosate-resistant crops, such as soybeans,
occurs in some parts of
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
The topic of this lecture and accompanying paper is the assessment of
the possible effects that genetically modified crops resistant to the
weed-killing compound glyphosate might have on the environment within
the European context. Contrary to the vast experience already
gained on this issue in US, the cultivation of genetically modified,
glyphosate-resistant crops in
Background:
Since the first commercial
cultivation of genetically modified crops in 1996, the cultivated area
with these crops, both within the
Currently, the cultivation of
genetically modified crops in any country, including
Concurrent with the expansion of the European Union, which currently counts 27 European nations, there is a transit towards a centralized registration procedure which will be applicable to all the Union members, leading to less certified pesticides, lesser applied quantities, and the use of environmentally friendly pesticides which, consequently, will further reduce the negative impact that agriculture has on the environment.
The new procedures would certainly consider, among others, the beneficial effects of the genetically modified crops and the positive results that were demonstrated in many reports, including the British comprehensive three-year Farm Scale Evaluations (FSE) study of three genetically modified herbicide-resistant crops, including glyphosate-resistant sugar beet and their impact on weed management practices and the ecology of British agriculture. Other examples of relevant reports include the review by the National Center for Food and Agriculture Policy (NCFAP, Washington DC, USA, www.ncfap.org), which has assessed the potential impact of nine genetically modified crops, including five herbicide-tolerant ones, on pesticide use in Europe.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
This work aims to collate and evaluate data from literature and
previous investigations, aiming to produce a comprehensive overview of
the topic, stating the validity of the available information and the
likely trends in crop production of global importance.
Special Instructions/feedback: The authors are part of an international team sponsored by the International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) to carry out this research.
Gijs A. Kleter
RIKILT - Institute of Food Safety
Wageningen University and Research Center
Building 123, Bornsesteeg 45
NL-6708PD Wageningen,
Netherlands
Phone Number: +31-317-475635
Fax Number: +31-317-417717
Email: gijs.kleter@wur.nl
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 126, will be presented at 1:55 PM, Tuesday, 27 March 2007, during the symposium, "Agricultural Biomass, Biobased Products, and Biofuels".
AGRO 126
Biomass-to-ethanol conversion: Strategies for developing flexible
biorefineries
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Agricultural Biomass, Biobased
Products, and Biofuels: Defining the Challenges
Lead Presenter's Email: orts@pw.usda.gov
William J. Orts, Kevin M. Holtman, Gregory M. Glenn, Richard Offeman, George H. Robertson, Syed H. Imam, and Dominic W. S. Wong, Western Regional Research Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710-1100
Abstract
In order for ethanol production to be
viable in the western states, a wide range of feedstocks will need to
be utilized which will require flexibility in the processing
capabilities. For example,
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
The use of ethanol from corn has grown dramatically in the past several
years, meeting roughly 2% of our transportation usage
Significant expansion of ethanol production is expected over the next
several years as new biorefineries come on-line. Such strong demand has
already put significant pressure on starch supply resulting in higher
costs for industries that utilize corn.
Converting lignocellusic materials, i.e. biomass from agricultural residues, provides several advantages. In this presentation, technology describing conversion of plant-derived material will be coupled with presentation of a process to convert municipal solids waste (MSW) to ethanol. MSW is rich in cellulose, which can be converted to fermentable sugars and, ultimately, ethanol. MSW can be mixed with ag-waste to and provides the following advantages, (1) production can expand beyond the Mid-west corn belt to all regions of the country, (2) production is then potentially nearer the population centers considering that MSW availability increases with population, (3) production can be nearer the oil refineries so that it can be added to transportation fuel readily, and (4) production will not vary with the season since MSW is consistent throughout the year. The advantages of the diverse-stream biorefinery will be discussed.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
This idea of converting cellulose-to-ethanol has been around for a long
time, with several groups considering municipal solid waste.
This process relies on a steam treatment that has been developed by a
corporate partner and tested in several medium-sized cities are
commercial scale. This group is unique is that it has put
together "all of the pieces" to isolate cellulose from MSW and then
convert mixed streams (MSW and ag-waste) to ethanol. This
presentation will include discussion of pilot testing
of this biorefinery technology.
USDA-Agricultural Research Service
Phone Number: 510-559-5730
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 131, will be presented at 4:15 PM, Tuesday, 27 March 2007, during the symposium, "Agricultural Biomass, Biobased Products, and Biofuels".
AGRO 131
Energy balance of switchgrass grown for cellulosic ethanol in the
Northern Plains,
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Agricultural Biomass, Biobased
Products, and Biofuels: Defining the Challenges
Lead Presenter's Email: mschmer@unlserve.unl.edu
Marty R. Schmer1, Kenneth P. Vogel1, Robert B. Mitchell1, and Richard K. Perrin2. (1) Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, 344 Keim Hall, East Campus, Lincoln, NE 68508, mschmer@unlserve.unl.edu , (2) Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Switchgrass (Panicum
virgatum L.) is a potential, herbaceous feedstock for
cellulosic ethanol in the
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Global demands for petroleum have led to scientific concerns about the
sustainability, costs, and environmental consequences of relying on
fossil fuels to meet future energy demands. The
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
This study was conducted from 2000 to 2005 and is one of the first to
evaluate switchgrass grown as bioenergy crop at the field-scale.
Marty R. Schmer
Grain, Forage, and Bioenergy Research Unit
USDA-Agricultural Research Service
344 Keim Hall, East Campus
Phone Number: 402-472-8056
Email: mschmer@unlserve.unl.edu
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 150, will be presented at 9:50 AM, Wednesday, 28 March 2007, during the symposium, "Agricultural Biomass, Biobased Products, and Biofuels".
AGRO 150
Aspergillus flavus genomic data mining provides
clues for its use in producing biobased products
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Agricultural Biomass, Biobased
Products, and Biofuels: Process and Product Control
Lead Presenter's Email: jiuyu@srrc.ars.usda.gov
Jiujiang Yu1,
William C. Nierman2, Deepak Bhatnagar1,
and Thomas E. Cleveland1. (1) Southern
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is notorious for its ability to produce aflatoxins. It is also an opportunistic pathogen that infects plants, animals, and human beings. The ability to survive in the natural environment, living on plant tissues (leaves or stalks) or live or dead insects, make A. flavus a ubiquitous species that can be found almost everywhere on our planet. The saprophytic property of A. flavus has rarely been explored for its potential benefit. In the course of investigating its pathogenic mechanism, we have identified a gene encoding for a pectinase that is capable of degrading complex starch into simple sugars for its nutrition. It is well known that A. flavus possesses a whole array of degrading enzymes that can breakdown organic matter, such as cellulose, and produce energy. A. flavus whole genome sequencing has been completed at The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR). Genes identified in the A. flavus genome that potentially encode for enzymes involved in degrading organic matter, include cellulases, 11 amylases, 5 proteinases, 8 polygalacturonases, and hundreds of hydrolases. These fungal enzymes could play important roles for its saprophytic property. The A. flavus whole genome microarrays can be used for genome-wide gene profiling and genetic expression studies. Genetic engineering of the fungal genome can be considered to create a highly efficient bio-degrader for bioconversion or for organic waste recycling, particularly in the production of biofuels.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Dr. Yu and colleagues are delving into the genome of Aspergillus
flavus, which is notorius for its moldy
toxins, as a source of powerful enzymes that could possibly
play a role in bioenergy production. While A. flavus
has a terrible reputation as far as microbes go
(it can contaminate several crops including peanuts,
corn and cottonseed), the fungus is a very impressive
saprophyte--capable of living off of an array of dead and decaying
plant matter. Serendipitously, Dr. Yu and others
have pinpointed a gene in A. flavus that controls an
enzyme responsible for turning complex starch into simple
sugars. A. flavus possesses several other
similar enzymes, which Yu and others are
investigating. The fungus' powerful biodegrading
powers could someday be harnessed to efficiently convert plant
matter into sugars for making biofuels.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
While other starch-degrading microbes are the focus of bioenergy
researchers, no one before has ever studied A. flavus, best known for
its food contaminating ways.
Special Instructions/feedback: Answers to the above questions provided by Erin Peabody, writer for the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. Nontechnical summary submitted by Jiujiang Yu.
Jiujiang Yu
Southern
USDA-Agricultural Research Service
Phone Number: 301-795-7570
Fax Number: 301-838-0208
Email: jiuyu@srrc.ars.usda.gov
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 151, will be presented at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, 28 March 2007, during the symposium, "Agricultural Biomass, Biobased Products, and Biofuels".
AGRO 151
Fully automated molecular biology routines for evaluation and
characterization of industrial yeast strains optimized for ethanol
production from cellulosic biomass and for biobased-pesticide expression
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Agricultural Biomass, Biobased
Products, and Biofuels: Process and Product Control
Lead Presenter's Email: hughessr@ncaur.usda.gov
Stephen R. Hughes, Bioproducts and Biocatalysis Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604, Fax: 309-681-6040, hughessr@ncaur.usda.gov
Abstract
To meet increasing demand for energy from agricultural materials to replace petroleum-based energy sources, fuel ethanol production from agricultural feedstocks must be optimized. USDA-ARS has developed the first fully-automated platform employing molecular biology routines to optimize genes for engineering an industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain to ferment xylose from corn fiber as well as glucose from corn starch. The automated platform is also used to incorporate genes into this yeast to express a commercially-useful, biobased product with pesticidal activity against the corn earworm in addition to expressing xylose isomerase and other genes for fermentation of xylose from hydrolyzed cellulosic biomass. Genes are optimized using an amino acid scanning mutagenesis strategy; the improved yeast strain is then screened for optimal growth on pentose sugars. All operations of the automated workcell will be discussed, including expression protocols for profiling and characterizing the pesticide and the optimized open reading frames.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Having the capability at the USDA to produce ethanol from cellulose is
important to reduce the dependency on foreign oil by the
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
This work is very recently been attempeted and requires high throughput
laboratory equipment to accomplish true gains in strain development
Special Instructions/feedback: With the upcoming need for cellulosic ethanol many platforms within industry, government, and academic laboratories will be needed in concert to produce the strains that will make the cellulosic ethanol production viable and to meet the renewable fuels standard outlined in the Energy Bill of 2005.
Stephen R. Hughes
Bioproducts and Biocatalysis Research Unit
USDA-Agricultural Research Service
National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research
Phone Number: 309-681-6176
Fax Number: 309-681-6040
Email: hughessr@ncaur.usda.gov
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 152, will be presented at 10:55 AM, Wednesday, 28 March 2007, during the symposium, "Agricultural Biomass, Biobased Products, and Biofuels".
AGRO 152
Biological abatement for removal of inhibitors from biomass sugars
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Agricultural Biomass, Biobased
Products, and Biofuels: Process and Product Control
Lead Presenter's Email: nicholnn@ncaur.usda.gov
Nancy N. Nichols1,
C. Kevin Chambliss2, G. Peter van Walsum3,
Lekh Nath Sharma2, and Bruce S. Dien1.
(1) Fermentation Biotechnology Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural
Research Service,
Abstract
An important barrier to commercialization of the biomass-to-ethanol process is the presence of substances that are toxic to fermenting microorganisms. Organic acids, aldehydes, phenolics, and furan compounds arise during acid hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and may cause slow or failed fermentations. We have developed a bioremediation strategy to detoxify biomass sugars prior to fermentation. Microorganisms were enriched from soil for their capacity to metabolize ferulic acid, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and for their ability to grow in acid hydrolysate of corn stover. The best isolate for removing inhibitors was a fungus, Coniochaeta ligniaria NRRL 30616. Analytical extraction of corn-stover hydrolysate followed by HPLC and LC-MS analyses has been used to quantitate a variety of aromatic acid, aliphatic acid, and aldehyde and phenolic degradation products. This approach was used to follow the removal of several important compounds during inhibitor abatement.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Removing a barrier to the cellulose to ethanol process
Making ethanol from cellulose (grasses, wheat straw or cornstalks) uses less fossil fuel than producing ethanol from the starch in corn kernels. However, the cellulose-to-ethanol process is more complicated than the starch process. Like starch, those cellulose-rich materials also contain useful sugars that can be fermented to ethanol. But, the fibrous nature of these residues means that getting out the sugars requires some combination of chemicals, enzymes, heat, and pressure. This in turn can cause problems for the microbes that make the ethanol, because the pretreatments used to release the sugars also give rise to a mixture of inhibitory chemicals. We discovered a new microbe that can be used to remove these inhibitors before they cause trouble in the fermentation. This process could be relatively inexpensive, use less process water, and generate little or no chemical waste.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
A patent was granted for this microbe in 2006. This is a
biological approach, rather than a chemical or physical approach, to
the problem of fermentation inhibitors.
Special Instructions/feedback: This work hasn't been covered in the popular press. A patent related to this work is described on the ARS website ("Method to help produce ethanol") and was mentioned in Industrial Bioprocessing 28(8):8. "Fungus detoxifies biomass hydrolysate," 2006.
Nancy N. Nichols
Fermentation Biotechnology Research Unit
USDA-Agricultural Research Service
National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research
Phone Number: 309-681-6271
Fax Number: 309-681-6427
Email: nicholnn@ncaur.usda.gov
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 153, will be presented at 11:20 AM, Wednesday, 28 March 2007, during the symposium, "Agricultural Biomass, Biobased Products, and Biofuels".
AGRO 153
FT-IR analysis of oil feedstock and biodiesel quality
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Agricultural Biomass, Biobased
Products, and Biofuels: Process and Product Control
Lead Presenter's Email: justininc4@yahoo.com
Justin R. Barone, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 0303 Seitz Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, jbarone@vt.edu
Abstract
Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is used to evaluate the quality of various agriculturally-derived oils used as feedstocks for biodiesel production and the quality of the produced biodiesel. Most important to feedstock quality is the assessment of free fatty acid (FFA) content as evidenced by acid peaks in the spectrum that are separate from ester peaks. Many qualitative differences exist between the oil feedstock and the transesterified methyl esters and these will be highlighted. More importantly, quantitative assessment of the transesterification reaction is possible by monitoring the appearance of new methyl peaks in the FT-IR spectra. Quantitative results will be presented as equations that utilize the methyl peak areas intensities and positions in the FT-IR spectra to assess the extent of reaction.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Biodiesel is a fuel of increasing commercial interest.
Biodiesel is derived from agricultural fats and oils and must be
purified prior to use as a fuel. This work describes a fast
quality control technique that can be used to assess the quality of the
feed oil as well as the quality of the final product. This is
important because most currently used quality control techniques are
tedious chemical analyses that cannot be implemented cheaply and easily
by all biodiesel producers.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
This work utilizes a standard laboratory technique that can be easily
implemented by a biodiesel producer using the new analysis
provided. Analysis can proceed on-line during production
rather than having to sample the feed and final products and performing
an external chemical analysis.
Justin R. Barone
Biological Systems Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
0303 Seitz Hall
Phone Number: 540-231-6615
Email: jbarone@vt.edu
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 195, will be presented at 8:35 AM, Thursday, 29 March 2007, during the symposium, "Agricultural Biomass, Biobased Products, and Biofuels".
AGRO 195
Properties of biodegradable feather keratin polymers
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Agricultural Biomass, Biobased
Products, and Biofuels: Improving Bioproduct Design
Lead Presenter's Email: justininc4@yahoo.com
Justin R. Barone, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 0303 Seitz Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, jbarone@vt.edu
Abstract
The properties of a recent class of polymers created from poultry feather keratin are described. A “cradle to grave” approach is employed and production of the polymers, uses, and finally biodegradation characteristics will be described. Properties are dependent on the amino acid composition of the feather keratin and modification of the amino acids to elicit new properties. Melt-state properties of the feather keratin such as viscosity can be modified with the use of reducing agents such as sodium sulfite and lubricants such as poultry fat. Solid-state properties can be modified using divalent transition metal ions to affect stiffness and smell.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Fossil fuel prices are increasing and availability is decreasing so new
feedstocks for polymers are sought. One such feedstock is
agricultural waste. The work describes how polymers or
plastics can be made from one such agricultural waste, chicken
feathers. Not only are these polymers bio-based but
biodegradable.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
The work is fairly new and describes how to thermally process, the
technique currently embraced by industry, what was once thought to be a
difficult protein to process, keratin.
Justin R. Barone
Biological Systems Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
0303 Seitz Hall
Phone Number: 540-231-6615
Email: jbarone@vt.edu
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 196, will be presented at 9:00 AM, Thursday, 29 March 2007, during the symposium, "Agricultural Biomass, Biobased Products, and Biofuels".
AGRO 196
Biopolymers from polylactic acid and milk proteins
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Agricultural Biomass, Biobased
Products, and Biofuels: Improving Bioproduct Design
Lead Presenter's Email: Charles.Onwulata@ars.usda.gov
Charles Onwulata
and Peggy Tomasula, Dairy Processing and Products Research Unit,
USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Eastern
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a commercially-available biodegradable polymer derived from lactic acid and is used in many products as an alternative to petrochemical-derived polymers. However, the physical properties limit its use in many applications. Using dairy proteins to substitute for portions of PLA in a formulation may extend its use and prevent shortages of PLA. This work reports on the mechanical and thermal properties of composites made from PLA substituted with starch-whey concentrates and casein blends (DPB). The blends were extruded under the following conditions: mass flow rates (27 to 102 g/min), solids feed rates (0.43 to 2.85 g/sec), moisture (30 to 75%); extrusion melt profiles were: 75, 90, 100, 100, 90, 80°C; and molding conditions at 200°C and 12,000 psi. The physical properties of the extruded DBP were moisture 14-18%, peak tensile strength 4.5 mPa, thickness 3.9 mm, elongation at break 45%, and storage modulus 5.0 mPa. Injection molded product peak melt temperature shifted down in order: PLA 132.8°C, DBP/PLA (10/90%) 149.4/130.3°C, DBP/PLA (20/80%) 148.8/128.2°C, indicating softening of PLA when combined with DBP. Dairy proteins, whey and casein, may provide an advantage by lowering the peak molding temperature of PLA allowing for more biomaterials to be used. Further work is needed to improve the extrusion compounding and miscibility of this high-temperature melting PLA and high-temperature burning-DBP blend.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Materials made from renewable resouces such as polylactic acid (PLA)
derived from corn and milk proteins are earth
friendly. Adding milk proteins from whey and
casein increases the elasticity "stretch" of materials made
with PLA, making them less stiff.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
Combining the properties of milk proteins with PLA is very new.
Charles Onwulata
Dairy Processing and Products Research Unit
USDA-Agricultural Research Service
Eastern Regional Research Center
Phone Number: 215 233 6497
Fax Number: 215-233-6470
Email: Charles.Onwulata@ars.usda.gov
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, CHED 038, will be presented at 10:25 AM, Sunday, 25 March 2007, during the symposium, "Educating the Public About the Challenges for Improving the Quality of Drinking Water".
CHED 038
Microbial filtration utilizing carbon block, reverse osmosis and other
point-of-use membrane technologies
Program Selection: Division of Chemical Education
Topic Selection: Educating the Public About the
Challenges for Improving the Quality of Drinking Water
Lead Presenter's Email: john.buteyn@pentairwater.com
John Buteyn, Gary
Hatch, and Melissa Kinsey, Pentair Filtration, Inc,
Abstract
Many in developed countries take for granted the safety and purity of their drinking water, but to those in under developed countries microbiological or chemical contamination is an ever-present problem. Even in developed countries there is potential contamination from treatment plant deficiences, lead mains and distribution line integrity issues, household plumbing and fixtures, and in today's world the threat of intentional contamination from terrorist activity. Most water utilities employ a multi-barrier approach: Source water protection, multiple pretreatment steps, and administering and maintaining an effective disinfection residual in the distribution system. The point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) drinking water treatment industry provides a final barrier of supplemental treatment by offering to the home owner a multitude of water treatment products. This presentation will summarize the different types of products on the market, what they do (and don't do), and how to select a drinking water treatment device that protects your health and provides peace of mind.
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, PHYS 110, will be presented at 1:20 PM, Monday, 26 March 2007, during the symposium, "Realizing the Full Potential of Solar Energy Conversion through Basic Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry".
PHYS 110
Solar fuels: A reaction chemistry of renewable energy
Program Selection: Division of Physical Chemistry
Topic Selection: Realizing the Full Potential of
Solar Energy Conversion through Basic Research in Chemistry and
Biochemistry: Solar Fuels and Biofuels
Lead Presenter's Email: nocera@mit.edu
Daniel G. Nocera,
Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Abstract
Fuels – they are highly reducing compounds that react with an oxidant, usually oxygen, to release energy. But let's think about this process at a more microscopic level. The bonds in high energy compounds rearrange to form new bonds in lower energy compounds – and the energy released is used to power our world. The preponderance of fuels in our society is coal, oil and natural gas. The C–C and C–H bonds of these fossil fuels are rearranged with the O–O bond of oxygen to make C–O (in CO2) and O–H (in water) bonds. However, there are deleterious consequences to using fossil fuels – namely the environment is in jeopardy (massive CO2 production and health risks associated with particulates), global security is more fragile (owing to foreign energy dependences) and the economy is stressed (arising from the cost of energy). The way out of this quandary is to snip the connection between fuels and C–C and C–H bonds. A source of a future “oil” that meets this criterion is water and solar light: in short: water + solar light = oil. Light from the sun can be used as the energy input to rearrange the O–H bonds of water to the H–H and O–O bonds of hydrogen and oxygen, respectively. Of course, this cannot be accomplished directly with solar light. Chemistry to the rescue! Catalysts and new reaction processes must be developed that will enable this bond rearrangement of water. This talk will present important aspects of chemistry needed for a renewable energy derived from solar light + water.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
The abstract above explains the issue pretty much in a "lay
technical language" The short of it is that water can replace oil as a
fuel - but it needs to be "energized" with light from the sun. For a
solar-based renewable fuel source, we need the sunlight to cause the
bonds in water to rearrange to make hydrogen and oxygen. Now we all
know that if light shines directly on water, nothing of significance
happens (and thank goodness for that or we would all be in trouble). So
we need to make "intermediaries" that can catch solar light and then
act on water to prompt the needed bond rearrangement. We are working on
(1) strategies to effect the bond rearrangment and(2) the
creation of these magic intermediaries that can do the business end of
the water-splitting reaction.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
We have attacked the problem from a basic science level. The
water-splitting reaction above needs new tools to be developed. Prior
to our work, these new tools did not exist in a routine way (some of
the names of these new tools are "multielectron" and "proton-coupled
electron transfer").
The way I like to explain it is to equate the solution of the solar energy problem to a Monet painting. It will take a masterpiece to solve. The problem is that there are not enough colors on the palette to paint the masterpiece of renewable energy. Imagine if Monet had only white paint? It wouldn't be much of a painting. That is the current state of affairs in the energy problem. We currently only have, more or less, white paint. We have been working hard to put more colors on the palette so that the community can paint the energy masterpiece (the difference between the masterpieces of a Monet painting and the energy problem, is that the latter is going to need a lot more than one person painting!).
Daniel G. Nocera
Department of Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Building 6-335
Phone Number: 617 253-5537
Fax Number: 617 253-7670
Email: nocera@mit.edu
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, SUST 013, will be presented at 10:25 AM, Tuesday, 27 March 2007, during the symposium, "Sustainability in Water Supply: Catalytic Control of Emerging Micropollutants".
SUST 013
Ultraviolet- and solar light-activated nanostructured TiO2
photocatalysts: Application in the destruction of cyanotoxins, a group
of emerging drinking water contaminants
Program Selection: Sustainability of Energy, Food,
and Water
Topic Selection: Sustainability in Water Supply:
Catalytic Control of Emerging Micropollutants
Lead Presenter's Email: dionysios.d.dionysiou@uc.edu
Dionysios D. Dionysiou1, Maria G. Antoniou1, Hyeok Choi1, Armah A. de la Cruz2, and Jody A. Shoemaker2. (1) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 765 Baldwin Hall, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0071, Fax: 513-556-2599, dionysios.d.dionysiou@uc.edu, (2) Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Abstract
The increased appearance of cyanobacterial blooms and their toxins in water resources and their acute toxicity, has included them in the contaminant candidate list (CCL 1&2) of the USEPA. In this study, special attention is given to the destruction and detoxification of the hepatotoxin microcystin-LR, by the so-called TiO2-based advanced oxidation nanotechnologies. In order to synthesize TiO2 photocatalysts with enhanced performance for this application under UV and/or visible light irradiation, we have introduced surfactant-templating approaches in sol-gel preparation of mesoporous TiO2 particles, films and membranes. The structural properties of TiO2 inorganic network are tailor-designed and the TiO2 is doped with nitrogen for its band-gap narrowing. In this presentation, we will discuss the synthesis and properties of TiO2 photocatalysts prepared using self-assembling based methods and their evaluation for the decomposition of the cyanobacterial toxins and the formation of intermediates during the reaction.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Cyanobacteria (commonly known as blue-green algae) produce undesirable
color, taste, and odor, and more importantly, harmful toxins that can
cause poisoning to humans and animals. The interest in cyanobacterial
toxins has increased recently because cyanobacterial harmful algal
blooms are becoming more common worldwide. Some of these toxins have
the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety
(bioterrorism). Unfortunately, the US EPA has not set regulations or
guidelines on the appropriate method for treating these toxins or the
toxin concentration limit in drinking water. In this study, we
investigate the degradation of cyanobacterial toxins using
nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2)
photocatalysts under ultraviolet and/or visible light irradiation.
Light irradiation to titanium dioxide produces highly reactive
oxidizing species (e.g., hydroxyl radicals), which can destroy harmful
chemical contaminants in water. TiO2
photocatalysis is an environmentally friendly technology that does not
involve the use or production of hazardous compounds. Our study targets
the most toxic and commonly found hepatotoxin in aquatic environments,
microcystin-LR (MC-LR).
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
Several methods have been tested for the inactivation, removal, and
degradation of MC-LR. Pilot plant studies have shown that the most
common drinking water processes in treatment plants such as
coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation and rapid sand filtration break
bacterial cells and thus release the toxin. Currently,
advanced-chemical oxidation processes, such as TiO2
photocatalysis, are being tested for the degradation of cyanotoxins.
In our group, we are trying to immobilize TiO2 catalyst onto various substrates as the form of thin films and membranes for use in a variety of applications since conventional nanosize TiO2 particles in suspension are difficult to handle and remove after their application in water and wastewater treatment. In the synthesis of TiO2, by introducing a nanotechnological approach (surfactant pore templates strategy) the physicochemical properties of TiO2 can be controlled, including high specific surface area and thus enhanced catalytic conversion activity toward MC-LR to less harmful simple intermediates. In addition, since TiO2 photocatalysts are activated when irradiated by ultraviolet light, we are also synthesizing visible light-activated TiO2 (nitrogen-doped TiO2). This can have tremendous impact on the design of solar-driven treatment technologies because only 4-5% of the incoming solar energy on the earth’s surface is in the ultraviolet range. Study on the degradation pathway and intermediates formation during photocatalytic oxidation of MC-LR using the nanostructured (nitrogen-doped) TiO2 immobilized films under ultraviolet and/or visible light irradiation is completely new and of interest. As a result, our research focuses on Environmental Nanotechnology meaning nanotechnology for environmental remediation and also emphasizes Green Engineering principles by immobilizing TiO2 to prevent any possible toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles themselves and utilizing environmentally friendly surfactants to control the physicochemical properties of TiO2.
Special Instructions/feedback: Some of the findings of this study, including intermediates during MC-LR degradation using mesoporous TiO2 films, synthesis route of nitrogen-doped TiO2, and MC-LR degradation using visible light-activated TiO2, have never been published or reported in prior media coverage.
Dionysios D. Dionysiou
Department of Civil and
765 Baldwin Hall
Phone Number: 513-556-0724
Fax Number: 513-556-2599
Email: dionysios.d.dionysiou@uc.edu
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, HIST 037, will be presented at 11:35 AM, Tuesday, 27 March 2007, during the symposium, "Going with the Flow: Water Sustainability Past, Present, Future".
HIST 037
Arsenic crisis on the Indian subcontinent: A sustainable solution and
the role of chemistry
Program Selection: Division of the History of
Chemistry
Topic Selection: Going with the Flow: Water
Sustainability Past, Present, Future
Lead Presenter's Email: arup.sengupta@lehigh.edu
Arup K. SenGupta, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Lehigh University, 13 E. Packer Av., Fritz Lab, Bethlehem, PA 18015, Fax: 610-758-6405, arup.sengupta@lehigh.edu
Abstract
In
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, SUST 067, will be presented at 4:20 PM, Tuesday, 27 March 2007, during the symposium, "Sustainability of Food Systems: Carbohydrate Economy".
SUST 067
Bioenergy recovery from food leftovers
Program Selection: Sustainability of Energy, Food,
and Water
Topic Selection: Sustainability of Food Systems:
Carbohydrate Economy
Lead Presenter's Email: spshoemaker@ucdavis.edu
Ruihong Zhang, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California at Davis, One Shields Drive, 3046 Bainer Hall, Davis, CA 95616, Fax: 530-754-9530, rhzhang@ucdavis.edu
Abstract
Food waste accounts for 16% of the
materials going to landfill, causing serious environmental and public
health problems. Innovative approaches and technologies are needed to
change the current practices and turn the food wastes into valuable
resources. Due to its relatively high moisture content and
biodegradability, the food waste is a highly desirable feedstock for
biofuel production through bioconversion processes, such as anaerobic
digestion and alcohol fermentation. Much research has been conducted in
the past five years at
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, ENVR 100, will be presented at 9:35 AM, Wednesday, 28 March 2007, during the symposium, "Remediation Technologies for Chromium".
ENVR 100
Cr(VI) reduction using fructose, glucose and sucrose
Program Selection: Division of Environmental
Chemistry
Topic Selection: Remediation Technologies for
Chromium
Lead Presenter's Email: bbilyeu@xula.edu
Bryan
Bilyeu1, Patricia Balderas-Hernández2,
Gabriela Roa-Morales2, and Carlos
Barrera-Díaz2. (1) Department of
Physics and Engineering, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel
Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, bbilyeu@xula.edu,
(2) Facultdad de Química (Chemistry), Universidad
Autónoma del Estado de México
Abstract
Plating, mining and leather industries produce large amounts of chromium wastes. However, Cr(III) is a thousand times less toxic than Cr(VI) so there is interest in new economical ways to reduce Cr(VI). Cr(VI) can be chemically reduced at low pH. However, a large excess of acid is required to achieve the Cr(VI) reduction to meet environmental standards. Another disadvantage is the large amount of sludge generated, which requires expensive (up to 50% of operational cost) disposal. In this study, fructose, sucrose and glucose at different concentrations (3.84, 28.57 or 50 mg mL-1) were evaluated as reducing agents with a 5 mg L-1 Cr(VI) solution at pH 2.2 and temperatures 20, 35 and 70 °C. Optimum conditions for Cr(VI) reduction were 70 °C with a sugar concentration of 28.57 mg mL-1. Figure 1 shows that fructose was most effective at 94.28% removal, followed by sucrose at 93% and glucose only 32%.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Chromium compounds are used in industrial metal plating and leather
tanning, but are very toxic carcinogens. They exist in two
principle forms: hexavalent [Cr(VI)] and trivalent [Cr(III)], with the
trivalent being a thousand times less toxic than the
hexavalent. Although state, federal and
international agencies strictly regulate chromium levels in
industrial wastewater, it still gets into aquatic
environments. Treating large environmental systems like lakes
and rivers without causing more damage to the ecosystem is a
challenge. We have found some natural sugars, like
fructose from honey and sucrose from sugar cane can convert highly
toxic hexavalent chromium into the less toxic trivalent form.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
Converting hexavalent chromium to the less toxic trivalent form has
been done with strong acids and other aggressive treatments, but our
method is quite different in that it is quite environmentally friendly
and can be done in an active ecosystem with little disruption.
Bryan Bilyeu
Department of Physics and Engineering
Xavier University of Louisiana
Phone Number: 214-215-3681
Email: bbilyeu@xula.edu
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, AGRO 199, will be presented at 10:30 AM, Thursday, 29 March 2007, during the symposium, "Agricultural Biomass, Biobased Products, and Biofuels".
AGRO 199
Arthropod repelling constituents from a southern folk remedy:
Investigations of the American beautyberry, Callicarpa
Program Selection: Division of Agrochemicals
Topic Selection: Agricultural Biomass, Biobased
Products, and Biofuels: Improving Bioproduct Design
Lead Presenter's Email: clcantr1@olemiss.edu
Charles L. Cantrell1, Charles T. Bryson2, Stephen O. Duke1, Jerome A. Klun3, and John F. Carroll4. (1) Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, P.O. Box 8048, University, MS 38677, clcantr1@olemiss.edu, (2) Southern Weed Science Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, (3) Chemicals Affecting Insect Behavior Laboratory, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, (4) Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, USDA-Agricultural Research Service
Abstract
Based on botanical lore of insect
repellent properties, essential oil extracts from Callicarpa
ALL PAPERS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL DATE AND TIME OF PRESENTATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
The paper on this research, INOR 1241, will be presented at 11:20 AM, Thursday, 29 March 2007, during the symposium, "Environmental Inorganic Chemistry".
INOR 1241
Removing algae with electrocoagulation (EC)
Program Selection: Division of Inorganic Chemistry
Topic Selection: Environmental Inorganic Chemistry
Lead Presenter's Email: j.jiang@surrey.ac.uk
Jia-Qian Jiang,
School of Engineering (C5),
Abstract
In water treatment, algae's blooming has caused many problems, including uncomfortable tastes and odours, clogging of filters, and the formation of disinfection by-products. Conventional coagulation/precipitation with dissolved air flotation or direct filtration is not effectively to remove algae and also will result in the formation of hazard by-products. This paper then aims to assess the use of electrocoagulation (EC) to treat algae. The results demonstrate that the EC performed superior to the conventional coagulation for the algal removal. This could be attributed to the superior working mechanisms of the EC and we have proposed them as 1) co-precipitation of algae with the Al/Fe hydroxide aggregates (flocs); 2) a direct reduction of cell numbers due to the migration of algae towards to and degradation on the surface of anodes; and 3) the flotation of aggregated flocs separated by the generated hydrogen bubbles in the EC process.
Researcher Provided Non-Technical Summary
Briefly explain in lay
language what you have done, why it is significant and what are its
implications (particularly to the general public)
Electrocoagulation (EC) was used in this study for removing algae. The
EC is a process where Al or Fe plates are used as electrodes
to produce freshly formed Al or Fe hydroxide aggregates (flocs) which
possess capacities of great adsorption and co-precipitation and then
are very active species of removing varies pollutants presenting in
water resources. In comparison, hydroxide flocs can be generated by a
chemical precipitation but they are less activity and less pollution
treatment efficient than the flocs generated by the EC. this
makes the EC an advantage process used for water and wastewater
treatment.
How new is this work and how
does it differ from that of others who may be doing similar research?
The conventional algal removal technologies are chemical precipitaton
or coagulation, dissolved air flotation and filtration. The
use of EC for water and wastewater treatment is not new but
use it for algal removal is a new approach.
Guildford
Phone Number: 44-1483-686609
Fax Number: 44-1483-450984
Email: j.jiang@surrey.ac.uk