Abstracts 1999-2001

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Effects of Varying Initial Implant on Growth & Performance, Carcass Characteristics, & Meat Tenderness in Holstein Steers

The use of growth-promoting implants in the U.S. is widespread, although optimization of compound type and onset of implant exposure has not been completely resolved. In particular, although implants dramatically increase average daily gain (~10%) and feed efficiency (~15%), there is evidence that implants decrease quality grades (Prime, Choice, Select and Standard) and tenderness of the meat. The preponderance of research has been conducted on traditional beef cattle genetics. While the vast majority of the cattle fed in the U.S. are of traditional beef cattle background, many steers enter feedlots as byproducts of the dairy industry. Indeed, California places approximately 600,000 Holstein steers in feedlots annually. Due to the profound differences in growth characteristics between dairy breeds and cattle of more traditional beef genetics, the Holstein steers are fed for a longer period of time and thus are subjected to repeated implanting regimens. As more investigators report on the interaction between genetic influences and implant effects, there is growing concern that traditional implant regimens are not adequately tested in Holstein steers. The objective of the proposed research is to test the temporal effect of initial implant exposure in feedlot Holstein steers. Specifically, the following responses will be measured: (1) effect on growth and efficiency characteristics, (2) influence on quality grade, yield grade, dressing percent and ribeye area, and (3) determine the effect of implant timing on meat tenderness. The working hypothesis of the research is that the optimal time of implant exposure onset can be identified to optimize the increased gain and efficiency while minimizing the detrimental effects on carcass quality.

00-3-007 Berner, Louise

The Contribution of Dairy Foods to Nutrient Intakes and Health in the US

The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship of dairy product consumption to several indicators of health and well-being (including intakes of select dietary nutrients; food group intake patterns and adherence to Food Guide Pyramid recommendations; perceived health; body mass index; and vitamin-mineral supplement use). In addition, patterns of dairy product intake (i.e., consumption at breakfast, lunch, dinner, during snacks, and away from hoe) will be assessed. Publicly-available data from USDA’s Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) 1994-96 will be analyzed. This dataset included 16,103 individuals nationwide who provided 2 nonconsecutive days of recalled food intake and responses to many demographic and health-related questions.

00-3-008 Burt, Charles

Estimating Evaporation on Irrigated Agricultural Lands in California

California’s economic and environmental well-beings are closely linked to the state’s water management. Water conveyance and utilization is a huge energy consumer in the state. Future scenarios of how much water will be pumped from the groundwater and from the Delta, as well as future energy needs for water treatment, all require good estimates of water balances. However, the fundamental data used in these estimates are based on flawed models of Evapotranspiration (ET). These flaws include: 1) values published as "ET" rather than Evaporation and Transpiration components; 2) values only including estimates of ET during the crop growing season, and ignoring ET during the rest of the year and on fallow ground; 3) no separation of the contribution of irrigation vs. rainfall to evaporation and 4) correspondingly, no way to account for differences in irrigation and soil management practices. This project will attempt to provide both better estimates for E&T and water balance using accurate data from current, highly-controlled, irrigation projects.

00-3-011 Dietterick, Brian

Long-term Evaluation of Suspended Sediment Exiting a Coastal Mountain Stream Following Selection Timber Harvesting Activities

Current Santa Cruz County and State of California forest practice rules regarding timber harvesting have not been tested to see if these practices adequately protect local watersheds from possible resultant adverse sediment-related impacts. This project will evaluate the effects of selection timber harvesting in the Little Creek watershed using a paired watershed and upstream/downstream study design. Event-based samples will be collected using automated water quality samplers and analyzed in a lab on-site. Five years of data will be analyzed before the next harvesting activity planned for 2004, allowing for a broad range of baseline conditions.

00-3-050 Gill, Samantha

Fire History, Forest Structure, and Early Land Uses in a Jeffrey Pine-Mixed Conifer Forest under an Unmanaged Fire Regime

(originally awarded to Scott Stephens with Samantha Gill as co-PI; Dr. Stephens has now left CalPoly for UC Berkeley)

The relative absence of fire in the 20^th century and past harvesting operations have modified the structure and ecosystem processes in the coniferous forests of California. The U.S. Forest Service is currently developing standards and guidelines for federal lands in the Sierra Nevada. A pre-European settlement ecosystem structure has been chosen as the desired future model but there is little known about those conditions. The Sierra San Pedro Martir range in Baja California represents a unique opportunity to study just those conditions. It is a Jeffrey Pine-mixed conifer forest that has never been logged and never managed for fire suppression. This project will produce a biometric model of this forest that can be used for structure and ecosystem planning in the Sierra Nevada.

00-3-014 Hall, Michael

Effects of High Density-Short Duration and Open Cattle Grazing on Oak Woodland/Savanna Rangeland

Evidence shows that grazing by domestic livestock plays an important role in the ecological system of California’s 40 million acres of rangeland. Two different types of grazing regimens, high intensity-short duration (HISD) and open grazing will be compared against no grazing to quantify the affect that grazing has on forage diversity, productivity and quality. Limited scientific research has been conducted to quantify the affect that grazing has on our California ecosystem. The objective of this study will quantitatively assess the impact of HISD on natural ecosystems, and particularly on the oak/woodland savanna (OWS) rangelands that are so important to the cattle industry in California. Specifically, the research will consist of quantitative comparisons in grazed and ungrazed areas and will include detailed measurements of the following: (1) beef production; (2) forage productivity and quality; (3) soil quality, erodeability, and soil nutrient content; (4) pasture cover and species diversity; and (5) natural oak recruitment. The working hypothesis of the research is that good grazing practices will enhance forage production and quality, therefore increasing beef productivity.

00-3-017 Hampson, Brian

Processing Parameters and GMPs for Optimal Application of Ozone in Food Processing

One estimate of incidence of foodborne illness in the U.S. is twice per year per citizen resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Although it is recognized that most infringements on the safety of food occur at home or in final preparation and serving, major outbreaks can occur when the processor has a contamination problem. Use of ozone in the aqueous phase can kill all forms of microorganisms without either damaging food or leaving a harmful residue. The optimal combination of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and ozone must be established. In addition, ozonation holds tremendous promise in assuring the safe reuse of water. This project will investigate current practices in ozone application on raw fruits and vegetables. Information on the water quality parameters necessary to achieve success will be gathered and pilot studies run to determine the optimal use of ozone in food processing operations. Microbial reduction and inoculation challenge study investigations will be performed on both domestic and foreign (Mexico) process waters and fresh fruits and vegetables.

00-3-019 Headrick, David

Citrus IPM: Secondary Pest Biology and Demography

Secondary pests, such as the forktailed katydid, have been in the past only minor or non-economic pests of citrus in California. Recently, both the cottony cushion scale and the forktailed katydid have become major citrus pests. In the case of the cottony cushion scale, the use of the insect growth regulator "Knack" against California red scale led to the decimation of the vedalia beetle which was the introduced natural enemy of the cottony cushion scale. To control this pest, an extremely toxic, broad-spectrum pesticide was used; and this, in turn, has led to secondary outbreaks of citrus red mite and further use of pesticides. In the case of the outbreak of katydid, little is known about the cause, but a solid biological knowledge should lead to better management decisions and less expense for both the growers and the public. This project will provide details on the individual and population biology of the forktailed katydid.

00-3-018 Hendricks, William

The Economic Impact of Visitors to Morro Bay State Park and Local Communities

State Parks are an important aspect of tourism strategies and economic development. Although studies have been conducted that estimate the economic impact and benefits of various natural resources recreational activities on counties and states, there has been a demand for data at the local level. The Morro Bay State Park and the City of Morro Bay provide a unique opportunity to study the economic impact of visitors to each as well as to study the interrelations of the two attractions.

00-3-048 Jimenez-Flores, Rafael

Mucinase Activity of Probiotic Bacteria

Probiotic bacteria are being investigated with regard to the mechanisms by which they appear to convey health benefits. The purported benefits include improvement of gastrointestinal health, immune system modulation and anti-carcinogenic activities. One mechanism for these effects involves the mucinous layer which protects the epithelium of the GI tract. Some probiotic bacteria have been shown to induce mucin production by intestinal cells in vitro. In ulcerative colitis patients, fecal flora were shown to be more active in mucin breakdown. This breakdown was caused by mucinase produced by the bacteria. This project will study and characterize many common strains of probiotic bacteria used as processed food ingredients with regard to their mucinase activities. This should lead to safer and more effective use of these products in the food industry.

00-3-013 Jimenez-Flores, Rafael

Program for Microbial Quality Improvement of Milk Powder Produced in California

California produces 45% of all the skim milk powder in the U.S. However, the current government price support system will end in a few years. Keeping costs of production low and quality standards high while staying competitive with international sources is the industry priority. While production costs may be difficult to control, getting to higher quality control standards set by industry buyers may be the easiest way to maintain market share. The principal issue in quality control is low thermophilic spore count. A preliminary study has identified the points of contamination in the milk powder production process. This project is designed to generate a method for easy detection and quantification of spore contamination and to refine procedures to increase the efficiency of spore removal from milk powder. These efforts should improve quality in the short term while longer term studies continue to identify ways to reduce contamination during the production process.

00-3-021 Khalil, Hany

Evaluation of Bulk Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Fruit and Vegetables

Global consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is rising rapidly. Lucrative Pacific Rim markets have been inaccessible to California growers because of long shipping times. European markets have now severely restricted the use of standard wood pulp product packaging. This study is designed to extend the marketability of California produce by combining a new shipping container that is plastic, reusable and hermetically sealed and optimal shipping conditions for 4 highly popular products. These conditions are dependent on the initial parameters of the produce (including maturity and surface microbial load), the type and quantity of packaging inside the shipping container, and the atmosphere within that container (temperature, humidity, and gas mixture).

00-3-023 McNeil, Robert

Control of Citrus Nematode in Citrus with a Biological Nematocide

The citrus nematode is a widespread pest of citrus in California, reducing growth, stunting trees, and reducing size and quantity of fruit. Pesticides previously available to combat this organism are highly toxic and are so hazardous to workers and the environment that they are limited as to time and method of application. A biological nematocide recently developed by Abbott Laboratories is less toxic and more flexible while still effective in tests in vineyards. This project will test this new product for effectiveness in orchards of navel oranges and Valencia oranges over a three-year period.

00-3-025 Montecalvo, Joseph

Utilization of Lye Peeling Waste from Tomato Processing

Presently, the tomato processing industry in California converts more than 10 million tons of tomatoes each year into tomato sauce, puree and paste for both retail and commercial food sales. In this process, a hot, very alkaline solution is used to facilitate removal of the tomato skins. The resulting waste stream has been very costly to dispose of in municipal sewer systems. This project will focus on the utilization of this alkaline tomato waste by acidification and byproduct recovery in the manufacturing process of tomato puree.

00-3-026 Moody, Lynn

Paired Watershed monitoring for Water Quality and Sustainable Range Management, Morro Bay Watershed, California

The Morro Bay estuary is arguably the most important wetland system on the south central coast of California. The estuary and its watershed, representing a diverse biological and economic resource to the people of California, are impacted by various pollutants, with sediment of particular concern. As part of a U.S.-EPA-funded National Monitoring Program, a paired watershed study on Cal Poly’s Escuela Ranch has shown that BMPs aimed at reducing erosion and sedimentation associated with cattle grazing appear to result in improvement of water quality. The same BMPs have resulted in an increase in residual vegetation that is harvested by the cattle during the dry season. The objective of this proposed study is to extend monitoring of hydrology and water quality for an additional year, and to monitor range forage quality (protein and fiber) for three years.

00-3-028 Noel, Jay

An Economic Analysis of California Wild Rice Processing

The California wild rice industry accounts for approximately 60% of world production while using only about 20,000 acres in the Sacramento Valley. Introduction of a new hybrid variety of wild rice is expected to increase current yields by a factor of 2.5. It is likely that, given the growth in production, output wholesale prices will drop. For the California wild rice industry to grow and prosper, it must search for better and cheaper ways of production and/or increase consumer demand. This project will perform demand analysis for wild rice and use a systems approach to production costs. This will include evaluating the economic impact of changes in processing technology, processing capacity, unit processing costs, inventory costs, transportation costs, and location of processing plant on total cost.

00-3-027 Noel, Jay

An Economic Feasibility Analysis of Forming a California Wheat Growers Marketing Cooperative

California wheat growers are looking for new marketing opportunities in order to obtain a higher rate of return from the marketplace for their production and to become less reliant on government programs for their economic survival. There are over 30 different varieties of wheat grown in California and many of them are specialty varieties for niche processing markets. This project will attempt to address the feasibility of forming a cooperative of wheat growers in the State. The formation of an agricultural cooperative can be driven by a number of motivations. The primary reasons hypothesized are: benefits from economies of scale, the capture of marketing margins from other stages of the marketing channel, gain from improved coordination of production and marketing, and increased market access.

00-3-030 Offermann, Gene

Use of Various Organisms in field Experiments to Enhance Crop Quality & Yields

It has been found that some microorganisms can enhance crop quality and yield, reduce the needs for pesticides and fertilizer, and improve nutritional quality. This project is designed to test the effects of these organisms on broccoli. Anticipated benefits to growers include reduced cost and better long term health of the soil. Benefits to consumers would be increased flavor and nutrition with less pesticide residue and possibly lower costs.

00-3-032 Pedersen, Mary

Mechanism of Appetite Suppression Induced by Simmondsin Administration of Rats

Simmondsin, extracted from jojoba meal, has been previously demonstrated to reduce food intake when fed to rats in a mixed meal. Studies will be performed to verify the food reduction effect of this compound and test several derivatives of simmondsin to begin to identify the mechanism of appetite suppression. Dose-response analysis will be done in combination with monitoring the status of the rats for any toxic effects of simmondsin supplementation. Items to be monitored include daily food intakes, biweekly weights, hematological status and physical appearance.

00-3-033 Piirto, Douglas

Silvicultural Management Strategies for Pitch Canker Infected Ano Nuevo Stands of Monterey Pine

Pitch canker has become a major cause of growth loss, mortality, and associated economic impacts in California Monterey pine forests. Very little is known as to how to prevent the spread of this disease to other areas and other conifer species. A unique opportunity exists to develop long-term Monterey pine forest management studies at Cal Poly’s Swanton Pacific Ranch in Santa Cruz county: a Forest Management Plan has been in place for almost a decade; two timber harvests have already been completed; 50 acres of native Monterey pine from the Ano Nuevo stand is on this property; and there are approximately 35 artificially created Monterey pine plantations in the area that also suffer from pitch canker. This proposal covers the initial phases of a larger project. These phases include study design for all affected areas and the development of seedlings resistant to the disease. Planting of these seedlings will begin in plots with different management profiles to determine biological success in the wild.

00-3-036 Pillsbury, Norman

Application of Urban Tree Volume Equations to Determine Biomass in Community Forests

Cities throughout California are constantly seeking new ways to manage their urban forest resources. Maintenance of urban species represents a high cost to communities primarily due to the intensity of labor, cost of equipment, and cost of disposal. The purpose of this study is to show communities how to manage their urban forests specifically in relation to the potential use of woody biomass rather than the more traditional and costly practice of disposal. Existing tree inventories and volume equations will be used to estimate biomass potential from several communities. Data will be transferred back to the source cities which can then collaborate to explore market alternatives.

00-3-037 Rice, Jr., Robert

Integrated Pest Management of Greenhouse and Silverleaf Whitefly in Poinsettia Utilizing Reflective Mulches & Sticky Tape

Poinsettia is the leading potted plant crop in the U.S. with approximately 80% of the cuttings originating in California. Although several insect pests are important, whitefly is arguably the most serious. Both greenhouse and silverleaf whiteflies have become increasingly difficult to control. Chemical options are decreasing while resistance is increasing. Reflective mulches have been shown to be effective in lowering oviposition on foliage in field crops, but their use in greenhouse situations is not well documented. Yellow sticky tape has been shown to attract and trap flying whiteflies. This research will investigate the optimal use of reflective mulches in conjunction with the use of yellow sticky tape for poinsettias grown in greenhouses.

00-3-042 Ruehr, Thomas

Calcium Release Rate from Soils

The rate of release of potassium is the major controlling factor for potassium nutrition of crops even though the soils may have an abundance of potassium. This might be the case for calcium also because field responses indicate that calcium nitrate fertilizer is providing more effect that just the nitrate alone. This project will analyze calcium release rates from many soil types under conditions both lab and cropping conditions. In the case of crops, corn will be grown on soils with different calcium release rates and analyzed for mineral content on harvesting.

00-3-038 Ruehr, Thomas

Fertilizer Rate Response in Grapes, Tree Crops and Citrus on Cooperating Growers' Orchards and Vineyards

Cancelled due to lack of experimental venue.

00-3-051 Strohman, Rollin

Building Cal Poly's Reputation as a GIS Center

Cal Poly is in a unique position to become a leader in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in agriculture. Construction is nearing completion on a $200,000 GIS facility; there is a GIS for Agriculture minor; a site license for GIS software has been obtained from the leading vendor (ESRI); and one centimeter accuracy real time Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment has been received from an NSF proposal. An opportunity exist to participate with companies involved in developing the Waterway Management Plan for San Luis Obispo Creek using this technology to develop a pilot management plan. New technologies will be integrated by both faculty and students with techniques and results transferred back to the public sector.

00-3-057 Vilkitis, James

Agriculture, Pollution Abatement Wetland Project

Artificial wetlands created specifically for the purpose of pollution abatement to the national waters are exempt from Clean Water Act permitting. This project will study the design and construction aspects of artificial wetlands and the parameters for optimum functionality. An additional component of this project will be technology transfer in the form of educational materials derived from the results. This will allow planners to use these techniques in other watersheds.

00-3-058 Walter, Virginia

Solarization as an Effective Soil Disinfestation Alternative with Open/Moving Roof Structure Used for Cut Flowers

Cut flowers grown in fields have very low initial costs but very extensive operating expenditures associated with weed control, vertebrate pest control, and damage by weather. Additionally, there are environmental concerns over the use of chemicals to control weeds and microorganisms. Greenhouses provide very controlled environments and good products at the expense of large capital outlays up front. On the central coast of California, the temperature and humidity are optimal for flower growing; and these conditions provide an opportunity to study retractable roof greenhouses which provide access to the perfect conditions while limiting the negative characteristics of open growing. In addition, recent studies have shown that solarization can be an effective soil disinfectation method with as little as 4-6 weeks treatment. This project will characterize the optimum solarization regimen and determine the effects of this treatment on cut flower production.

00-3-062 Wolf, Marianne

A Marketing Research Study of San Luis Obispo/Five Cities Area Residents' Attitudes Regarding the Local Viticulture and Wine Industry

The recent growth in the viticulture and wine industries in Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande has led to both negative and positive reactions from segments of the community. There is concern among the local grape growers and wine producers that the negative reactions will impact voters and legislation to forestall future growth. The primary objective of this project is to use marketing research to understand the attitudes of the general population in the Five Cities area regarding these industries and to determine how accurately the more vocal factions represent the population as a whole.

00-3-064 Zohns, Mark

Mechanical Systems Design Clinic for Agriculture

Agricultural machine manufacturers can invest large amounts in the development of optimal equipment for processing large scale crops, such as corn and soybeans. However, the crop diversity in California precludes these same manufacturers from investing similar resources to develop optimal equipment for specialty crops grown on significantly smaller acreages. Specialized niche agribusinesses, whether producer, processor, supplier or other, may be characterized by: small scale operation; smaller production volumes; unique or unusual requirements or constraints dictated by their market niche; or special requirements necessary to achieve a value-added processing goal. The Mechanical Systems Design Clinic in the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Department at CalPoly offers an opportunity for seniors to apply knowledge gained during their engineering education to the solution of real-world mechnical system development problems. Simultaneously, the agriculture industry will benefit from having fresh approaches taken to current challenges.

01-1-001 Jimenez-Flores, Rafael

Isolation and Characterization of Minor Lipids from Buttermilk. Functionality in Dairy and Foods and Their Impact on Health.

The dairy industry in California produces large amounts of skim milk powder, butter and buttermilk. This last product is commercialized almost exclusively as a more economic source of skim milk to food processors. Closer inspection of its composition demonstrates that this by-product of butter manufacture contains very complex lipids that have been identified lately as bioactive components.

Phospholipids are an extremely important family of lipids found in buttermilk. These components are unique in their structure (can't be found or synthesized from vegetable oils), and have very important properties for food processors. In addition to these physical advantageous properties, some of the phospholipids have been identified as beneficial compounds for human health. Such is the case of sphingolipids and colon cancer.

This proposal focuses on the isolation of these phospholipids from buttermilk under conditions found today in commercial processing plants, and finding out whether or not these components can be active against colon cancer.

01-3-001 Beckett, Jonathon L.

Efficacy of Pour-on Dewormers Differing in Active Ingredient and Carrier on Weight Gain and Fecal Egg Count in Stocker Cattle

Various dewormers are prevalent in the beef cattle industry to increase productivity and performance in cattle during all phases of growth. Factors influencing the choice of dewormer and administration method include: type of indigenous parasites, ease of administration, length of effectiveness, and cost. Although current dewormers are effective, they vary in duration and cost. Previous studies suggest that weight gain is certainly influenced by the choice of dewormer. This project is designed to appropriately test the effects of differing dewormers and routes of administration, the various dewormers must be tested against each other in a uniform group of cattle, during one growing season, in a controlled situation. The cattle arriving at Swanton Pacific Ranch from Hawaii typically are susceptible to parasite infestation due to relatively high parasite load in the forage. Approximately 500 head of cattle will be randomly assigned to 1 of five treatment groups, including (1) Cydectin, (2) Ivomectin pour-on, (3) Eprinex, (4) Dectomax, and (5) non-treated control. Initial treatment will be completed at delivery to the ranch. Cattle will be retreated approximately 112 days after initial treatment. Cattle will be weighed monthly, and fecal samples will be collected to determine egg counts. Larval cultures will be completed to identify species of parasites. The working hypothesis for this study is that increased productivity (weight gain) will be realized in cattle medicated with the most effective dewormer and route of administration, as indicated by fecal testing.

01-3-003 Dietterick, Brian

Long-Term Water Quality, Geomorphic, and Habitat Evaluation of a California Coastal Mountain Stream Following Selection Timber Harvesting Activities

This project is essentially an augmentation of an existing ARI project (00-3-011) which uses a paired watershed design to study the effects of timber harvesting practices on water quality. This new proposal enhances the project by monitoring additional water quality parameters, and geomorphic and habitat parameters. Sophisticated interaction between instream sensors and automated water quality samplers will maximize sampling efficiency and statistical validity of the results. Remote data access capabilities will enable monitoring of real-time weather and sampling data to efficiently dispatch field personnel for sample pickup and troubleshoot hydrologic instrumentation.

01-3-004 Farkye, Nana

Development of a line of smoked cheeses for Cal Poly Creamery

Smoking of cheese performs two functions; it imparts a characteristic smoked flavor and also helps preserve cheese. Traditionally, cheese is smoked by application of natural smoke, but liquid smoke is becoming popular, although not preferred in flavor tests. Natural smoke retards some enzymatic reactions involved in the ripening of cheese and the optimal timing for application of smoke has not been published for popular cheeses in the U.S. This project will study the time of application of natural smoke in Cheddar, Gouda and San Luis Lace cheeses and the correlation to dryness, rate of ripening, compositional changes and sensory characteristics.

01-3-005 Gill, Samantha

Developing an Uneven-Aged Growth and Yield Model for the Coast Redwood Forest Type

Uneven-aged forest management is becoming favored nationwide over even-aged systems primarily for socio-political reasons but also to enhance watershed and wildlife values. Recent advances in computer technology have permitted the broadening of the range of conditions in modeling stand growth and yield to individual tree relationships. However, current data is based on homogeneous, even-aged stands. This project will model Coast Redwood forest during the transition from even to steady-state uneven-aged management. This will provide forest planners and property owners the information needed to optimize similar transitions.

01-3-006 Hall, Michael H.

Implementation and Comparison of Best Management Practices in Reducing Non-Point Pollution and Improving Water Quality in the Brizzolara and Stenner Creeks on the Cal Poly Campus

Documented evidence shows that grazing of domesticated animals in riparian areas is a cause of non-point source water pollution. No longer can cattlemen allow their livestock to freely roam pastures when riparian areas are present without causing detrimental effects to the landscape and water quality. Cal Poly’s outside laboratories and grazing land offer a tremendous opportunity to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) which will provide an excellent laboratory for monitoring research and instruction for good stewardship of our western rangeland. Specifically, objectives of this project are to: identify sediment load and turbidity, monitor stream temperature, identify BMPs which would reduce non-point source pollutants, implement selected BMPs, and assess the impact of the selected BMPs on non-point source pollutant reduction.

01-3-007 Hannings, David W.

Uses of Processed Willow Trees

Willow chips are a waste product created from stream clearing common during the summer in California. Currently, the chips are disposed of as mulch on site or taken to landfills. This project will investigate more economically and ecologically sound options for this material. The first option is as a top dressing for enhancing seed generation in vegetables and flowers grown in fields. The second option is as an ingredient in compost. A source of nitrogen would be needed and could reasonably be supplied by horse and cow manure which are usually available in the same areas. The third option involves using willow chips and willow chip compost as a media ingredient for nursery plant production.

01-3-009 Montecalvo, Joe

Comparative Microbiological Evaluation of Organically grown and Conventionally-grown Fresh Lettuce

The purpose of this project is to conduct the first microbiological audit and comparison of selected fruit and vegetables grown by certified organic farming and handling practices and conventional farming and handling practices. Although the dangers of pesticide consumption resulting from conventional farming are relatively well documented, recent perceptions that there may be a greater risk of food borne illness from organically grown foods have increased the level of confusion for consumers. This research will focus on comparing the microbiological profile of selected vegetables and fruits from both growth practices from the field, through harvest, transport, storage, and to the retail locations.

01-3-010 Neuhaus, Tom

Influence of Mood on Food Choice Using Food Typicalities as the Dependent Variable

Impulse food purchases are heavily influenced by affective processes such as emotions and moods. Traditionally, research has centered on cognitive processes such as memory, attitudes, and beliefs and used questionnaires which can produce biased results depending on what the customer wants the researcher to believe. This research project will measure actual behaviors using software which displays virtual-reality images of food, allowing the consumer to inspect the food from all sides. Computer-aided methodology offers privacy, ease of measurement, and the advantage that the subjects are actually looking at food, not an interviewer. In addition, the virtual-reality setting also allows for the researcher to control for the mood of the subject by inserting images which are conducive to stimulating different moods while the subjects continue to "shop".

01-3-012 Plummer, Bill

Analysis of Platelet Activating Factor in the Gravid Reproductive Tracts of Swine

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is secreted by mouse embryos and perhaps the uterine lumen. It is surmised that swine embryos also produce PAF. This project will analyze the levels of PAF in reproductive tracts of gravid swine and correlate this data with litter size. Another goal is to develop a chemiluminesent assay which could be performed in any laboratory rather than the current radioimmunoassay. Once such a technique is available, boars could be tested for levels of seminal PAF as a possible indicator of breeding efficiency. Increasing the number of pigs per litter would decrease the cost per pig and provide a valuable streamlining method for the commercial hog industry.

01-3-013 Sanders, Mary Ellen

Evaluation of Factors Influencing Cell Count of Probiotic Bacteria

There is increasing interest on the part of the U.S. population in foods and food components that promote health and reduce disease. Probiotic bacteria are prime examples. The probiotic industry relies on cell count measurements for the production control, quality control and standardization of their products for wholesale and retail. Interestingly, however, some probiotic lactobacilli demonstrate patterns of growth that result in lower than expected colony counts after stationary phase of growth has been reached. This project is design to elucidate the mechanisms that produce this observed decrease in expected colony production. The results of this study should lead to improved production techniques and quality control.

01-3-015 Steinmaus, Scott

Invasive Plant Management Project

Economic losses associated with plant invasions have been estimated to be $100 billion annually in the U.S., in addition to immeasurable ecological and aesthetic losses. Exotic species invasion into natural ecosystems represents among the most significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Scientists and land managers agree that the most effective management protocol is prevention, prediction, and control. The objectives adopt this protocol in the following manner. Education is the essence of a viable management strategy based on prevention. A manual of San Luis Obispo County’s most invasive species is being compiled and distributed to key private sector and public agency personnel. Prediction models will be developed using existing invasion models that will be fine-tuned with the information from responses to the manual. The model will also predict the plant species, which have not yet infested SLO County but which have the potential to if brought in inadvertently. And finally, population mapping will be carried out to identify locations to be used as test sites for control.

01-3-016 Styles, Stuart

New Electronic Technologies for Volumetric Metering of Delivered Water - Magnetic, Doppler, Vortex Shedding and Ultrasonic Flow Measurement

The Irrigation Training and Research Center at Cal Poly has been awarded a contract by the California Energy Commission to perform various tasks associated with optimizing water and energy resources. This project will test and evaluate new technologies for measuring water flow in a system and metering water use at destinations. Current technology is generally unsuitable for metering water use at turnouts with high flow rate and negligible pressure loss. In addition, large measurement flumes for irrigation districts can cost over $100,000; and it is expected that these new technologies can provide alternatives with the same degree of accuracy at a considerable savings. The ARI portion of this project will be for constructing the concrete structure necessary for these tests at the Water Delivery Facility located next to the Drumm Reservoir.

01-3-017 Walter, Virginia

Can the Use of a Silicon Additive in the Culture Solution of Hydroponically-grown Roses Improve the Quality of the Cut Flower Product?

It is believed that the viability of California’s rose industry will be dependent on the success of shifting to hydroponic production. The success of this shift will, in turn, be dependent on minimizing problems effecting the quality of roses such as biotic damage to flowers and foliage from powdery mildew, Botrytis, thrips, white flies and spider mites, and mechanical problems such as bent or weak neck and slender stems. Silicon has been shown to produce greater leaf thickness, lower propensity to wilt and higher chlorophyll concentrations. Although silicon is generally present in adequate amounts in soil, it has not been adequately investigated in hydroponic solutions for roses. This project will study the effects of silicon in the production of 3 popular cultivars of roses. The properties under investigation are mechanical strength, freedom from disease, and shelf life.