Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences

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https://hdl.handle.net/10919/51287

The Online Master of Agricultural and Life Sciences (OMALS), http://www.cals.vt.edu/online/, is uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of today’s agricultural professionals. The program offers concentrations in the areas of agribusiness, applied animal behavior and welfare, applied nutrition and physical activity, education, environmental science, food safety and biosecurity, and leadership studies, as well as plant science and pest management. In addition to engaging classes, students benefit from the opportunity to work on-on-one with well-respected faculty in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to complete a rigorous final project, using what they've learned and developing real-world research and communication skills. This collection showcases final projects completed by current and former OMALS students.

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Identification of the Lyme Disease Vectorin Southwest Virginia
Sheppard, James (Virginia Tech, 2009-05)
In the mid-1970s, fifty-one residents from the quaint little Atlantic seaside town of Lyme, Connecticut came down with something that resembled rheumatoid arthritis (Garrett, 1994). The ailment was dubbed Lyme disease and quickly spread to all fifty states. Once physicians became aware of the symptoms, the disease was diagnosed in many states of the Northeast, but there was a clear upward trend in Lyme disease found throughout the United States. By 1992, Lyme disease was the most reported vector-borne disease in the country (Steere, et al.). In fact, from 1995 to 2009, more than 300,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) by state health departments and the District of Columbia (http://www.cdc.gov/nc) (Appendix A). During this 14-year period, most of the cases were reported from northeastern states including Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. In 1982, Lyme disease was first seen in Virginia and, following the nationwide trend, has steadily increased since that time (Lyme Disease, 2010b). The cases of Lyme disease in Virginia included 29,959 confirmed cases and 8,509 probable cases being reported just in 2009 (http://www.cdc.gov/nc).
Total fatty acid production in golden alga Prymnesium parvum a potential bio-diesel feedstock
Culver, Bruce (Virginia Tech, 2009-05)
Developing renewable and sustainable feedstocks for biodiesel production is one strategy for reducing our dependence on petroleum-based fuel. Microalgae are attractive feedstocks for biodiesel due to their high lipid content and fast growth rate. In addition algae, can be cultured on marginal lands using saline water and thus avoiding competition with arable land. This study investigates the total fatty acid content in Prymnesium parvum, which has the potential as a feedstock for biodiesel production. Prymnesium parvum was cultured in artificial sea water with the salinity adjusted to 14 - 15 (psu) and a pH ranging from 7.8 - 8.5. The culture temperature was 25.7°C under florescent light with a 16:8 (L/D) cycle. Total fatty acids produced had a mean of 11.679 % ± 0.68671 (DW). These percentages were below the 22-38% previously reported by E. W. Becker 1994. Total algal biomass produced had a mean yield of 0.34mg ± 0.07204 (DW) / L. In comparison to other algal species used as feedstocks, P. parvum produced significantly less fatty acids and biomass. Prymnesium parvum also exhibited signs of self toxicity with frequent crash cycles. The self toxicity would have contributed to its inability to produce both lipids and dry biomass. Further studies for increasing fatty acid production in P. parvum may require using a continuous bioreactor system, controlling environmental conditions to relieve self-toxicity and adjusting nutrient concentrations. Exposure to different light/dark regiments along with increasing CO2 concentrations should be explored to possibly increase yields.
State Master Gardeners Knowledge and Behavior Regarding Food Safety and Good Agricultural Practices Recommendations
Brennan, Christy (Virginia Tech, 2009-12)
Master Gardener’s (MG) are volunteers that dedicate their time and resources to complete advanced training on gardening practices. They are a valuable resource to state Cooperative Extension services, like the one in Virginia (VCE), by volunteering to share gardening knowledge with the public. MG’s assist the public in starting and maintaining personal and community fruit and vegetable gardens. Food producing gardens should be treated differently from recreational gardens. Gardening and harvesting practices that will ensure the production of safe and healthy produce need to be taught. The objective of this study is to assess MG’s knowledge of good agricultural and food safety practices, with the intent of developing an additional food safety curriculum for this audience. Virginia MG’s completed an electronic survey to assess knowledge of safe gardening practices and personal gardening behaviors, as well as to evaluate their perceptions of organic and conventionally grown foods. MG’s displayed some gardening practices considered to put foods at risk of being contamination with foodborne pathogens. Eighteen percent top dressed with fresh manure, 44% applied compost material throughout the growing period and 33% used overhead irrigation. Seventy-one and 69% of respondents considered organic foods safer or healthier than conventionally grown foods respectively. The addition of Good Agricultural Practices and food safety best practices to the MG training materials may be beneficial to the MG’s to ensure they are providing safe information to the public.
Orographic Patterns Effect on Water Quality in the Shenandoah National Park
Wood, William Douglas (Virginia Tech, 2009-12-04)
With the onslaught of the “Green Revolution” environmental issues have taken center stage. Now much of this onslaught is focused on Carbon dioxide and climate change, but what is overlooked many times over are the synergistic effects associated with issues. Many factors influence a particular environment’s response and reaction to particular pollutants.
John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir: Ingredient in a Recipe for Disaster
Hood, Debra Gaye (Virginia Tech, 2010-04-30)
In today's world, dams have become possible bioterrorist tools to cause harm, destruction, and death. One such dam is the John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir that was created to control flooding and produce hydroelectric power for parts of Virginia and North Carolina. A history of its development as well as its many benefits to the areas surrounding the facility in terms of wildlife habitats and its recreational uses will be discussed in addition to those involved with flood control, hydroelectric power, and drinking water supply. This paper will present scenarios of a possible threat from bioterrorists as well as the possibility of an accidental compromise to the John H. Kerr Reservoir. Responses by local, state, and federal agencies to both the accidental release of the herbicide atrazine and to the purposeful contamination with the radiological material, tritium, will be presented. Because these scenarios will eventually be published online as teaching tools, questions and answers based on the materials presented have been provided for that purpose.
Survey Determines Consumer Demand for a Local Farmers Market
Atwell, James (Virginia Tech, 2010-05)
Regional and local farmer’s markets have sprung up across the Commonwealth of Virginia. To the dismay of many, farmer’s markets fail to remain open for much longer than one season. Several reasons can contribute to this including inadequate demand, too few vendors, and poor product selection; just to name a few. A survey was conducted for the town of Wytheville residents to determine their preferences and objectives for their local farmer’s market. In 2009, a 20 question survey was developed and mailed to 1,017 town residents to gather information about the existing farmer’s market and to guide future direction for the development of a more permanent farmer’s market. Two hundred and eighty‐three surveys were returned, all containing usable data. Respondents indicated a strong desire to have a local farmer’s market and felt that local residents benefitted from having one conveniently located within or near to the town of Wytheville. Products they desired were identified and demographic data were collected. Preferences for operational days and hours were clearly evident as well as general location recommendations. The Farmer’s Market Focus Group, the local Chamber of Commerce, and local extension service personnel can use the information from the survey to locate and facilitate a local farmer’s market that will be more likely to be successful and sustainable.
Development of an On-line Food Safety Training Course for Food Distributors.
Barker-Smith, Anne (Virginia Tech, 2010-05)
Food Distribution is integral to the food supply system in the United States. Our food comes from many sources and must be shipped to many more before the consumer is able to take control. Product handling and storage conditions during this phase are critical to the overall quality and safety of the food. Having worked for a major foodservice distribution organization in the area of quality assurance, for 25 years, it became apparent that food quality and food safety was becoming more and more important to the consumer. Distributors needed to provide documentation as evidence of proper food safety practices because not only was it becoming critical to regulators but to customers as well. Working with Virginia Tech’s food science department and others, I developed and delivered distributor appropriate training for over 250 managers. The positive result was that customer complaints caused by product mishandling were significantly reduced. Unfortunately over that same period, it became apparent that these managers needed assistance in training their teams after they went home and began building their programs. The request for a simplified, job appropriate training program for staff became a consistent theme.
A Survey of Production and Pest Management Strategies Used For Gooseberry Production Throughout Three Regions of the United States
Johnson, Linda Putnam (Virginia Tech, 2010-08-13)
Twenty-one gooseberry growers, of all sizes, and from three different regions of the United States were surveyed to learn about their production and pest management practices. Growers were interviewed, to identify and understand the pest strategies used today. The data gathered was compiled and analyzed to determine correlations and to determine areas of biological and cultural control of pests where further experimental research is needed. Since Ribes hiretellum Michaux (American Gooseberry) and Ribes uva-crispa L. (European Gooseberry) are considered a minor berry crop in most states, there is little attention given to integrated pest management for them. There are pest issues facing both large and small gooseberry growers, especially the misidentified small gooseberry sawfly, in the Northeast and the Pacific Flatheaded Borer, in the Pacific Northwest. Some smaller growers are reluctant to use pesticides on their crops Recommendations are presented for areas of further field and laboratory testing to be done in the increased use of beneficial insects and also in creating natural habitats for these beneficial to cohabitate, such as “beetle banks”. This study serves as a general pest management resource for gooseberry growers that reveals current pest issues and also proposes candidates for additional biological control measures for problem gooseberry pests.
Food Follies: Food Safety for College Students
Osborne, Michelle (Virginia Tech, 2010-12)
This project involves the production and dissemination of a basic food storage and safety course geared toward college students. The course covers basic preparation, sanitation, proper cooking temperatures, chilling and storage, as well as common pathogens to be aware of.
Plant Health Safeguarding Continuum in the United States
Jennings, Shenell F. (Virginia Tech, 2010-12-02)
Every traveler and all goods entering our country’s borders is a potential pathway for harmful exotic plant pests. Plant pests include plant feeding insects, mites, snails, slugs, and plant pathogens capable of causing millions of dollars in damage to U.S. agriculture and natural resources. Here in the U.S. with the increasingly high volume of human-facilitated movement of goods and travelers, the magnitude of the task of minimizing the risk of invasive pests entering the country and managing pest incursions is challenging. This course will familiarize individuals with current issues, policies, and existing safeguards to prevent the spread of invasive pests. The course consist of eight lesson contained in two modules: (1) Introduction to Plant Protection and Quarantine and (2) Framework for Plant Protection and Quarantine. The first module (Intro to PPQ) consists of: (1) Plant Protection and Quarantine (2) Federal Government Role in PPQ (3) Legal Authority and (4) International Obligations. The second module (Framework for PPQ) consists of: (1) Prevention (2) Preparedness (3) Response (4) Recovery.
Developing Hygienic Practices Training for Meat Processing Industry
Cappaletti, Chiara (Virginia Tech, 2011-04-15)
This final project focuses on safe handling and risk management in meat production. Deliverables include Hygienic Practices Manual, Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point Procedures, and Employee Training Plan for Fiorucci Foods, Inc.
Using photointerpretation and publicly available software to assess revegetation ground cover on a shaded hillside
Crawley, Allen Thomas (Virginia Tech, 2011-04-19)
This project examined the potential of three plant species, Heuchera micrantha, Polystichum acrostichoides and Pachysandra procumbens individually and in various combinations as potential ground cover for a heavily shaded north-facing slope on the Maymont Estate in Richmond, Virginia. Digital photographs were taken of the planting sites. Two software applications were used to make quantitative evaluations of ground cover for the test plantings: the USDA's point sampling application SamplePoint, and NIH's image analysis application ImageJ. GNU's Image Manipulation Program was used to edit the digital images as needed to prepare them for interpretation and OpenOffice.org was used to analyze data. Limiting factors for plant growth on these sites included topography and a dense tree canopy, which obstructed sunlight (May – September) and produced mats of leaf litter (October – March) which hindered quantification of plant growth. In order to compare the two image evaluation methods, individual plant species' ground cover averages recorded by ImageJ were summed to compute overall ground cover, and they were compared to the overall ground cover recorded in SamplePoint. The two ground cover evaluation methods gave similar results. The SamplePoint method can be applied by users with less technical training. However, due to consistent image quality and appropriate algorithms, ImageJ has great potential as a vegetation quantifier. SamplePoint results from August to May indicated H. micrantha initially covered an average of 6% in its quadrats in August 2009. May 2010 showed the average area had declined to 2%, while P. procumbens ground cover increased by from 3 to 4.5% and P. acrostichoides cover increased from 11 to 16.5%, making it the most effective species. Based on this study, P. acrostichoides will be used to revegetate the area, perhaps in combination with P. procumbens.
Optimizing Sampling Plans for Identifying Sources of Salmonella: An Example from a Multi-State Turkey Processing Plant Study
Wright, David (Virginia Tech, 2011-05)
Salmonellosis and listeriosis are two of the leading diseases that are involved with food borne illness outbreaks. Both organisms can persist in a poultry processing environment and contaminate finished product if programs are not in place to limit their introduction and control their spread once introduced. Most processors conduct weekly microbial environmental testing as a check of their control methods. The positive or negative results from each sampling set are indicators of the current levels of microbial contamination, but an ongoing compilation of the results can provide a wide variety of other information. An example set of data was generated from environmental samples collected in poultry processing plants in five states that were analyzed for Salmonella and Listeria species, among other pathogens. A total of 1,363 samples were analyzed for both organisms and another 66 samples were analyzed for Salmonella alone (1,429 total). Of these, 284 (19.9%) were positive for Salmonella, 264 (19.4%) were positive for Listeria spp., and 54 (4%) were positive for both organisms. The data was compiled in Microsoft Excel and the PivotTable function was used to generate summaries and analyze the data for trends. These methods can provide valuable information for optimizing an environmental sampling plan to increase efficiency at finding positive results and decrease costs.
Food Science and Technology Laboratory Safety Workbook
Mitchell, Chandria (Virginia Tech, 2011-05)
The public health implications of antibiotic use in dairy cattle and management strategies to ensure their judicious use
Russ, Katerina (Virginia Tech, 2011-05)
Dairy producers have used antibiotics as part of their on-farm management practices for decades. Antibiotics cure bacterial infections by killing or injuring the bacteria responsible for causing the infection, and can be a useful tool in treating a wide variety of cattle illnesses, from mammary gland infections (mastitis) to infections resulting from retained placentas among a myriad of other dairy cattle illnesses. And when used properly, antibiotics can be a valuable tool for dairy producers to treat ill animals. But the dairy farm landscape has changed drastically, with dairy producers managing larger herds of cattle to maximize milk production and ultimately profits. Larger herds are more difficult to manage and monitor, and subsequently the focus diverts from management at the cow level and preventing cattle illnesses and evolves into waiting for cattle to become ill and then treating them accordingly. Consequently, dairy producers may rely more heavily on antibiotics, thereby increasing the risk of antibiotic residues in the milk they sell. Misuse and over-use of antibiotics on dairy farms could have serious public health implications if solutions are not sought to minimize their use on the farm—especially ―extra-label use. The minimization of antibiotic use and the prevention of antibiotic residues must begin on the farm through more intensive management practices at the cow level that emphasize disease prevention through proper animal husbandry and management.
Optimizing Induced Resistance (IR)
Sirois, Jacob (Virginia Tech, 2011-05)
The use of induced systemic resistance and systemic acquired resistance as a strategy for pest management is becoming more common and commercial products are increasingly available to the producer. Despite tremendous advances in the body of knowledge surrounding this method of crop protection, a complete picture of plant immunity is elusive. Despite the missing edges of the map, practical lessons can be drawn from the existing body of work to create a tentative model for optimizing the performance of elicitors of Induced Resistance (IR). The goal of this work is to develop a usable framework that will help local producers and extension agents alike to use the emerging IR products with optimal results, and provide a starting point for on-farm screening. First, a map of induction logic, Figure 1, will guide the user to the likely induction pathway depending on the nature of the stressor. Then, Table 1 and Table 2 should be helpful in verifying that the induction pathway chosen can be used in the context of the specific plant-pathosystem of interest or at least with another pathogen that employs a similar strategy. Tables 1 and 2 will also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosages, active ingredients to look for, and the expected efficacy if available. Finally, the general considerations and Figure 1 should be useful in integrating IR into IPM by pointing out potential negative/positive interactions, costs, tradeoffs and contraindications. The complex nature of these processes necessitates careful research in each product-plant pathosystem system—evolutionary divergence tends to create some surprising outcomes. Also, researchers and producers should be wary of treating IR activators like conventional products. Important differences like yield costs and a lack of direct antimicrobial action creates unique challenges. Yield costs can be minimized by combining the following approaches: using agents or concentrations that prime IR rather than activate direct defenses, using IR when pest pressures are relatively high or at least forecasted to be, activating IR during high light conditions, and carefully keeping abiotic stresses to a minimum. Furthermore, variability can be reduced by using multiple strains of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), avoiding frequent foliar sprays without an antimicrobial agent in the mix, and tailoring the treatment prescription to the specific plant-pathosystem (i.e. evolutionary divergence).
A Review of Existing Scientific Literature and Current Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Guidelines for Composting in Vegetable Production
Hulit, Danielle (Virginia Tech, 2011-05)
Current research has yielded new scientific evidence to suggest that Good Agriculture Practices recommendations for composted soil amendments may not be adequate to control foodborne illness microorganisms. A review of composting methods, the science of composting, current scientific information and known composting endpoints have yielded a large amount of information showing that current recommendations are not up to date with information that is known by extension specialists, large scale compost facilities and researchers. Composting recommendations can be greatly improved to help lower the potential number of foodborne illnesses linked to organic produce. Areas which potentially could be improved include; the temperature at which microorganism complete kill occurs, the amount of time that one should wait before harvesting a vegetable that was amended with a compost or manure, incorporation of manure directly into the ground, and the impact that cold temperatures can have on the composting process in relation to pathogen control.
Cooling Oysters to Within the New 10 Hour Required Time Frame from the Environment to 50 Fahrenheit or Below in a Refrigerated Storage Area
Lane, Robert (Virginia Tech, 2011-07)
A first encounter with the ruling that required Virginia original dealers of shellstock oysters destined for the half shell market to reduce the internal temperature to below 50 ⁰F within 10 hour of harvest was in reviewing a thermal model of a pallet of oysters bound for shipment. (Figure 1) The model was of a pallet of oyster boxes 48 x 40 x 60 inches tall, wrapped in plastic, as is the practice in shipment and placed in a blast freezer at -40⁰F. The model provided for temperature probes placed within the boxes at different parts of the pallet stack showed that the oyster internal temperatures did not achieve temperature below 50 ⁰F within the 10 hour time frame. (Figure 2) The model was then broken down into 48x40 x12 inches or equivalent of 1layer on a pallet, wrapped in plastic and placed in a blast freezer at – 40 ⁰F. The model again provided for temperature probes placed within the boxes however oyster internal temperature again did not achieve temperature below 50 ⁰F within the 10 hour time frame (Figure 3) (Conversation with Mike Jahncke Ph.D. Virginia Seafood AREC Director, June 1, 2010). A data logging apparatus was employed to test the capabilities of three major seafood companies to meet the new standard.
A Southwest Virginia Perspective of Beginning Farmers’ Needs for Adult Agricultural Education: A Focus Group Approach
Byrd, Alexander Preston (Virginia Tech, 2011-08)
Beginning farmers are a very diverse population of people that play an important role in communities across the United States. Today’s beginning farmers are perhaps best understood as tomorrow’s sustainable producers by way of contributing to much need food production, viable economic development, and community well-being .Without beginning farmers to take the place of those farmers exiting or retiring, communities nationwide could see a decline in agriculture production, farmland preservation, and local economic opportunities. A beginning farmer striving to become a successful producer is likely to encounter numerous challenges in which they must overcome. Helping these new and beginning agriculturalists is a central focus for several adult agriculture education organizations. In its many forms, adult agriculture education provides information to help local farmers become successful by meeting expressed needs and overcoming the challenges they face. In Floyd County, Virginia, there several of these organizations available to the public such as: Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Young Farmers, Farm Bureau Young Farmers, and the Virginia Association of Biological Farmers. However, if you look at the members of these organizations you will not see many beginning farmers. With the importance of beginning farmers to the future of agriculture and food systems, what are these organizations currently doing to help ensure their success in getting established?
Chemical Monitoring of a Primary Water Supply: Lake Pelham in Culpeper, Virginia
Morgan, John (Virginia Tech, 2011-12)
Over the last decade there has been an increase in public and government concern over water quality in the United States, especially water bodies that are sources of drinking water. A study conducted by the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) and the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAQWA), has indicated that nutrient concentrations in streams and groundwater in basins with significant agricultural or urban development are substantially greater than naturally occurring or “background” levels (Dubrovsky, 2010). Various academic studies throughout the United States have demonstrated that many water sources are in danger of being severely polluted, with accelerated eutrophication occurring in many lakes. Specifically, the EPA, who has the task of monitoring these water bodies along with the USGS, has tightened the regulations about point and non-point sources of pollution, in an attempt to reduce the amount of eutrophication in sensitive water bodies. Lake Pelham, located in Culpeper, Virginia has experienced an increase in water quality problems; specifically an increase in nutrients in the lake, causing significant algae blooms. Increasing concern over the amount of nutrients found in lakes, rivers, streams and other water ways (i.e. the Chesapeake Bay) have yielded an increase in the amount of money spent on studies, both at the Federal (EPA) and state level (DEQ). Furthermore, several counties and towns have taken it upon themselves to conduct monitoring programs on their local water sources, to ensure the health of potable water as well as the health of their constituents. The objectives of this research program for Lake Pelham were to: 1.) conduct a literature review of similar surface water systems to highlight current trends in nutrient concentrations 2.) measure and monitor the total phosphorus and nitrogen levels in the lake and examine relationships between nutrient concentrations, water temperature, dissolved oxygen content, and pH and 3.) outline future actions for monitoring Lake Pelham and possible preventive actions for nutrient control. In 2010, the interaction between pH, temperature, nitrogen and phosphorous was investigated. The total nitrogen concentration of Lake Pelham is highly dependent on the leachate entering the lake. Large increases in nitrogen occur during even the smallest rainfall events, suggesting nitrogen is entering the lake from the surrounding environment. The current study indicates that the mean annual average total nitrogen concentration of the lake is approximately 10 mg/l. This value provides a baseline which can be used while the total nitrogen is being monitored over the next several years. In previous years, an increase in pH values (< 1.0 between test dates) was associated with algal blooms in the lake and necessitated the treatment with copper sulfate. Between 1992 and 2010, the nitrogen concentration doubled and the phosphorus concentration increased 7 fold. Algae concentrations and pH fluctuation decrease as the water temperature decreases. Similar to nitrogen, phosphorus concentrations in the lake increase with rainfall events suggesting a relationship to runoff and/or leeching entering from the surrounding watershed. Even during lower water levels, similar to what occurred in August of 2010, when the lake was 15 inches below peak level, a small rainstorm had a large impact on the amount of phosphorus entering the lake requiring the addition of copper sulfate. The trophic state for Lake Pelham was calculated from the average values of the total phosphorus measured in the lake over 2010 and the Secchi disk readings from the same time period. The Tropic State Index (TSI) was calculated to be 59.75 when using the total concentration of phosphorus in Lake Pelham. The TSI calculated from the Sechhi Disk values was 54.5. This gives a average TSI value of 57.1, which indicates that the lake is in a eutrophic state. This was the first attempt at determining the trophic state of Lake Pelham. The study is an important first step for understanding nutrient loading in Lake Pelham and applying protective measures to preserve water quality. Similar to a study conducted in King County, Washington, long term data (decade or more) and in depth statistical analysis will be needed to explain the seasonal variability of Lake Pelham.

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