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Buhler Named MAES Associate Director and CANR Associate Dean for Research

Douglas Buhler was named associate director of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) and associate dean for research for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).

Jeffrey Armstrong, CANR dean, and Steven Pueppke, MAES director designate, announced that the appointment would become effective immediately, pending approval from the MSU Office of the Provost. The appointment was made in consultation with the CANR department chairs and school directors and the CANR Advisory Council.

Buhler has been serving as MAES acting associate director and CANR acting associate dean for research since March 15. Before that, he served as chairperson of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences beginning in 2000.

"The title of acting associate dean for research for CANR was added when Doug agreed to serve as acting associate director of MAES approximately eight months ago," Armstrong said. "Largely because of Doug’s excellent work, I believe this expansion of responsibilities has enhanced research-related coordination and communication, given that most of the research in CANR is conducted through the MAES."

In his role with the MAES, Buhler acts as liaison with Michigan commodity groups and provides leadership for Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs). Project GREEEN is a cooperative effort between plant-based commodities and businesses together with the MAES, MSU Extension and the Michigan Department of Agriculture to advance Michigan's economy through its plant-based agriculture. As CANR acting associate dean for research, Buhler provides oversight for and coordination of the CANR's research program.

"In his role as acting associate MAES director, Doug has built substantially on Gary Lemme’s success in enhancing stakeholder relations," Armstrong said. "He has provided leadership as a member of the GREEEN Directors Action Team and has established a close working relationship with the office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies on a number of campuswide research initiatives. In short, Doug has brought the same vision, energy and insight to his MAES-related responsibilities that he so effectively demonstrated as chair of the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.

"Steve and I are delighted that Doug has agreed to serve in this pivotal role, and I anticipate an expeditious approval of his appointment," Armstrong continued.

Buhler was born and raised on a dairy farm in southern Wisconsin. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and his master's and doctoral degrees (both in agronomy) from the University of Nebraska.

After receiving his doctorate, Buhler returned to the University of Wisconsin, where he taught and advised undergraduates and conducted research on weed biology, management and conservation. He joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) in St. Paul, Minn., in 1989 with research responsibilities in weed management and water quality. In 1993, Buhler was transferred to the USDA-ARS National Soil Tilth Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, where his research responsibilities included weed biology, ecology and management in corn and soybean production systems.

Buhler's research and outreach activities focus on the responses of weed populations and weed control practices to various crop and soil management systems. His research results are being used to develop and implement improved weed management systems and have resulted in more than 330 publications, including 125 refereed journal and review articles.

Buhler has been the author or editor of three books and an invited presenter at 90 seminars, symposia and workshops. He has served as an associate editor for Weed Science and Weed Technology and is a consulting editor for the Journal of Crop Production. Buhler is a fellow of the North Central Weed Science Society, the Weed Science Society of America, the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America. He received the Outstanding Researcher Technologist Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, paper of the year honors from Weed Science (as a co-author), the Raymond and Mary Baker Agronomic Excellence Award from Iowa State University, the Outstanding Young Weed Scientist Award from the Weed Science Society of America, the T.W. Edminster Award and the Midwest Area Early Career Scientist of the Year honors from the USDA-ARS, and he was named Distinguished Young Scientist by the North Central Weed Science Society.

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Strengthening Michigan's Economy: A Process to Gather Input on Issues Important to Michigan

As the state's land-grant institution, Michigan State University is charged with generating research-based knowledge and educational programs so that people can make informed decisions to improve their lives. To accomplish this important mission, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) and MSU Extension (MSUE) are constantly evaluating and updating the areas they focus on to best meet the ever-changing needs of Michigan's people, industries and communities. As the state's priorities change, research and educational programs, research agendas and external relationships also must change.

The MAES and MSUE are working together in 2005-06 to gather public input on the issues of greatest concern to Michigan citizens. This issues identification process, called Strengthening Michigan's Economy, will ensure that relevant, research-based educational programming is available to address local issues. Both organizations will use this input to guide state-level decisions for research priorities and program support.

The Strengthening Michigan's Economy process offers several ways for people in various roles and locations to help identify the issues and opportunities for MAES research and MSUE educational programming during the years ahead. Tools and resources are being developed to assist with each aspect of the process. All information will be posted online at: http://ceenet.msue.msu.edu/home/director/issueid/. Not all items are available yet, but information is being posted as quickly as possible.

Here are the ways the MAES and MSUE are seeking input from people:

• General public: Four focus groups, in different locations throughout the state, gave a representative sample of residents the opportunity to identify priority concerns and opportunities. In addition, about 1,000 residents participated in a telephone survey conducted by the MSU Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. The survey asked them to identify priority issues. Summary results will be posted online.
• Commodity groups, key partners, other stakeholders: Area of Expertise (AoE) teams are seeking input at meetings with their advisory committees and/or through targeted interviews, focus groups or surveys. They are being asked to identify specific concerns and trends, and then determine priorities for MAES research and MSUE education. The reporting template for AoE teams is now available online.
• Program participants, constituents, interested Michigan residents: A link to an online survey will be posted on the MAES and MSUE Web sites, as well as on MSUE county office and MAES field station Web sites. The survey asks people to identify issues of greatest concern and to indicate levels of knowledge and involvement with these two organizations. MSUE staff members will be able to view their county results on an ongoing basis.
• County Extension council members and other county residents: These groups will be asked to participate in at least two meetings in January through March 2006 to discuss some of the major issues and trends facing the state, examine the implications for their communities, and then prioritize the concerns for research and education for that county. Counties are asked to consider carefully other sectors beyond the county council that need to be represented in these meetings. A presentation and companion discussion guide will be given to every county. Seven MSU faculty members will identify some of the major issues and trends facing the state in the areas of economy, land use, agriculture, health, families, youth, communities and the environment. This information will be available to county extension directors in December. Links to information about the county process and county demographic data are available online.
• MSU faculty members (with and without MAES and MSUE appointments) and MSUE specialists and program leaders: All MSU college deans have been asked to identify participants for a set of five focus groups to discuss a faculty survey. A more detailed survey will be sent to all faculty members to learn about future trends and to further understand the needs and the capacity for research and education. The survey will be circulated in January 2006, and a similar survey will be sent to all MSUE county-based staff members.
• MAES field station advisory board members: County Extension directors will invite local advisory board members to participate in county discussions. In addition, these advisory board members are likely to be involved through AoE team meetings.
• MAES and MSUE faculty members: Faculty members are encouraged to seek out and participate in the appropriate AoE team discussion.

Questions or concerns about the Strengthening Michigan's Economy issues identification process should be directed to any member of the process design team: Marie Ruemenapp and Christine Vogt, co-chairs; Maggie Bethel, Bruce Haas, Scott Loveridge, Beth Moore or Doreen Woodward.

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Water Report from MSU Shows Need for Science and Policy to Converge

A lot of people are talking about water these days, from hurricanes and floods, beach closures and groundwater withdrawals to water contamination and the protection of the Great Lakes. But in Michigan, a major report released by MSU shows more talk is needed.

Creating a pathway for scientists to reach policy-makers and for policy-makers to access the scientific community and its research is key to the future of Michigan water policy, according to Michigan’s Water Resource Fellows in their report “Shaping Future Water Policy: The Role of Science.”

The report summarizes the key findings and recommendations of a workshop series held earlier this year on the need to improve and invest in a science-based policy agenda in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Michigan State is involved in water on many levels, seeking ways to integrate world-class science with policy at the heart of every community.

“The people in Michigan have always had a strong interest in the environment,” said Joan Rose, holder of the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research at MSU and MAES-affiliated scientist. “This report lays out key research areas and where we need to go next.”

Initiated in February 2005, “Shaping Future Water Policy: The Role of Science” was a seminar series designed to bring together nationally respected water scientists and individuals, or fellows, with a stake in the future of Michigan’s water systems.

The group consisted of an executive steering committee and nearly 30 water resource fellows selected to represent a cross-section of Michigan citizens, said Erin Dreelin, associate director of the Center for Water Sciences at MSU.

“The driving force behind these seminars was that there wasn’t enough dialogue about science needs in the policy debate,” Rose said.

Among the recommendations:

• Give Michigan water policy-makers access to objective scientific information. The safety of drinking water, the needs of ecosystems and wastewater treatment are just some of the many issues that scientists and water policy-makers must face before faucets bring water to homes across Michigan. Information from the scientific community must be considered and incorporated in the decision-making process. “MSU has a long history of interdisciplinary work. The university can bring together different scientists such as engineers, water experts and biologists, and eliminate barriers often associated with interdisciplinary collaboration,” Rose said.
• Use the MSU Extension network. "It’s a huge part of getting information to the public and maintaining a strong network with the scientific community," Rose said. “It is also important for scientists to be proactive and stay involved in community, state and local boards and committees.”
• Engage the public. Because water quality can affect human health in a variety of ways, public education is critical. “The average citizen doesn’t know much about water-related issues,” said Rachel Katonak, a student researcher.
• Scientific monitoring systems are critical for successful management. Michigan needs to develop a comprehensive, statewide monitoring network capable of collecting data as the water journeys from its source to the tap. “We need a solid basis to tell us how much water we have and how we use it to make good decisions. I hope this report makes people begin to think, look at our research needs and ultimately understand the value of water,” Rose said.

The complete report is available online.

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Project GREEEN Issues 2006 Request for Proposals

Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Environmental and Economic Needs), Michigan’s plant agriculture initiative at Michigan State University, has issued its request for proposals (RFP) for fiscal year 2006.

Project GREEEN is seeking research projects that will benefit Michigan’s plant-based agriculture industry in response to critical research and education priorities identified by the state’s plant commodity and stakeholder groups. Proposals will be accepted in three categories: basic research, applied research and extension/education/demonstration. Proposals must clearly identify how projects will affect the economic and environmental aspects of Michigan agriculture and respond to Michigan plant industry priorities.

Project GREEEN awarded $850,000 in grants for 28 new research projects for fiscal year 2005. Another $850,000 was directed toward multiyear projects that started in 2003 or 2004. A total of 75 new project proposals and 30 continuation proposals amounting to nearly $3.3 million were received for consideration in fiscal year 2005.

A proposal application can be found online, as well as a complete listing of updated plant commodity research and educational priorities.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 16, 2006. Awards will be announced in late March, with funds becoming available in April.

Project GREEEN is a cooperative effort between plant-based commodities and businesses together with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU Extension and the Michigan Department of Agriculture to advance Michigan’s economy through its plant-based agriculture. Its mission is to develop research and educational programs, ensure and improve food safety, and protect and preserve the quality of the environment in response to industry needs.

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MSU Explores Ways to Fight Asian Soybean Rust on Organic Crops

Asian soybean rust, an invasive fungal disease that attacks soybean plants and reduces their yield, has devastated South American crops and is moving into the southern United States. Fungicidal sprays are available to combat rust on conventional crops, but no strategies have been found to control the spread of rust on organic soybeans.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding a $480,000 two-year grant to a team of MAES researchers and Extension staff members from MSU and three other institutions to examine strategies for controlling soybean rust on organic soybean crops.

Since 2002, the USDA has been working toward strategies to combat soybean rust. The agency predicts $7.2 billion in losses if soybean rust spreads throughout the United States.

MSU, along with Iowa State University, the University of Florida and the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pa., are working to develop a biological method to control the spread of soybean rust on organic crops. The MSU work will be conducted at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), a part of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) network.

“Rust can be controlled with synthetic fungicides, but organic farmers cannot use these products. This grant is looking at biological pesticides that can be used by organic farmers,” said Dale Mutch, MSU Extension specialist at KBS. Part of Mutch's research at KBS is supported by the MAES.

Rust was discovered in the continental United States in November 2004. It has been found in several southern states.

“Organic soybeans are the money-making crop for organic farmers in Michigan -- that is why we need to be proactive in addressing this potential pest problem,” Mutch said. “Right now we’re going to test the biofungicides that are currently available. If something new comes up, we’ll test that, also.”

Rust has the potential to cause crop losses of 80 percent or more. Severity of losses depends on the susceptibility of the soybean variety, the time during the growing season when rust attacks plants and the weather conditions during the growing season (rust spreads under warm, wet conditions).

In South America, yield differences were as high as 50 percent between fields that were sprayed with fungicide and those that weren’t. South American growers spent $750 million controlling rust during the 2003 growing season.

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New Bean Dessert May Boost Dry Bean Exports

Michigan has been a major producer of dry beans in the United States for many years, but production has been steadily declining in recent years. Growers are planting fewer acres of dry beans -- acreage fell from 350,000 in 1999 to 185,000 acres in 2004 -- and this has resulted in lower production numbers -- yield fell from 73.5 million pounds in 1999 to nearly 31.5 million pounds in 2004.

Michigan continues to rank No. 1 in the United States in the production of five dry bean varieties -- black, cranberry, light red kidney, navy and small red beans. One of these varieties -- the cranberry bean -- is popular in Japan. There, people eat sugar-coated cranberry beans alone as a snack or dessert, add them to salads and mix them with other ingredients to create healthy desserts. Beans are purchased frozen in a sugar solution in a small container and thawed to eat.

With help from MAES researchers, producers and processors decided to take advantage of Michigan’s ranking as one of the country’s leading producers of dry beans and develop a method for making the sugar-coated beans here for export to Japan.

“Being able to use Michigan beans to create a similar product here in the United States is another way to add value to Michigan beans,” said Kirk Dolan, MAES food science and human nutrition and biosystems and agricultural engineering scientist.

Dolan was contacted by Agri Analysts, L.L.C., and asked to help develop an easy way to create the Japanese bean snack. With funding from the company and Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Environmental and Economic Needs), Michigan’s plant agriculture initiative at MSU, Dolan was able to launch a research project to do just that.

“Japan’s process for producing the sugar-coated bean is labor-intensive,” he explained. “Beans are first soaked for 12 hours and then transferred to a kettle of water and brought to a boil, where they are held for 2 minutes. Next, the beans are transferred to another kettle, where they are held at boiling for another 8 minutes.

“The beans are then transferred to a final kettle, where they are cooked in sugar water at about 160 degrees for 45 minutes,” Dolan continues. “Because the cooking time at boiling temperature is relatively short -- only about 10 minutes -- the beans are sufficiently cooked but still have a crunchy texture.”

The total process, which takes about an hour and 15 minutes, produces 50 pounds of sugar-coated beans.

Dolan’s aim was to create a bean that looked and tasted and had the same crunchy texture as the Japanese snack using only one temperature and one cooking period. He succeeded in developing a method for producing a comparable product that fits well with U.S. high volume, continuous production methods, and he was able to reduce the total processing time by 20 percent.

The next step for researchers was to conduct a taste test with the new product.

“Two hundred people participated on a scientific sensory panel where they tasted a sample of the Japanese bean and then our sample,” Dolan said. “People weren’t able to tell the difference between the two samples.”

Dolan said the sugar-coated bean resembles a honey-roasted peanut, though it doesn’t taste like one. The sugar-coated bean has a sweeter flavor and is softer than a peanut. It contains high amounts of proteins and starch and is very filling. The beans also appear to contain cancer-preventing components, which may be found in the fiber, starch or microconstituents.

During the taste test, Dolan observed that some people really liked the bean treat; others didn’t.

“Some people had a hard time eating a crunchy bean because they are used to eating soft-cooked beans like those found in canned pork and beans,” he said. “Others liked the taste of the bean as a snack and were happy to know they were eating something healthy.”

Though Dolan used cranberry beans to duplicate the Japanese treat, he says that any variety of dry beans can be used. He thinks it’s possible that the sugar-coated bean could become popular in the United States, too.

“This could become a new nutritious snack here,” he said. “I helped develop the process -- now it’s up to the food processing companies to decide how they want to market the product.”

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MSU Releases 70th Corn Hybrid Test Results

Michigan State University is celebrating more than just its 150th birthday this year. It’s also the 70th anniversary of its corn hybrid testing program. The 2005 hybrid test results, which are now available online, represent the university’s long history of hybrid development and improvement.

Michigan Agricultural College (now MSU) professor William J. Beal in 1877 was the first scientist to cross-pollinate corn to increase yields through hybridization. He later developed the modern process for producing hybrid seed corn, and his work led to the tremendous increase in corn grain yields in production agriculture.

The corn hybrid trials occur on farms across Michigan and provide growers with information to make informed decisions on hybrid selection. The 2005 program evaluated the performance of more than 500 hybrids for grain and corn silage yields at 13 grain trial sites and nine silage test locations.

“Research has shown that selecting the appropriate hybrid for a farm’s growing conditions can increase grain yield by as much as 50 bushels per acre,” said Kurt Thelen, MAES crop and soil sciences researcher.

Trial results are available online.

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MSU Soybean Variety Performance Report Now Available

Farmers who are already thinking about soybean varieties for the 2006 growing season have a new edition of a familiar tool to use in making their planting decisions -- the Michigan State University (MSU) Soybean Variety Trial Performance Report.

The report, just released, is based on results of soybean trials conducted in nine lower Michigan counties and grouped by three maturity zones. It includes performance evaluations of soybean varieties developed by private companies and by the MSU soybean breeding program.

Growers will find the varieties listed by site and zone. Data include 2- and 3-year yield averages (when available), maturity dates, plant height and lodging scores, protein and oil analyses, and disease resistance ratings.

The Soybean Variety Trial Performance Report is available online. After Dec. 1 it will be available from any MSU Extension office (bulletin number E2947) or from the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee.

The soybean variety trials are supported by entry fees paid by seed companies and funding from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.