MAES News
April 30, 2004
- MAES Scientist Talks to United Nations about Therapeutic Stem Cell Cloning
- Project GREEEN Awards Research Dollars for 2004
- New Field Station Brochure Available
- Michigan Asparagus Growers Get Fresh with Help from MAES and MSUE
- Grape Growers Have New Online Resource
- New Ag Network Provides Organic Growing Information
- Cicadas Are Ready for Spring Fling
- Death Notice
MAES Scientist Talks to United Nations about Therapeutic Stem Cell Cloning
An
MAES scientist addressed United Nations national delegates on April
14 about the potential benefits of stem-cell research for therapeutic
purposes.
Jose Cibelli, MAES animal science and physiology researcher and internationally recognized expert on stem-cell research, was asked to speak by an international group launching a campaign to thwart a U.N. ban on human stem-cell research for therapeutic purposes.
He was part of a briefing in Geneva organized by Italian members of the European Parliament and the Luca Coscioni Association for Freedom of Scientific Research and Treatment - a group of scientists and activists concerned that the international community would vote to ban such research.
The topic is hotly debated. In November, delegates in favor of a cloning ban lost by just one vote, 80-79. Now, led by Costa Rica, they appear ready to try again. General Assembly treaties are binding if countries decide to adopt them.
Stem cells have the ability to become any type of cell in the human body.
Proponents say they offer hope in cures for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's that affect millions worldwide.
Opponents argue that the embryo constitutes human life and are opposed to destroying embryos.
Cibelli's research at Michigan State University focuses on embryonic stem-cell cloning from animals, not humans, but his expertise steeps into all areas of cloning. In February, he helped validate groundbreaking research of scientists in Korea who created human embryos through cloning without fertilization. The results were published in the journal Science.
"We need to be able to do therapeutic cloning, to understand how the egg can turn the cells back in time, then we will be ready to do the same trick without relying on embryos" Cibelli said. "We can do it in animals, but there are many cases where animals are not good models. We have to allow therapeutic cloning in a legal framework. Now, it's nobody's land, and that's bad."
He was one of four speakers at the briefing.
Cibelli said he sees his voice as one of science, not persuasion.
"I don't talk ethics, I don't talk politics," he said. "I was there to say what was done and that it works."
Project GREEEN Awards Research Dollars for 2004
Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Environmental and Economic Needs), the state's plant agriculture initiative at MSU, recently awarded grants for 38 new research projects for fiscal year 2004. Almost $2 million was available in Project GREEEN grant money this funding cycle, of which $952,211 was appropriated to new projects. The remaining dollars were directed toward projects that started in 2002 or 2003. All projects target priority issues affecting Michigan's plant agriculture industries.
Proposals for 78 new projects and 36 continuation proposals amounting to nearly $3.6 million were received for consideration in this year's selection process. Four categories of projects were funded: basic research, applied research, value-added research and extension/education/demonstration. New projects were funded across the spectrum of Michigan's plant agriculture industries, on topics ranging from reducing Phytophthora fruit rot on cucumbers to phytoremediation of nursery runoff water using ornamental plants. Other research topics funded by Project GREEEN in 2004 include developing more effective weed and soybean aphid control practices, mechanizing juice grape production and generating phosphorus recommendations for turfgrass.
The project funding cycle begins with each plant commodity group identifying industry priorities. Researchers draft their proposals in response to these industry needs. A review panel consisting of Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station researchers, MSU Extension representatives and commodity representatives recommends proposals for funding and presents its recommendations to the Directors' Action Team (DAT). The DAT then makes final funding decisions.
The main criteria used to evaluate the 78 new proposals for funding were their relationship to the Project GREEEN mission and Michigan plant agriculture priorities, scientific soundness and appropriateness of methodology, leverage of funds, potential for future external funding and the feasibility of completing the objectives within the proposed time frame. Mechanisms to deliver information to Michigan's plant agriculture industries, the multidisciplinary and integrated nature of the proposal, and the extent of partnering with and the potential impact on Michigan plant agriculture industries are also considered.
"The research projects selected for Project GREEEN funding target industry-identified priorities and have met the rigors of scientific peer review," said Gary Lemme, MAES associate director and coordinator of Project GREEEN. "These research and outreach projects reflect the partnership efforts and synergistic relationship that exist between the plant commodity groups, agribusiness, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University."
"Project GREEEN has meant a great deal to Michigan's agriculture and natural resources since its inception," said Dan Wyant, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. "It's truly a unique model of industry, government and university working together to identify needs and produce tangible results. From helping develop tools that sustain food safety and address exotic pests to efforts that protect Michigan's environment and adapt to rapidly emerging issues, Project GREEEN is key to helping keep Michigan agriculture successful and local communities and economies strong for generations to come."
A complete listing of 2004 newly funded and continuing Project GREEEN research projects can be found at www.greeen.msu.edu/newspage.
Project GREEEN is a cooperative effort between plant-based commodities and businesses together with the MAES, MSUE and the MDA to advance Michigan's economy through its plant-based agriculture. Its mission is to develop research and educational programs in response to industry needs, ensure and improve food safety, and protect and preserve the quality of the environment.
New
Field Station Brochure Available
In conjunction with the MSU Land Management Office, the MAES has produced a new brochure detailing the locations and research activities of the 15 outlying field research stations, as well as the on-campus facilities. Copies of the brochure are being sent to all field station offices, as well as regional MSUE offices. To request copies, contact the MAES main office at 517-355-0123.
Michigan Asparagus Growers Get Fresh with Help from MAES and MSUE
Like
many other agricultural commodity producers, Michigan asparagus growers
have faced the challenges of a changing national and world economy.
They were hit especially hard in 2000 when changing U.S. trade practices
drew a flood of low-priced South American asparagus to processors, a
major outlet for Michigan asparagus.
Concerned about the prospects for the long-term sustainability of the Michigan asparagus sector, a group of growers approached Norm Myers, Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) director for Oceana County, to ask for assistance. Together, they looked at the possibilities.
"We began by looking at long-term, value-added and fresh market opportunities," Myers said. "Part of our season takes place at a time when other areas of the world don't produce asparagus, which would make our fresh product more competitive."
Myers connected the growers with Tom Kalchik, former value-added agriculture agent and now assistant director of the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Mary Hausbeck, MAES plant pathology scientist. In collaboration with the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board (MAAB), a steering committee was formed to write a grant to conduct a fresh market feasibility study.
The USDA's Rural Development program, the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), MSU's Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs) and MAAB all provided support for the study, which was conducted by an outside contractor.
"That study showed that, though Michigan had problems to overcome, the fresh market was indeed a potential for Michigan asparagus," Myers said. "One of the chief problems was the fact that growers had a tendency to sell to processors when prices were good and supply limited because it is easier than fresh marketing. This has hurt the industry because you have to be a consistent supplier of quality product to be a player."
The producers formed a cooperative called Michigan Asparagus Growers Inc. (MAGI). Each member is required to buy stock in the cooperative and pay an annual performance bond. The bond is put into escrow, and if the grower fails to deliver on the promised fresh tonnage, it is lost.
This incentive ensures that brokers will receive the consistent fresh product they need. It's a strategy that Kalchik applauds.
"Credit goes to the industry leaders who were willing to address concerns that retailers had about the Michigan fresh asparagus industry," he said. "They created a reputation for MAGI with brokers that they are going to deliver."
With Kalchik's help, the group participated in the MDA's 2003 Select a Taste of Michigan marketing program. The program targeted the Grand Rapids area with advertising and promotional materials. The group also registered two brand names: Michigan Tender Tips and Tender Tips Asparagus.
It was a successful effort, as the growers realized a $5 advantage over prices paid for competing states' product. According to MDA records, the promotional efforts increased product sales by 65 percent and kept the per case price of Michigan product 27 percent above that of competing states (California, Washington and Ontario).
"This is a situation where an industry was under extreme pressure. Getting MSU involved enabled us to provide objective counseling and help them discern directions they should be taking to improve the economic return to the industry," Kalchik said.
MAGI sales went from 285,000 pounds in 2002 to more than double that (about 650,000 pounds) in 2003. Myers credits the good track record that the group built with brokers during the 2002 season and the participation in Select a Taste of Michigan. Kalchik sees a looming industry turnaround.
"Prior to this effort, growers were taking ground out of asparagus," he said. "Now, the brokers want more product, so they're looking for land to put back into production."
Plans for the coming season include a return to the MDA promotion in the Grand Rapids area and a foray into southeastern Michigan. Further into the future, the growers are looking at possibilities for partnerships with other asparagus-producing states and countries. It's a transition in thinking that they did not come to alone.
Tom Oomen, a grower from Crystal Valley, Mich., and MAGI president, values the support his group has received from MSU.
"The MSU resources helped us immensely," he said. "I can't say enough positive about them. If we've got an issue, they continue to be involved. Tom and Norm have their ears to the industry. I can't say enough positive about them. They have gone far above and beyond what they were supposed to do."
Grape Growers Have New Online Resource
A one-stop source for integrated vineyard management advice for Michigan juice and wine grape growers is now only a click of the mouse away, thanks to MAES researchers.
A newly designed Web site, http://www.grapes.msu.edu/, features information for the state's grape growers on the latest research-based integrated pest management (IPM) and cultural practices.
IPM, a sustainable approach to managing pests, helps growers use pesticides wisely in combination with other control tools in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner. Effective IPM programs help to reduce the short- and long-term impacts of pest management on the vineyard, environment and society.
The new grape Web site provides growers with pest identification information and links to current vineyard management advice from MAES researchers and MSUE specialists.
"IPM is knowledge-intensive, and new strategies perform differently from conventional chemicals," explained Joy Landis, MSU assistant IPM coordinator. "As growers explore new IPM practices, it's critical that they have easy access to information about identifying pests and beneficial organisms along with access to other research-based management information."
The juice grape industry has expanded significantly in the past decade. More than 3,000 acres of Concord and Niagara grapes have been planted in Michigan, adding nearly $1 million in farm income for juice grape producers. Ability to compete with other regions of the world depends directly on growers receiving and using the latest farm management information, according to Thomas Davenport, director of viticulture for the National Grape Cooperative Association, Inc.
"The National Grape Cooperative views the Michigan grape producing region as having great potential for future planting of additional Concord and Niagara grapes to meet increased market demands from National's processing and marketing company, Welch's," Davenport said. "The growth of this industry will not only directly affect Michiga's agriculture industry, but it will also benefit local communities, which will share in the success of the industry both financially and socially."
Michigan wine grape growers will also benefit from the Web site. The rapidly expanding wine industry, an important part of the state's agriculture and tourism industries, contributes an estimated $75 million annually to the state's economy. This figure is projected to grow tenfold over the next 20 years, according to Linda Jones, executive director of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council.
"The amount of information available on the Internet is overwhelming, but the MSU Grapes Web site serves as a convenient portal for the grape industry," Jones said. "It will lead people to the wealth of information available from MAES researchers and Extension specialists. Coordinating all educational information within one site allows users to conveniently initiate their search at one location instead of having to visit numerous MSU Web sites."
The grape Web site was funded by the MSU IPM Program and Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Environmental and Economic Needs), the state's plant agriculture initiative at Michigan State University.
New Ag Network Provides Organic Growing Information
Organic farmers and those considering a transition to organic practices have a new growing season reference tool from Michigan State University -- the New Agriculture Network.
The network is housed at www.ipm.msu.edu/new-ag.htm and will feature a semimonthly newsletter throughout the growing season.
The site was created and is maintained by a tristate team made up of Extension specialists from Michigan State University, Purdue University and the University of Illinois.
Twice a month during the growing season, nine organic growers will share crop updates and advice with Extension staff members from the three universities to generate information for the site.
University specialists will also write articles about a variety of practices and new findings useful for organic growers or those wishing to make the transition to organic practices. The result will be an online newsletter with a library of resources that can be read on the Internet or printed and distributed.
Dale Mutch, MSU Extension specialist and MAES-affiliated researcher at MSU's Kellogg Biological Station who headed the network's development, said the purpose of the site is to provide biological, non-chemical and long-term, science-based research information to organic farmers.
Initially, the site will include only information related to field crops and vegetables; it may expand to other commodities later.
Cicadas Are Ready for Spring Fling
For
17 years, they've bided their time underground. Sometime around Memorial
Day, they'll emerge by the billions to sing and mate, turning backyards
into the insect world's version of Cancun on spring break.
The 17-year cicadas are back, and they're ready to party.
The frisky bugs will cover trees in southeastern Michigan in late May and early June. After a few weeks of fun in the sun, they'll lay eggs and die, taking with them one of the enduring mysteries of nature.
"No one knows how the timing of mass emergence works," said David Smitley, MAES entomology researcher. "One reason is that they take so long to study. What grad student is going to be around long enough to track it?"
The sound of cicadas - commonly, but mistakenly, called locusts - is familiar in Michigan. Every year brings a different batch of cicadas to the surface. Most are cousins to the 17-year cicadas that spend much less time underground.
This brood of 17-year cicadas, called Brood 10, is one of the largest in the nation, stretching from New Jersey to Missouri, and is the only group that calls southwestern Michigan home. Brood 10 hasn't seen the light of day since the spring of 1987, when the Bangles were on the radio, Ronald Reagan was in the Oval Office, and Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey were in "Dirty Dancing."
As newly hatched nymphs, the cicadas burrowed into the ground and locked lips on tree roots. In the months preceding their emergence, they dig tunnels to the surface, waiting near the half-inch holes. If your backyard looks like Swiss cheese, you're in for a loud party soon.
Periodical cicadas can saturate areas, with populations up to 1.5 million per acre during their brief adult life.
Their mass emergence, often within days of one another, is key to their survival. Cicadas make tasty snacks for birds, squirrels and even some other insects. Many are eaten, but enough survive to start the cycle anew.
"Even if you like cicadas, after the first hundred or so, they lose their appeal," said MSUE entomology specialist Howard Russell.
When their biological alarm clock goes off and they emerge, cicadas have only one thing on their mind - and it's not the state of the economy. So single-minded are these amorous insects that they will make love to the exclusion of eating.
Russell thinks he understands the cicada psyche.
"If I've been sucking on this tree root for 17 years, it's time for some action," he said.
For all their revelry, the bugs do surprisingly little damage to trees. They lay eggs in the ends of branches. Those branch tips often die and fall to the ground, but that usually amounts only to giving trees a good pruning. To protect against a huge emergence, experts recommend covering small trees and shrubs with screening material, such as cheesecloth, to minimize twig breakage.
Not every backyard will have the flying red and black insects that are about 1.5 inches long. Washtenaw and Lenawee counties should have the largest concentrations in the area, says cicada specialist Tom Moore, entomology professor emeritus and curator of insects at the University of Michigan. Subdivisions built since 1987 are unlikely to have many cicadas, and Moore knows many former cicada love nests that now are parking lots.
Like so much about the mysterious bugs, the impact of their lessening numbers on the environment isn't known.
"This has been going on for millions of years," Moore said. "Without them, we'd probably have different kinds of forests."
Mark Hildebrand, 29, farm manager, Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, of Berrien Springs, died Feb. 25. Hildebrand joined the staff in 2001. His wife, Megan, and two young children survive.
