FY2008 Annual Report Project Descriptions

AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

UVM research scientists and outreach specialists ...

  • develop models of possible highly contagious disease transmission to inform the development of plans to protect the economic viability of livestock and tourism
    Robustness of Agricultural Freight Transportation Networks Serving Vermont.
    SMITH

  • determine effects of winter conditions and cold temperature regimes on herbaceous perennial hardiness
    Herbaceous Perennials Hardiness
    PERRY

  • determine potential perennial grass biomass yields and costs of production on Vermont farms for heat energy usage
    Vermont Grass Pellet Project - A Case Study
    BOSWORTH

  • demonstrate the biological control potential of whey-based fungal microfactory formulations of an insect-killing fungus used for suppression of hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive forest pest.
    Mycotal for Management of Hemlock Wooly Adelgid: Advanced Stage Proposal Year 2
    COSTA

  • develop whey protein based environmentally safe adhesives for making safe plywood, composite wood panels, and paper products
    Development of Biobased Wood Adhesive Products using Cheese Whey Proteins
    GUO

  • fund educational opportunities for Vermont farmers on production, marketing, financial, legal, and human resource risks
    Crop Insurance Education for Vermont Farmers for 2007-08
    PARSONS

  • perform an economic survey of the New England Environmental Horticulture industry
    Economic Impact Survey
    PERRY

  • determine effects on growth and overwintering of several fertilizer and media combinations on herbaceous perennial production in pots
    Effects of Compost and Fertility on Herbaceous Perennial Inputs
    PERRY

  • determine relationships between management practices and presence of disease-causing organisms on dairy farms
    Pilot Study of Factors Affecting Maintenance of Mycobacterium, Salmonella, E.Coli and Listeria on Dairy Farms
    SMITH

  • engage producers and local emergency management in disaster mitigation and continuity of business planning
    Preparing Dairy Producers to Survive a Bio-Disaster
    SMITH

  • develop an ultrasound processing technology for milk-based shelf-life stable nutritional beverages
    Effects of Ultrasound Treatments on the Microbiological and Microstructural Properties of Shelf Stable Milk Based Beverages
    GUO

    Dairy

  • examine genetic differences between animals in genes that are activated in response to infection of the mammary gland.
    Enhanced Mastitis Resitance Through Transgenesis
     KERR

  • demonstrate that lactation therapy of subclinical mastitis may contribute to contagious mastitis pathogen control.
    Mathematical and molecular epidemiology of mastitis control: Field trial of pirlimycin hydrochloride for treatment of subclinical mastitis
    BARLOW

  • determine the impact of milk fat and partially-hydrogenated vegetable oil sources of trans fatty acids on coronary heart disease risk
    The impact of milk fat-derived trans/fatty acids on biomarkes of atherosclerosis.
    LOCK

  • the functional roles of the individual transporters in supporting milk synthesis and maintaining glucose homeostasis during lactation.
    Interpreting cattle genomic data: biology, applications, and outreach
    ZHAO

  • determine how bovine mammary epithelial cell proliferation is regulated by the estrogen receptors-alpha and beta.
    Regulation of Bovine Mammary Gland Development and Function by Estrogen Receptors
    PAN

  • develop an in vitro test to aid in determining an animal's genetic ability to resist mastitis
    Mastitis Resistance to Enhance Dairy Food Safety
    KERR

  • develop an enhanced public relations strategy which will translate our public relations efforts into increased endowment funding and long term financial sustainability for VIAC.
    A Public Relations Strategy to Enhance Fundraising for the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese
    DONNELLY

  • determining if production of new antibacterial enzymes in the mammary gland can protect against mastitis.
    Transgenic Approach to Prevent Bovine Mastitis
    KERR

  • determine the effect of two major trans fatty acids on plasma lipid biomarkers of coronary heart disease risk
    Comparison of the Effects of Vaccenic and Elaidic Acids on Plasma Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentrations
    LOCK

  • determine the effect of two major trans fatty acids on plasma lipid biomarkers of coronary heart disease risk.
    Comparison of the Effects of Vaccenic and Elaidic Acids on Plasma Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentrations
    LOCK

  • determining mechanisms that regulate milk yield in order to develop innovative methods to improve milk production efficiency and reduce environmental impact of dairy farms
    Unilateral Frequent Milking: A Powerful Model for Identifying Biological Mechanisms Involved in Enhanced Milk Production Efficiency
    MCFADDEN

  • work with dairy industry leaders to provide programing to strengthen Vermont's dairy farms
    Addressing the Challenges Facing the Vermont Dairy Industry
    PARSONS

  • build a foundation to examine and analyze the viability of the Vermont dairy industry from production, processing, distribution and marketing perspectives
    Vermont Dairy Sector Analysis
    PARSONS

    Maple

  • determine the effects of concentration of maple sap by reverse osmosis on the chemistry, quality, and flavor of maple syrup
    Effect of High Sap Sugar Concentration by Reverse Osmosis on Maple Syrup Attributes
     PERKINS

  • Developing new forest management strategies for sugar maple stands used for the production of maple products that will lead to a reduced incidence of injurious insect and disease pests of maple trees.
    Effect of Three Sugarbush Management Techniques on Major Forest Insect and Disease Pests
    TOBI

    Fruits and Vegetables

  • evaluating the field performance of apple rootstocks under Vermont conditions.
    Rootstock and Interstem Effects on Pome and Stone Fruit Trees
     BERKETT

  • evaluating the viticultural and wine quality potential of emerging wine grape cultivars in Vermont
    Multi-State Evaluation of Winegrape Cultivars and Clones
    BERKETT

  • identify the opportunities and challenges of organic apple production. Incorporate and evaluate apple cultivars and research-generated knowledge of apple ecosystem dynamics into organic production systems to determine sustainability and profitability
    Using New Alternatives to Enhance Adoption of Organic Apple Production through Integrated Research, Education, and Extension
    BERKETT

  • evaluating disease and arthropod susceptibilities of cold climate wine grape cultivars to reduce pesticide risks
    Reducing Pesticide Risks in Cold Climate Wine Grape Production - an Emerging New Crop in Northern New England
    BERKETT

  • achieving adoption of ecologically-based IPM and reducing pesticide risks in cold climate winegrape production in northern New England
    Achieving Adoption of Ecologically-Based IPM and Reducing Pesticide Risks in Cold Climate Winegrape Production in Northern New England
    BERKETT

    Ornamental Horticulture

  • evaluating the ornamental attributes of American and hybrid Asian elms as part of a nationwide study for resistance to diseases and insects, geographic adaptation, meteorological tolerance, growth rate, and form.
    National Elm Tree Evaluation
     STARRETT