UW-Madison researchers get patent for phosphorus technology 

University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Phillip Barak has invented a new technology that transforms phosphorus at wastewater treatment plants from a major headache into an asset. During the wastewater treatment process, a phosphorus called struvite forms and clogs up pipes, a problem that costs treatment plants for mid-size cities like Madison about $250,000 annually. Barak found a way to make brushite, a different phosphorus mineral, early in the treatment process, which could reduce struvite plugging. 

The new technology offers multiple benefits to wastewater plants, from operational savings, better ability to comply with regulations, and income from selling brushite, nearly identical to conventional phosphorus fertilizer. In 2011, Barak and two of his former students formed Nutrient Recovery and Upcycling (NRU) to develop and sell the patented phosphorus technology.

Barak’s research was made possible with NIFA support through the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR).

Read more on the UWM story here.

Two new wheat viruses found in Oklahoma 

Plant viruses are one of the leading causes of yield losses in wheat and other crops. Wheat is the leading crop in Oklahoma and garners more than $600 million in revenue to the state. To help farmers recognize the symptoms of plant viruses, University of Tulsa Plant Virologist/Plant Pathologist Dr. Akhtar Ali led a project to catalog viruses found on Oklahoma wheat. The research team surveyed 33 counties for 15 possible wheat viruses and discovered five major viruses throughout the state. Their survey uncovered two viruses new to the state, the Johnson grass mosaic virus (JGMV) and Maize chlorotic motile virus (MCMV). Their discovery under the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program helps growers quickly identify viruses and treat them before they cause economic damage.

Read about the University of Tulsa project.

The Honeycrisp apple’s family tree

Since its release in 1991, the origins of the Honeycrisp apple have been a mystery. Originally billed as the child of Macoun and Honeygold, researchers quickly discovered that neither of these varieties were the parents of Minnesota's favorite apple. Twenty-six years later, Nick Howard, a graduate student at the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), discovered the true lineage of the Honeycrisp apple. 

With NIFA support from the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), Howard's research confirmed that Honeycrisp is the child of the Keepsake variety and an unreleased University of Minnesota selection, MN1627. While MN1627 is no longer available, Howard was able to trace the grandparents, Duchess of Oldenburg and Golden Delicious, connecting the Honeycrisp to many cultivars of worldwide significance.

The discovery of the Honeycrisp’s true pedigree reveals the genetic underpinning of its crisp texture which can lead to the development of even better apples.

Read more about the Honeycrisp genealogy research.

Native plants and crop diseases

A new study proves that a common wheat virus can harm native grasses. With Agriculture and Food Research Initiative funding, researchers from Michigan State University, University of Kansas, and University of Virginia revealed the need for a better understanding of virus ecology to help protect native plants from crop diseases.

The findings were based on a multiyear field study in Kansas. There, as in much of the Midwest, plains of native grasses have been replaced with fields of wheat or other cereal crops. 

The study focused on how barley yellow dwarf virus affects switchgrass, a prime candidate for biofuel research. The research team learned that the virus can reduce the strength of switchgrass by 30 percent. 

Read more about the MSU study.

Online community helps new farmers

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County created the Western New York Beginning Farmers and Homesteaders Facebook group. With a membership close to 200 members, the group strives to be a source of support, education, and news of upcoming events for beginner farmers and homesteaders across Western New York. “We’re so happy that this online community has continued to grow,” said Katelyn Walley-Stoll, the group moderator. “It’s been less than a year since we launched the group, and we’ve gotten great feedback so far.”

Read more about the discussion group.  

Healthy soils sustain American agriculture

Soil health supports plant growth, affects air and water quality, and ensures global food security. NIFA support for multistate research projects at land-grant universities brings together scientists and extension specialists to research, develop, and distribute soil management guidelines. This infographic highlights their efforts to address soil erosion, chemical contamination, and nutrient deficiencies. 

Learn more about this collaborative effort to dig into soil issues.

Switchgrass as biofuel

Over a five-year period, NIFA has invested in seven Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Coordinated Agricultural Projects around the country to help develop regional industries producing advanced biofuels, industrial chemicals, and other biobased products. The CenUSA Bioenergy partnership, led by Iowa State University, is investigating a Midwestern system for producing biofuels and bioproducts using perennial grasses grown on marginal lands. In this video, research geneticist Dr. Michael Casler discusses characteristics of different switchgrasses, the perennial grass breeding process, and how to make switchgrass a more economically sustainable crop. 

Learn more about the CenUSA Bioenergy partnership.