February 2004

Welcome to Purdue Agriculture Report, an e-newsletter about research and Extension in the Purdue University College of Agriculture.

Scientists develop plant that produces potential anti-carcinogen

A Purdue University researcher has successfully engineered plants that may not only lead to the production of anti-carcinogenic nutritional supplements, but also may be used to remove excess selenium from agricultural fields.

By introducing a gene that makes plants tolerate selenium, David Salt, professor of plant molecular physiology, has developed plants capable of building up in their tissues unusually high levels of a selenium compound. His interest in selenium stems in part from recent research sponsored by the National Institutes of Health showing that selenium can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer by 60 percent.

"We now know how to genetically modify plants so they will make this anti-carcinogenic selenium compound," Salt said. "This research gives us the genetic means to manipulate the amount of this material that's produced in any plant." read more

"Due to a host of retirements in the past year, we are looking to fill many Extension educator positions across the state," said Purdue Cooperative Extension Service director David Petritz. "This is a transition time for Extension and a tremendous opportunity for some energetic folks willing to try something new."

Extension educators represent the face of Purdue in all 92 Indiana counties. Purdue Extension offices are staffed by educators who provide local programming and services in the areas of youth and families, agriculture, community development, and leadership and 4-H. The educators work with Purdue Extension campus specialists to take the most recent university research findings to local communities. read more

Some agricultural observers fear packing companies have sold hog farmers a pig in a poke. They contend business alliances between packers and producers will damage the pork industry and, ultimately, hurt consumers.

A study by Purdue University agricultural economists challenges that assertion. The study concludes that contract market and vertical integration structures that are rapidly replacing traditional spot markets can be good for hog farmers and packers, and provide consumers with consistent, high-quality products.

While profit margins and production volumes can differ depending on market conditions and how closely aligned farmers are with packers, in most cases the relationship can be beneficial to both, said Allan Gray, one of four Purdue agricultural economists who conducted the study. Their findings are detailed in the paper "Evaluation of Alternative Coordination Systems Between Producers and Packers in the Pork Value Chain." read more

Lock to food-borne pathogen pathway may be key to vaccine

A previously unidentified protein on the surface of intestinal cells is giving Purdue University researchers clues on how to prevent disease.

The scientists believe their results eventually could lead to a way to prevent food-borne Listeria monocytogenes infection, which has a 20 percent fatality rate, as well as other diseases. The study of the bacteria is reported in the February issue of the journal Infection and Immunity.

"This research reveals a detailed mechanism that allows interaction of Listeria with a cell-surface protein, or receptor, on intestinal cells," said Arun Bhunia, a Department of Food Science microbiologist. "Knowing the entryway into the cell will allow us in the future to develop a method to prevent that interaction." read more

Soybean contest sprouts into careers

Over the past 10 years, teams of Purdue Agriculture students have developed new soy-based products that have ranged from crayons and birthday candles to cereal and snack crackers. These products are among the winners in the Student Soybean Utilization Contest, which is co-sponsored by Purdue Agriculture and the Indiana Soybean Board. Some products have even been patented, such as soy crayons and soy-based gelatin. Students who have competed in the contest have found that the experience of developing and marketing a new commercial product has helped launch their careers after graduation. See what these budding entrepreneurs are up to in the Winter 2004 edition of Purdue Agriculture Connections.

"There is a tremendous opportunity in Indiana to profit from our unique rural resources as a tourism destination," said Roy Ballard, Purdue Extension educator in Floyd County. "From the orchards and vineyards in Starlight to the blueberries in northwest Indiana, and everything in between, there is a rich experience offered to tourists, which is complemented by Hoosier hospitality."

The workshops will be offered at various locations in the state Feb. 23 and 26 and March 2, 4 and 9. read more

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