May 2004

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

Small businesses are critical to the economic viability of rural towns. Starting a rural business that employs 50, 25 or even 15 workers can give an essential boost to the vitality of a small town. In addition to creating jobs, rural businesses keep the life-blood flowing in non-urban communities.

Last fall Purdue University received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist farmers and rural businesses in developing value-added agricultural ventures. The Indiana Agricultural Innovation and Commercialization Center is working with four projects assessing the feasibility of the ventures.

The projects include:
• a soy-based laundry detergent additive,
• a new marketing certification for pork products,
• a soy nutritional enhancement for food, and
• a commercial potential study for a corn masa flour plant.

Each of these ventures, if successfully started, would create jobs for rural workers and add value to the corn and soybeans grown by Hoosier farmers.

Purdue Agriculture has long been in the business of helping rural endeavors. As our economy continues to ramp up out of recession, we will continue to help turn the crank.

More useful plants may sprout from gene role discovery

It may be possible to alter plants so they are more nutritious and easier to process without weakening them so much they fall over, according to Purdue University researchers who found a new twist in a plant formation biochemical pathway.

Decreasing the amount of two acids in plant cell walls may enhance livestock feed digestibility for better nutrition, while increasing the potential uses of various plants, said Clint Chapple, Purdue biochemistry professor.

The findings, published in a recent issue of The Plant Cell, revise scientific thinking about the role of ferulic and sinapic acids in building plant cell walls. For many years, researchers believed that the two acids contributed to the production of lignin, the principal structural component of plant cell walls. "It's the hardening substance that makes the difference between a piece of celery and a piece of wood," Chapple said. read more

Drivers who take their hands off the steering wheel are asking for trouble, but Corn Belt farmers who relinquish the wheel in their tractors may profit handsomely from the maneuver.

Auto guidance, a technology that pilots farm machinery via Global Positioning Systems (GPS) satellites, could help Midwest farmers boost productivity and expand their farm operations, said Jess Lowenberg-DeBoer, director of Purdue University's Site-Specific Management Center.

Although farmers could expect to pay $10,000 or more to adopt auto guidance technology, many could make up their investment through greater use of farm equipment and planting crops on hundreds of additional acres, Lowenberg-DeBoer said.

Lowenberg-DeBoer and Matt Watson, a Purdue agricultural economics graduate student, outlined the technology's advantages in a study, titled "Who Will Benefit From GPS Auto Guidance in the Corn Belt?" read more

Scientists finding ways to outsmart crop-damaging bugs

A new screening method aimed at boosting pesticide effectiveness may be commercially viable, according to Purdue University researchers.

The process is designed to identify chemical compounds that could be added to current pesticides to overcome resistance insects have developed to them. In a recent issue of the journal Pesticide Biochemistry & Physiology, the scientists report that the method will be applicable to a variety of insects and chemicals.

"It's becoming more and more difficult to find new, effective pesticides," said Barry Pittendrigh, assistant professor of entomology and senior author of the study. "If we can kill these pesticide-resistant insects in the field, then we have the potential to increase the functional life of the insecticides currently in use." read more

Purdue Agriculture honors distinguished alumni

Purdue University's School of Agriculture recognized nine new Distinguished Agricultural Alumni during a campus ceremony.

The award honors mid-career graduates who have made significant contributions to their profession or society in general and have a record of outstanding accomplishments.

"These people represent who we are and what we do so well," said Victor Lechtenberg, dean of Purdue's College of Agriculture. "They are innovators and educators. They are leaders and motivators. We take great pride in our alumni, and these are nine of our best."

The alumni award recipients are Tracy A. Baker, Thomas A. Davis, Kevin L. Eikenberry, Lesa G. Sterling Griffiths, L. Curtis Hannah, G. William Hoagland, Scott A. Jamieson, William A. Nuerge and Lee E. Schmidt. read more

The videoconference will focus on issues raised in a study on competitiveness in rural regions. "Many rural areas lack the resources to revitalize and promote their communities," said Sam Cordes, Purdue Extension program leader for leadership and community development. "It's important that rural leaders seek out programs and activities that can help them improve the competitiveness of their regions and enhance growth opportunities." read more

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