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Objective D
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NC-213
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Determine the effects of genetic traits, abiotic environmental conditions, and handling practices on the quality of cereals and oilseeds
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NC-213 Progress Report for 2002
From: Kansas State University
Department of Grain Science and Industry
A joint study with Purdue University funded through the Anderson Team Grant
By: Herrman, T.J.
Maier, D.
NC-213 Objective: D
Procedure: 1
Title: Grain Facility System Analysis
to Improve Adoption of Value-Enhanced Grain Handling and Marketing in the U.S.
Project Objectives:
1. Identify technical, social, economic, and institutional constraints that
impede segregation of GM-based VE crops.
2. Create system analysis and management tools to assist in the adoption of VE
grain handling and marketing strategies.
Results for 2002: The western region of the study
included 75 country grain elevators in KS, NE, and IA. All conveying equipment
was characterized, ticket summary reports for the 2000 harvest were collected,
bushels received during every hour of harvest tallied, and individual reports on
each facility prepared. Additionally, stop watch time study data were collected
at 10 representative facilities.
A country elevator database including bushel storage, probe type, scale length,
and railroad access were prepared for these states using grain and feed
association data and state-federal warehouse licensing data.
Plans for 2003: Complete data
analysis by state and region; perform simulation modeling activities, and
economic analysis of country elevator operation.
Publications:
Herrman, T.J., M. Boland, K. Agrawala, and S. Baker. 2002. Use of a simulation
model to evaluate wheat segregation strategies for country elevators. Applied
Engineering in Ag. 18(1):105-112.
Issues: Marketing trait specific
grains is increasing in popularity. The Grain Science Extension program began
this effort to evaluate the feasibility of implementing protein segregation and
new rapid quality detection equipment in the grain industry. However, since the
contamination of the food grade corn marketing system with Starlink, efforts to
segregate out specific traits has become the prevailing trend. Similar
methodology to keeping genetically modified (GM) grain out of non-GM grain will
be applied to help minimize the risk of Karnal Bunt (KB) in the Kansas wheat
production and marketing system. This will be of tremendous importance as APHIS
pursues the approach of deregulating KB as a quarantine pest.
The new Homeland Security Regulation requires that all imported agricultural
goods provide documentation of trace back to the farm (McChesney, 2002).
Additionally, the new European Commission (EC) general food safety law (EC
No.178:2002) requires trace back of all agricultural goods including imports.
While implementation legislation has not been crafted, this law will take effect
in 2005.
This project is well positioned to address these needs, as evidenced by the
request for Grain Science Extension to develop a White Paper addressing these
topics for a CODEX working group headed by Dr. Stephen Sundlof, Director of the
Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA.
Impacts: This study will provide the most
complete characterization of the U.S. grain handling system in the central U.S.
corn-soybean belt. We will be able to extend results to country elevators
throughout this production region (wide inference space) due to the
geographically diverse (KS, NE, IA, IL, IN, OH) and large number (150) of
facilities included in the study.
Funding Sources:
The Ohio State University/OARDC-Anderson Endowment fund.
Contacts:
Tim Herrman, Department of Grain Science and Industry, phone: (785) 532-4082,
tjh@wheat.ksu.edu
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NC-213 Progress Report for 2002
From: Iowa State University
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
By: Hurburgh, Jr., C.R.
NC-213 Objective: D
Procedure: 4a
Project Objectives: Development of quality
system certification for the grain market
Results for 2002:
Quality Management Systems (QMS) have great potential to expand markets and
improve efficiency of food production systems. While ISO 9000 is the most
clearly recognizable QMS, industry specific systems have been used as
effectively as a transition and educational process in the introduction of
statistically based process controls.
The largest producer owned grain handling firm in Iowa, Farmers Cooperative
Elevator Company, Farnhamville, Iowa instituted a complete quality management
system at one of its 35 grain elevators, located in Odebolt, Iowa. Iowa State
University (Dr. Hurburgh) was the trainer for FC and participated on a weekly
basis in developing the work procedures, statistical controls, and other
activities needed for startup and employee training. The company is now
expanding the program to 4 other elevators, plus its feed business. The format
of Quality Systems Evaluation, American Institute of Baking, was used, but
Odebolt system is now being converted to ISO 9000-2000.
FC began the QMS process to increase markets for specialty grains in response to
world concerns about traceability, food safety and biotechnology. However, it
became quickly apparent that internal efficiencies would generate immediate
profits. We estimate that the company is generating at least $2 in annual
profits for every $1 invested in the system. Because the company will be able to
track, on an individual lot basis, trucklots of grain delivered to its facility,
producers in its trade areas will be able to access very high value future
biotechnology products requiring strict documentation and isolation.
Plans for 2003: Develop and
apply an ISO 9000 format for the grain industry. Expand the statistical process
control templates to the feed business. Develop a protocol for including farmers
in a grain company managed certification system. Establish a strategy and
supporting materials for wider industry use of results.
Publications:
Hurburgh, C.R., Jr. and T.J. Sullivan. 2002. A quality management system for
grain facilities: an ongoing case study. Proc. 59th International Conference,
Grain Elevator and Processing Society, Minneapolis, MN. and Annual Meeting, AACC
(Abstract #189).
Hurburgh, C.R., Jr. and R.W. Hansen. 2002. Quality management systems for
agriculture: Principles and case studies. Proc. 2002 Integrated Crop Management
Conference, Agribusiness Education Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.
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NC-213 Progress Report for 2002
From: Iowa State University
Iowa Grain Quality Initiative
By: Jarboe, D.H.
Hurburgh, Jr., C.R.
Ginder, R.G.
Hanna, H.M.
NC-213 Objective: D
Procedure: 4a
Project Objectives: Develop producer training and
awareness materials that encourage the development of higher value grain markets
in Iowa.
Results for 2002: The Iowa Grain
Quality Initiative (IGQI) has developed producer training and awareness
materials that encourage the development of higher value grain markets in Iowa.
A Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.-Iowa State University (ISU) team produced
a 20-minute video, Planter Clean-Out Procedures for Corn and Soybeans (VID 41)
and companion publications (Pm 1902-1908), that illustrate the clean-out
procedures for seven different planters. The materials were based on the
Extension publication Planter Clean-out Tips When Changing Seed Varieties (Pm
1847, Hanna and Greenlees, 2000). The video and companion publications make it
easier for standardized planter sanitation procedures to be adopted. Contractors
benefit from having a set of protocols they can offer the producer as the method
they would like used in production of the grain for their contract. Producers
can use it to demonstrate to contractors the procedures they will use for
planter sanitation, giving the producer a marketable difference over
competitors. The video was distributed to ISU Extension Offices, Pioneer North
America field representatives, and 190 Iowa high school vocational agriculture
programs. The video received 2002 educational materials excellence awards from
the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and the American Society of
Agronomy.
An ISU Extension team produced a 20-minute video (EDC 41) Combine Clean-Out
Procedures for Identity Preserved Grain and a companion publication (Pm 1923)
that illustrate the clean-out procedures for a conventional threshing system
combine.
In 2002 the corn channeling poster project was expanded from Iowa to include
Illinois and Indiana. The Extension programs, corn producer organizations, and
grain handler associations from all three states, as well as Monsanto Company
developed two posters (SP 161 and SP 162) that promoted the delivery of Roundup
ReadyTM corn to grain collection sites willing to accept the product. The
posters were distributed to 2,200 grain companies in Illinois, Indiana, and
Iowa. Producers became more aware of the restrictions on biotechnology products
and the need for channeling the products to accepting sites.
Plans for 2003: Develop a combine clean-out
video series and expand the corn channeling poster project.
Publications:
Ginder, R.G., D. Jarboe, J. McGuire, D. Pavlik, and D. Schemmer. 2002. Know
Where to Go Poster. ISU Extension Publication SP-161, September 15.
Ginder, R.G., D. Jarboe, J. McGuire, D. Pavlik, and D. Schemmer. 2002. Know
Where to Go Poster. ISU Extension Publication SP-162, September 15.
Hanna, H.M., D. Jarboe, T.W. Hobbs, J. McGuire, S. Hart, J. Eilertson, K.
Whitaker, E. Edwards, and R. VandePol. 2002. Planter Clean-Out Procedures for
Corn and Soybeans. ISU Extension Video VID 41, March 31.
Hanna, H.M., D. Jarboe, and J. McGuire. 2002. Combine Clean-Out Procedures for
Identity Preserved Grain. ISU Extension Publication Pm 1923.
Hanna, H.M., J. Jensen, D. Ossian, D. Jarboe, G. Brenneman, B. Woerner, R.
Coleman, E. Edwards. 2002. Combine Clean-Out Procedures for Identity Preserved
Grain. ISU Extension Video EDC 255.
Hanna, H.M., J. McGuire, D. Jarboe, T.W. Hobbs, S. Hart, J. Eilertson, K.
Whitaker, and E. Edwards. 2002. Planter Clean-Out Procedures for Corn and
Soybeans. ISU Extension Publication Series Pm 1902-1908.
Jarboe, D., H.M. Hanna, T.W. Hobbs, and J. Jensen. 2002. Development of a
Planter Clean Out Procedures Video. Poster presentation at the Corn Utilization
and Technology Conference. Kansas City, Missouri. June 3-5.
Jarboe, D., C.R. Hurburgh, and R.G. Ginder. 2002. Development of Producer
Education Programs for Biotechnology Grains. Poster presentation at the Corn
Utilization and Technology Conference. Kansas City, Missouri. June 3-5.
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NC-213 Progress Report for 2002
From: Michigan State University
Department of Sociology
By: Busch, L.
Ng, PK*
NC-213 Objective: D
Procedure: 4a, 4b
Project Objectives: Examine the institutional
issues raised by the Starlink™ incident and develop recommendations for
developing effective institutional mechanisms for promoting transparency in
grading of genetically modified crops. Examine the historical trends of seed
saving practices by farmers and implications for production, marketing and
delivery of quality cereals and oilseeds.
Results for 2002:
Data analysis, writing and presenting our results, to date, were among the key
research activities in 2002. Data was collected from four sources: 1) in-depth
interviews, 2) observations of the Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) subpanel
meeting on Starlink™ in July of 2001 and November of 2000, 3) the transcription
from the meetings, and 4) additional reports. To date, two manuscripts have been
generated form the data analysis (see below).
The Starlink™ case underscores the larger decision-making political processes
that often guide the establishment of many food and safety standards. We suggest
that this is a hybrid process that is as much about science as it is ethics and
politics. Understanding how standards, policies, and ethical decisions are
generated simultaneously helps us to recognize the political and ethical
assumptions embodied in scientific and technical standards. Perhaps explicitly
addressing these political and ethical issues would serve to increase the
transparency of this regulatory process.
Plans for 2003: During 2003 we plan to
analyze the SAP transcriptions using qualitative data analysis software
(INVIVO). This data analysis procedure will provide us with greater insight into
how science is negotiated during a SAP process. We have been invited to revise
and resubmit a journal article describing the Starlink™ case. We also plan to
gather and analyze data on the extent and nature of seed saving.
Publications:
Miller, J., M. Salazar, M. Mascarenhas and L. Busch. “Starlink™ : Standards in
the Making”. In Agriculture, Food and Standards. Jim Bingen and Lawrence Busch
(eds.) NY: Kluwer. (In Press.)
Issues: The conception of
science as a process separate from and unsullied by political or ethical
considerations clearly is not supported by our analysis of the SAP process in
the Starlink™ case. However, if, the scientific claims that these bodies are
asked to evaluate are uncertain and mixed with policy, then how can SAPs
possibly certify them as valid science? In other words, if the scientific claims
are inherently political what are the politics that influence this “scientific”
decision-making process and how do these politics differ from everyday politics?
What Was Done: Data was collected on the
Starlink™ incident and analyzed. Currently two scholarly papers have been
written on the Starlink™ case—one is a book chapter and the other is a journal
article. The results were also presented at the Annual Meeting of the Rural
Sociological Society in Chicago in August and in two classes—one undergraduate
(RD 444, Pesticides, People & Politics) and the other graduate (SSC 890,
Proseminar in Food and Agricultural Standards)—at Michigan State University
during the fall semester.
Impacts: This project will result in
specific recommendations for developing institutional and organizational
structures that are transparent to all stakeholders concerned with genetically
modified crops.
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NC-213 Progress Report for 2002
From: Kansas State University
By: Tilley, K.A.
Title: Accomplishments during FY 2002.
Background: Wheat proteins form crosslinks that
determine final gluten structure, and ultimately, the quality of dough-based
products. These crosslinks occur between tyrosine amino acid residues. Tyrosine
crosslinks are formed as flour is mixed with water, and they continue to form
during each stage of the bread making process. In an attempt to show that the
gluten proteins could be cross linked via tyrosine bond formation at specific
tyrosine-containing amino acid sequences commonly found in the repeat sections
of the glutenin proteins, several peptides representing modifications of the
repetitive sequences commonly found in the high Mr glutenin subunits were
synthesized (Tilley et al 2001). These sequences included QQGYYPTS, YYPTS, YY
and free tyrosine (Y). The three peptides (0.5 mM) and free tyrosine (0.5 mM)
were exposed to various experimental conditions based on the work by Michon et
al (1997).
Dityrosine was detected when the peptides or free tyrosine were incubated with
the water-soluble extract of flour for either 150 min or 24 h. It was postulated
that an enzyme or secondary product, which was capable of catalyzing the
synthesis of tyrosine crosslinks, was present in the water-soluble extract of
flour (Tilley et al 2001). This was an important discovery since it revealed
that the causative agent(s) for tyrosine bond formation and subsequent gluten
development were contained in the water-soluble extract of the flour. These
causative agent(s) are fundamental components of bread making wheats because
they initiate and propagate tyrosine crosslink formation biologically in the
dough. Hence, the main goal of this project is to isolate and characterize the
agent(s) that play a role in the biological formation of these crucial bonds
during development of the gluten structure in dough and bread.
Impacts: Dityrosine crosslinks in gluten
have been shown to be directly correlated to bread making quality. Isolation and
characterization of the naturally-occurring molecular mechanisms responsible for
dityrosine formation will allow development of selection techniques for wheat
breeding lines and as well as direct genetic manipulation to achieve desired
quality traits in wheat plants. This new knowledge will also allow development
of additives for the baking industry that control development of these
crosslinks during processing. This project has already provided the foundation
for development of quality prediction kits. Additional studies are generating
supplementary data needed to develop rapid and precise prediction kits.
Immediate Project Goals: The primary
objective of this project is to isolate and characterize the agent(s) that play
a role in the biological formation of dityrosine bonds during development of the
gluten structure in dough and bread.
First Milestone
Accomplished: Fractionation of components
contained in water-soluble extract.
The water-soluble extract (WSE) of flour was fractionated and each fraction was
tested for dityrosine forming ability and enzymatic activity. Initial
fractionation of the WSE involved separation of components via preparative
isoelectric focusing using the BioRad RotoforÒ apparatus with a pH gradient of
3-10. The resulting 20 fractions were collected and tested for enzymatic
activity. Using the total WSE as a positive control, activity was noted in
fraction 13, and activity gradually increased to fraction 19. Fraction 20
displayed activity >3X that of the positive control.
Second Milestone
Accomplished: Determination of Dityrosine forming activity of each WSE fraction
The water-soluble extract (WSE) of flour was fractionated as indicated above.
Each fraction was tested for dityrosine forming activity. Initial fractionation
of the WSE involved separation of components via preparative isoelectric
focusing using the BioRad RotoforÒ apparatus with a pH gradient of 3-10. The
resulting 20 fractions were collected and tested for enzymatic activity with the
substrate, tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Using the WSE as a positive control,
enzymatic activity was noted in fraction 13 and the activity gradually increased
to fraction 19, where activity was approximately equal to that of the control.
Fraction 20 (pH 11.35) displayed enzymatic activity >3X that of the positive
control. All samples were analyzed in a single blind assay for dityrosine
formation with appropriate controls. Fraction 20 catalyzed the formation of the
most dityrosine.
Current stage of project: improved method of enzyme purification and Western
blot Analyses
Currently, an improved method for purification of active enzymes is being
further developed and refined. This method will be reported next quarter. In
addition, Western Blot analyses are being performed, which are beginning to
reveal the identity of the active enzyme component. This work will also be
reported next quarter.
Publications:
Tilley, M. and K.A. Tilley. Cloning of cDNA encoding a cationic peroxidase from
developing kernels of Triticum aestivum and Aegilops tauschii. DNA Sequence. In
review.
Funding Sources:
Tilley, K. A. and M. Tilley. Tyrosine Crosslinks in Wheat: Kernel Development
and Environmental Effects. USDA-NRI. 2002. Amount: $121, 237
Tilley, K. A. Molecular Factors involved In Determining wheat Flour and Dough
quality. Kansas Wheat Commission. 2002. Amount: $30,000
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NC-213 Progress Report for 2002
From: University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign
Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics
By: Bender, K.L.
NC-213 Objective: D
Procedure: 4a
Project Objectives: Development of a pilot
electronic information and certification system for value added soybeans
Results for 2002: An
initial prototype electronic information system for value added soybeans was
created in 2002 based on documentation, testing and auditing activities
conducted at the farm level throughout the 2001 crop year.
Further developments of this prototype continued at the farm level during the
2002 crop year. These included more refined data collection activities, and
revised testing and audit activities based on 2001 crop year results.
A preliminary framework of government oversight of this web-based electronic
information system was developed, through collaboration with the Illinois
Department of Agriculture.
Plans for 2003:
This research will continue through the 2002 crop year, with further refinements
of the information collection, testing and auditing activities at the producer
level, and expansion of activities to the country elevator and processor sector.
Web-based data collection will be utilized for the system during the 2003 crop
year.
Publications:
Bender, K.L and R.W. Westgren. 2001. “Social Construction of the Market(s) for
Genetically Modified and Nonmodified Crops”, American Behavioral Scientist, Vol.
44(8).
Issues: The furor over genetically modified
crops has highlighted the need to better identify the specific attributes of the
major agricultural commodities delivered into the market channel. The ability to
deliver non-GMO corn and soybeans is dependent on the ability to develop
segregated or identity-preserved (IP) market channels. These issues will be even
more important in the near future as commercialization transpires for the
“second generation” of GMO crops produced for pharmaceutical, industrial, and
other specific uses. With these crops there will be even more need for very
stringent quality control and full documentation of production, handling and
processing practices.
While segregation and IP market channels are important first steps, they are not
the final answer in meeting consumer demands. There is increasing interest (e.g.
Japan) in knowing not only whether or not a given lot of a specific crop is GMO
or non-GMO, but also a desire to know the history about the given lot.
Historical tracking information may range from the variety planted, date of
planting, use of chemicals, and harvesting methods, to other attributes of the
crop such as oil and protein content. With today’s technology, the potential
exists to develop an electronic information system that will track attributes in
a cost effective manner. This system would link information from throughout the
market channel and provide a detailed historical account of production
activities, storage, handling, testing and transportation, as well as provide
information on the quality characteristics of specific lots of corn and
soybeans. The outcome of this research project will be the development and
implementation of an electronic information system that can provide historical
information that is linked across the components of the system.
What Was Done: Research continued on a
project to develop a prototype electronic information and certification system
for value added soybeans in Illinois. Participating farmers documented all
activities related to the production, harvest and delivery of their value added
soybean crops during the 2001 crop year. Revisions to the information collection
system were incorporated, and farmers continued the documentation of production,
harvest, storage and delivery activities related to their value added soybean
crops during the 2002 crop year. This 2002 crop year information from planting
through producer delivery of non-GM soybean lots was entered into a prototype
web-based information system. In addition, tests to detect the presence of GM
were conducted on seed and harvest samples, and audits to check for equipment
and storage unit cleanliness, proper record-keeping and labeling were conducted
for three producer groups located across Illinois.
A framework of the role of government oversight in a soybean value added
certification system was developed. Staff at the Illinois Department of
Agriculture collaborated on an initial framework to utilize their trained
inspectors to audit or provide oversight of elevator handling activities for
value added soybean crops.
Impacts: Identification of
on-farm quality control points for identity preservation (IP) of value added
soybeans will help in the development of meaningful, cost effective IP systems.
The incorporation of auditing activities and government oversight will improve
our understanding of the potential to brand and/or certify IP processes or
products. Development of this prototype system will also provide a tool for
producers to manage their production activities for value added crops from seed
through delivery.