State Board
of
Agricultural Research Fund

SBAR Soybean Granting Committee

Ramada Plaza Suites, Fargo

December 7, 1998

Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order by committee chairman, Neil Jonk. Members present were Chairman Jonk, Greg Gebeke, Truman Thykeson, Keith Smith, Mark Korsmo, Terry Goerger, Chris Johnson, and Dr. Ted Helms. Others present were Deb Johnson, Executive Director of the North Dakota Soybean Council, Dale Stenerson of the North Dakota Soybean Council, and Lori Capouch, Coordinator for the Agricultural Research Fund.

The meeting began with a brief overview of the intent of the Agricultural Research Fund. The soybean granting committee has $32,247.77 available for grants this fiscal year. The meeting continued with the members discussing the proposals submitted.

Proposals Considered

Increasing Soybean Yield on Waterlogged Soils

Amount Requested: $30,000

Soybean plants are often stunted and low yielding due to excessive soil water on poorly drained soil. This project will evaluate planting date and choice of cultivar to reduce yield loss. A greenhouse screening method to select superior cultivars for poorly drained soils will be developed.

The funds will be used to pay the stipend of a graduate student assigned to this project as well as for supplies.

Sclerotinia Infection and Inoculum Production as Influenced by Crop Species and Management Techniques

Amount Requested: $3,700

Epidemics of scab in recent years have sparked grower interest in alternatives to small grains, but most broadleaf crops are susceptible to sclerotinia (white mold.) This research aims to compare common broadleaf crops (canola, dry bean, field pea, flax, soybean, and sunflower) for relative susceptibility to white mold and the production of reproductive bodies (disease inoculum for succeeding crops.) Contrasting plant types and row spacings are compared to identify the best crop and management alternatives for crop rotations.

The funds will be used for: 1) labor to install, maintain and harvest the experiment, control pest, collect data, and process samples; 2) irrigation equipment to promote development of white mold in the plots and insure good crop growth; 3) electricity for irrigation pump and ovens to dry samples, soil testing, pesticides, communication, gas, and other supplies necessary for conducting the research; 4) data processing; and,

travel to present results at meetings.

Identity Verification of Transgenic and Conventional Soybean Hybrids and Varieties having Modified Oil Profile Characteristics

Amount Requested: 50,000

The increased trend in the development and commercialization of transgenic crops and hybrids with novel trait for specific product use demands that more of the individual crop varieties produced on the farm be marketed in an "Identity Preserved" fashion. The development of the Bandy Technology Systems SPU/NIR grains testing instrument is aimed at adapting existing technology in a unique way resulting in a single compact instrument capable of identifying individual soybean varieties with unique oil properties, and precisely quantifying selected chemical constituents of designer varietal types. This will allow farmers, grain elevators and processors to more efficiently market varieties on an "Identity Preserved" basis.

Development of an Experimental Soybean Line with Resistance to the Soybean Cyst Nematode and Phytophthora Root Rot

Amount Requested: 30,200/year for two years

The soybean cyst nematode is a serious threat to soybean production in North Dakota. The use of resistant cultivars is one of the best controls for growers. A breeding effort is needed to produce lines with resistance to nematode and Phytophthora root rot. The grant funds will be used to conduct the breeding and pathology research.

Factors Influencing Frost Tolerance of Soybean Seedlings

Amount Requested: $7,000

This project will determine first the freezing temperature and duration of freezing temperature that kills 50% of soybean seedlings at four growth stages. Once determined, factors such as variety, soil type, soil moisture, herbicide application, rate of temperature fall, etc., that influence frost tolerance will be evaluated.

Concentration and Antioxidant Activity of Soy Isoflavones in vitro and in vivo

Amount Requested: $24,000/two years

Soybean phytochemicals (isoflavones) will be concentrated by physical and chemical methods The effect of fortifying the phytochemicals in foods on selected biological effects in rats will be investigated. This project will contribute to the understanding of the mode of sections of the potentially anticarcinogenic, phytoestrogenic isoflavones.

The grant funds will be used primarily for the stipend of a graduate student for two years, and will be partly used for the expenses for analytical chemicals, enzymes, supplies, and rats.

Film Making from Soybean

Amount Requested: $22,500/two years

This proposal will investigate an enzymatic method for making biodegradable, plastic-like films. The reaction conditions and film strength and elasticity will be determined. This project will contribute to the industrial production of biodegradable soyfilms and will add value to the soybean crop.

The grant funds will be used primarily for the stipend of a graduate student for two years, and will be used to pay for enzymes, chemicals and supplies required for the project.

Funding Decisions

It was moved to grant funding of up to $28,547.77 for "Increasing Soybean Yield on Waterlogged Soils" and up to $3,700 for "Sclerotinia Infection and Inoculum Production as Influenced by Crop Species and Management Techniques." The motion was seconded and carried.

The committee meeting was adjourned.

1998 SBAR Funded Projects & Projected Requests for Subsequent Years

North Dakota State University
Morrill Hall 314
Fargo, North Dakota 58105-5562
PHONE: (701)231-7656
FAX: (701)231-7566
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