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Showcase College of Agricultural Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Consumer acceptance of a ready-to-eat meal during storage using a home-use test

Consumer acceptance of a ready-to-eat meal during storage using a home-use test

Primary Author: Maria Montero

Faculty Sponsor: Carolyn Ross

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

A home-use test (HUT) is a method on which a product is consumed in-home under common daily use circumstances. One product that benefits from being evaluated in-home are ready-to-eat meals (RTE). RTE must be processed so they are microbially safe, and a novel method to accomplish this is microwave-assisted-pasteurization (MAPS). Therefore, this study determined consumers’ acceptance of MAPS-processed jambalaya and control through an on-line HUT over a 12-week storage period. Paralleling the HUT, an online auction determined consumers’ willingness to pay. Consumers (n=50) evaluated MAPS-processed jambalaya stored at 2?C and a control (cooked-frozen jambalaya stored at -31oC) after 2, 8 and 12 weeks of storage. Acceptance of different sensory attributes (aroma, appearance, flavor, texture) was measured for both jambalaya samples using an online survey. After tasting, consumers participated in an online auction to bid on the meal they previously sampled- this was used to estimate their willingness to pay for each meal.

Results showed that the processing method (MAPS vs. control) didn’t affect the measured sensory attributes. No significant sensory changes were observed in most of the tested attributes of the jambalaya samples due to storage time; only flavor liking decreased over time. For the online auction, the bid mean values ranged from $3.48-3.74 for the MAPS-processed jambalaya and from $3.33-3.56 for the control, similar to the price of commercially available jambalaya meals. Using a HUT for evaluating consumers’ acceptance of MAPS-processed jambalaya seems like an effective way of testing acceptance of an RTE in a more realistic environment.

 

The influence of structure locations on wildfire perimeters.

The influence of structure locations on wildfire perimeters.

Primary Author: Joshua Olsen

Faculty Sponsor: Jonathan Yoder

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

Wildfires suppression in the United States has cost an average of $1.8 billion annually over the past 10 years and wildfire damages have frequently exceeded 10 times that amount. A major reason for the extreme cost of wildfires is the presence of man-made structures.

 

Despite the large associated cost, the influence that structures have on wildfire spread has yet to be evaluated. We address this gap by analyzing structure density around fire perimeters to understand the relationship between structures and wildfire spread.

 

METHODS

Using an innovative dataset we evaluate structure presence around wildfires at a finer scale than has previously been possible. We analyze the present of structures per 1,000 acres across a 32 year timespan in the Western United States.

 

RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS

We find that a disproportionate number of structures reside in a 120 meter bandwidth around fire perimeters. We also find that structure density is highest in the first 30 meters outside of fire perimeters, suggesting that structures are more likely to be found immediately outside fire perimeters than inside fire perimeters. Structure locations are determined prior to fire ignitions which implies that structure locations influence final fire perimeters.

This trend is consistent across all 11 Western United States. This finding has implications for land development policy as well as policies governing prioritization for firefighting resources. For example, our results suggest that current fire suppression is largely guided by the presence of structures. This implies that structure protection may be prioritized over minimizing fire growth.

 

Influence of increased CO2 on mortality of Varroa destructor during the indoor storage of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies

Influence of increased CO2 on mortality of Varroa destructor during the indoor storage of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies

Primary Author: Stephen Onayemi

Faculty Sponsor: Brandon Hopkins

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Indoor storage of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies during winter months has been practiced in cold climates for decades. Evidence from a recent study showed that conditions during storage could lead to a decrease in the levels of pathogen prevalence in colonies. Varroa is considered one of the most significant threats to colony health and survival, and as such, it is a major contributor to winter mortality and virus transmission in honey bees. An investigation on the effects of increased CO2 on the mortality of Varroa destructor during indoor storage of honey bees was carried out. Eight-frame single deep colonies (n=16) were held in two environmental chambers (both at 4 C) with one set at 8.5% CO2 while the other at normal atmospheric CO2. Each week during the experiment dead/falling mites were collected from the bottom of each colony and counted. At the end of the 62-day experiment, the surviving colonies were treated with a miticide to collect any remaining mites. Mite mortality was calculated by dividing the number of mites collected weekly by the total number of mites collected for each colony. A significant difference in mite mortality was found in colonies held at 8.5% CO2 (73%) in comparison with colonies held at normal atmospheric CO2 (51%). This study demonstrates that increased CO2 during an indoor storage period could increase mite mortality and in turn, reduce virus transmission and improve honey bee health coming out of the winter months.

 

Performance evaluation of high barrier metal-oxide coated polymeric films intended for in-package thermally sterilized food products

Performance evaluation of high barrier metal-oxide coated polymeric films intended for in-package thermally sterilized food products

Primary Author: Ashutos Parhi

Faculty Sponsor: Shyam Sablani

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic

Metal-oxide coated multilayered polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films are used for storing in-package thermally processed food products. However, these films can develop defects when exposed to retort and microwave assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) processes. This increases their oxygen and water vapor transmission rates (OTRs,WVTRs) reducing the shelf life of packaged food.

Method

In this work, we evaluated four film pouches: MOA, MOC, MOE, MOF having layers of metal-oxide coated PET, Nylon 6 and polypropylene. We filled them with water and processed in a retort at 121°C (F0=6–9 min) and MATS at 124°C (F0=10.9 min). The processing times were determined based on solid food products packaged in flexible pouches. Subsequently, the pouches were emptied, dried, filled with an oxygen-sensitive gel, resealed and stored at 23°C for 180-days. The gel changed color at locations with defects and we extracted samples from those locations for scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopies (SEM, CLSM).

Results

OTRs and WVTRs of the films increased significantly (P<0.05) after thermal processing with MOA showing the highest increase and MOF the least. Presence of additional layers of coating may have reduced the barrier deterioration in MOF pouches. MATS processed films showed a lower change compared to retort process. MOC, MOE and MOF pouches showed fewer defects than MOA, visualized through localized color change in the packaged gel as well as SEM and CLSM analysis. Overall, the MOF pouches showed least deterioration after thermal processing and will be ideal for shelf-stable food products with an extended shelf-life.

 

Assessing Organic Tomato Production In Palouse Soils With Biochar Amendment

Assessing Organic Tomato Production In Palouse Soils With Biochar Amendment

Primary Author: Elvir Tenic

Faculty Sponsor: Amit Dhingra

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal topic

Current large scale agricultural methods can be seen as a double edged sword: industrial crop production systems provide plentiful food production but led to detrimental impacts to already fragile ecosystems. For all the positive aspects of organic agriculture, there is strong evidence that organic systems overall produce lower crop yields.  Overcoming yield decreases with an emerging technology being implemented globally is the organic soil amendment biochar (BC).  Experimental evidence of BC amended soil showed improved carbon storage, water holding capacity, nutrient delivery, and has led to increased crop yields although detrimental impacts to crop productivity have also been reported.

Method

Hypotheses: BC amended soils would increase water retention, microbial activity and nutrient cycling leading to increased tomato yields.  Eggert Organic Farm soil was supplemented with either no BC, 1 ton/ha or 2 ton/ha of BC and tomato plants were grown during summer of 2019.  Plant biomass, tomato fruit, and soil samples were collected for analysis.

Results/implications

Plant dry biomass demonstrated a reduction in weight with increased BC application but tomato yields indicated an early increase in crop productivity in BC amended soils with final yields comparable to controls soils.  Fruit ˚BRIX in BC amended plants were similar to controls.  No detrimental impacts were found in our study indicating a positive role of BC amendment in Palouse soils. Future analysis of microbial activity from collected soils will shed light on plant/microbe interactions in BC amended soils.

 

An Exploratory Study of Dress within the LGBTQ+ Community.

An Exploratory Study of Dress within the LGBTQ+ Community.

Primary Author: Lauren Summers

Faculty Sponsor: Jihyeong Son

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Dress is the lens for identity classification of gender/sexual orientation, religion, tribe, profession etc. A study on dress identification scheme used by the LGBTQ+ group is scant, and the complexity within the community regarding gender identity speculation needs to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to understand how LGBTQ+ people use dress as a symbol to communicate their identity within the community. The symbolic interaction theory introduced by Cooley (1902) and Mead (1934)explains the formation of communicative symbols and the interactivity of social members of society. The qualitative research method was used in order to gather a holistic understanding of the community’s use of dress as a symbol and appearance management. Five participants were interviewed face to face or via phone call. The interview data were transcribed and thematic analysis revealed that members of the LGBTQ+ use certain dress techniques such as belt loops, piercings, hairstyles/cuts, and rainbow pins as symbols of their gender identity and identifying others who are a part of their LGBTQ+ community. The study also revealed that members are influenced by the symbols used in their interaction with each other and depending on what symbol is being used it can either positively or negatively affect how those in the community interact with each other. However, the participants expressed that the symbolic use of dress by the community is non-discriminatory and felt no pressure to conform within the community.

 

Applying drone and satellite data to natural vegetation monitoring for agricultural sustainability

Applying drone and satellite data to natural vegetation monitoring for agricultural sustainability

Primary Author: Amanda Stahl

Faculty Sponsor: Alexander Fremier

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Principal topic

Conserving natural vegetation along streams is an important on-farm strategy to improve water quality. The Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP, 2011) requires participating agricultural counties in Washington to monitor and report whether ecosystem functions and values are being maintained or enhanced. Emerging remote sensing technologies could provide accurate, real-time, multiscale spatial data to increase monitoring efficiency and effectiveness. We are piloting drones and analyzing Sentinel-2 satellite images to quantify streamside vegetation condition and designing procedures for seamless integration into monitoring programs to improve agricultural sustainability.

 

Methods

We hypothesize that drone-mounted cameras and Sentinel-2 data can accurately document vegetation condition and change for VSP reporting. To test this, we collected images with two quadcopters (3DR Solo and DJI Matrice) at 9 sites across Whitman County. Drone images were compiled into mosaics and 3D surfaces, each referenced for accurate comparison across dates to document seasonality and resolve vegetation classification. We analyzed Sentinel data seasonally and inter-annually to quantify watershed-scale change dynamics using Google Earth Engine and ArcGIS.

 

Results/Implications

Differing patterns of “greenness” clearly distinguished natural vegetation from agricultural land cover in Sentinel images collected July-October 2016-2019. Drone images captured finer details, including vegetation height, volume, and species. Initial findings illustrate that these data sources can detect the changing quantity and quality of natural areas in agricultural areas. In future work we will streamline satellite data analysis in Google Earth Engine and provide guidelines for drone-based monitoring so that counties and Conservation Districts can analyze data in real-time at regional scales.

 

Effect of gas nanobubbles on the efficacy of peracetic acid and chlorine against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes

Effect of gas nanobubbles on the efficacy of peracetic acid and chlorine against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes

Primary Author: Arshdeep Singh

Faculty Sponsor: Minto Michael

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Nanobubbles are defined as fine bubbles with diameter varying from 20 to 200 nm with distinctive surfactant properties because of their small size. Nanobubbles are proven effective in irrigation systems, fisheries, wastewater treatments and dentistry. This research was conducted to study the impact of gas nanobubbles on the efficacy of commonly used antimicrobials in food industry. This study was conducted as a completely randomized block design (three replications). Air, CO2 and N2 were used to generate nanobubbles in water. Peracetic acid and chlorine were used to make the nanobubble-antimicrobial solutions and were tested against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Antimicrobials mixed with water without any gas acted as controls. Nine-milliliter of antimicrobial solutions were taken into individual test tubes and inoculated with 1 ml of individual microbial inoculum. After the holding time of 1.5 and 3 min, 1 ml of the sample was taken, neutralized with Dey-Engley broth, and plated on brain heart infusion agar. pH and Eh of antimicrobial solutions were measured before and after the addition of master inoculum. After 3 min for E. coli, CO2 nanobubbles with chlorine was the most effective treatment with 6.4 log reductions as compared to 4.2 log reductions in control. For L. monocytogenes, CO2 nanobubbles with peracetic acid was most lethal treatment with 4.6 log reductions compared to 1.9 log reduction in control. This study demonstrated that efficacy of various antimicrobials can be increased by incorporating gas nanobubbles. Further, this method can be tested against other pathogens in different food matrices.

 

Determination of thermal inactivation parameters of Salmonella in nonfat dry milk and whole milk powder during four months storage

Determination of thermal inactivation parameters of Salmonella in nonfat dry milk and whole milk powder during four months storage

Primary Author: Amninder Singh Sekhon

Faculty Sponsor: Minto Michael

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic- Foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella can endure dry environments of milk powders for extended periods of time due to increased adaptability at low water activity (aw) levels and proliferate when powders are hydrated. This study focused to compare survivability and thermal resistance of Salmonella in NFDM and WMP stored for 120 days.

 

Methods- This study was designed as completely randomized with three replications. Milk powders were spray inoculated with 5-serovar Salmonella cocktail and dried back to original pre-inoculation aw. The D-values of Salmonella in inoculated NFDM and WMP were determined periodically (every 30 days, starting from day-one). The D and z-values were also performed for hydrated forms of NFDM and WMP. Rehydration (13% total solids w/v) was performed on days of performing D- and z-value study. Five separate thermal death time disks containing 5g or 5 mL of respective sample were transferred into five thermal-death-time, sealed and placed in hot-water baths set at 80, 85 and 90°C for inoculated powder, and 59, 62 and 65°C for hydrated inoculated powder. Samples were held for 0 to 56 minutes in hot-water baths and quickly transferred to cold-water baths at pre-determined time intervals. The samples were enumerated using injury-recovery media, and D- and z-values were calculated.

 

Results- During storage, heat resistance of Salmonella in WMP was statistically higher than NFDM. D-values of Salmonella on day 120 in WMP were 24.6, 11.4, and 7.0 minutes at 80, 85 and 90°C respectively as compared to 21.9, 9.2, and 5.2 min in NFDM.

 

Grain Protein Content Stability and Genomic Selection for Predicting the Grain Protein Content in Wheat

Grain Protein Content Stability and Genomic Selection for Predicting the Grain Protein Content in Wheat

Primary Author: Karansher Sandhu

Faculty Sponsor: Arron Carter

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Grain protein content (GPC) is controlled by a complex genetic system, yet it is an important quality determinant for hard red spring wheat as it has a positive effect on bread and pasta quality. GPC is highly variable among genotypes and is also variable across different environments. Thus, understanding the genetic control of wheat GPC and identifying genotypes with less variation under different environments, is an important breeding goal. The objectives of this research were to identify wheat families having less variation for GPC across environments and identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling the stability of GPC. We used 650 recombinant inbred lines from the spring wheat nested association mapping (NAM) population derived from 26 diverse founder parents each crossed to one common parent, ‘Berkut’. The population was phenotyped for three years (2014-16). Genomic prediction (GP) models were developed to predict GPC and GPC stability. The GPC was highly variable between these families across environments. We selected seven families that had less variation of GPC. The stability index of each genotype was obtained by Finlay-Wilkinson regression. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified eight significant QTLs using a Bonferroni correction of 0.05. This study also demonstrated that genome-wide trait prediction with ridge regression/best linear unbiased estimates reached up to r = 0.69. Overall, this study helped in the identification of QTLs controlling the stability of GPC. The genomic prediction accuracies suggest that genomic selection can be used to select breeding lines having higher protein content and improve genetic gain more rapidly.