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Showcase College of Agricultural Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Comparison of Microwave and Conventional Thermal Pasteurization of Frozen Green Beans

Comparison of Microwave and Conventional Thermal Pasteurization of Frozen Green Beans

Primary Author: ZHI QU

Faculty Sponsor: Juming Tang

 

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

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

Pasteurization is the process to eliminate pathogens and extend shelf life of food products. Consumer’s desire for high quality food and convenience has been a major driver for advancements of processing technologies. Microwave pasteurization can provide more rapid heating and better heating uniformity compared to conventional thermal pasteurization, thus holds potential to produce better quality vegetable products, such as fresh appearance and texture. The objective of this research was to study the influence of microwave and conventional thermal pasteurization on quality of green beans during storage at various cold chain temperatures.

METHOD

Thawed frozen green beans were vacuum sealed in 8 oz polymer trays, pasteurized in a pilot-scale 915 MHz Microwave Assisted Pasteurization System (MAPS) and conventional water bath (WB). The processed samples were stored at 10 and 2 °C. Color and chlorophyll content of green beans were quantified to elucidate the quality of the food.

RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS

For green beans, chlorophyll and green color suffered greater degradation when pasteurized using WB. During storage, under both temperatures, microwave pasteurized samples showed better color retention and higher chlorophyll content. And, microwave pasteurized green beans can be preserved for a longer time at 2°C (100 days) than WB heated one (80 days) with no package swelling observed. This implicates that microwave pasteurization might be a potential alternative to produce safe, high-quality vegetable products and preserve the quality during storage.

 

Cooling Rates of Spatter Deposits

Cooling Rates of Spatter Deposits

Primary Author: Claire Puleio

Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Cooper

 

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

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal Topic

Magmatic spatter deposits form during volcanic eruptions wherein molten lava is projected from the volcano. The molten lava is erupted in fragments (clasts) and is deposited in the area immediately surrounding the eruptive vent of the volcano. These clasts can pile upon each other and form cone-like structures. Magmatic spatter occurs when erupted lava is hot enough to deform and adhere to other erupted clasts (agglutinate). The deformation and agglutination of spatter clasts have important implications regarding how spatter can transition from a stable deposit to a lava flow. When spatter re-melts and flows it can cause sudden collapse of the cone-like structures and quickly damage infrastructure or cause bodily harm to those in the path of the flow.

 

Method

A two-dimensional thermal diffusion model has been created in this study to predict how long it takes for spatter clasts to cool sufficiently enough that they no longer pose the risk of re-melting and forming a lava flow. This model predicts how spatter clasts cool over time when subjected to conduction, convection, and radiation and is applied to scenarios in which multiple spatter clasts of the same temperature are placed on top of one another.

 

Results/Implications

The model described in this research provides an indication for when the spatter deposit will cool sufficiently enough to stabilize. This research increases the understanding of magmatic spatter as well as the likelihood for associated volcanic hazards such as sudden collapse of spatter deposits and the rapid formation of lava flows.

 

A better screening tool to help combat a common pest of wheat

A better screening tool to help combat a common pest of wheat

Primary Author: Samuel Prather

Faculty Sponsor: Michael Pumphrey

 

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

Category: Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principle topic:

Hessian Fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)] is a major pest of wheat in Washington as well as the entire USA. In its larval stage, Hessian fly feeds off the stems of wheat plants causing severe yield loss. While there are pesticides and management practices to combat Hessian fly, because of Hessian fly’s unique life cycle most are not effective. The best way to combat Hessian fly is through use of genetically resistant wheat varieties with one of the 35 known Hessian fly resistance genes. The impediment for breeders developing Hessian fly resistance varieties is a fast-cost-effective way to screen for the resistance, as the current method takes a long time and is very expensive.

Method:

Using a genetics technique known as linkage mapping my project’s goal was to find the genetic location of one of the 35 known genes that has been shown to work in Washington. And then create genetic markers which are an assay to test for that gene.

Results:

After leaning the location of our Hessian fly resistance gene of interest I created 3 genetic markers and validated them on a large panel of varieties. The results show these markers to be highly (>98%) accurate at detecting the presence of the gene. The old method of testing for this gene used by our lab cost ~$150 per test and took about 2 months. This new method using the genetic marker assay takes less than a week and cost ~$1 per test.

 

Studies on fruit and hard cider chemistry from Eastern WA grown English fruit

Studies on fruit and hard cider chemistry from Eastern WA grown English fruit

Primary author: D. Scott Mattinson

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Studies are underway at WSU-Pullman in the postharvest laboratory aimed at unveiling a first analysis of Eastern Washington cider apple fruit chemistry as a means for hard cider makers. The hard cider industry in the USA and WA state steadily increases, as much as 40% since 2008 (Galinato et al., 2016). Apples under study include a desert variety known for its tartness, ‘Improved Red McIntosh’, and 3 English varieties, ‘Dabinette’, ‘Golden Russet’, and ‘Major’. Each of the English varieties are known as high tannin containing fruit. The study revealed that ‘IRM’ had high %TA at 0.62 with low brix, whereas the English apples were 0.248:14.5 for ‘Dabinette’, 0.521:15.0 for ‘Major’, and 0.97:17.9 for ‘Golden Russet’. Blends of ‘NRM’ to English juice, each at 1:1 reveled that the hard ciders blended with more ‘sharp’ chemistry, the highest %TA was ‘IRM’:’Golden Russet’ at 0.89% TA. This cider also had the higher brix at 7.6.
Tannin levels for each juice and each blended cider were analyzed by the Porter assay (Porter et al., 1986). Tannin data revealed that English cider apples grown in Eastern WA due in fact have higher tannin levels than desert varieties, up to 0.139% in ‘Major’, 0.059% in ‘Golden Russet’, and 0.039% in ‘Dabinette’; ‘NRM’ at 0.016%. Tannin carried into the fermented cider, as ‘NRM’ blended with ‘Dabinette’ was highest at 0.045%.

The Promising Practice of Agritourism

The Promising Practice of Agritourism

Primary author: Trevor Lane

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: WSU Ferry County Extension

Abstract:

Research revealed small farms and ranches struggle financially. Since the 1930’s, the USDA states more than 4 million farms have been lost completely or absorbed by large or corporate farms. Hence, diverse revenue streams and extra income are crucial to success. In 2012, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) showed that approximately $44.1 million in agritourism activities benefitted small to mid-sized farms in Washington. This farm or ranch revenue has a direct impact on the State’s economy. Thus, the goal of this research project was to demonstrate agritourism as a promising practice for small farms and ranches. However, it was hypothesized there are barriers to startup and achieving success.

Agritourism is any activity that brings a person to a farm for entertainment or education. Activities include but are not limited to fairs, festivals, farm to fork meals, bed and breakfast operations, dude ranches, U-Pick farms, farm stands, horseback riding and more.

While agritourism can generate extra farm or ranch income, a review of the literature revealed more than 60% of small farms are precluded from agritourism participation. Therefore, success means overcoming agritourism startup barriers. A qualitative study and modified gap analysis using Knowledge, Motivation, and Organizational (KMO) influences as a framework revealed the barriers and how to achieve success in pursuit of extra farm or ranch income. The study revealed how to increase knowledge, foster motivation, and leverage organizational resources to overcome barriers.

To help small farms or ranches pursue agritourism, Agriculture Professionals must know how to help.

A Rapid and Highly Sensitive Assay for the detection of Dahlia mosaic caulimovirus in Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis)

A Rapid and Highly Sensitive Assay for the detection of Dahlia mosaic caulimovirus in Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis)

Primary author: Romana Iftikhar
Authors: Romana Iftikhar, Lindani Moyo, Hanu Pappu

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) is a highly valued ornamental plant widely grown in the U.S. and several other countries for its flowers, and the Pacific Northwest boasts more than a dozen dahlia societies. Dahlia mosaic virus (DMV), an aphid-transmitted caulimovirus in the family Caulimoviridae, is an important pathogen of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis). DMV genome consists of a circular, double-stranded DNA, approximately 8kb in size, and the DNA is packaged in spherical virus particles. Development of rapid, and sensitive diagnostic tools is essential in surveillance and management of DMV.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for DMV detection. The LAMP assay targets the reverse transcriptase region of the DMV genome and is optimal at a temperature of 60°C and run time of 60 min, and amplification was detected through fluorescence detection and by agarose gel electrophoresis. The assay detected DMV in DNA concentration as low as 10 ? 3 ng. The LAMP assay was found to be more sensitive than polymerase chain reaction test. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a LAMP assay for the detection of DMV, a plant DNA virus. This assay will be useful in rapid and sensitive detection of DMV and in reducing the virus incidence through production of virus-free planting material.

Stanwood Strategic Planning Surveys: Extension helps a community shape its future

Stanwood Strategic Planning Surveys: Extension helps a community shape its future

Primary author: Season Hoard
Co-author(s): Brian Anderson; Martha Aitken; Christina Sanders; Brad Gaolach

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

City governments are increasingly engaging university researchers to aid their strategic planning processes. Through these collaborations, these entities can better engage with their communities to understand perceptions of government performance as well as identify priority areas that should be addressed in future planning. The City of Stanwood contracted with WSU Extension to conduct surveys of Stanwood residents and residents of Camano Island and unincorporated Stanwood to support their strategic planning efforts. The surveys were designed to ascertain opinions of City services, and community priorities over the next two to five years.

In the summer of 2019, three online surveys were distributed: 1) a random household survey of Stanwood residents, 2) a convenience survey of Stanwood residents, and 3) a convenience survey of Camano Island and Unincorporated Stanwood residents (who live outside of the city, but frequently use Stanwood services). WSU developed the surveys in partnership with the City to ensure information collected would be useful for future planning. City representatives distributed the convenience survey links via various outlets, including social media, websites, newspapers, and community events, while the random household survey was distributed via post card. A total of 688 survey responses were received across all three surveys.

Analysis across the three surveys suggests that improved streets and traffic flow, improved parks and amenities, more police officers, more hotels and lodging, and more recreation programming are top priorities for strategic planning. Additionally, Stanwood needs to focus on business recruitment and retention as well as improve communication with residents.

Genetic Diversity of Mop-top Virus: An Emerging Threat to the US Potato Production

Genetic Diversity of Mop-top Virus: An Emerging Threat to the US Potato Production

Primary author: Ying Zhai

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Potato mop-top virus (PMTV; Genus: Pomovirus; Family: Virgaviridae), a soil-borne RNA Virus, is an emerging threat to potato production in the US. PMTV is known to exist as two distinct strains; however, there is limited information on the population structure, strain incidence and distribution in the U.S. The complete genome of six isolates of PMTV collected from three states in the USA were sequenced, analyzed, and compared with a previously characterized isolate from Washington and all known PMTV sequences available in GenBank.

Genome-wide nucleotide sequence identities of the U.S. isolates ranged from 96% to 100%. Based on the coat protein amino acid sequence, all the U.S. isolates clustered with known severe (S) strains. Genetic diversity test showed that the S strain to be more diverse than the mild (M) strain and the PMTV recombinant strain. Population selection analysis revealed that most of the codons were generally negatively selected in the PMTV isolates studied. However, positive selection was detected at codon 689 in the RT domain, which could be an adaptation to facilitate vector transmission and to overcome host plant resistance.

The sequence characteristics and the observed genetic diversity would be useful in developing improved virus diagnostics to detect the virus in aerial plant parts, tubers, soil and the soil-borne vector.

Evaluating the NPR effect of computer-aided 3D auxetic structure

Evaluating the NPR effect of computer-aided 3D auxetic structure

Primary author: Zihui Zhao
Faculty sponsor: Hang Liu

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Most materials exhibit positive Poisson’s ratios, which means they become narrower in the transverse direction and longer in the direction of stretching under tension. Materials fabricated with auxetic structures have negative Poisson’s ratios (NPRs) which behave contrarily to conventional materials. Auxetic structures have a number of enhanced properties, such as increased shear modulus, indentation resistance, fracture toughness, and energy absorption among others. This research studied utilizing 3D printing technique to create 3D auxetic structures with elastomers. Various spatial configurations of the 3D structure, printing parameters, and elastomer composition were investigated for their influence on the properties of printed auxetic structures, including energy absorption, auxetic ratio, and compression stress/strain. Experimental results showed that overall these developed 3D auxetic structures were able to present sufficient NPR effect under compressive loading. The various parameters studied all affected the auxetic ratio, energy absorption, and compression stress and strain. The resultant 3D structures have great potential for various applications, including protective gears for sports (e.g., helmet and knee padding).

Phenotyping tree architecture using proximal and remote sensing techniques

Phenotyping tree architecture using proximal and remote sensing techniques

Primary author: Chongyuan Zhang
Co-author(s): Juan José Quirós Vargas; Sara Serra; Stefano Musacch; Worasit Sangjan; Sindhuja Sankaran
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Sindhuja Sankaran

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Tree architecture optimizes the light interception and improves tree growth, fruit quality, and yield with the goal of simplify orchard management and harvest. However, currently tree architectural traits are measured manually by researchers or growers. In this study, both proximal and remote sensing techniques were evaluated to phenotype critical architectural traits with the final goal to assist tree fruit breeders, physiologists and growers in collecting architectural traits easily and efficiently. A red-green-blue (RGB) camera was used to collect proximal side-images of apple tree, while an unmanned aerial system integrated with RGB camera was programmed to image tree canopy at 15 m above ground level. The data were processed to extract architectural features from 2D images (proximal) and 3D digital surface model (remote sensing). The sensing data were compared to ground reference data that have three training systems (Spindle, V-trellis, Bi-axis), two rootstocks (‘WA38’ trees grafted on G41 and M9-Nic29) and two pruning methods (Bending and Click). The results from proximal sensing indicated that there was a significant (P < 0.0001) difference in box-counting fractal dimension (DBs) between Spindle and V-trellis training systems, and correlations between DBs with tree height (r = 0.78) and total yield per unit area in Mton/hectare (r = 0.70) was significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, correlations between average or total tree row volume and ground reference data, such as trunk area, total fruit yield per tree, were significant (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated the potential of sensing or phenotyping techniques in detecting tree architectural traits.