Progress 03/15/24 to 03/14/25

Outputs
Target Audience:Through this program last year we catered to undergraduate stuidents, graduate students, post docs and scientists at University of Arkansas and the Satte of Arkansas. The REEU students from U.Texas Rio Grande Valley spent 10 weeks in a research lab at U. Arkansas and gave posters at 2 seperate events. They also attended various events and activities organized by the REEU program, and UArkansas REU program. The final event of the REEU program was attended by 30 faculty, 43 graduate students, 8 postdocs, and in total, more than 150 members under Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas. However, the impact of the program, and the target audience will include students from UTRGV and UA, and we believe will be around 500. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1. Dinner & Dialogue with Dr. Paul Adams at KIMP, University of Arkansas - June 17, 2024 REEU students participated in a dinner session with Dr. Paul Adams, Associate professor, University of Arkansas and discussed the research progress on student individual projects and graduate study possibilities for the REEU students. 2. Dinner & Dialogue with Dr. Megan Reavis at KIMP, University of Arkansas - July 1,2024 REEU students participated in a dinner session with Dr. Megan Reavis and discussed the potential of research advancements and job opportunities in agriculture sciences. 3. Tyson foods headquarters visit at Springdale, Arkansas - July 3, 2024 REEU students visited the Tyson headquarters processing facility and gained knowledge on the industrial aspects of poultry and chicken processing. The session also had information on job placements and process to apply to Tyson. 4. Research Presentations at KIMP, University of Arkansas - July 15, 2024 REEU students attended the research presentations of intern students from various summer REEU studentship programs at University of Arkansas. 5.Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology poster session at Harry R. Rosen Centre, University of Arkansas - July 17, 2024 REEU students presented their individual research as posters and received feedbacks from faculty and students of the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. 6.University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture combined poster session at Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences, University of Arkansas - July 19, 2024 REEU students participated in the combined poster presentation session for various programs and presented their project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?1. REEU studentsdid three presentations; 2 poster sessions across UA campus, 2 students also presented at Sub-Tropical Agriculture and ENvironments Society Annual Meeting in South Texas. 2. The abstracts have been published in the society webpage 3. One student published a co-authored manuscript in a peer reviewed journal Ayala, J., Vasquez, A., Balakrishnan, D., Madrigal, E., George, J., & Kariyat, R. (2024). Effects of fast and slow-wilting soybean genotypes on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) growth and development.Communicative & Integrative Biology,17(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/19420889.2024.2354421 4. We have 3extension articles under review now Balakrishnan, D., Martinez M., and R. Kariyat. 2025. Effects of Longterm Exposure of Thiamethoxam Seed Treatment on Growth and Development of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Early Stages of Rice (Oryza sativa). B.R.WellsArkansas Rice Research Studies, University of Arkansas. M. Gautam, K. Alanis, and R. Kariyat. 2025. Fall Armyworm larval development is impacted by drought and herbivory. Arkansas Soybean Research Series.? Shafi, I., Ramos, A., and R. Kariyat. 2025. Evaluating Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae) Colonization Across Different Soybean Genotypes. Arkansas Soybean Research Series What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next reporting year we will have 1. More research articles accepted. We expect at least 5 articles 2. Research presentations at local and regional venues 3. Acceptance tograduate school 4. Potentially offer more students acceptance to the program next cycle

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In this annual review year, we were able to support 6 undergraduate students. Collectively, they attended the following events, and gained experience in all the abovesaid areas of project objectives. 1. Dinner & dialogue with Dr. Cynthia Sides via zoom - May 13, 2024 REEU students met with Dr. Cynthia Sides, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Director of Research Advancement and discussed the details of research facilities and amenities offered by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. 2. Mushroom production class by Dr. Jim Correll at Plant Science, University of Arkansas; June 6, 2024 REEU students attended a mushroom production class by Dr. Jim Correll, Distinguished Professor, University of Arkansas where the students learned the basics of mushroom production. 3) Mushroom production facility visit at J & M Mushroom farms, Miami, Oklahoma - June 7, 2024 REEU students visited the J & M Mushroom farms headquarters and learned the commercial aspects of mushroom production. REEU students gained knowledge on process, machineries and different types of commercial mushrooms. Officials introduced the REEU students to the market and commercial values of each mushroom types and explained each step of production from bed preparation to packaging and brand labelling. REEU students gained information about major diseases and pest of mushroom production and their effective management strategies. 4) Apiary visit at Cralley Warren, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville - June 13, 2024 REEU students visited the apiary maintained by Dr. Neelendra Joshi, Associate Professor, University of Arkansas and gained knowledge on the basics of bee keeping. REEU students experienced the procedures in honey production by bees, preferred flowers, foraging habits, honey collection from hives and colony maintenance during adverse weather. 5) Outreach event with insect displays at Plant science, University of Arkansas - June 17, 2024 REEU students participated in an outreach event hosted by Dr. Fiona Goggin, Professor, University of Arkansas, showcasing live insects and collections. Experienced the diversity of insect world and learned the roles insects play in an ecosystem. 6) Dinner & Dialogue with Dr. Paul Adams at KIMP, University of Arkansas - June 17, 2024 REEU students participated in a dinner session with Dr. Paul Adams, Associate professor, University of Arkansas and discussed the research progress on student individual projects and graduate study possibilities for the REEU students. 7) Sensory and Consumer Sciences lab visit at Department of Food Sciences, University of Arkansas - June 21, 2024 REEU students visited the Sensory and Consumer Sciences lab and learned process associated with marketing a product based on consumer satisfaction. The session educated the REEU students about the importance of human sensory perception of taste and smell into products to ensure consumer preferences in market. REEU students learned the procedure for selecting volunteers for understanding the sensory attributes to improve product quality. Students also gained knowledge on machineries, survey tools and technologies associated with sensory studies. 8) Novel Ingredient Processing and Utilization Laboratory visit at Department of Food Sciences, University of Arkansas - June 21, 2024 REEU students visited the Novel Ingredient Processing and Utilization Laboratory of Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman, Assistant professor, University of Arkansas and learned novel techniques and tools used in food processing. The students learned the basics and operation of generating cold plasma, a non- thermal strategy in food processing. The session also included insights into protein extraction and grain processing. 9) Dinner & Dialogue with Dr. Megan Reavis at KIMP, University of Arkansas - July 1, 2024 REEU students participated in a dinner session with Dr. Megan Reavis and discussed the potential of research advancements and job opportunities in agriculture sciences. 10) Tyson foods headquarters visit at Springdale, Arkansas - July 3, 2024 REEU students visited the Tyson headquarters processing facility and gained knowledge on the industrial aspects of poultry and chicken processing. The session included a facility tour where students learned the technological, mechanical and anthropogenic investments for successful processing of poultry to meet consumer expectations. REEU students also visited the nutritional analysis lab where they learned the processes involved with maintaining quality and nutritional content of produce.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Quantification of Leaf Trichomes and Examination of Their Consequences for Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Soybean Genotypes Evelyn Madrigal1 , Jessica Ayala2 , Rupesh Kariyat2 1Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539 2Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Network of plants and their butterfly pollinators in the Rio Grande Valley Aliana Ramos1 , Ernesto Herrera1 , Rupesh Kariyat2 , Robin Choudhury1* 1University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley 2University of Arkansas *corresponding author, robin.choudhury@utrgv.edu
• Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ayala, J., Vasquez, A., Balakrishnan, D., Madrigal, E., George, J., & Kariyat, R. (2024). Effects of fast and slow-wilting soybean genotypes on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) growth and development. Communicative & Integrative Biology, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/19420889.2024.2354421

Progress 03/15/23 to 03/14/24

Outputs
Target Audience:In 2023, the grant paid for 6 students from Hispanic Serving University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to do a 10 weeks externship with faculty members under the Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas. Student Project Title Evelyn Madrigal Quantification of leaf trichomes and examination of their consequences for Fall Armyworm feeding in soybean Myranda de Leon Cantu Molecular Diagnosis of Bacterial Species Isolated from Infected Bones of Lame Broiler Chickens Marisol Prevalence ofDirofilaria immitisin different species of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Arkansas Emanuel Toxicity of systemic insecticide to a solitary bee species. Ashley The potato cyst nematode effector RHA1B controls stability of other effector proteins in planta" Geovanni Effect of cover crops on plant growth and root associated fungi on corn Changes/Problems:This year, we have more students. We plan to accomplish signifiacntly more research this year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Between May and July 2023, the students were exposed (and engaged) in the following activities: Dinner and Dialogue Sessions (Every week from UA REU program): A Keynote speaker and dinner with him/her on professional development 2.Safety Trainings The presenter explained safety in the lab and precautions to prevent any disasters. should be reported. 3.Research and Innovation In this session, Theylearned what it means to perform research and how different paths of academics can take you along your journey. 4.Research Presentation Students presented posters andlearned a little bit of different fields by others presenting their research. Arthropod Museum Visit In the arthropod museum, theylearned about different insect species across the U.S and across the world. They also learned a bit about the difficulties in maintaining and conserving species within the museum. University of Arkansas Plant Health Clinic learned how they diagnose pathogens in plants and their procedures used in pathogen identification. Theyalso learned how they develop procedures used for pathogen treatment and removal. J&M Mushroom Company Visit, Oklahoma In this trip, we went to the J&M Mushroom farm in Miami, Oklahoma. Here, they learned the different processes based on scientific data used by the company to grow mushrooms. We also learned the industrial side of the company. Tyson Microbiology and Chemical Laboratories, Springdale, AR In this trip, we went to the Tyson Company Laboratories. Here, theylearned direct applications of microbiological processes and sanitation practices performed by the company to ensure health standards. On the chemistry side, theylearned the different instrumental and classical methods used by scientists to determine chemical compositions of feeding stocks and other developmental processes beneficial to the company. Departmental Seminars Olivia Kline's exit seminar: Studentslearned about her project and the multiple studies she conducted to build a more comprehensive understanding of the bioecology of Osmia lignaria and to build a ecotoxicological profile of O. lignaria to two pesticide formulations AminaTaibus exit seminar: Studentslearned about the toxicity of several pesticide formulations to three different types of beetles which are considered pests to corn farms. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Each student submitted biweekly summaries and reflections. The PI's are currently working on usng the data for their manuscripts. Anexample of a summary is below: Marisol Sagategui, student in Dr. Emily McDermott lab (Live stock entomology) This week I was finally assigned my project being, the possible Culicidae vectors that carry Dirofilaria immitis in the state of Arkansas. Dirofilaria immitis is also known as heartworm and it mainly affects canines. However, felines and humans are also able to be infected, but it is rare. Mosquitoes become infected during a blood meal when a microfilariae gets into the mosquito's system. It starts growing as days go by until it reaches the stage where it can be an infective larva. As I did more research, I learned that two of the main species that carry this disease are Aedes vexan and Anopheles quadrimaculatus. Both of these species are very common in this area, so I was able to obtain a few in my data. I had to get my data set up by recording the location and site of the traps, date, trap type, type of species, and how many species were found. I had to do two separate charts on the mosquitoes since somewhere females and the other were males. It is known that only female mosquitoes can transmit diseases. After this, me and Mrs. McDermott decided that it was best to pool the mosquitoes since I had 132 samples. We first tested 12 samples; the first six mosquitoes were individual, while the second half were pools of 10 mosquitoes. 1,2,3 and 7,8,9 was homogenized while 4,5,6, and 10,11,12 was non-homogenized. Each bead tube contained 1.75 mL from solution 1A and 5.25 mL from solution 1B. Those of who were homogenized were put in the bullet blender on a speed of 10 for 3 minutes. The beads placed inside each tube were 1.32 mm stainless steel. Once the tubes were done, all 12 samples were spun in the centrifuge at a speed of 10,000 for 30 seconds. All 12 samples were put in the water bath for 30 minutes, then centrifuged the same as before and added 500 microliters of solution 2 to each tube. For my mosquito pool extraction, we had to add a master mix sample and cycle them in a temperature of 95, 45, and 72. After they were ready, we were able to test them with the gel electrophoresis. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In 2024, we have 8 students. Here is what the plans are in addition to 2 poster sessions, and a presentation. Friday 23rdJune: Mushroom Production facility June 29 thursday: UA Farm, Apiary visit July 7: Tyson Headquarters visit July 6 ENPL Confocal Drs Goggin and Jiamei Crystal Bridges Museum:July 8 Drs. Korth and Kariyat Food Science Sensory lab visit: June 29Dr. Seo Food Science Arkansas Clean Plant network: June 29, Prof. Ioannis Fundamentals of Scanning Electron Microscopy: Second week of July (Kariyat) Arthropod Museum visit: Dr. Jones: First week of July

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Six students from UTRGV did 10weeks externship with U. Arkansas Faculty under UA Division of Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences. 2. Each of them successfully completed a research project, presented at Annual Summer REU conference at UA in July 2023 2. Each of the made a research poster and presented at University of Arkansas Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Annual SUmmer Poster Session in July 2023 4. Two students have been accepted to MS programs (pending admission paperwork) at U. Arkansas (Livestock Entomology, Poultry Science) 5. Evelyn Madrigal: First Place in the Undergraduate Student Poster Competition ($250). Awarded by the Subtropical Agriculture & Environment Society (SAES) to Evelyn Madrigal for her presentation of the "Quantification of Leaf Trichomes and Examination of their Consequences for Fall Armyworm Feeding in Soybean Accessions." 6. Jessica Ayala (Mentor to Evelyn Madrigal): Best MS student awardfromUniversity of Arkansas Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology 7. Six faculty participated in the program in 2023.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Jessica Ayala, Alejandro Vasquez, Devi Balakrishnan, Evelyn Madrigal, Justin George & Rupesh Kariyat (2024) Effects of fast and slow-wilting soybean genotypes on fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) growth and development, Communicative & Integrative Biology, 17:1, 2354421, DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2024.2354421
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Evelyn Madrigal, Jessica Ayala, Rupesh Kariyat. Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas. Quantification of Leaf Trichomes and Examination of their Consequences for Fall Armyworm Feeding in Soybean Accessions. Subtropical Agriculture & Environment Society Annual Meeting 2024. South Padre Island, Texas. February 9th, 2024.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Emmanuel A. Flores, Olivia Kline, Ngoc T. Phan, Leah Cuthill, Duy Trinh, Neelendra K. Joshi. Department of Chemistry, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas. A Prospective Study: Suitability of a CYP Monooxygenase Assay for Assessing Detoxification Enzyme Activity in Osmia californica after Exposure to Systemic Pesticides and Mixtures. Subtropical Agriculture & Environment Society Annual Meeting 2024. South Padre Island, Texas. February 9th, 2024.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Geovanni Hernandez, Jennifer Roa, Qiurong Fan, Sherif Sharfadine, Juanita Gil, Trent Roberts, Alejandro Rojas. Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas. Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas. Effect of Cover Crop Rotation on Plant Growth and Root-Associated Fungi on a Corn Cropping System. Subtropical Agriculture & Environment Society Annual Meeting 2024. South Padre Island, Texas. February 9th, 2024.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Myranda de Leon Cantu, Adnan Alrubaye. Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas. Molecular Diagnosis of Bacterial Species Isolated from Infected Bones of Lame Broiler Chickens. Subtropical Agriculture & Environment Society Annual Meeting 2024. South Padre Island, Texas. February 8th, 2024.