Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
PROGRESS REPORT: New Crops IV Cold Hardiness of Herbaceous Perennials: Polemonium acutiflorum, Aquilegia sibirica and Phlomis tuberosa were grown in containers and phenological development monitored during autumn and winter 2004/2005 to define the timing of cold acclimation and hardiness. Air temperatures were monitored using a biophenometer. At weekly intervals, plants were moved to a warm greenhouse (21h photoperiod) to monitor growth following periods of chilling. We found the Alaska native Polemonium acutiflorum did not become completely dormant. The non native species, Phlomis tuberosa and Aquilegia sibirica, show significantly greater vegetative growth and flowering following prolonged chilling. Due to mixed results, this project will be replicated in July 2005 with Myosotis alpestris, Sanguisorba officinalis, Aquilegia vulgaris, Veronica spicata, Anemone multifida, Arnica latifolia, Arnica lessingii, Achillea The Pearl, Campanula rotundifolia and Lychnis
alpina. A third trial is planned for 2006. Estrous Synchronization in reindeer: The mild vaginitis responded to treatment and did not impair fertility. The smaller goat CIDR should be tried in future reindeer studies. Careful attention to the placement of radiotelemetry transmitters and enhancing the transmitter switch may improve results with this technology. Antioxidants in Berries: More than 150 samples of wild berries were collected from across the state of Alaska and were analyzed for overall antioxidant capacity and levels of quercetin at Brunswick laboratories. H-ORACFL levels were highest in lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (119 - 320, average 203 micro mol of Trolox Equivalents (TE)/g fresh weight (FW), n=13). H-ORACFL levels in other berries from interior Alaska averaged 174 micro mol TE/g for highbush cranberry Viburnum edule (Michx.) Raf., 107 micro mol of TE/g for crowberry Empetrum nigrum L., and 77 micro mol of TE/g for bog blueberry Vaccinium uliginosum L.
Quercetin levels ranged from 0.5 to 14.6 micrograms FW in these 4 species. Lingonberry and bog blueberry had higher levels of quercetin than most other berries tested. Development of Components of a GIS Based Forest Ecosystem Model Using Visual Basic within ArcGis: As a result of major changes in programming languages development of the new version of the model to handle larger landscape areas is taking a much longer time period due to the computer language learning curve. Work on the code translation phase will continue in 2006. Reindeer carcass value-added processing: A field slaughter was conducted and animals were randomly allocated to a control group or treatment group where they were electrically stimulated for 20 seconds using a Low Voltage Beef Stimulator. Meat samples were vacuum- packaged and transported to Fairbanks and kept frozen for tenderness and water-holding capacity (WHC) measurements or sensory evaluation analysis. Three paired- comparison consumer tests were
performed in collaboration with the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) at UAF in Fairbanks. All together 212 consumers participated in these tests to evaluate the cubed, sliced and ground meat.
Impacts
Cold Hardiness of Perennials allow us to understand seasonal plant survival in Alaska and the importance of autumn temperatures on seasonal survival. The Diversified Livestock preliminary results were presented at the Northwest Reproductive Sciences Symposium and the study formed the basis of a MS thesis presented at the University Bayreuth, Germany; a new crush was designed and constructed specifically for reindeer with raceway access that can be used by two people, and should be applicable to small farm operations. Data on the chemical content of plant extracts indicate the presence of beneficial phytochemicals in wild Alaska berries which are reported to have antioxidant activity. This information may enhance market appeal of berries harvested in Alaska and provide a reason to eat more berries. Development of the SAFED Forest Ecosystem Model has been used to investigate carbon cycling in forest stands using an individual tree representation of the stand from a
spatial standpoint. Results from the reindeer carcass value-added processing study demonstrate that electrical stimulation (ES) of carcases increases tenderness in all three products made from forequarter meat, while the loins were very tender regardless of treatment. The ES techniques can be used by both USDA inspected and field slaughter operations to significantly increase the quality and value of their output without a drastic change in protocol or capital investment.
Publications
- Leiner, R.H., P.S. Holloway, and D.B. Neal. 2006. Antioxidant capacity and quercetin levels in Alaska wild berries. International Journal of Fruit Science (submitted 9-05, accepted with revisions 1-06, revised 2-06, in press)
- Aguiar, G. 2005. Electrical stimulation and the potential increase in quality of reindeer carcasses in the meat industry. Batchelor of Science Thesis, in Natural Resources Management: plant, animal, soils option. School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, UAF, Fairbanks.
- Wiklund E, Finstad G, Bechtel P. 2004. Effects of electrical stimulation on the technological quality of reindeer M. longissimus. Poster and abstract. 13th Nordic Conference on Reindeer Research, 23-25 August, Roros, Norway.
- Wiklund E, Finstad G, Mulley R. 2004. Carcass treatments to improve meat quality. Presentation and abstract. 13th Nordic Conference on Reindeer Research, 23-25 August, Roros, Norway.
- Wiklund, E. 2005. Slaktkroppshantering for battre kottkvalitet (Carcass treatment for improved meat quality). Rangifer Report 10, 99-103 (in Swedish with English abstract).
- Wiklund, E. 2005. Carcass treatments for improved meat quality. Australian Deer Farming, Summer Issue, February 2005, pp. 11-15.
- Yarie, J. 2000a. Boreal forest ecosystem dynamics. I. A new spatial model. Can. J. For. Res.:998-1009.
- Yarie, J. 2000b. Boreal forest ecosystem dynamics. II. Application of the model to four vegetation types in interior Alaska. Can. J. For. Res. 30:1010-1023.
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Progress 09/15/03 to 09/14/05
Outputs
Cold Hardiness of Perennials: This study shows that most herbaceous perennials do not become completely dormant like many woody ornamentals. However growth does slow for some species. Even species that showed increased growth with greater number of weeks outdoors showed a period of little or no growth. There was no pattern that distinguished native from non-native species. Additional research will be required to identify if the observed growth changes are associated with changes in hardiness for winter survival.Antioxidant in Berries: Project findings reported earlier. Lodgepole Pine: Project findings reported earlier. Estrous in reindeer: CIDR have become commercially available to the US cattle industry. There has been no comprehensive investigation of this management tool in reindeer. Modification of the original study design includes the addition of a treatment using two injection prostaglandin protocols as a second synchronization tool. Reindeer Carcass Management:
Reindeer meat can be sold in local markets if the slaughtering is conducted during the winter months on snow which reduces the risk of contamination and eliminates the need for refrigeration and freezing facilities. Electrical stimulation (ES) accelerates post-mortem glycolysis and rigor onset, so that rapid cooling or freezing of carcasses may be carried out soon after slaughter without risk of the muscles cold shortening. Carbon sequestration markets: completed. GIS based forest model: Total tree production estimates displayed a decrease in carbon capture for hardwood stands for all three age classes summed across the 20-year climate change period. For the same 20-year climate period and across all three age classes, carbon capture for hardwood ecosystems decreased and white spruce ecosystems increased. The young aged black spruce system showed a change from a positive carbon balance to a negative carbon balance. Marketing Carbon: The objective, to assess the relationship between
fire frequency and soil carbon storage, resulted in a preliminary comparison of soil biological carbon stocks and charcoal particle count data measured from sediment cores from 4 Alaska lake areas. We can reject the null hypothesis that increased charcoal production over time equates to an increase in soil pyrogenic C. It is likely that changes in soil moisture and soil drainage coincident with changes in topography largely control the depth of burning at various sites around the lakes sampled. Morel Mushrooms: Project findings reported earlier.
Impacts
Cold Hardiness of Perennials: This research provides the first study of how herbaceous perennial plants acclimate to autumn conditions. With subsequent studies on cold hardiness, growers will be able to better understand how plants adapt to cold conditions in Alaska. Antioxidant in Berries: Alaskan wild berries are rich sources of antioxidants. Data on chemical content of plant extracts can indicate the presence of beneficial phytochemicals that are reported to have antioxidant activity. This information may enhance market appeal of berries harvested in Alaska and provide a reason to eat more berries. Lodgepole Pine: M.S. graduate student project completed and findings reported earlier. Reindeer Carcass Management: Results from this study demonstrate that Electrical Stimulation increased tenderness in the cubed and sliced products made from field slaughtered reindeer shoulder meat. Estrous in reindeer: Pregnancy rates were 90% and 70% on CIDR and PGF2a, respectively,
based on preliminary endocrine analysis. All cows in the CIDR group exhibited vaginitis during CIDR retention or at withdrawal. GIS based forest model: Based on the landscape area covered by each vegetation type it can be suggested that the net effect of climate warming over the past twenty years has been a substantial decrease in carbon capture in the forests of interior Alaska. Marketing Carbon: The findings are that the size of fire-derived stable C pools does not necessarily increase with increased burning.
Publications
- Blake, J.E., Rowell, J.E. and Shipka, M.P. 2007. Reindeer Reproductive Management. In: Current Therapy In Theriogenology. 2nd Edition. (Eds) R.S. Youngquist. W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia,PA
- Rowell, J.E., M.C. Sousa, A.M. Hirth, and M.P. Shipka. 2004. Reproductive management of reindeer in Alaska. Proceedings of the 1st World Deer Veterinary Congress. 21:96-97.
- Cushing, Alina. The Potential of Lodgepole Pine in Alaska. 2005 M.S. Thesis.
- Greenberg, J.A., and M. Herrmann. Crab Market Models. In: Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation for the King and Tanner Crab Fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. The BSAI Crab Plan Team, North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Anchorage, Ak. September, 2005
- Hirth, A.M. 2004. Estrous synchronization in reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus). MS Thesis, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Hirth, A.M., J.E. Rowell, M.C. Sousa and M.P. Shipka. 2004. Estrous synchronization in reindeer. Proceedings of the Northwest Reproductive Sciences Symposium 6:26.
- Johansson, L., Wiklund, E., Aguiar, G., Bechtel, P. J. & Finstad, G. 2006. Effects of electrical stimulation on sensory quality of reindeer meat. Proceedings: 52nd International Congress of Meat Science and Technology, 13-18 August, Dublin, Ireland.
- Moreland, S. 2005. Economic Impact of Reindeer-Caribou Interactions on the Seward Peninsula. M.S. Thesis, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Rowell, J.E., M.P. Shipka, M.C. Sousa, J.E. Blake and A.M. Hirth. 2005. Antlers in Female Reindeer. Proceedings of the Northwest Reproductive Sciences Symposium 7:42.
- Shipka, M.P., J.E. Rowell, M.C. Sousa and A.M. Hirth. 2004. Overview of Research in Reproductive Biology of Reindeer and Musk Ox. Proceedings of the 4th International Circumpolar Agriculture Conference 4:32.
- Wiita, A.L., and T.L. Wurtz. 2004. Morel Mushroom Industry Potential in Alaska. International Boreal Forest Research Association conference: Climate Disturbance Interactions in Boreal Forest Ecosystems. 2-7 May. Fairbanks, Alaska.
- Wiklund, E., Bechtel, P., Johansson, L., Aguiar, G., & Finstad, G. 2006. Technological and sensory meat quality characteristics of electrically stimulated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) carcasses. submitted
- Wurtz, T.L., A.Wiita, N.S. Weber and D. Pilz. 2005. Harvesting morels after wildfire in Alaska. USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Research Note, RN-PNW-546.
- Yarie, J., and W. D. Parton. 2005. Potential changes in carbon dynamics due to climate change measured in the past two decades. Can. J. For. Res. 35:2258-2267.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
The cold hardiness phenology experiment with perennials is nearly complete. Observations showed that the Polemonium native wildflower did not stop growing throughout the winter. The non-natives showed precipitous declines in growth, producing few to no new leaves for at least 3 weeks prior to freeze-up. The AK grown plants sampled show numerous peaks on the HPLC data, and some peaks correspond to the retention time of known antioxidant phytochemicals. The wild berries from Alaska showed a very high level of antioxidant capacity. A master database of measurements of lodgepole pine plantations in Alaska has been developed. Interviews and surveys have been conducted with foresters, agency employees, and others concerned with planting non-native tree species in Alaska. The experimental portion of the estrous synchronization in reindeer has been completed and blood samples analyzed. This study formed the basis of a MS thesis written and presented at the University
Bayreuth, Germany. A study of value-added processing techniques for field-slaughtered reindeer is being conducted in Nome, Alaska. Progress on the GIS based forest ecosystem model continues. Portions of the simulation routines have been translated but portions of the code are still not working correctly and the working knowledge of VB will need to be enhanced to speed up the code translation process. This study addresses climate change and the impact to Alaska lands and peoples, economic theory behind environmental problems, the Kyoto Protocol and its objectives and principles. Markets for greenhouse gas emissions and the mechanisms for earning credits are also addresses as are the rules for participation in the different types of markets and the determinants of the price of credits. This is an opportunity available to the state of Alaska. The opportunity involves offsetting consumption of diesel fuel in rural village generators used for heating and electricity with wood or other
alternative energy. The case study looked at Dot Lake, a small village located on the road system, McGrath, a larger community located off the road system, and Kotzebue, a city currently offsetting a significant portion of their diesel with 10 wind turbines. As of mid summer 2004, the proposed carbon soil sites were sampled. Soil profiles were described, charcoal layers were noted, and dominant trees at each point sample were cored to obtain stand age. Soil samples were bulked by horizon, dried, and now await C analysis and charcoal determination. The Morel Mushroom project is complete. We presented a poster of our preliminary results at the 12th International Boreal Forest Research Association conference in Fairbanks, Alaska, May 3-7, 2004. The full results of the market analysis will be posted on the ISER website in 2005. A manuscript is in final editing stages and will be published as a USDA Forest Service Research Note.
Impacts
Cold hardiness studies provivde understanding of seasonal plant survival. Recommendations are made to growers on how to more effectively overwinter perennials. Data on chemical contents of plant extracts indicate the presence of chemicals that are reported to have antioxidant activity. This information will enhance market appeal of Alaska grown products. Data indicates that lodgepole pine from the northern extent of its natural range appears to be well adapted to the present and future climate of interior Alaska. For intensively farmed reindeer, management of cows and bulls during the breeding season is a key approach for successful and safe management of this livestock species. Estrous synchronization is a perfect tool for truncating the harem period without compromising conception and pregnancy rates among cows. The data and assessment of value-added techniques for field-slaughter generated from this project can be employed to significantly increase the quality and
value of output without a drastic change in protocol or capital investment. The amount of emissions saved from not burning diesel could potentially earn credits that could be sold on the market. The use of wood to offset diesel offers several benefits to the state of Alaska. Last year the state legislature passed a bill directing the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to investigate the potential of carbon markets. This study provides primary information necessary for meeting this legislative mandate.
Publications
- Duval, J.E. December, 2004. Market Opportunities for Carbon Sequestration in Alaska. M.S. Thesis, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Wurtz, Tricia L. Amy L. Wiita, Nancy S. Weber, and David Pilz. 2005. Harvesting Morels after Wildfire in Alaska. . USDA Forest Service PNW Research Station
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Cold Hardiness:Aquilegia sibirica, Dianthus plumarius, Lychnis chalcedonica, Aster sibiricus, Hedysarum mackenzii, and Iris setosa were propagated by seed and cuttings. These 6 native and non-native herbaceous perennials were monitored to define the timing of cold acclimation and hardiness. Antioxidants: Preliminary samples of 3 species of wild berries were extracted and analyzed on the HPLC to measure some phytochemicals that may have antioxidant activity in the human diet. Many samples of berries were collected and are stored frozen until extraction and analysis. Lodgepole Pine: Initial results indicate that lodgepole pine does exhibit climate sensitivity in Iceland and Alaska, but not Sweden. Lodgepole pine in Alaska grew from 2 to 4 mm per year, an excellent rate of early growth. Livestock: Initial endocrine data indicated 100% effectiveness of the CIDR to induce ovulation immediately following CIDR withdrawal. Initial endocrine data indicate 70% effectiveness to
induce ovulation. Pregnancy rates were 90% and 70% on CIDR and PGF respectively, based on preliminary endocrine analysis. All cows in the CIDR group exhibited vaginitis during CIDR retention or at withdrawal. Reindeer: During a June 2003 reindeer corralling, Mr. Lawrence Davis, a reindeer producer in Nome, castrated 30 two-year old males and placed a 6 x 6cm orange tag in the left ear. The animals were released into the main herd and allowed to freely forage over Mr. Daviss permitted range. In December 2003 the entire herd was gathered up and driven to a location just outside of Nome in preparation for a slaughter scheduled for February 2004. Forest ecosystem model: At this point in time very little progress has been accomplished on the current New Crops project. Most of the work will be carried out in the spring of 2004. Carbon market:. Market research shows domestic demand is growing and the market is becoming increasingly fluid. Alaska opportunities for carbon sequestration have
been narrowed down to three projects: 1) a carbon offset program for electricity generators in rural villages, 2) a reclassification of state-owned agricultural land, and 3) changes to current forest silviculture practices to enhance carbon storage in trees. Fire: One of three proposed sites in the Fairbanks vicinity was sampled. Individual soil horizons were sampled (spaced at 45 degree intervals from the center of the lake) in the spring. Techniques of evaluating soil charcoal have been tested in the past months, and a new procedure is being set up to quantify black carbon in the Forest Soils laboratory. Analysis of paleo charcoal records, and soil organic carbon, at these three geographically distinct sites will address our second and third research objectives. Morels: A literature review was conducted to explore the scope and type of market activity associated with morel mushrooms in general. The basic ecology of morel mushrooms is being summarized. Key informant interviews that
explore the potential for a morel mushroom industry in Alaska, identify potential constraints on an Alaskan market/commercial harvest, and identify the status of any existing industry in Alaska are being conducted.
Impacts
Cold Hardiness: The importance of autumn temperatures on seasonal survival will affect marketability. Antioxidants: Information on type and quantity of beneficial phytochemicals may lead to increased consumption and market value for wild berries harvested in Alaska. Lodgepole Pine: Lodgepole pine may show potential as an introduced species. Livestock: Practical feedback on estrous synchronization protocols in reindeer will identify optimum time for application of the breeding system as a management tool. Reindeer: New treatments for carcasses will increase market quality. Forest ecosystem model: The SAFED model has been used to investigate carbon cycling in forest stands using an individual tree representation of the stand from a spatial standpoint. It is proposed that the SAFED model be translated into components programmed in Visual Basic and set up to run at large landscape scales using a one-hectare or larger grid cell size. Carbon sequestration: provides a new
market opportunity to the state as well as potential indirect economic benefits for regional communities. Fire: This study may show a strong negative relationship between fire frequency and C sequestration which would suggest that protection from fire would enhance C sequestration. Any other result would indicate against protection from fire. Morels: This project involves a limited analysis of the potential for expanding commercial harvests in Alaska, including constraints to such an expansion, as well as potential resource management and business development implications.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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