Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Paulownia: A 'Paulownia Demonstration Plot' was established with 2.5 acres each for timber and bioenergy production research. This has served as a tool to educate visitors, farmers, growers, and students and also to procure material for ongoing research. Biomass, height, circumference and other parameters were studied for four consecutive growing seasons. During the last phase of this project, more emphasis was given to the possibility of developing various products for revenue generation. We succeeded in developing bioplastics and found out that Paulownia tree can be a good source of honey. Thermogravimetric analysis of the Paulownia wood revealed that this biomass has cellulose 50%, hemicellulose 15%, and lignin 21% making it a suitable feedstock. A potential of 95-120 gallons ethanol per dry ton of wood was seen depending on the method used. In the year 2012 twenty bee hives were placed on a trailer in the Paulownia Demonstration Plot for six weeks. With the cessation of flowering, frames were removed and a total of 420 lbs of honey was produced. Experiments were also conducted to develop bioplastics using Paulownia wood saw dust and poly lactic acid and the work was published. Other bioplastics with petroleum based resins is in progress. Scutellaria: Scutellaria germplasm has a total of 19 species in our collection. Scutellaria ocmulgee plants were grown to collect large amount of dry biomass to facilitate large scale extraction. In vitro plant regeneration is continuing for newly added species of Scutellaria. We have also developed in vitro multiplication and lab to land transfer protocols for another federally endangered S. montana. Progress has been made to scale up production of herbal biomass using Liquid Lab Bioreactor (LLR) system. PARTICIPANTS: Graduate students conducting their MS Biotechnology thesis work on Paulownia biotechnology: Niraj K Yadav: Investigations on Micropropagation, Field Performance, and Wood Properties of Paulownia Tree. Graduated December 2012. Whitley M Stewart: Investigations to Establish Paulownia elongata as a Multipurpose Fast Growing Tree for Middle Georgia. Expected to graduate May 2013. Internships provided (To biotech students from Central Georgia Technical College): Jennifer Lee. 2009-2010. A 'Biotech' student from Central Georgia Technical College receiving training in Paulownia tissue culture for three months at FVSU. 2011. Parag Patel. 2012. Mbuyi Tshikaya and Lauren Young. TARGET AUDIENCES: Timber and biomass growers, honey producers, students from FVSU and other institutions Ag-Field Day, 2012 at Fort Valley State University was a big success. Visitors had a chance to see Paulownia demonstration plot with 2500 trees in field conditions and to interact with scientists working on Paulownia. Paulownia information was distributed at Ag-Expo, Moultrie every year. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Applied for one year no-cost extension till December 2012.
Impacts
This research project addresses high priority research area related to the feasibility of woody biomass feedstock for renewable energy and growing an anti-tumor medicinal plant with these trees to enhance income for growers. This also addresses important issue of developing agri-business activities. Major achievements are: 1. Collection of Paulownia (three species) and Scutellaria (19 species) germplasm 2. Ex situ, in vitro conservation of S. ocmulgee and S. montana 3. Identifying agronomic practices to grow Scutellaria as a premium medicinal crop for farmers/growers 4. Training students on Paulownia and Scutellaria biology 5. Working on the production of honey from Paulownia in collaboration with Central Georgia Bee Keeping Association. FVSU students were trained in bee keeping operations. 6. Paulownia Demonstration Plot and activities were covered by GeorgiaFarmMonitor (http://www.youtube.com/watchv=F5T7qPMZaVo). 7. Sturdy bioplastic production that are environment friendly 8. Analysis of Paulownia leaves exhibited high protein content and were pelletized for feed (study in progress). 9. As the wood have high btu value, it is a good source for developing wood pellets/bricks for heating.
Publications
- B. Tisserat, N. Joshee, A. K. Mahapatra, G. W. Selling, and V. L. Finkenstadt. 2013. Physical and mechanical properties of extruded poly(lactic acid)-based Paulownia elongata bio-composites. Industrial Crops and Products 44:88-96. Joshee. N. 2012. Paulownia: A Multipurpose Tree for Rapid Lignocellulosic Biomass Production. In: Kole C, Joshi CP, Shonnard D (eds) Handbook of Bioenergy crop Plants. Taylor & Francis, Boca Raton, FL, pp. 671-686.
- A. Similien, D. A. Shannon, C. W. Wood, E. van Santen, N. Joshee, W. G. Foshee. 2012. Partial shade, irrigation and added nutrients maximize dry matter yield of American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.). HortScience 47(12):1705-1709.
- Joshee, N. 2012. Genus Scutellaria: Revisiting Medicinal Uses and Their Validation Using Modern Tools. III International Symposium on Medicinal and Nutraceutical Plants & III Conference of National Institute of Science & Technology for Tropical Fruits. Aracaju, Sao Cristovao-SE, Brazil. Oct 14-19. (Invited Speaker). Oral Presentation
- Joshee, N. 2012. Scutellaria as a medicinal crop: Cryopreservation, hairy root culture, organic farming and anticancer activity. 2012 NIFA USDA Project Directors' Conference, Huntsville, AL. September 16-19. Oral Presentation
- Joshee, N. 2012. Paulownia: A Tree Crop for Honey Production. September 8-9, Georgia Beekeepers Association Fall Meeting, McDonough, GA. Oral Presentation
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Scutellaria: This year Scutellaria germplasm was further enriched and at present we have 19 species in our collection. Scutellaria ocmulgee plants were grown to collect large amount of dry biomass to facilitate large scale extraction. We are carrying out final experiments to identify bioactive compounds present in S ocmulgee with anti-tumor activity. In vitro plant regeneration is continuing for newly added species of Scutellaria. Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation technique for S ocmulgee has been optimized. We have many transgenic plants that have been identified at molecular level. We repeated Scutellaria DNA fingerprinting using AFLP technique and results are being processed to communicate as a manuscript. We have also developed in vitro multiplication and lab to land transfer protocols for another federally endangered S montana. Paulownia: Major thrust this year to study growth of the tree and biomass accumulation. At the end of 27 months trees are more than 30 ft tall and on average 6-7 inched in diameter (DBH). In a tree, trunk and branches account for 50% weight and root weigh 30-35% of the total weight. Leaves roughly amount to about 10%. Another aspect studies was the coppicing nature of the tree. Trees cut after 18 months, produced 12-20 new shoots. Selecting 10 vigorously growing shoots produced high amount of biomass after one year of growth. Transformation studies are in progress. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Ag Field Day, 2011 at Fort Valley State University was a big success. Visitors had a chance to see Paulownia demonstration plot with 3000 trees in field conditions and to interact with scientists working on Paulownia. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Applying for one year no-cost extension.
Impacts
This research project addresses high priority research area related to the feasibility of woody biomass feedstock for renewable energy and growing an anti-tumor medicinal plant with these trees to enhance income for growers. This also addresses important issue of developing agri-business activities. We have made significant progress in collecting the valuable germplasm as we have a total of 19 species maintained both in vitro and in the greenhouse. For most of these species micropropagation protocols are established and can be easily scaled up for commercial purpose, as needed. We have established transformation protocols to carry out future metabolic engineering research. Anti-tumor mechanism of Scutellaria compounds have been established both in cancer cell culture and animal model. Graduate students conducting their MS Biotechnology thesis work on Scutellaria biotechnology: Current MS Students for whom I am the major advisor: i) Bianca L Richardson. Thesis title: Cryopreservation studies on an endangered Scutellaria species (S. ocmulgee). Graduated in May 2011. ii) Brajesh N Vaidya. Thesis title: Comparative studies on the reproductive biology of two endangered Scutellaria species from Georgia. iii) Karthikeya Venkatesan. Thesis title: Comparative studies on the micropropagation of two Scutellaria species (S. barbata and S. racemosa).
Publications
- Joshee, N. 2011. Ten years of Scutellaria research at Fort Valley State University. 2nd Annual Conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants. July 17-20, Holiday Inn, Huntsville, Alabama, USA.
- Dandawate S, Williams L, Joshee N, Rimando AM, Mittal S, Thakur A, Lum L and Parajuli P. 2011. Scutellaria extract and wogonin inhibit tumor-mediated induction of Treg cells via inhibition of TGF-beta1 activity. Cancer Immunol Immunother (in press).
- Joshee, N., P Parajuli, Agnes M Rimando, and Fabricio Medina-Bolivar. 2011. Scutellaria ocmulgee small: an endangered plant with limited distribution but unlimited potentials. Annual meeting AAIC. Challenges and Opportunities for Industrial Crops. September 11-14, Fargo, ND.
|
Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research in this project addresses two national priority areas. Scutellaria research deals with the isolation and identification of antitumor and antiobesity compounds and fast growing tree Paulownia research addresses to find out the feasibility of alternative fuel (bioenergy). This year Scutellaria germplasm was further enriched by the collection of three more species from Europe (S. albida, S. altissima, and S. alpina). Scutellaria ocmulgee plants were grown to collect large amount of dry biomass to facilitate large scale extraction. Leaves were harvested just prior to blooming. To identify active component extracts were prepared using six different solvents and active fraction was further subfractionated into seven different test fraction using different solvents. These extracts are being tested now. In vitro plant regeneration is continuing for newly added species of Scutellaria. We initiated Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation studies for Scutellaria and Paulownia both. A manuscript is being prepared for communication related to successful production of transgenic Scutellaria plants. Initial results are encouraging as we have many putative transgenic plants. Initial work on the Scutellaria DNA fingerprinting using AFLP technique is finished. At the end of two years of growth many trees are close to 28 ft in central Georgia conditions. PARTICIPANTS: One high school student was trained on Scutellaria conservation biology and one middle school student was trained in Paulownia tissue culture for their science fair projects. TARGET AUDIENCES: Ag-Field Day at Fort Valley State University was a big success. Visitors had a chance to interact with scientists working on Paulownia. Georgia Farm Bureau captured the event in the link provided here. http://www.youtube.com/watchv=F5T7qPMZaVo PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Phytochemical screening and biomedical research on antitumor properties has a great potential for developing adjunct therapies. Cultivation of medicinal plants is an alternative farm enterprise with great potential to generate significant income for small farmers. Developing micropropagation protocols for Scutellaria will help commercial production assisting scaling up ventures. Three graduate students are working on Scutellaria for their MS thesis whereas one is working of Paulownia.
Publications
- Joshee N, P. Parajuli, F. Medina-Bolivar, A. M. Rimando and A. K. Yadav. 2010. Scutellaria Biotechnology: Achievements and Future Prospects. Bulletin UASVM Horticulture, 67(1):24-32. Print ISSN 1843-5254; Electronic ISSN 1843-5394.
- P. Parajuli, N. Joshee, S. R. Chinni, A. M. Rimando, S. Mittal, S. Sethi and A. K. Yadav. 2010. Delayed growth of glioma by Scutellaria flavonoids involve inhibition of Akt, GSK-3 and NF-kB signaling. J Neurooncol. 101(1):15-24.
- Tascan, A, J. W. Adelberg, A. M. Rimando, M. Tascan, N. Joshee, A. K. Yadav. 2010. Hyperhydricity and flavonoid content of Scutellaria species in vitro on polyester-supported liquid culture systems. HortScience 45(10):1723-1728.
- Nopo-Olazabal L, Wu S, Rimando A, Joshee N, Medina-Bolivar F. 2010. Production of antitumor flavonoids in hairy roots of Scutellaria lateriflora. First Annual Conference of the American Council for Medicinally Active Plants, New Brunswick, NJ, July 20-23. (Poster)
|
Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This year Scutellaria germplasm was further enriched by the collection of three more species from Georgia. These species are S. incana, S. elliptica, and S. drummondi. Plants were collected during early spring and flowered in greenhouse conditions setting seeds. Scutellaria plants were grown in the specialty plant house and harvested just prior to blooming for extraction of phytochemicals. To identify active component extracts were prepared using six different solvents and tested on human and rat glioma cell lines. Out of these six fractions, one extract showed all the activity in inducing apoptosis and necrosis in tumor cells. This fraction was further fractionated into seven different test fraction using different solvents. These extracts are being tested now. In vitro plant regeneration is continuing for newly added species of Scutellaria. We initiated Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation studies for Scutellaria and Paulownia both. For the screening of transgenic plants GFP gene is being used as a reporter gene. Initial results are encouraging as we have many putative transgenic plants. Molecular identification of transgenic plants using PCR and quantitative PCR methods is underway. A five acre demonstration plot with 3000 Paulownia trees has been established. During first year of growth trees registered 15 to 18 ft of height in central Georgia conditions. Two plots have been developed with 12 x 12 ft and 8 x 8 ft spacing to further study the development of trees for lumber and Bioenergy purpose. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Phytochemical screening and biomedical research on antitumor properties has a great potential for developing adjunct therapies. Many groups of visitors came to Fort Valley State University to learn about 'Paulownia Demonstration Plot.' Group of students from Virgin Islands came and learned about Paulownia. There were visitors from corporate sectors like Southern company involved in power generation looking at the possibility of switch to biomass based power generation in place of coal fired one.Cultivation of medicinal plants is an alternative farm enterprise with great potential to generate significant income for small farmers. Developing micropropagation protocols for Scutellaria will help commercial production assisting scaling up ventures.
Publications
- Joshee, N. 2009. Paulownia: A Multipurpose Tree for Rapid Lignocellulosic Biomass Production. In: Handbook of Bioenergy Crops (Eds. C. Kole, C. P. Joshi, and D. Shonnard). Taylor and Francis.
- Tascan, A, J. W. Adelberg, M. Tascan, N. Joshee, A. K. Yadav. 2009. Polyester fiber controlled hyperhydricity for three species of Scutellaria: Medicinal plant. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 826:141-146.
- Shuchi Wu, Maria Ferrand-Malatesta, Nirmal Joshee, Fabricio Medina-Bolivar. 2009. Establishment and molecular characterization of hairy roots of Scutellaria lateriflora L. International Plant Mol Biol Congress, St. Louis, Missouri, Oct 25-30. (Poster).
|
Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research on the objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4 was started. Two Himalayan Scutellaria species (S. angulosa and S. scandens) were introduced to our pre-existing germplasm. Plants were maintained in the greenhouse and experiments were conducted to develop micropropagation protocols. Plants grew well, flowered, and set seeds. Initial flavonoids isolation work was also done and bioactivity was measured using cancer cell lines with the help of collaborative lab at Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. In a previous study, we optimized protocols for flavonoids isolation and characterization. Extracts thus prepared were used to study Among the leaf, stem and root extracts examined, the leaf extracts of two Himalayan species S. angulosa, and S. scandens showed consistent, dose-dependent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities against various malignant cell lines, as analyzed by MTT dye conversion and annexin-V binding (flow cytometric) assays, respectively. In vitro plant regeneration was started using various explants (Nodal, internodal, leaf, petiole, and shoot tip explants) and considerable success was achieved. In brief, we were successful in getting plants from nodal explant and shoot bud induction and further elongation from leaf base was also accomplished. This will enhance shoot and plant production by using less starting plant material. Further, as leaf base explant multiplies by intermediate callus phase, this route will be more compatible to the future genetic transformation studies. A five acre plot has been established for Paulownia plantation at FVSU farm. We completed soil pH analysis and liming of the plot in June 2008 and then planted about 3000 trees. Two plots have been developed with 12 x 12 ft and 8 x 8 ft spacing to further study the development of trees for lumber and Bioenergy purpose. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This project intends to develop Paulownia-Scutellaria based agro-forestry system for farmers to maximize their economic returns addressing introduction and adaptation, phytochemical screening and biomedical research on anticancer properties, and biomass production for cellulosic ethanol. Cultivation of medicinal plants is an alternative farm enterprise with great potential to generate significant income for small farmers. Year end evaluation of the project revealed that significant progress has been made in the area of germplasm collection and acclimatization in central Georgia conditions, developing micropropagation protocols for Scutellaria and Paulownia, and anticancer activity estimation of Scutellaria extracts. This research work resulted in two publications and two poster presentations.
Publications
- Joshee, N., Rimando, A. M., Parajuli, P., Rawat, G. S., and Yadav, A. K. 2009. Investigating two medicinal Scutellaria species of Himalayan origin. In: Advances in Agriculture, Environment, and Health; Fruits, Vegetables, Animals and Biomedical Sciences (Eds. Singh SB, Chaurasia, OP, Yadav, A, Rimando, AM, and Terrill, TH). Pp. 347-356. SS Publishing House, Delhi, India.
- P. Parajuli, N. Joshee, A. Rimando, S. Mittal and A. K. Yadav. 2009. In vitro anti-tumor mechanisms of various Scutellaria extracts and constituent flavonoids. Planta Medica 75:41-48.
|
Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In the first year we have taken initiatives to work on germplasm collection, developing reproducible tissue culture protocols to assist micropropagation and transformation, and start liquid lab bioreactor system for higher biomass production. I have a graduate student involved in the field trials of Scutellaria at present and we trained two students (one each from middle and high school) for science fair. Following are the efforts that have been directed to accomplish objectives outlined in the project- 1. To introduce and evaluate Scutellaria germplasm Scutellaria collected so far have been successfully maintained in the Specialty Plants House, FVSU and more and more species have been introduced in tissue culture. For higher biomass production studies to grow these plants in liquid culture is in progress. We have initiated field studies on American skullcap (S. lateriflora) that has a good commercial demand, involving a graduate student in Auburn, AL. 2. In vitro plant
culture and DNA fingerprinting of Scutellaria germplasm In vitro plant culture: Developing protocols for in vitro plant regeneration to produce large number of plants in semi-solid and liquid lab bioreactor system. 3. To extract and analyze bioactive flavonoids of Scutellaria and Paulownia species Plants in culture and harvested from field during 2008 summer will be utilized to prepared extracts for phytochemical screening and bioactivity analysis. We are maintaining healthy plants in culture for extraction purpose and study the affect of culture condition on the quality and quantity of various flavonoids and diterpenes. We have identified land to grow Paulownia elongata at the agricultural farm of the Fort Valley State University. Saplings will be planted after April 20, 2008. Planting will be done in two formats- high density for Biofuel industry and low density for timber production. 4. To develop in vitro propagation and genetic transformation protocols for Paulownia Tissue
culture protocols are being refined to have better rate of multiplication and reproducibility in regeneration protocols. Once it is standardized, I will initiate transformation experiments.
PARTICIPANTS: 1. Anand K. Yadav, Ph. D.: Co-Investigator, Professor in Specialty Plants Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University Agricultural Research Station. 2. Scot Corbett, Ph. D.: Collaborator, World Paulownia Institute, Lenox, GA.
TARGET AUDIENCES: This research program involves people at different levels- 1. Middle and high school students receive first hand training in the lab for regional and state level science and engineering fair. 2. Two graduate students. 3. Peers in the scientific and academic community. 4. Our undergraduate students (student workers) working in our lab learn about Scutellaria and Paulownia biotechnology assisting our experiments. 5. We are doing field trials for Scutellaria to develop it as premium crop that can fetch better prices. 6. We disseminate information to public (school kids, teachers, farmers, people from agriculture related industries, university people etc.) through Sunbelt Expo that is held at Moultrie, GA, every year.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: In the evaluation part of Scutellaria, we have also included field trials of S. lateriflora (American skullcap) and S. baicalensis (Baikal skullcap) as these two species are highly sought after in the botanical market. Experiments related to S. lateriflora will be presented by graduate student A. Similien. For this part, we are collaborating with Prof. D. A. Shannon, Dept of Agronomy and Soil Science, Auburn University, AL.
Impacts
Achievements of the students mentored by Dr. N. Joshee (Sept 2007- Feb 2008): Students came to my lab two to three times a week spending at least three hours per day. Name: Johnny Fells III, Topic: In Vitro Conservation of Scutellaria barbata: Synseed Technology, 11th Grade (Junior). School: Northside High School, Warner Robins. Category: Plant Sciences. Awards: 1st Place, 1. Recognition from the READ Foundation and The Society For In Vitro Biology, 2. The Office of Naval Research Navel Science Award, 3. Grand Prize Winner in Senior Division at the Houston County District Science and Engineering Fair Will be at advance to the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair and the 4. Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Name: Will Freeman, Warner Robins Middle School, Warner Robins, 7th Grade. Project Title: "Which Media and Media Compositions will enhance in vitro regeneration of a medicinal plant, Scutellaria lateriflora?" Category: Plant Science. Awards: First
Place State Winner, 1. Won the Certificate of Merit from FVSU and a $50.00 bond, 2. A nomination to the SSP Middle School Program.
Publications
- Similien, A., Shannon, D. A., Wood, C. W, Foshee, W. G., Kemppainen, B. W., Joshee, N. and Rimando. A. 2007. Shade, Irrigation and Fertility Effects on Biomass Production and Flavonoid Content in American Skullcap. Accepted: 7'th Annual Conference on the Science of Botanicals, scheduled for April 12-16, at University, MS.
|
|