Source: NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
LOCOWEED RESEARCH ON RANGELANDS OF NEW MEXICO
Sponsoring Institution
Agricultural Research Service/USDA
Project Status
NEW
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0418049
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
5428-32630-012-03S
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 1, 2009
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2014
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
PANTER K E
Recipient Organization
NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
1620 STANDLEY DR ACADEMIC RESH A RM 110
LAS CRUCES,NM 88003-1239
Performing Department
AGRICULTURE & HOME ECONOMICS
Non Technical Summary
(N/A)
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
0%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1213310114080%
7123610115020%
Goals / Objectives
The objectives of this research are to: 1) Evaluate and determine the adverse effects of locoweed on cattle production in New Mexico; 2) Evaluate and develop new tools for diagnostics; 3) Determine the role of a newly identified endophyte (Undifilum) in swainsonine production and locoweed growth and longevity; 4) Better understand the rangeland ecology where locoweeds dominate and evaluate methods of control (biological and chemical); and 5) Develop integrated management approaches to improve utilization of rangelands where locoweed grows.
Project Methods
This is a coordinated research approach between the USDA-ARS-Poisonous Plant Research Lab, Logan, UT and the Rangeland Research Group and College of Agriculture and Home Economics at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. The proposed joint research will include methods to: 1) better understand the ecology of locoweeds in this region which includes the Southern High Plains and Canadian Pecos Valleys of West Texas and eastern New Mexico; 2) understand more fully the biological characteristics of the locoweeds which includes the role of a newly discovered endophyte (Undifilum) in toxin (swainsonine) production within the plant and plant hardiness; 3) develop sound methods to understand the biology of the endophyte and employ molecular tools to determine if it can be supressed; 4) reduce the toxic effects in cattle and improve rangeland utilization through grazing strategies; 5) better evaluate locoweed's effects on early reproduction in cow calf operations; 6) identify biomarkers for improved diagnostics and prognosis of locoweed poisoning; and 7) develop a holistic management program to reduce livestock losses and improve the economic stability in this region.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The objectives of this research are to: 1) Evaluate and determine the adverse effects of locoweed on cattle production in New Mexico; 2) Evaluate and develop new tools for diagnostics; 3) Determine the role of a newly identified endophyte (Undifilum) in swainsonine production and locoweed growth and longevity; 4) Better understand the rangeland ecology where locoweeds dominate and evaluate methods of control (biological and chemical); and 5) Develop integrated management approaches to improve utilization of rangelands where locoweed grows. Approach (from AD-416): This is a coordinated research approach between the USDA-ARS-Poisonous Plant Research Lab, Logan, UT and the Rangeland Research Group and College of Agriculture and Home Economics at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. The proposed joint research will include methods to: 1) better understand the ecology of locoweeds in this region which includes the Southern High Plains and Canadian Pecos Valleys of West Texas and eastern New Mexico; 2) understand more fully the biological characteristics of the locoweeds which includes the role of a newly discovered endophyte (Undifilum) in toxin (swainsonine) production within the plant and plant hardiness; 3) develop sound methods to understand the biology of the endophyte and employ molecular tools to determine if it can be supressed; 4) reduce the toxic effects in cattle and improve rangeland utilization through grazing strategies; 5) better evaluate locoweed's effects on early reproduction in cow calf operations; 6) identify biomarkers for improved diagnostics and prognosis of locoweed poisoning; and 7) develop a holistic management program to reduce livestock losses and improve the economic stability in this region. Locoweeds, Oxytropis and Astragalus species containing swainsonine, cause large economic losses to livestock producers in north eastern New Mexico and south eastern Colorado. The production of swainsonine and subsequent toxicity of locoweeds is due to the vertically transmitted endophyte, Undifilum. Swainsonine is only found in Astragalus and Oxytropis species that contain the fungal endophyte, Undifilum, thus explaining why some populations are toxic while others are not. Research is ongoing between scientists at the PPRL and NMSU to characterize the swainsonine biosynthetic pathway in the endophyte. Funds have been pooled between the two groups to sequence the genome of Undifilum oxytropis. Novel swainsonine producing endophytes are being characterized in other locoweed species and other plants that are reported to contain swainsonine. A novel species of Undifilum has been isolated from the swainsonine containing plant Swainsona canescens from Australia.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications


    Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

    Outputs
    Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The objectives of this research are to: 1) Evaluate and determine the adverse effects of locoweed on cattle production in New Mexico; 2) Evaluate and develop new tools for diagnostics; 3) Determine the role of a newly identified endophyte (Undifilum) in swainsonine production and locoweed growth and longevity; 4) Better understand the rangeland ecology where locoweeds dominate and evaluate methods of control (biological and chemical); and 5) Develop integrated management approaches to improve utilization of rangelands where locoweed grows. Approach (from AD-416): This is a coordinated research approach between the USDA-ARS-Poisonous Plant Research Lab, Logan, UT and the Rangeland Research Group and College of Agriculture and Home Economics at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. The proposed joint research will include methods to: 1) better understand the ecology of locoweeds in this region which includes the Southern High Plains and Canadian Pecos Valleys of West Texas and eastern New Mexico; 2) understand more fully the biological characteristics of the locoweeds which includes the role of a newly discovered endophyte (Undifilum) in toxin (swainsonine) production within the plant and plant hardiness; 3) develop sound methods to understand the biology of the endophyte and employ molecular tools to determine if it can be supressed; 4) reduce the toxic effects in cattle and improve rangeland utilization through grazing strategies; 5) better evaluate locoweed's effects on early reproduction in cow calf operations; 6) identify biomarkers for improved diagnostics and prognosis of locoweed poisoning; and 7) develop a holistic management program to reduce livestock losses and improve the economic stability in this region. Locoweeds, Oxytropis and Astragalus species containing swainsonine, cause large economic losses to livestock producers in north eastern New Mexico and south eastern Colorado. The production of swainsonine and subsequent toxicity of locoweeds have been linked to infestation of toxic plant species by the endophyte, Undifilum. The relationship between the endophyte, Undifilum oxytropis, and locoweeds is being investigated and in all toxic Astragalus and Oxytropis species, swainsonine is only present if the endophyte is present, thus explaining why some populations are toxic while others are not. While the benefit of the endophyte to the plant is not understood, studies are ongoing between scientists at New Mexico State University and ARS at Logan, UT to determine what effect different levels of precipitation, nitrogen and atmospheric CO2 may have on endophyte infection and subsequent swainsonine production in the plants. Additionally, microscopic studies to identify, localize and characterize growth patterns of the fungus within the plant parts are being investigated. A combination of microscopic methods was effectively used to identify and localize the distribution of the fungus in plant tissues. Using topographical imaging it was revealed that the fungal hyphae reside in the leaves and pith of the petioles. Characterizing swainsonine producing endophytes in other locoweed species and other plant species causing similar toxicoses in livestock are being investigated.

    Impacts
    (N/A)

    Publications


      Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

      Outputs
      Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of this research are to: 1) Evaluate and determine the adverse effects of locoweed on cattle production in New Mexico; 2) Evaluate and develop new tools for diagnostics; 3) Determine the role of a newly identified endophyte (Undifilum) in swainsonine production and locoweed growth and longevity; 4) Better understand the rangeland ecology where locoweeds dominate and evaluate methods of control (biological and chemical); and 5) Develop integrated management approaches to improve utilization of rangelands where locoweed grows. Approach (from AD-416) This is a coordinated research approach between the USDA-ARS-Poisonous Plant Research Lab, Logan, UT and the Rangeland Research Group and College of Agriculture and Home Economics at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. The proposed joint research will include methods to: 1) better understand the ecology of locoweeds in this region which includes the Southern High Plains and Canadian Pecos Valleys of West Texas and eastern New Mexico; 2) understand more fully the biological characteristics of the locoweeds which includes the role of a newly discovered endophyte (Undifilum) in toxin (swainsonine) production within the plant and plant hardiness; 3) develop sound methods to understand the biology of the endophyte and employ molecular tools to determine if it can be supressed; 4) reduce the toxic effects in cattle and improve rangeland utilization through grazing strategies; 5) better evaluate locoweed's effects on early reproduction in cow calf operations; 6) identify biomarkers for improved diagnostics and prognosis of locoweed poisoning; and 7) develop a holistic management program to reduce livestock losses and improve the economic stability in this region. Effects of locoweed on cattle production in north eastern New Mexico and south eastern Colorado. Surveys in southeastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico indicate that locoweed populations are declining because of severe drought conditions. The toxicity of locoweed has been linked to infestation by the endophyte, Undifilum. The relationship between the endophyte, Undifilium oxytropis, and locoweeds is being investigated and in all toxic Astragalus and Oxytropis species swainsonine is only present if the endophyte is present, thus explaining why some populations are toxic while others are not. While the benefit of the endophyte to the plant is not understood, studies are ongoing to determine what effect different levels of precipitation, nitrogen and atmospheric CO2 may have on endophyte infection and subsequent swainsonine production in the plants. Growth and spore characteristics of endophyte isolates were completed. Research on effects of protein supplementation, commercial feed additives and manipulation of rumen microflora in sheep to mitigate locoweed poisoning was investigated and data is currently being evaluated. ADODR monitoring is done via phone calls, e-mail, and site visits.

      Impacts
      (N/A)

      Publications


        Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

        Outputs
        Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objectives of this research are to: 1) Evaluate and determine the adverse effects of locoweed on cattle production in New Mexico; 2) Evaluate and develop new tools for diagnostics; 3) Determine the role of a newly identified endophyte (Undifilum) in swainsonine production and locoweed growth and longevity; 4) Better understand the rangeland ecology where locoweeds dominate and evaluate methods of control (biological and chemical); and 5) Develop integrated management approaches to improve utilization of rangelands where locoweed grows. Approach (from AD-416) This is a coordinated research approach between the USDA-ARS-Poisonous Plant Research Lab, Logan, UT and the Rangeland Research Group and College of Agriculture and Home Economics at New Mexico State University in Las Cruses, NM. The proposed joint research will include methods to: 1) better understand the ecology of locoweeds in this region which includes the Southern High Plains and Canadian Pecos Valleys of West Texas and eastern New Mexico; 2) understand more fully the biological characteristics of the locoweeds which includes the role of a newly discovered endophyte (Undifilum) in toxin (swainsonine) production within the plant and plant hardiness; 3) develop sound methods to understand the biology of the endophyte and employ molecular tools to determine if it can be supressed; 4) reduce the toxic effects in cattle and improve rangeland utilization through grazing strategies; 5) better evaluate locoweed's effects on early reproduction in cow calf operations; 6) identify biomarkers for improved diagnostics and prognosis of locoweed poisoning; and 7) develop a holistic management program to reduce livestock losses and improve the economic stability in this region. The use of protein supplements to reduce voluntary intake of wooly locoweed was evaluated and data collected in prior grazing seasons is being analyzed and compiled. Preliminary feeding trials using commercial feed additives suggest that these feed additives could alleviate the detrimental metabolic effects of locoweed. The use of intermittent targeted grazing with sheep to reduce white locoweed density has been completed and the plant and animal data has been partially analyzed. A controlled pen study was done using fecal fluorometry analysis to determine amounts of locoweed in sheep diets. Early results from laboratory trials conducted with rumen fluid from sheep fed white and purple locoweed indicated that rumen fermentation and the chemotactic responses of rumen bacteria were unaffected. In preparation for defining new species of Undifilum, RAPDs and completed sequencing for two regions of the DNA of Undifilum endophyte isolates were done. Growth and spore characteristics of the different endophyte isolates were also completed. Work on quantifying swainsonine in plant samples using UPLC-MS analysis is continuing. Determining the relationship between the fungus and its host and evaluating the effects of water depravation and soil nitrogen levels on subsequent swainsonine production continues. Potential biological control of locoweed in Union Co. NM using Four-lined locoweevil is continuing. However, due to drought, the locoweed populations we are studying, both in Colorado and New Mexico have all but disappeared. Despite exhaustive surveys in both Colorado and northern New Mexico, no new weevils were found in either location. Interaction is exchanged via e-mail, plus conversations, on-site visits, meetings, web site access, FedEx and U.S. postal service.

        Impacts
        (N/A)

        Publications