Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes UV monitoring and research scientific community, urban forest ecologists, natural resources and conservationists, forest ecologists,tree physiologists, tree geneticists, agricultural and forest meteorologists, photo-biologists, plant biologists, forest researchers. The new information on genetic aspects of the UV tolerance in select southern broadleaf tree species generated from this project would be of great interest to the scientific community mentioned above as well asurban foresters and park managers who can use the information tomakeinformed decision when it comes to selectingUV tolerance tree species for planting.The resulted information will benefit the general public by increasing their educational awareness of the ecological rolesofurban forests and their ability to intercept solar visible lightand UV radiation, reduce theharmful UV radiationdistribution at the ground level, protect the urbanites, andthus enhancehuman health and social well-being. The project is also targeting the training of the next generation of environmental toxicologists, researchers, and urban forestryprofessionals by providing research and experiential learning opportunities to postdoc, graduate, and undergraduatestudents. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided many professional training and development opportunities for the faculty, staff, and students involved in the project through attending and/or presenting at the professional conferences, meetings, and seminars,including National Conventions of Society of American Foresters (2015, 2019), Plant Biology Annual Conference by American Society of Plant Biologists (2015), Association of 1890 Research Directors Bienial Research Symposium (2017, 2019), First Asia-Pacific Urban Forestry Meeting by FAO/FO (2016), The 16th International Congress of Photobiology by International Union of Photobiology (IUPB) (2014), Microscopy and Microanalysis (M&M) Annual Meetings (2016, 2018, 2020), Annual Meeting of Society of Toxicology (2020), 76th Joint Annual Meeting of Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society and National Institute of Science (2019), Louisiana SAF Annual Meetings (2019), Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association (2019), SC-Society of Toxicology Texas Chapter Meeting (2019), USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program Seminar at Colorado State University (2016), and the Southern University Department of Environmental Toxicology Seminar Series (2017). The project has made significant impacts on training the next generation of the workforce. The project has trained 13 students including one postdoc researcher, 8 MS-Ph.D. graduate students, 2 summer intern students, and 2 undergraduate students. The training has enhanced their knowledge in UV-B monitoring and research, forest ecology, tree genetics, and environmental toxicology and their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The training has better prepared them for conducting independent research and becoming part of the next generation of professionals in environmental toxicology, agriculture, and forestry workforce. The project has trained one postdoc/research associate (Dr. Vanessa Ferchaud) to conduct research and help supervise the lab and students' research activities. Dr. Vanessareceived intensive training through the project, which has prepared her now working as the joint faculty for both researchat the SU Ag Center and teaching at the Department of Urban Forestry and Natural Resources at Southern University. The project providedsemester-longwork-studyopportunities to urban forestry undergraduate students Keona Daniels, and Larry J. Brisco. They participated in the project and received hands-on training in the lab and field operation of the UV-B monitoring station and data collection. Keona completed a senior honor thesis based on the project and won the Thurgood Marshall Scholar Award. Both students have graduated with a BS Degree in Urban Forestry and entered the professional workforce while attending graduate schools online. The project has trained five MS level graduate students (Lakshmi Dasari, Suresh Palacharla, Shiva Anumula, Onyakachi Ejim, and Okwusi Jane Obiageli) majoring in urban forestry orcomputer sciences. Lakshmi Dasari conducted her research based on objective 1 of the project and completed an MS-capstone research project entitled "INFLUENCE OF A SINGLE TREE CANOPY ON AIR TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, AND UVB RADIATION". She graduated with an MS degree in urban forestry at SU in May 2018 and she is now continuing her work toward her Ph.D. degree. Okwusi Jane Obiageli conducted her research based on objective 1 of the project and completed an MS-capstone research project entitled "EFFECTS OF CLEAR-SKY DAYS, AND LEAF INDEX AREA (LAI) ON PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVE RADIATION (PAR) DISTRIBUTION ABOVE AND BELOW TREE CANOPY", for which she won the 1st place in the graduate poster competition at the 40th Louisiana Society of American Foresters Annual Conference. She graduated with an MS degree in urban forestry at SU in May 2018 and now continuing her research toward her Ph.D. degree at SU. Onyakachi Ejim conducted his research-based on objective 2 of the project and completed an MS-capstone research project entitled "THE EFFECT OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON DNA AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF SELECTED URBAN TREES IN SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE". He graduated with an MS degree in urban forestry at SU in May 2018 and now working as a professional urban forester. Suresh Palacharla and Shiva Anumula, both graduate students from the Computer Science Dept. at SU received hands-on experiences and assisted in data processing for Objective 1. The project has trained three Ph.D. level graduate students (Eman El Dakkak, Kalisha Hawkins, Swathi Kasibhatla) majoring in urban forestry or environmental toxicology. Eman El Dakkak and Kalisha Hawkins have been working on objective 1 of the project onquantitation of various wavelengths of direct, diffused, and total UVB and UVA distribution above and below the tree canopy, modeling tree canopy reduction powers of UVA and UVB radiation as affected by leaf area index, tree canopy size, and season. Swathi Kasibhatla conducted research on objective 2 of the project. She has completed a dissertation entitled "UV-B INDUCED DNA DAMAGE IN SOUTHERN TREE SPECIES" and graduated with a Ph.D. degree in environmental toxicology in 2020. Both urban forestry students Keona Daniels and Kalisha Hawkins attended a 4-week summer internship with USDA-UVB Monitoring and Research Program at the UVMRP office in Fort Collins, CO to learn the UV-B monitoring techniques for operation and maintenance of the shadow band and other solar monitoring instruments during July 5-August 2, 2015. The project director visited the UVMRP office between July 18 and 22, 2016 to discuss the scientific and technical collaboration related to the UVMRP portable solar radiation monitoring station currently deployed at Southern University (SU-Ag facility). During the visit, UVMRP staff provided additional training regarding the routine servicing and maintenance of the instruments on the portable station including the Ultraviolet and Visible shadow-band radiometers, the UV(A/B) broadband pyranometers, the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensor, supplemental photometer, and pyranometer sensors, and three meteorology sensors. UVMRP staff also shared the details of the entire data processing system from raw voltage data collection, quality assurance and quality control, and calibration procedures, to the formatting of the final data products. The project has significantly enhanced the genetic lab capability for both research and teaching. Theautomated mobile UVA/B monitoring station established through this project has been used not only for the project research but also for student training and experiences. The project has enhanced the urban forestry and natural resource education at Southern University by providing hands-on experiences to undergraduates and graduates enrolled in environmental science, urban forestry ecology, and tree growth and development classes through laboratory exercises (e.g., DNA extraction, isolation, and quantification, etc), and field trips to the UV monitoring station to learn about the instrument and data collection. The project faculty have incorporated the research results into education through presentations and lectures on the mechanism of UV tolerance in trees and the ability of tree canopy interception of harmful solar UV radiation in the urban environment. The project facility such as the mobile UV monitoring station and the genetic research laboratory has also been serving as an interesting recruitment tool through the College Summer BAYOU Program to attract high school students and incoming freshmen to major in agriculture, urban forestry, and natural resources. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In building the research capacity, the project has impacted the constituency and reached the target audience and disseminated research results by the following means. The project has generated 12 articles published in journals including Microscopy and Microanalysis. International Journal of Plant Production, Acta Horticulturae, Acta Scientific Agriculture, and Current Investigations in Agriculture and Current Research, International Innovation, and Journal of Forestry. The project results have been disseminated through 25conference papers/presentations at the local, national, and international conferences and meetings including National Conventions of Society of American Foresters, Plant Biology Annual Conference by American Society of Plant Biologists, Association of 1890 Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium, First Asia-Pacific Urban Forestry Meeting by FAO/FO, The 16th International Congress of Photobiology by International Union of Photobiology (IUPB), Microscopy and Microanalysis (M&M) Annual Meetings, 76th Joint Annual Meeting of Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society and National Institute of Science, Annual Meeting of Society of Toxicology, SC-Society of Toxicology Texas Chapter Meeting,Louisiana SAF Annual Meetings, USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program Seminar at Colorado State University, and the Southern University Department of Environmental Toxicology Seminar Series. The project has produced 5 theses/dissertations including 1 Ph.D. dissertation, 3 MSthesis/capstone projects, and one undergraduate honor thesis. Three Ph.D. students are still working on their dissertations based on the database generated from this project and expected to graduate in 2021. We developed analytic protocols for isolating and quantifying DNA/RNA in select urban tree species and for measuring CPDs and 6,4PPs to determine UV (A/B) induced DNA damage in tree leaves. These protocols are useful to the scientific research community of interest. We have accumulated data and research materials on the genomic DNA and RNA data, UV induced DNA damage data by measuring seasonal changes of CPDs and 6,4PPs in the leaves of 17 southern tree species grown in the natural setting in spring, summer, and fall, repeated for three years in Louisiana. One MS capstone project and one Ph.D. dissertation were generated based on these research data. We developed databases on direct, diffuse, and total radiation for UV-A ( at 317nm, 325nm, 332nm, and 368nm), UVB ( at 300nm, 305nm, and 311nm), Visible light (at 415nm, 500nm, 615nm, 673nm, and 870nm) using UV and visible multi-filter rotating shadow-band radiometers, air temperature, humidity, total UVA, total UVB, and PAR measured above and below tree canopy daily, seasonally, and yearly using the data monitoring and collection protocol of the USDA-UVB Monitoring Network and Research Program. Three urban forestry MS students and one undergraduate working for the project have graduated with their MS thesis/capstone projects/honor thesis developed using the database. Three urban forestry Ph.D. students are working on their dissertations using the database. Our SU AgCenter UVB Monitoring and Research Station established through this project has been listed as one of the official research sites at the USDA-UVB Monitoring and Research Program Network website at http://uvb.nrel.colostate.edu/UVB/index.jsf. The strong partnerships with USDA-FS Northern Research Station and USDA-UVB monitoring and research network and collaborations with scientists from Louisiana State University, Colorado State University, University of Maryland, and others have enhanced our ability to disseminate the research results to the general public and the scientific community of interest. We are continuing to generate peer-review publications and disseminate results through journals, conferences/meetings/workshops, and social media such as Research Gate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yadong_Qi2), Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8cwR4ZUAAAAJ&hl=en), and SU AgCenter Website http://suagcenter.com/. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The project has ended.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Thisjoint research project between Southern University (SU) in Baton Rouge LA and the USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program (UVMRP)at Colorado State University in Fort Collins CO has generated quantitative information on tree canopy interception of solar UVB (280-315nm), UV-A (315-400nm), and visible light (400-760nm), and UV (B/A) induced DNA damage in select 17Southern tree species in the USA. The study concluded that tree canopy can effectively screen out the harmful solar UVB radiation. In the case of Southern live oak, its mature tree canopy can reduce up to 85% for daily total solar UVB radiation during a clear sky day. The total solar UVB radiation consists of direct and diffuseradiation. When analyzed separately, the results show that live oak tree canopy can reduce over 99%, or nearly all the daily direct solar UVB, while the canopy can reduce up to 79% of daily diffusesolar UVB during a clear sky day. The power of the reduction depends on wavelengths, seasons, time of day, weather, and canopy leaf area index. The quantification of tree canopy's ability to intercept solar radiation (UVB, UVA, and Visible light) is useful for effectively communicating urban forest ecological benefits to the general public. The results underline the significance of urban forestry canopy coverage in reducing harmful UVB radiation exposure, thus protecting human health during their outdoor activities. The resulted information has implications for a better understanding of tree canopy UV and Visible light transfer models. The assessment of UV induced DNA damage was completed for 17 select Southern tree species by measuring the UV induced DNA damage products, namely CPDs and 6,4PPs during spring, summer, and fall for three years. The study revealed that all 17 southern tree species experienced some levels of DNA damage throughout the growing season. The statistical analysis showed the degree of DNA damage varied with species, seasons, and years, indicating the complex nature of the tree species in their ability to sustain the UV induced DNA damage. Results indicated all the species investigated have experienced DNA damages in their young leaves collected during the spring, but the damagewas shown either sustained without a further significant increase in some tree species or even reduced in other tree species in the leaves collected inthe summer and fall seasons. This indicates that trees are capable of tolerancing cumulative UVB exposure as their leaves continue to develop and mature from summer to fall. This ability gives trees the advantages to defend themselves from the harmful and enhanced UVB radiation during the growing season. However, the study also showed that in some tree species, UV induced DNA damage was significantly different from year to year, indicating that some tree species' UV tolerance ability may be controlled more by annual changes in environmental conditions rather than seasonal changes within the year. The resulted information will have implications for a better understanding of the genetic aspect of UVB tolerance in diverse tree species. The projectgenerated 12 journal publications, 25 conference papers/presentations/abstracts,five theses/dissertations, and trained 13 students including one postdoc researcher,eight MS-Ph.D. graduate students,two summer intern students, and two undergraduate students. The project provided many professional training and development opportunities for the faculty, staff, and students through attending and/or presenting at the professional conferences, meetings, and seminars. The project has resulted in strong partnerships among SU,UVMRP, and USDA-FS Northern Research Station. Pertaining to the research Goal 1, the project established an automated mobile monitoring station at SU Ag Center (SU-Ag) campus to study tree canopy influence on UV/Visible radiation and other environmental factors in collaboration with UVMRP. The SU-Ag station was paired with the UVMRP Baton Rouge permanent station, located at Louisiana State University Ben Hur Farm serving as the above tree canopy control station. The detailed station components, experimental design, and measurement protocols were described in the previous annual reports. Over the last 5 years, the project generated a large database including direct, diffuse, and total radiation for UV-A ( at 317nm, 325nm, 332nm, and 368nm), UVB ( at 300nm, 305nm, and 311nm), visible light (at 415nm, 500nm, 615nm, 673nm, and 870nm) measured usingUV and visible multi-filter rotating shadow-band radiometers, air temperature, humidity, total UVA, total UVB, and PAR measured above and below tree canopy daily, seasonally, and yearly using the data monitoring and collection protocol of the UVMRP. Three urban forestry MS students and one undergraduate working for the project have developed their MS thesis/capstone projects/honor thesis and graduated. Three urban forestry Ph.D. students are still working on their dissertations using the database. The research indicated that tree canopy can significantly intercept solar UVA and UVB radiation and reduce the ground-level UV radiation. The higher the leaf area index, the better the tree canopy's UV reduction power. A UV transfer model under individual live oak tree canopies was developed by comparing the above- and below-canopy UV irradiance. The result shows that tree canopy reduction power changes with leaf area index, time of day, and season. During the clear-sky days, the canopy average reduction for UV-B irradiance was up to 85% for total radiation, 79% for diffused radiation, and 99% for direct radiation. The canopy average reduction percentage was very high for the direct UV-B radiation at 300, 305, and 311 nm than the total and diffuse radiation at the same wavelengths. PAR and air temperature data were assessed at a 3-minute interval from 9 am to 3 pm daily for 19 clear-sky days from February to May. Air temperature reduction by the tree canopy ranged between 0.17-2.45 oC and averaged 1.82+0.61 oC with the LAI ranged between 0.69-3.9 and averaged 2.31+1.06. The correlation between the air temperature reduction by the tree canopy and LAI was found to be positively statistically significant (P<0.05). The above tree canopy PAR ranged between 1371-1702 umol/m /s and averaged 1588±107umol/m /s, while the below tree canopy PAR ranged between 74-789 umol/m /s and averaged 299±187 umol/m /s. The tree canopy PAR interception power ranged between 50-96% and averaged 81±12%. The tree canopy PAR interception power (%) was positively and significantly correlated to the LAI (p<0.05). Pertaining to Goal 2 - The materials and methods were described in the previous annual report. The project has significantly enhanced our genetic lab capability for research, training, and student learning. We successfully developed analytic protocols for quantification of DNA/RNA, CPDs/6,4PPs to determine UV (A/B) induced DNA damage. We have accumulated a large amount of data and research materials on the genomic DNA and RNA, UV induced DNA damageby measuring seasonal changes of CPDs and 6,4PPs in the leaves of 17 southern tree species grown in the natural setting in spring, summer, and fall, and repeated for three years in Louisiana. One MS capstone project and one Ph.D. dissertation were generated based on these research data. The assessment of the genomic DNA and RNA and CPSs/6,4-PPs were completed for all the species investigated. The assessment showed that all the species investigated have experienced some levels of DNA damage in the young leaves collected during the spring, but, the DNA damage was either sustained without a further increase in some species or even reduced in other species in the leaves collected onthe summer and fall seasons. Comet assay was also used to assess the select species to visualize DNA damage in cells. The detailed results will be published in various journals.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Okwusi, O., Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, J. Henson, and Y. Twumasi, W. Gao, G. Janson and B. Olson, and G. Heisler. 2019. Quantifying the Effects of Clear-Sky Days and Leaf Area Index on Photosynthetic Active Radiation Distribution Above and Below Tree Canopy. p125. In: The 19th Association of 1890 Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium Programs and Abstracts Book. March 30 to April 3, 2019. Jacksonville, Florida
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Ferchaud, V., Y. Qi, and K.L. Chin. 2019. Quantification and Localization of Ultraviolet Radiation Absorbing Compounds in Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora L.) Species. p150. In: The 19th Association of 1890 Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium Programs and Abstracts Book. March 30 to April 3, 2019. Jacksonville, Florida
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Manrique V. and Y. Qi. 2019. Invasive Species Research: Challenges and Opportunities. p182. In: The 19th Association of 1890 Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium Programs and Abstracts Book. March 30 to April 3, 2019. Jacksonville, Florida
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Qi, Y., S. Kasibhatla, V. Ferchaud, J. Henson, R. Uppu, W. Gray, S. Bai and K. Chin, W. Gao, G. Janson, B. Olson, G. Heisler. 2019. Urban Tree Interception of UV Radiation and Its Genetic Consequences. p184. In: The 19th Association of 1890 Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium Programs and Abstracts Book. March 30 to April 3, 2019. Jacksonville, Florida
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Dasari, L., Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, J. Henson, W. Gao, G. Janson, and B. Olson, G. Heisler. 2019. Modeling the Influence of Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) Tree Canopy on Air Temperature in Urban Environment During Clear-Sky Days. p293. In: The 19th Association of 1890 Research Directors Biennial Research Symposium Programs and Abstracts Book. March 30 to April 3, 2019. Jacksonville, Florida
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
El Dakkak, Eman, Yadong Qi and Vanessa Ferchaud. 2019. Effects of Quercus virginiana Tree Canopies on Reduction of Solar Ultraviolet-B Radiation in Urban Environment. Abstract. In Proceedings of 2019 Society of American Foresters (SAF) October 30- November 02, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Journal of Forestry, Volume 118, Issue 2, March 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Dasari, L., Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, J. Hanson, W. Goa, G. Hanson, and B. Olson. Assessing Air Temperature Reduction by Single Tree Canopies: A Case Study of Quercus virginiana. Abstract. In Proceedings of 2019 Society of American Foresters (SAF) October 30- November 02, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Journal of Forestry, Volume 118, Issue 2, March 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Okwusi, O., Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, W. Goa, G. Janson, B. Olson and G. Heisler. Assessment of Tree Canopy Interception of Photosynthetic Active Radiation: A Case Study of Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) During Clear-sky Days. Abstract. In Proceedings of 2019 Society of American Foresters (SAF) October 30- November 02, 2019. Louisville, Kentucky. Journal of Forestry, Volume 118, Issue 2, March 2020.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Vanessa Ferchaud, Yadong Qi and Kit Chin. 2020. Localization and Quantification of Total UV Absorbing Compounds in Green Ash (Fraxinus Pennsylvanica). Microscopy and Microanalysis: July 2020, pp. 1-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927620014336. Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 July 2020.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Kasibhatla, Swathi. 2020. UV-B Induced DNA Damage in Select Southern Tree Species. 396pp. Ph.D. Dissertation, Southern University. ProQuest. (Dissertation Committee Co-Chairs: Dr. Yadong Qi and Dr. Rao Uppu)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Kasibhatla, V. Ferchaud, Y. Qi and R.M. Uppu (2019). UV-B Induced DNA Damage in Southern Oak Tree Species. SC-SOT Texas Chapter Meeting, Shreveport, Louisiana, October 2019.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Sue Chin, Yadong Qi, Kit L Chin, Vanessa A Ferchaud, Michael Breithaupt and Roosevelt Payne. 2018. Fertilizer Effects on Nutrient Elements, Total Polyphenols and Anti-oxidant Contents of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Leaves. Current Investigations in Agriculture and Current Research 2(4):1-5, 2018. CIACR.MS.ID.000142. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325481407_Fertilizer_Effects_on_Nutrient_Elements_Total_Polyphenols_and_Anti-oxidant_Contents_of_Roselle_Hibiscus_sabdariffa_Leaves
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Yadong Qi gave a presentation entitled Overview of Urban Forestry Education and Research at Southern University Land-Grant Campus . Diversity in Wildfire Summit, USDA-FS, Baton Rouge, LA. April 18-20, 2017.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
S. Kashibhatla, V. Ferchaud, Y. Qi and R.M. Uppu, (2020). Ultraviolet B Radiation-Induced DNA Damage in Southern Oak Tree Species, 59th Annual Meeting of Society of Toxicology; Anaheim, California, March 2020.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Qi, Y., G. Heisler, W.Gao, T.C. Vogelmann, V. Ferchaud, K.L. Chin, S. Bai, W. Gray, K. Abdollahi. 2014. Resilient trees. International Innovation 128:12-15. http://www.internationalinnovation.com/resilient-trees/
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Lakshmi M. Dasari (Graduate Student), Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, J. Henson, W. Gao, G. Janson, B. Olson, and G. Heisler presented a poster Modeling the Influence of Live Oak Tree Canopy on Air Temperature at the 76th Joint Annual Meeting of Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society and National Institute of Science in Atlanta, GA March 27-31, 2019
|
Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes UV monitoring and research scientific community, urban forest ecologists and tree physiologists, tree geneticists, agricultural and forest meteorologists, photo-biologists, plant biologists, forest researchers, urban forest and park managers who can make an informed decision on selection of UV tolerance tree species. The resulted information is also useful to the general public by increasing the educational awareness of the ecological benefits provided by urban forests, forests, and trees including how tree canopy influences the ground level UV distribution, the air temperature, and visible radiation.The project is also targeting the training of the next generation of urban forestry professionals by providing research and experiential learning opportunities to postdoc, graduate and undergraduate students. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has made significant impacts on training the next generation of the workforce. The project has so far trained 13 students includingone postdoc researcher, 8 MS-PhD graduate students, 2 summer intern students, and 2 undergraduatestudents. The training has enhanced their knowledge in UV-B monitoring and research, forest ecology and tree genetics and their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The training will better prepare them for conducting independent research and becoming professionals in agriculture and forestry in the near future. The project has provided professional training and development opportunities for the faculty, staff, and students involved in the project to attendprofessional conferences including LA-SAF, LA-NAS, LNLA, M&M, SAF, ISA , ARD conferences. Training of students, staff, and faculty - so far theproject has trained one postdoc/research associate (Dr. Vanessa Ferchaud) who was hired for the project from 2014-2018 to conduct research and help supervise the lab and students' research activities and a Vanessa has received intensive training through the project. She is now promoted to research assistant professorandwill continue to participate in the project. The project has trained two undergraduate student interns, Keona Daniels, and Larry J. Brisco. They participated in the project and received hands-on training on the lab and field operation of the UV-B monitoring station and data collection. Keona did a senior honor thesis based on the project and won the Thurgood Marshall Scholar Award. Both students have graduated with a BS Degree in Urban Forestry, entered the professional world while attending graduate schools. The project has trained five MS level graduate students (Lakshmi Dasari, Suresh Palacharla, Shiva Anumula, Onyakachi Ejim, and Okwusi Jane Obiageli). Lakshmi Dasari conducted her research based on objective 1 of the project and completed an MS-capstone research project entitled "INFLUENCE OF A SINGLE TREE CANOPY ON AIR TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, AND UVB RADIATION". She graduated with an MS degree in urban forestry at SU in May 2018.Okwusi Jane Obiageli conducted her research based on the objective 1 of the project and completed an MS-capstone research project entitled "EFFECTS OF CLEAR-SKY DAYS, AND LEAF INDEX AREA (LAI) ON PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVE RADIATION (PAR) DISTRIBUTION ABOVE AND BELOW TREE CANOPY", for which she won the 1st place in the graduate poster competition at the 40th Louisiana Society of American Foresters Annual Conference. She graduated with an MS degree in urban forestry at SU in May 2018. Both Jane and Lakshmi are currently enrolled in the Urban Forestry Ph.D. The program at SU continuing UV related research. Onyakachi Ejim conducted his research-based the objective 2 of the project and completed an MS-capstone research project entitled "THE EFFECT OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON DNA AND CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF SELECTED URBAN TREES IN SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE". He graduated with an MS degree in urban forestry at SU in May 2018 and now is enrolled in the environmental toxicology Ph.D. program at SU.Suresh Palacharla and Shiva Anumula, both graduate students from the Computer Science Dept. at SU, received hands-on experiences and assisted in data processing for Objective 1. The project has trained three PhD level graduate students (Eman El Dakkak, Kalisha Hawkins, Swathi Kasibhatla). Eman El Dakkak and Kalisha Hawkins are working on quantitation of various wavelengths of direct, diffused and total UVB and UVA distribution above and below the tree canopy, modeling tree canopy reduction powers of UVA and UVB radiation as affected by leaf area index, tree canopy size, and season. Swathi Kasibhatla is working on the DNA damage and repair mechanism focusing on objective 2. All three Ph.D. students are expected to graduate in the 2019-2020 academic year. One urban forestry undergraduate (Keona Daniels) and one PhD graduate assistant (Kalisha Hawkins) were selected for a 4-week summer internship at the UVMRP office in Fort Collins, CO to learn the UV-B monitoring techniques for operation and maintenance of the shadowband and other solar monitoring instruments during July 5-August 2, 2015. The project director visited the UVMRP office between July 18 and 22, 2016 to discuss the scientific and technical issues related to the UVMRP portable solar radiation monitoring station currently deployed at Southern University (SU-Ag facility). During the visit, UVMRP staff provided additional training regarding the routine servicing and maintenance of the instruments on the portable station (including the Ultraviolet and Visible shadowband radiometers, the UV(A/B) broadband Pyranometers, the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) sensor, supplemental Photometer and Pyranometer sensors, and three meteorology sensors). UVMRP staff also shared the details of the entire data processing system from raw voltage data collection, quality assurance and quality control, and calibration procedures, to the formatting of the final data products. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The project has impacted the constituency and reach the target audience through; (1) providing publications, presentations, website such as research gate, google scholar; (2) disseminating research results at the local, national and international conferences and meetings; (3) building partnerships with USDA-FS Northern Research Station and USDA-UVB monitoring and research network at Fort Collins, Co; (4) strengthening collaborations with scientists in Louisiana State University Baton Rouge LA and Colorado State University in Fort Collins CO; (5) creating research training opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students and postdoc in forestry and natural resources. The project has so far generated the following: -7 journal publications -10conference paper/abstract -8presentations -1 honor thesis -3 MS-capstone research projects -1 Web link to USDA-UVB Monitoring and Research Program -1 automated mobile UVB and UVA monitoring station for the study of tree canopy interception of UV radiation -2 analytic protocols for isolating and quantifying DNA/RNA in urban trees, and measuring CPDs and 6,4PPs to determine UV (A/B) induced DNA damage in tree leaves. -3 Databases for UV monitoring, genomic DNA/RNA, and UV induced DNA damage in select southern tree species. The project has enhanced the urban forestry and natural resource education at Southern University by introducing undergraduate and graduate classes to the research activities, through (1) laboratory exercises (e.g., DNA extraction, isolation and quantification, etc), (2) field demonstrations of UV monitoring instrument and data collection process, (3) presentations and lectures on mechanism of UV tolerance in trees and ability of tree canopy perception of harmful solar UV radiation in urban environment. The project facility such as the mobile UV monitoring station and the genetic research laboratory have been serving as an interesting recruitment tool to attracted high school students and incoming freshman to major in urban forestry. We will continue working on publications through peer-reviewed journals. We arealsodisseminating the researchinformation through the following means - Research Gate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yadong_Qi2), Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8cwR4ZUAAAAJ&hl=en) SU AgCenter Website http://suagcenter.com/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue the data processing and analyses, topredict urban tree canopy influence on UVA (direct and total at different wavelengths), UVB (direct and total at different wavelengths), PAR, temperature and humidity and their relations with Leaf Area Index and other meteorological parameters in cooperation with USDA-UVB Monitoring and Research Program. We will continue to work (1) on assessing general marker of DNA oxidative damage by measuring the promutagenic base 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) at the different stages of the leaf development in the selected tree species during a growing season, (2) measuring protein and gene expression of UV-specific DNA polymerase and CPD- and 6,4PP-photolyase to detect repair mechanism We will conduct the PCR work for UVR-8 using Pyrus and Populus Assays from Invitrogen, expression of CPD-Photolyase and UVR-8, both genes as part of UV-resistance locus (UVR). Since most species we are working on do not have their genome sequenced, phylogenetically related Pyrus and Populus species are being used to check for expression of both genes using RT-PCR. DNA from both species previously extracted will serve as positive controls for the assay. This may help pave our next step of the research and future researchdirection. We will develop manuscripts for publications in peer-reviewed journals and make presentations at relevant national and international conferences. We will continuetraining graduate students to ensure their success in research and generate top quality dissertation and peer-reviewed publications. We will evaluate our research and develop a continuation plan for research for future funding. Upon completion of the project, we will gain seasonal UV-induced DNA damage/repair mechanism in trees. It is anticipated that the research will generatenew knowledge that discovers UV-B screening strategies and UV-B tolerance mechanism in selected southern trees, leading to a better understanding of urban forest effects on UV radiation in the urban environment and UV effects on the trees' genetic stability. The information will enhance our ability to select UV tolerant species for maintaining healthy and sustainable forests. The results will have implications for predicting the effect of UV on both natural and urban forests and adaptation of forests to the changing environment. The methodologies developed and instrumentation and protocols used will benefit many researchers who are interested in studyingany tree species, anywhere, for a similar nature.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In building capacity, the project has so far generated the following: 7 journal publications 10 conference papers/abstracts 8 presentations One honor thesis 3 MS-capstone research projects One Web link to USDA-UVB Monitoring and Research Program One automated mobile UVB and UVA monitoring station for the study of tree canopy interception of UV radiation 2 analytic protocols for isolating and quantifying DNA/RNA in urban trees, and measuring CPDs and 6,4PPs to determine UV (A/B) induced DNA damage in tree leaves. *3 Databases for UV monitoring, genomic DNA/RNA, and UV induced DNA damage in select southern tree species The project has so far trained 13 students including 1 postdoc researcher, 8 MS-PhD graduate students, 2 summer intern students, and 2 undergraduate students Other accomplishment for each goal include: Goal 1: we areconductingstatistically comparative and timeseries analyses for thedata collected from above and below tree canopies during the last 4 years, to model the tree canopy influences on direct, diffuse, and total UV-A( at 317nm, 325nm, 332nm, and 368nm), UVB ( at 300nm, 305nm, and 311nm), as well as thetree canopy effectson air temperature,humidity, and total solar photosynthetic active radiation.Based on the data analysis, live oak tree canopy showssignificantinterception of solar UVA and UVB radiation and reduce the ground level UV radiation. The higher the leaf area index, the better the tree canopy's UV reduction power. A UV transfer model under individual live oak tree canopies was developed by comparing the above-canopy and below-canopy UV irradiance. The result shows that tree canopy reduction power changes with leaf area index, time of day, and season. During the clear-sky days in summer month June, the live oak tree canopies can reduce 80-90% of UVA and UVB radiation. Goal 2:We have developed a robust DNA extraction/isolation protocol for leaf tissues of the selecttree species,after many trials of different methods. Our study has shown that combining the Tissuelyser with the QIAcube and DNeasy Plant Kit yields the most acceptable results for DNA isolation in terms of the quality and quantity of DNA, A260/A280 ratios, and the examination using gel electrophoresis. The good quality of DNA isolation is the key for further DNA digestion to determine UV (B/A) induced DNA damage by measuring the occurrence of 6, 4-photoproducts of thymine and cytosine (6,4PPs) and the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs).In addition to developing protocols for DNA isolation in select trees, we have been building up our genetic research facility at SU AgCenter. We were able to leverage funding from the SU AgCenter and other sources to add the following instruments to enhance our research: Nanodrop 2000/2000c Spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific), Microplate Reader (Bioteck ELX800 UV), Quantstudio 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System (Life Technology), E-gel Imager with i-base (Life technology), UV exposure lamps system for UVA, UVB and UVC (Cole Palmer), stable temperature water bath (Cole Palmer), gel electrophoresis units with necessary supplies and accessories. These instruments will significantly enhance our ability to accomplish the objectives of Goal 2. We have standardized the protocol for quantification of UV induced DNA damage by measuring seasonal changes ofCyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers (CPDs) and 6,4-PhotoProducts (6,4-PPs), using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique.We are using the "indirect" protocol for estimation of CPDs and 6,4PPS in DNA by ELISA. About 500 pg of DNA from all the 17 species were coated onto a 96-well plated along with serially-diluted standards and incubated overnight at 4°C. The plates were probed for CPDs and 6,4-PPs using anti-CPD antibody and anti-6,4-PP antibody, the next day. The CPDs and 6,4-PPs were comparatively measured to determine the most UV-tolerant and the most UV-intolerant species. This step was also completed for 3 seasons (Spring, Summer, and Fall) for three consecutive years (2015-2016-2017). Preliminary analysis shows that DNA damage occurredalmost in all thetree species studied, but the magnitudes varied greatly among species. We are currently assessing DNA/RNA, CPSs/6,4-PPs databases to compare the differences among select tree species. Working is in progress for usingComet Assay (Single Cell Electrophoresis)to visualize DNA damage in a cell and for identifying the general marker of DNA oxidative damage (8-oxodG) and protein and gene expression of UV-specific DNA polymerase (UVR2 and UVR8) to determine the repair mechanism of UV (A/B) induced DNA damage. It is anticipated that the research will generate new knowledge that discovers UV-B screening strategies and UV-B tolerance mechanism in selected southern trees, leading to a better understanding of urban forest effects on UV radiation in the urban environment and UV effects on the trees' genetic stability. The information will enhance our ability to select UV tolerant species for maintaining healthier and sustainable forests. The results will have implications in predicting the effect of UV climate change on both wild-land and urban forests and adaptation of forests to the changing environment.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Onyakachi Ejim, May 2018. The Effect of Ultraviolet Radiation On DNA And Chlorophyll Content of Selected Urban Trees in Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge. An MS capstone research project report. M.S. Degree in Urban Forestry - Southern University and A&M College, May, 2018. 53pp. (Committee Chair: Dr. Yadong Qi)
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Lakshmi Dasari. May 2018. Influence of a Single Tree Canopy on Air Temperature, Humidity And UVB Radiation. An MS-capstone research project report. M.S. Degree in Urban Forestry - Southern University and A&M College, May 2018. 44pp. (Committee Chair: Dr. Yadong Qi)
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Okwusi Jane Obiageli, May, 2018. Effects of Clear-Sky Days, and Leaf Index Area (LAI) on Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) Distribution Above and Below Tree Canopy. An MS-capstone research project report. M.S. Degree in Urban Forestry - Southern University and A&M College, May 2018. 49pp. (Committee Chair: Dr. Yadong Qi)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Obiageli Okwusi (Graduate Student), Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, J. Henson, Y. Twumasi, W. Gao, G. Janson, B. Olson, and G. Heisler presented a poster Effects of Live Oak Tree Canopy on Photosynthetic Active Radiation Distribution During Clear-Sky Days at the 40th LASAF Annual Meeting in Pineville LA during Feb 6, 2019. The poster won the 1st place in the graduate poster competition.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Lakshmi M. Dasari (Graduate Student), Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, J. Henson, W. Gao, G. Janson, B. Olson, and G. Heisler presented a poster Quantifying the Effect of Leaf Area Index (LAI) of Live Oak Tree Canopy on Air Temperature Using Ground-Based Measurements at the 40th LASAF Annual Meeting in Pineville LA during Feb 6, 2019.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Vanessa A. Ferchaud, Yadong Qi, and Kit L. Chin. 2018. Localization and Quantification of Total UV Absorbing Compounds in Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia). Microscopy and Microanalysis 24(S1):1194-1195, DOI: 10.1017/S1431927618006451 (August 2018) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326870582_Localization_and_Quantification_of_Total_UV_Absorbing_Compounds_in_Chinese_Elm_Ulmus_parvifolia
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Kit L Chin, Yadong Qi, Adolfo Pertuz, Julia Coppin, Qing-Li Wu and James Simon. 2018. The Use of LC/UV/MS for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Phytochemicals in Roselle Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Leaves". Acta Scientific Agriculture 2.8 (2018): 73-78. https://actascientific.com/ASAG/ASAG-02-0148.php
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Sue Chin, Yadong Qi, Kit L Chin, Vanessa A Ferchaud, Michael Breithaupt and Roosevelt Payne. 2018. Fertilizer Effects on Nutrient Elements, Total Polyphenols and Anti-oxidant Contents of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Leaves. Current Investigations in Agriculture and Current Research 2(4):1-5, 2018. CIACR.MS.ID.000142. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325481407_Fertilizer_Effects_on_Nutrient_Elements_Total_Polyphenols_and_Anti-oxidant_Contents_of_Roselle_Hibiscus_sabdariffa_Leaves
|
Progress 09/01/16 to 08/31/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes UV monitoring and research community, urban forest ecologists and tree physiologists, tree geneticists, agricultural and forest meteorologists, photo-biologists, plant biologists, forest researchers, urban forest and park managers who can make an informed decision on the selection of UV tolerance tree species. The findings will also useful to the general public by increasing educational awareness of the ecological benefits provided by urban forests, forests and trees. The project is also targeting on training of next generation of urban forestry professionals by providing research and experiential learning opportunities to post doc, graduate and undergraduate students. Efforts to reach the target audience include (1) publications, presentations, websites such as research gate, google scholar; (2) attending conferences and meetings to disseminate the project research information; (3) developing partnerships with USDA-FS Northern Research Station and USDA-UVB monitoring and research network at Fort Collins, Co; (4) developing interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists in Louisiana State University Baton Rouge LA, University of Maryland College Park, and University of North Carolina at Wilmington, NC, and (5) providing research training opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students and postdoc and visiting scholars in forestry and natural resources. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In FY 2017, the project provided various hands-on research & training opportunities to undergraduate, graduate, and postdoc in UV-B monitoring and research, and in forest ecology & tree genetics. Specifically, the project has provided research and training opportunities to one postdoc researcher, six graduate students, two undergraduates, and one summer intern. The two undergraduate students received training on how to operate the UVB monitoring system and data collection, and made presentations at the SU honor college seminar and urban forestry ecology group seminar. One summer intern worked on DNA extraction and quantification in tree leaves. Two PhD students are working on quantitation of various wavelengths of direct, diffused, and total UVB and UVA distribution patterns below tree canopy and modelling tree canopy reduction powers of UVA and UVB radiation as affected by leaf area index, tree canopy size, and solar angles. Two MS students are working on influence of tree canopy on PAR, temperature, humidity, total UVB and UVA radiation. One MS student is studying the effect of UVB exposure on DNA damage and chlorophyll content in select tree species. And one PhD student is working on the DNA damage and repair mechanism. The postdoc researcher is coordinating the overall student lab activities, data analysis and assisting PI in preparing manuscript for publications and report. One UVMRP technician from Colorado State University visited SU in May 2017 to assist in (a) assembling the shadowband and other solar monitoring instruments onto a mobile cart at the SU-Ag facility and successfully testing its performance in the field and (b) train the SU graduate and undergraduate and postdoc students. The project has benefited urban forestry and natural resource studentsat Southern University by introducing undergraduate and graduate classes to the research project, through (i) laboratory exercises (e.g., DNA extraction, isolation and quantification, etc), (ii) field demonstrations of UV monitoring instrument and data collection process, (iii) presentations and lectures on mechanism of UV tolerance in trees and ability of tree canopy perception of harmful solar UV radiation in urban environment. The project has provided professional development opportunities for project participants to attend the following conferences and meetings: The 18th Biennial ARD's Research Symposium Program & Abstracts, Atlanta GA. April 1-4, 2017. The project has enhanced the partnerships with USDA-FS Northern Research Station, USDA-UVB monitoring and research network at Fort Collins, Co, Louisiana State University Baton Rouge LA; University of Maryland College Park; and University of North Carolina at Wilmington, NC. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During FY 17, the projectdisseminated the following products: (1) Published two research journal papers: one in Microscopy & Microanalysis and the other in Acta Horticultura. (2) Published two conference paper/abstracts at the 18th Biennial ARD's Research Symposium Program & Abstracts, Atlanta GA. April 1-4, 2017. (3) The project provides a web link to USDA-UVB Monitoring and Research Program at http://uvb.nrel.colostate.edu/UVB/index.jsf (4) Wedemonstrated the automated mobile UVB and UVA monitoring station, which has become an effective recruitment tool, to college& high school students, to attract them to chooseagriculture,urban forestry& natural resources as their majorincollege. (5) The PI gave presentations introducing the project to (a)college students from 18 HBCU institutions attending the USDA-FS Sponsored College Students Fire Summit at SU in April, 2017 and (b)high school seniors attending the Summer BAYOU recruitment program at SU in June 2017. (6) Our dissemination efforts continuedthrough the following means: Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yadong_Qi2 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8cwR4ZUAAAAJ&hl=en SU AgCenter Website: http://suagcenter.com/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During next reporting period, we will continue to conduct data analysis in cooperation with USDA-UVB Monitoring and Research Program and quantify the canopy influence on UV(A/B) reduction and its relationship to Leaf Area Index and other tree and environmental factors. It is expected that three MS students will graduate & develop research papers for publication onproject goal 1. We will continue the work on (1) identification of a general marker of DNA oxidative damage by measuring the promutagenic base 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) at the different stages of the leaf development in the selected trees during a growing season;(2) the repair of UV (B/A) induced DNA damage by measuring protein and gene expression of UV-specific DNA polymerase and CPD- and 6,4PP-photolyase; and (3) assay of endonuclease V and photolyase activity. One PhD student is expected to develop research paper for publicationon project goal 2.At the meantime, we are continuing to develop new & more effective methods involving the Comet Assay, ELISA for CPDS, PPs and 8-OHdG using kits from Cell Biolabs to continue tostreamline the research protocoland improve the accuracy and consistency of results. The project team will develop manuscripts for publications in peer-reviewed journals and make presentations at national& international conferences. We will continue to train undergraduate& graduate students to ensure their success in research and generate top quality research papers. And we will also provide internship & work-study opportunities for undergraduate students to inspire their critical thinking skills and enhance their hands-on learning skills. Lastly, we will evaluate our research and develop a continuation plan for the research for future funding.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Goal 1: We continued our data collection under the live oak tree canopies using the automated mobile monitoring station at Southern University Ag Center (SU-Ag) facility to study tree canopy interception of UV and visible radiation in collaboration with USDA UVB Monitoring& Research Program (UVMRP) at Colorado State University. The SU-Ag station was configured and calibrated using UVMRP network protocol and data collection software program by the UVMRP collaborator. It was streamlined and coupled with the UVMRP Baton Rouge permanent station, located at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Ben Hur Farm, 10 miles from SU-Ag Campus. The UVMRP Baton Rouge permanent station at the LSU Ben Hur Farm was used as an open control station for above canopy data collection. Using both stations, wecollected data from above& below individual live oak tree canopies during the spring and summer and fall of 2015, 2016, and 2017 growing seasons. The data collection protocol followed the first year report. Weestablished the database of UVA (317nm, 325nm, 332nm, and 368nm), UVB (300nm, 305nm, and 311nm), visible light (PAR), air temperature, air humidity, total UVA and total UVB above& below live oak tree canopies. We areanalyzing the database to develop models on tree canopy influences on above mentioned variables and assess their daily& seasonal trends. Goal 2: Leaf samples from previous reported 18 broadleaf tree species were collected in spring, summer& fall seasons of 2017, which is the last year for 3-year cycle of sample collection. The samples from the 18 species were collected from SU Tree Farm, located on the SU Campus. The leaves were picked at random from the most sun-exposed area of the tree branches& were placed in freezer bags and stored at -80°C for further use. Samples stored at -80°C were used to extract DNA using DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen). Leaves were cut using a clean sharp razor, avoiding the midrib and the side veins (if possible). 100 mg of leaf sample was weighed from each species for the purpose of DNA extraction. The leaves were then ground to fine powder using Tissuelyser LT (Qiagen) and processed further before loading them into QIAcube (Qiagen) for the extraction of DNA. QIAcube is an automated DNA extraction instrument for processing 12 samples at a time. Upon extracting DNA from the leaf samples, the quality and quantity of DNA extracted was assessed using Nanodrop 2000/2000c. CPDs and 6,4-PPs are measures of UV-induced DNA damage in a species and are estimated using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. 500 pg of DNA was coated onto a 96-well plated along with serially-diluted standards and incubated overnight at 4°C. The plates were probed for CPDs and 6,4-PPs using anti-CPD antibody and anti-6,4-PP antibody, the next day. The CPDs and 6,4-PPs were comparatively measured to determine the most UV-tolerant and the most UV-intolerant species. So far we have completed extraction of DNA and RNA from the leaf samples of the 18 tree speceis collected in spring, summer, and fall from the last three years (2015, 2016, 2017). When performing ELISA, more 6,4PPs were observed than CPDs in all the species. Some species show increased DNA damage from spring season to summer season while other species show no sign. We are currently assessing DNA/RNA, CPSs/6,4-PPs databases to compare the differences among select tree species. DNA damage occurred almost in all tree species studied, and the magnitude varied with species. Single Cell Electrophoresis (Comet Assay) - Comet Assay was performed to visualize DNA damage in a cell. As plant cells have cell walls, comet assay cannot be used directly. Fresh leaf sample, around 200 mg was taken and ground to powder using Tissuelyser LT and subjected to nuclear extraction using CelLyticTM PN Isolation/Extraction Kit (Sigma-Aldrich). Upon extraction of nuclei, the comet assay kit OxiSelectTM 96-Well Assay (Cellbiolabs) was employed to perform Comet Assay. The nuclei were subjected to Alkaline Electrophoresis, revealing single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks and alkali-labile sites in the DNA. The nuclei were viewed under Fluorescence Microscopy using FITC filter. Data are to be analyzed. We are currently working on identifying the general marker of DNA oxidative damage (8-oxodG) and protein and gene expression of UV-specific DNA polymerase (UVR2 and UVR8) to determine the repair mechanism of UV (A/B) induced DNA damage. The comprehensive assessment of the 3 years' data will help explain the degree of DNA damage and their relative repair ability in these trees. One postdoc researcher and six graduate students are participating in the project. They includethree PhD students & three MS students. Two PhD students are working on quantitation of various wavelengths of direct, diffused and total UVB and UVA distribution below the tree canopy and modelling tree canopy reduction powers of UVA and UVB radiation as affected by leaf area index, tree canopy size, and solar angles. Two MS students are working on influence of tree canopy on PAR, Temperature, Humidity, Total UVB and UVA radiation. One MS student is studying the effect of UVB exposure on DNA damage& chlorophyll content in select tree species; and one PhD student is working on the DNA damage and repair mechanism. The postdoccoordinated the student lab activities,conducted research& assisted the PI in preparing manuscript for publications and reports.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Vanessa A. Ferchaud, Yadong Qi, and Kit L. Chi. 2018. Localization and Quantification of Total UV Absorbing Compounds in Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia). Microscopy & Microanalysis 2018
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Chin, K.L., Zhen, J., Qi, Y., Chin, S.L., Breithaupt, M., Wu, Q.L., Simon, J., Henson, J. and Ferchaud, V. (2016). A comparative evaluation: phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of three roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) accessions. Acta Horticulturae 1125, 99-108 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1125.12, https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1125.12,
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Y. Qi, V. Ferchaud, G. Heisler, W. Gao. 2017. How Do Trees Cope with UV-B Radiation? - Biophysical Mechanism of UV-B Tolerance in Selected Southern Broadleaf Trees. In the Abstract Book, The 18th Biennial ARDs Research Symposium Program & Abstracts, p285, Atlanta GA. April 1-4, 2017.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
V.A. Ferchaud, and Y. Qi. 2017. Visualization and Quantification of Ultraviolet Radiation Absorbing Compounds in Five Tree Species. In the Abstract Book, The 18th Biennial ARDs Research Symposium Program & Abstracts, p285, Atlanta GA. April 1-4, 2017.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Yadong Qi gave a presentation entitled Overview of Urban Forestry Education and Research at Southern University Land-Grant Campus . Diversity in Wildfire Summit, USDA-FS, Baton Rouge, LA. April 18-20, 2017.
|
Progress 09/01/15 to 08/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes UV monitoring and research community, urban forest ecologists and tree physiologists, tree geneticists, agricultural and forest meteorologists, photo-biologists, plant biologists, forest researchers, urban forest and park managers, undergraduate and graduate students, postdoc researchers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Dr. Yadong Qi visited the UVMRP office in Fort Collins, CO to process the data collected by the mobile UV station at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. She gained advanced techniques for calibration, operation, and maintenance of the shadow band and other solar monitoring instruments, including determining the source of typical problems by examining characteristic appearances of data graphs, and some hands-on work with the instruments in the maintenance lab. This project provided various hands-on research training opportunites to undergraduate, graduate, and postdoc in UV-B monitoring and research, and in forest ecology and tree genetics. The project participants gained professional development through attending conferences and meetings and giving presentations at (1) the 2015 National Convention of Society of American Foresters, Nov. 2-6, 2015, Baton Rouge, LA; (2) the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, July 21, 2016; (3) First Asia-Pacific Urban Forestry Meeting. FAO/FO. April 6-8, 2016, Zhuhai, China; and (4) the 2016 Microscopy and Microanalysis (M&M 2016) Annual Meeting from July 24-28 in Columbus Ohio. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?During the last year, the project generated 4 journal publications including International Journal of Plant Production, Microscopy and Microanalsysis, and Journal of Forestry. The current and previous publications are disseminated through Research gate - www.researchgate.net/profile/Yadong_Qi2, and Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8cwR4ZUAAAAJ&hl=en). The project generated 3 conference paper and presentations at international conferences including the National Convention of Society of American Foresters, Microscopy and Microanalysis Annual Meeting, and the First Asia-Pacific Urban Forestry Meeting. Undergraduate student Keona Daniels developed a honor thesis based on her internship with the project at SU and Colorado State University, the thesis was titled "Quantifying the Ability of Tree Canopy Interception to UV-A and UV-B radiation". She presented to the Honor College at SU. The Southern University UV monitoring site has been included in the USDA-UVMRP website network station list for access to data and products, http://uvb.nrel.colostate.edu/UVB/index.jsf The project director visited the USDA UVB monitoring and research program and gave a presentation titled "Introduction of Urban Forestry in the USA and Overview of Urban Forestry Education and Research at Southern University" at the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, July 21, 2016. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will continue to investigatethe relationships between canopy UV(A/B) interception and Leaf Area Index in live oak and mixed forest canopy. We will determine (1) a general marker of DNA oxidative damage by measuring the promutagenic base 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) at the different stages of the leaf development in the selected trees during a growing season and (2) the repair of UV (B/A) induced DNA damage by measuring protein and gene expression of UV-specific DNA polymerase and CPD- and 6,4PP-photolyase. We will conduct assay of endonuclease V and photolyase activity. We will assay DNA repair enzymes for each species in different seasons and different species in a given season, we will perform PCR for UVR-8 using Pyrus and Populus Assays from Invitrogen, expression of CPD-Photolyase and UVR-8, both genes aspart of UV-resistance locus (UVR). Since most species we are working on do not have their genome sequenced, phylogenetically related Pyrus and Populus species are being used to check for expression of both genes using RT-PCR. DNA from both species previously extracted will serve as positive controls for the assay. We will also perform Comet Assay, ELISA for CPDS, PPs and 8-OHdG using kits from Cell Biolabs for 2016 samples. Comet Assay is also calledSingle Cell Gel Electrophoresis assay (SCGE). It is a sensitive technique for the detection of DNA damage at the level of individual eukaryotic cell. It is a popular standard technique for evaluation of DNA damage/repair, biomonitoring and genotoxicity testing. Cells/nuclei are placed in a low-melting-point agarose suspension, lysed in neutral or alkaline (pH>13) conditions, and electrophoresed. To improve consistency of results, kits will be purchased from Cell Biolabs for ELISA. Kits for estimation of CPDs, 6,4-PPs and 8-hydroxy deoxyGuanosine(8-OHdG) will estimate DNA damage products in each species and across seasons.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Pertaining to research goal 1 - The project director visited the UVMRP office between July 18 and 22, 2016 to discuss the scientific and technical issues related to the UVMRP portable solar radiation monitoring station currently deployed at Southern University (SU-Ag facility). During the visit, UVMRP staff provided additional training regarding the routine servicing and maintenance of the instruments on the portable station (including the Ultraviolet and Visible shadowband radiometers, the UV(A/B) broadband Pyranometers, the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) sensor, supplemental Photometer and Pyranometer sensors, and three meteorology sensors). UVMRP staff also shared the details of the entire data processing system from raw voltage data collection, quality assurance and quality control, and calibration procedures, to the formatting of the final data products. In the past year, the overall data collection rate of the portable station was above 95%. In addition to the portable station that was used to measure the UV-VIS spectrum under canopies of urban trees (e.g. live oak), the nearby UVMRP station at Louisiana State University provided comparable UV-VIS spectrum for the whole sky uninterrupted by tree canopy. We have established the database on canopy influences on UVA (317nm, 325nm, 332nm, and 368nm), UVB (300nm, 305nm, and 311nm), visible light (PAR), air temperature, air humidity, and their daily and seasonal trends. And we are continuously building upon it as we collect more data. Preliminary data analysis indicated that tree canopy can significantly intercept solar UVA and UVB radiation and reduce the ground level UV radiation. Based on the data collected from southern live oaks, the higher the leaf area index, the better the tree canopy's UV reduction power. An UV transfer model under individual live oak tree canopies was developed by comparing the above-canopy and below-canopy UV irradiance. The result shows that tree canopy reduction power changes with leaf area index, time of day, and season. During the clear-sky days in summer month June, the live oak tree canopies can reduce 80-90% of UVA and UVB radiation. Pertaining to the goal 2, we have been extracting tree DNA and RNA from the leaf samples collected from various southern broadleaf trees in spring, summer, and fall from last two years (2015 and 2016) to determine the seasonal changes. We have standardized the protocol for quantification of UV induced DNA damage by measuring seasonal changes of CPDs and 6,4PPs in leaves of various southern trees grown in city of Baton Rouge and receiving natural UV (A/B) exposures throughout the growing season. We are using the "indirect" protocol for estimation of CPDs and 6,4PPS in DNA by ELISA. We have collected data on CPDs and 6,4PPs for the 2015 season. Based on the 2015 season's data, preliminary analysis shows that DNA damage occurred almost in all tree species studied, and the magnitude varied with species including river birch, redtip photinia, sweetgum, southern magnolia, green ash, Chinese elm, monknut hickory, bald cypress, Shumard oak, willow oak, sweetgum, southern magnolia, live oak, water oak, pecan, nuttal oak, sawtooth oak, and American elm. When performing ELISA, more 6,4PPs were observed than CPDs in all the species. Some species show increased DNA damage from spring season to summer season while other species show otherwise. More analysis is needed to confirm the results, which will help explain the ability of repair of DNA damage and UV-B resistance in some trees. As wecontinue analyzing the leaf samples collected in 2016 season for CPDs and 6,4PPS using ELISA, we are working on identifying the general marker of DNA oxidative damage (8-oxodG) and protein and gene expression of UV-specific DNA polymerase (UVR2 and UVR8) to determine the repair mechanism of UV (A/B) induced DNA damage. It is anticipated that the research will generate new knowledge that discovers UV-B screening strategies and UV-B tolerance mechanism in selected southern trees, leading to a better understanding of urban forest effects on UV radiation in urban environment and UV effects on the trees' genetic stability. The information will enhance our ability to select UV tolerant species for maintaining healthier and sustainable forests. The results will have implications in predicting the effect of UV climate change on both wild-land and urban forests and adaptation of forests to the changing environment.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Vanessa A. Ferchaud, Yadong Qi and Kit L. Chin. 2016. Localization of UV Absorbing Compounds in Nuttall Oak (Quercus nuttallii) Leaves Using Naturstoffreagenz-A (NA) and the Leica DMI6000 B Inverted Robotic Microscope. Microscopy & Microanalysis 22(Suppl 3): 1204-1205. http://journals.cambridge.org/fulltext_content/supplementary/MAM22_S3_minisite/7337/1204.pdf
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Yadong Qi, Vanessa A. Ferchaud, Kit L. Chin and Ying Xiao. 2016. Leaf Anatomical Changes Induced by Paclobutrazol Tree Growth Regulator in Cherrybark Oak. Microscopy & Microanalysis 22(Suppl 3): 1202-1203.
http://journals.cambridge.org/fulltext_content/supplementary/MAM22_S3_minisite/7337/1202.pdf
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Yadong Qi, Vanessa Ferchaud, Gorden Heisler, and Wei Gao. 2016. Biophysical Mechanism of UV-B Tolerance Exhibited in Diverse Southern Broadleaf Trees. Journal of Forestry 114(2):273
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
X.B. Liu, Y. Qi, and K.L. Chin. 2016. Growth and Development Responses to UVB Exclusion in Crops, International Journal of Plant Production 10(4): 543-550 http://ijpp.gau.ac.ir/article_3048_145bc812df0f4a7d9fcf29676c17f798.pdf
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
The presentation titled Introduction of Urban Forestry in the USA and Overview of Urban Forestry Education and Research at Southern University by Dr. Yadong Qi to the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, July 21, 2016.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Qi, Yadong. 2016. Integrating Education and Research in Urban Forestry A Higher Education Perspective in USA. An invited oral presentation by the Office of Forestry of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations at the First Asia-Pacific Urban Forestry Meeting. FAO/FO. April 6-8, 2016, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. Abstract and Program Book p10. The whole presentation was published as " Symposium 12: Integrating Education and Research in Urban Forestry A Higher Education Perspective in USA" at http://www.fao.org/forestry/urbanforestry/86956/en/
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Keona Daniels, B.S. Urban Forestry, Fall, 2016. Honor Thesis Title: Comparative Study of Ultraviolet Radiation above and below Tree Canopy of Southern Live Oaks
Thesis Mentor: Yadong Qi, Ph.D., College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences and Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes Honors College, Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA.
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
The Southern University site is included in the UVMRP website network station list for access to data and products. The website for data site information and data access - http://uvb.nrel.colostate.edu/UVB/index.jsf
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Yadong Qi,Vanessa Ferchaud, Gorden Heisler, Wei Gao. 2015. Biophysical Mechanism of UV-B Tolerance Exhibited in Diverse Southern Broadleaf Trees. 2015 National Convention of Society of American Foresters, Nov. 2-6, 2015, Baton Rouge, LA. Poster presentation: Abstract ID 490.
|
Progress 09/01/14 to 08/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes UV monitoring and research community, tree physiologists, tree geneticists, horticulturists, agricultural and forest meteorologists, photo-biologists, plant biologists, ecologists, biochemists, environmental toxicologists, the global climate change research community, forest researchers and arboricultural practitioners, urban forest and park managers, undergraduate and graduate students, postdoc researchers and visiting scholars in forestry and natural resources, and general public who are interested in learning the ecological benefits provided by urban forests, forests and trees. Efforts to reach the target audience include (1) providing practical training experiences and internships to postdoc researchers, undergraduate and graduate students in urban forestry and natural resources; (2) attending conferences and meetings to disseminate the project research information and interact with professionals at the International Union of Photobiology (IUPB) 16th International Congress of Photobiology, AAAS Annual Meeting, the USDA-FS Technical Assistance Visit, and the Annual Conference by American Society of Plant Biologists; (3) developing partnerships with USDA-FS Northern Research Station and USDA-UVB monitoring and research network at Fort Collins, Co; (4) developing interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists in Louisiana State University Baton Rouge LA, University of Maryland College Park, and University of North Carolina at Wilmington, NC. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided research and training opportunities for 7 students including 1 postdoc researcher, 2 PhD graduate students, 2 undergraduate work-study students, and 2 summer intern students. The postdoc and two graduate students assisted the UVMRP technician with assembling the shadowband and other solar monitoring instruments onto a mobile cart at the SU-Ag facility and successfully testing its performance in the field. A second UVMRP technician met with a different group of graduate students at the SU-Ag urban forestry program to train them on the operation of the instruments on the mobile cart for the on-going field experiments. In addition the group visited the nearby UVMRP climatological network station at LSU for familiarization training. Two summer intern students visited the UVMRP office in Fort Collins, CO to learn advanced techniques for operation and maintenance of the shadowband and other solar monitoring instruments, including determining the source of typical problems by examining characteristic appearances of data graphs, and some hands-on work with the instruments in the maintenance lab, and visited the network climatological site at the Central Plains Experimental Range northeast of Fort Collins. The project has benefited urban forestry and natural resource education at Southern University by introducing undergraduate and graduate classes to the research project, through (1) laboratory exercises (e.g., DNA extraction, isolation and quantification, etc), (2) field demonstrations of UV monitoring instrument and data collection process, (3) presentations and lectures on mechanism of UV tolerance in trees and ability of tree canopy perception of harmful solar UV radiation in urban environment. The project has provided professional development opportunities for project participants to attend the following conferences and meetings: International Union of Photobiology (IUPB) the 16th International Congress of Photobiology, 8-12 September 2014, Córdoba; AAAS Annual Meeting in San Jose, California February 12-16, 2015; the USDA-FS Technical Assistance Visit in Alexandria, LA, February 25-26, 2015; and the Plant Biology 2015 Annual Conference by American Society of Plant Biologists in Minneapolis MN, July 25-31, 2015. The project has enhanced the partnerships with USDA-FS Northern Research Station, USDA-UVB monitoring and research network at Fort Collins, Co, Louisiana State University Baton Rouge LA; University of Maryland College Park; and University of North Carolina at Wilmington, NC. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research presentations were made by the project scientists at three national and international conferences: 2015 National Convention of Society of American Foresters, Nov. 2-6, 2015, Baton Rouge, LA; Plant Biology 2015 Annual Conference by American Society of Plant Biologists in Minneapolis MN, July 25-31, 2015; and International Union of Photobiology (IUPB) the 16th International Congress of Photobiology, 8-12 September 2014, Córdoba. Undergraduate and graduate students presented their research and summer internship experience to the USDA-UVB Monitoring and Research Program at Fort Collins, CO, and to Southern University Urban Forestry Program faculty and students in August 2015. Two webpages were created (http://www.suagcenter.com/tree-ecology, and https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yadong_Qi2/publications) to enable website downloading of our previous and current research publications to the target audience and communities of interest in urban forestry, arboriculture, global climate change, and forest management. The SU-Ag mobile station has been included in the UVMRP website network research station list for access to data and products (http://uvb.nrel.colostate.edu/UVB/index.jsf). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Pertaining to Goal 1, we will regularly calibrate and streamline the SU-Ag UVB Monitoring Station at Southern University with the USDA UVB Monitoring and Research Program (UVMRP) station at LSU Ben Hur Farm. We will continue to collect data for another year. We will develop seasonal single tree canopy UV (A/B) interception models for southern live oak (Quercus virginiana). We will analyze statistically the relationships between single tree canopy UV(A/B) interception power and Leaf Area Index using live oak as a model tree species. We will continue to provide training opportunites to students. Pertaining to Goal 2. We will establish reliable protocols for measuring the occurrence of 6, 4-photoproducts of thymine and cytosine (6,4PPs) and the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and measure at different leaf developmental stages (emergence, mature and senescence) in select trees. Wewill investigate a general marker of DNA oxidative damage by measuring the promutagenic base 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) at the different stages of the leaf development in the select trees during a growing season. We will continue to provide training opportunities to students.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Pertaining to the research goal 1, we established an automated mobile monitoring station at Southern University Ag Center (SU-Ag) facility to study tree canopy interception of UV and visible radiation in collaboration with USDA UVB Monitoring and Research Program (UVMRP) at Colorado State University. The SU-Ag station consists of the following instruments: UVB Multi-Filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (UVMFRSR), measuring direct, diffuse, and total radiation at 300, 305, 311, 317, 325, 332, 368nm, respectively. Visible Multi-Filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (VIS-MFRSR), measuring direct, diffuse, and total radiation at 415, 500, 615, 673, 879, and 940nm, respectively. UVB-1 Radiometer (Broadband), measuring total UVB radiation. Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR-Quantum Sensor) UVA-1 Radiometer (Broadband), measuring total UVA radiation. Downward LiCor Photometric Sensor Air Temperature (AT) Relative Humidity (RH) Pressure (inside datalogger enclosure) UVMFRSR Datalogger Vis-MFRSR Datalogger The SU-Ag station was configured and calibrated usingUVMRP network protocol and data collection software program. Itwas streamlined and coupled with the UVMRP Baton Rouge permanent station, located at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Ben Hur Farm, 10 miles fromSU-Ag campus. The UVMRP Baton Rouge permanent station at the LSU Ben Hur Farm was used as an open control station for above canopy data collection. Using both stations, we collected data from above and below individual live oak tree canopies during the spring and summer of 2015. Basic tree data such as tree height, trunk diameter at breast height (dbh), and canopy diameter and drip line area were collected. The trees were photographed and identified with a GPS system. The density of a tree canopy and its leaf area index were determined using a canopy analyzer (LICOR 2200 canopy analyzer). Three individual live oak tree canopies were studied. Each canopy was divided into four quadrants based on north, east, south, and west directions. The mobile monitoring station was placed randomly in a quadrant underneath a canopy. The station sensors were positioned 1.5 meter above the ground in the midpoint of the canopy radius and avoided the major tree limbs directly above that might block the sensors. Continuous data collections from the station instruments listed above was done on clear sky days from 10am to 5pm under each quadrant. The below canopy data collection process was synchronized simultaneously with LSU Ben Hur Farm permanent station for the above canopy data collection. The data collected from the SU-Ag mobile station have been included in the UVMRP website network research station list for access to data and products (http://uvb.nrel.colostate.edu/UVB/index.jsf). We are currently processing the above and below canopy data for developing single tree canopy models for tree canopy perception of UVA, UVB, and Visible light at different wavelengths. Pertaining to research goal 2, we have collected leaf samples from 18 tree species in early spring, summer and fall seasons in 2015 and stored in -80oC freezer. The species include Magnolia grandiflora - southern magnolia, Quercus virginiana - southern live oak, Taxodium distichum - bald cypress, Tilia Americana- American basswood, Quercus texana - nuttal oak, Nyssa sylvatica - swamp black gum, Photinia fraseri - redtip phontina, Betula nigra - river birch, Carya illinoinensis - pecan, Carya tomentosa - mocker nut hickory, Fraxinus pennsylvanica - green ash, Liquidamber styraciflua - American sweetgum, Quercus acutissima - saw tooth oak, Quercus nigra - water oak, Quercus phellos - willow oak, Quercus shumardii- shumard oak, Ulmus americana - American elm, Ulmus parvifolia - Chinese elm. We have developed a robust DNA extraction/isolation protocol for leaf tissues of the above mentioned tree species after many trials of different methods. Our study shows that the traditional cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) DNA extraction method for leaf tissues homogenized by cold mortar and pestle (stored at -80oC before use) yielded very low A260/A280 ratios (<1.5) and large variations in nucleic acid content between samples within a species. The CTAB method was not able to produce good quality of DNA due to some protein contaminations and inconsistency DNA quantity between samples. Comparatively, using DNA isolation kit (DNeasy Plant Kit, Qiagen) manually for leaf tissues homogenized by cold mortar and pestle (stored at -80oC before use) yielded relatively better quality of DNA but large variations still existed in nucleic acid content as well as in A260/A280 ratios between samples within a species. In order to solve these problems, we acquired a small bead mill (TissueLyser LT, Qiagen) and a robotic workstation (QIAcube, Qiagen) for automated purification of DNA, RNA, or proteins. This Tissuelyzer provides fast and effective and simultaneous disruption and homogenization of the leaf tissues in a coolabe condition (up to 12 samples at the same time). The throughput of the bead mill matches that of the QIAcube, which automates sample preparation using QIAGEN spin-column kits. Our study has shown that combining the Tissuelyser with the QIAcube and DNeasy Plant Kit yields the most acceptable results for DNA isolation in terms of the quality and quantity of DNA and A260/A280 ratios as well as the examination using gel electrophoresis. The good quality of DNA isolation is the key for further DNA digestion to determine UV (B/A) induced DNA damage by measuring the occurrence of 6, 4-photoproducts of thymine and cytosine (6,4PPs) and the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), for which we are currently working on. In addition to developing protocols for DNA isolation in select trees, we have been building up our genetic research facility at SU AgCenter. We were able to leverage funding from the SU AgCenter and other sources to add the following instruments to our lab: Nanodrop 2000/2000c Spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific), Microplate Reader (Bioteck ELX800 UV), Quantstudio 7 Flex Real Time PCR System (Life Technology), E-gel Imager with i-base (Life technology), UV exposure lamps system for UVA, UVB and UVC (Cole Palmer), stable temperature water bath (Cole Palmer), gel electrophoresis units with necessary supplies and accessories. These instruments will significantly enhance our ability to process our samples. In addition to our existing research collaboration, we have also established research collaboration with the genetic lab at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Yadong Qi, Vanessa Ferchaud, Gordon Heisler, Wei Gao. 2015. Biophysical Mechanism of UV-B Tolerance Exhibited in Diverse Southern Broadleaf Trees. 2015 National Convention of Society of American Foresters, Nov. 2-6, 2015, Baton Rouge, LA. Poster presentation: Abstract ID 490.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Qi, Yadong, Gordon Heisler, Wei Gao, Thomas Vogelmann, Vanessa Ferchaud and Kit Chin, 2015. UV-B Radiation Protection Strategies Exhibited in Diverse Broadleaf Trees . In: Abstract book of Plant Biology 2015 Annual Conference by American Society of Plant Biologists in Minneapolis MN, July 25-31, 2015. Poster numbered 1100-026-Z
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Wang, Meng, Yadong Qi, Vanessa Ferchaud, Wei Gao, James Henson and Gorden Heisler. 2014. UV Radiation and Its Impact on Skin Cancer in the United States. p277. In the Abstract Book of International Union of Photobiology (IUPB) the 16th International Congress of Photobiology, 812 September 2014, C�rdoba (*an invited oral presentation given by Dr. Yadong Qi in the Technical Session of UV-Induced Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis at the Congress)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Qi, Yadong*, Vanessa Ferchaud, and Kit L. Chin. 2014. UV-B Tolerance Properties Exhibited in Diverse Broadleaf Trees 16th International Congress of Photobiology. p614. In the Abstract Book of the International Union of Photobiology (IUPB) 16th International Congress of Photobiology. 812 September 2014, C�rdoba, Argentina (* a poster presentation at the congress)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Summer 2015 UV-B Monitoring and Research Presentation by Keona Daniels and Kalisha Hawkins to the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, July 30, 2015.
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
The Southern University UV-B monitoring site is included in the USDA UV Monitoring and Research Program (UVMRP) website network station list for access to data and products. The data site information and data can be accessed at http://uvb.nrel.colostate.edu/UVB/index.jsf
|
|