Progress 03/01/19 to 02/28/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The intended recipients encompass a diverse spectrum, ranging from small-scale farmers to esteemed institutions such as the USDA and the broader scientific community. Furthermore, this outreach extends to educational institutions from elementary to high school levels, ensuring engagement at various stages of academic development. Additionally, stakeholders invested in advancing and comprehending agricultural technologies are invited to explore this innovation's multifaceted potential and advantageswithin agricultural research and support. The proposed investigation holds promise for enriching our foundational comprehension of the impact of magnetic fields on the intricate process of plant development. Employing a meticulous and multifaceted approach, this study aims to delve deeply into the mechanisms underlying magnetic field effects (MFEs), shedding light on their nuanced interactions with various facets of plant biology. Moreover, the endeavor seeks to pave the way for the formulation of tailored MFE protocols, which possess the potential to induce discernible modifications in the expression patterns of pivotal biosynthetic pathways and resultant products. Such advancements hold significant implications for optimizing agricultural practices and fostering the sustainable production of critical botanical resources. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In student professional development, Andrea Lockett has showcased her scholarly contributions extensively through presentations at esteemed professional meetings. Her thesis work, focused on elucidating the intricacies of biomagnetics in plants, was disseminated at several notable gatherings, including the InVitro Society of Biology in 2023, the 1890 ARD Biannual Symposium in 2023, and the Professional Agricultural Worker's Conference in 2022. Furthermore, Andrea successfully defended her thesis dissertation in 2023, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey. In parallel, the AgriTREK summer program of 2022 provided a platform for the involvement of several high school students in a compelling research endeavor. These students actively conducted magnetic field exposures on plant seeds, employing rigorous statistical analyses to discern alterations in seed germination between exposed and control groups. Subsequently, these budding scientists presented their research findings during the program's poster session, showcasing their commitment to scientific inquiry and professional growth. Metrics: Professional Presentations: Andrea Lockett presented her thesis work at three professional meetings from 2022 to 2023. Thesis Completion: Andrea completed her thesis dissertation in 2023, marking the culmination of her research efforts. Student Participation: Multiple high school students participated in the AgriTREK summer program 2022. Research Activities: These students conducted magnetic field exposures on plant seeds and performed statistical analyses to evaluate seed germination. Presentation: The research findings of these students were disseminated through poster presentations during the AgriTREK program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The study's outcomes have been widely disseminated through various avenues of scientific communication. Presentations have been delivered at prestigious professional meetings, summer research programs, and through publications in scholarly journals and conference proceedings featuring published abstracts. This multi-faceted approach ensures broad accessibility and visibility of the research findings within the scientific community, fostering opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and further exploration of the study's implications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Trials on Physio-Morphological Parameters: Following exposures, seeds of collards and tomatoes were sown in potting soil within a controlled greenhouse environment. Over a six-week period, key growth parameters such as leaf dimensions (length and width), stem diameter, chlorophyll content, and plant height were meticulously recorded on a weekly basis. Statistical analyses, including Fisher's Protected LSD test and post-hoc Tukey's test, were employed to discern any mean differences between the control and exposed groups. The findings revealed no statistically significant disparities in any of the growth parameters between the two groups (p<0.05). Metrics: Growth Parameter Assessment: Leaf length and width, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, and plant height were measured weekly for six weeks. Statistical Analysis: Fisher's Protected LSD test and post-hoc Tukey's test were utilized to identify mean differences between control and exposed groups. Conclusion: No significant differences were observed in the growth parameters between the control and exposed groups (p<0.05). Metabolomic Analysis: Metabolomic extraction was conducted immediately after the exposures concluded on the sixth day. A total of 24 samples, including 6 seed controls and 6 seed-exposed samples, were subjected to methanol-based metabolite extraction. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was employed to identify and quantify metabolite features from collard and tomato samples, utilizing stearic acid and oleic acid as internal standards, respectively. The raw data obtained from the HPLC-MS analysis were analyzed using a Metaboanalyst software. Pathway and enrichment analyses revealed the identification of 140 compounds, which were grouped into metabolite pathways through hypergeometric analysis (p < 0.05). Linoleic acid metabolism emerged as the most highly expressed metabolic pathway (p < 0.00511) across all trials for both tomatoes and collards. Additionally, significant metabolites (p < 0.05) identified in both collards and tomato trials included C3H N3 O3 P2 and pantothenic acid, respectively. OPLS-DA score plots illustrated a distinct separation between the exposed and control groups for both collards and tomatoes in all trials. Metrics: Metabolite Extraction: Metabolomic extraction was performed on 24 samples. HPLC-MS Analysis: Identification and quantification of metabolite features were conducted using HPLC-MS. Pathway Analysis: 140 compounds were identified and grouped into metabolite pathways. Significant Metabolites: C3H N3 O3 P2 and pantothenic acid were identified as significant metabolites (p < 0.05). OPLS-DA Analysis: OPLS-DA score plots demonstrated clear separation between exposed and control groups for both collards and tomatoes in all trials. Transcriptome Profiling: RNA extraction was carried out on control and exposed tomato samples for subsequent RNA-sequencing analysis. Reads were mapped and aligned to a reference genome to identify known and novel gene transcripts. Differential gene expression analysis was performed by quantifying mapped reads, expressed as FPKM (fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads) values. In trials 1 and 2, both the control and exposed groups exhibited differential expression of genes, with 509, 434, 409, and 524 genes being differentially expressed, respectively. Notably, exposure led to the downregulation of five novel genes across both trials, including Solyc07g065840.2 (a heat shock protein), Solyc09g010630.3, Solyc01g099770.3, Solyc01g101060.3, and Solyc03g119080.3. Metrics: RNA Extraction: RNA extraction was performed on control and exposed tomato samples. RNA-Sequencing Analysis: Differential gene expression analysis was conducted by RNA-sequencing. Differential Gene Expression: Differential expression of genes was observed in both the the control and exposed groups. Downregulated Genes: Five novel genes were downregulated upon exposure in both trials.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Mini Review: Gregory C Bernard*, Andrea Lockett, Sharan Asundi, Ivi L Mitchell, Marceline Egnin, Inocent Ritte, Osa Idehen and Pamelas
M Okoma, Magnetic Fields in Plant Development: Unravelling the Complex Interplay from Phenotypic Responses to Molecular Dynamics. Am J
Biomed Sci & Res. 2024 21(4) AJBSR.MS.ID.002854, DOI: 10.34297/AJBSR.2024.21.002854
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Thesis: DECIPHERING HIDDEN MECHANISMS IN THE BIOMAGNETIC RESPONSE IN PLANTS: A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF MAGNETIC FIELDS ON PLANT GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND MOLECULAR RESPONSES. By Andrea Lockett. A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Tuskegee University in Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Published Abstract: 2023 Lockett A., M. Egnin, E. Bonsi, C. Bonsi, D. Mortley. A. Brown, I. Ritte, O. Idehen, and G.C. Bernard. 2023. Deciphering Hidden Mechanisms in the Biomagnetic Response in Plants: A Study on the Effects of Magnetic Fields on Plant Metabolomic Responses. Invitro Cellular & Dev Biol J.-Animal 59:S16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11627-023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Deciphering the hidden mechanisms in the biomagnetic response in plants: A study on the effects of magnetic fields on
plant growth, development, and molecular responses.
Conference Proceeding ( 1890 ARD Conference, 2022)
Published Abstract ( Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, 2021)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
1890 ARD Annual Meeting Presentation: Deciphering Hidden Mechanisms in the Biomagnetic Response in Plants: A Study on the Effects of Magnetic Fields on Plant Metabolomic Responses
Andrea Lockett, Dr. Gregory C. Bernard, Dr. Sharan Asundi, 2 Dr. Marceline Egnin, Dr. Conrad Bonsi; Dr. Eunice Bonsi, Dr. Desmond Mortley, Dr. Adrianne Brown, Inocent Ritte, Ivi Mitchell, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutritional Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088 2. Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk VA, 23529
Work supported by USDA-NIFA-CBGP-2019-38821-29147 and Tuskegee University-CAENS- GWCAES-NIFA-EVANS-ALLEN
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Progress 03/01/22 to 02/28/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes small-scale farmers, the USDA, the general scientific community, University and Elementary to High school students, and all stakeholders interested in learning about the potential agricultural applications and benefits of this technology related to research and support in agriculture. Andrea Lockett has dedicated her thesis research to project completion as a graduate student and USDA-APHIS fellow ( APHIS Foreign Service Fellowship Program). She presented project results to faculty and students at Tuskegee and to research scientists, professionals, and students during the Professional Agriculture Workers Conference and the 1890 Association of Research Directors Conference. Changes/Problems:The analysis of the metabolomic data was delayed at our institution because of equipment malfunction. For metabolomic analyses, we are collaborating with Dr. M. Boersma from Auburn University. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Threehighschoolstudentsparticipatedinaproject-basedexperientiallearningactivityaspartoftheTuskegeeUniversityAgriTREKhighschoolsummerinternshipprogram. Inordertofindanynotabledifferencesbetweenexposedseedsandcontrols,thestudentssubjectedplantseedstomagneticfieldsandthenconductedstatisticalanalysis. Onthedayoftheprogrampresentationsfromlastsummer,thestudentscreatedaposterandpresentedtheirfindings. Theaudiencewasmadeupofacademics,staff,students,agriculturalprofessionals,andonlineattendees. GraduatestudentAndreaLocketthasdeliveredseminarsonprojectresultsanddisplayedresearchfindingsatconferences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Professional gatherings (1890 ARD meeting, Professional Agricultural Workers Conference) and academic seminars have been used to disseminate the findings. We intend to create a manuscript or manuscripts based on fresh research findings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Our objective is to finish the research for Andrea's thesis on this project and publish the research results. We are currently examining metabolomic data that indicates that collards and tomatoes have had a molecular response as a result of magnetic field exposure. In order to determine the genetic components involved in the magnetic field response in plants, we will correlate this response using transcriptome profiling.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We are currently analyzing data from metabolomic analyses. Our results confirm a significant change in plant metabolite expression in plant seeds exposed to magnetic fields. We expect to observe similar results from the pending transcriptome profiling analysis. The phenotyping analyses have shown no significant differences in plant traits and physical parameters ( chlorophyll content, stem width, plant height, leaf area index, etc.), thus; it appears that the significant effect on plant metabolite expression is occurring at the metabolome and potentially transcriptome levels. The magnetic field generator'(Helmholtz coils) cannot achieve magnetic field intensities higher than 4.7 Gauss, which explains the lack of physical differences between exposed and control groups. Therefore, future funding may be necessary to acquire a machine that produces magnetic fields at higher intensities. Regardless we are pleased to observe molecular effects due to magnetic field exposure as many metabolites with increased expression due to the magnetic fields are bioactive, nutraceutical compounds.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Deciphering the hidden mechanisms in the biomagnetic response in plants: A study on the effects of magnetic fields on plant growth, development, and molecular responses.
Conference Proceeding ( 1890 ARD Conference, 2022)
Published Abstract ( Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, 2021)
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Progress 03/01/21 to 02/28/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes small-scale farmers, the USDA, the general scientific community, University and Elementary to High school students, and all stakeholders interested in learning about the potential agricultural applications and benefits of this technology related to research and support in agriculture. Changes/Problems:The significant changes in project outcome are due to the impact of COVID-19, which limited hands-on interactions, particularly 2020-2021 due to a reduced workforce and project progress. We are working on completing the project objectives with a no-cost extension. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided??1. Automated phenotyping and robotics: Graduate student participants have learned Python coding to program the newly integrated TU Automated Phenotyping System ( Dr. S. Mehta. Univ of Florida, Co-PI) to advance plant phenotyping evaluations. 2. Professional development: Students participate in professional meetings to present project outcomes, including Professional Agricultural Workers Conference, the 1890 ARD annual meeting, and campus seminars. 3. Campus and Community outreach: Over 60 guests from over 20 K-12 local schools have received experiential training on modern plant breeding tools and the TU -APS computer programming. TU undergraduates, graduates, and local small-scale farmers have toured the Carver PhytoResearch Unit ( acquired by funds from this grant) and received experiential training in plant research and the use of automated phenotyping tools. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project results are disseminated virtually through social media ( Facebook, LinkedIn, TU St.A.RT( https://www.tustartedu.com/), on-campus reporting tools, and presentations at the aforementioned professional meetings. The TU St.A.R.T ( Student Agricultural Research Team) website was developed specifically to report student activities in ag research and project outcomes. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We are currently continuing the metabolomics assays with the incorporation of controls to elucidate better the differential expression patterns shown in metabolite production due to magnetic field exposure. We will perform additional statistical analyses for results and potential publications. In addition, we will test for the molecular effects on plants due to magnetic field exposure using quantitative real-time PCR. We plan to have 1-2 publications within the year.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1. Integration and development of automated phenotyping tools: Currently, graduate students are comparing the use of the newly installed TU Automated Phenotyping System ( TU-APS) supplied by funds with physical evaluations of leaf area indexes. The resultant information will be used for publication. 2. Metabolomic analyses: The metabolomics analyses have shown significant differences in metabolite expression in control plants compared to seeds exposed to magnetic fields of approximately 4.7 Gauss at 2hr intervals for six-day treatments. This analysis is currently a repeat investigation and will include standard controls to assess the treatment differences fully. 3. Transcriptome/Genetic analysis: Primers to detect differential gene expression patterns due to magnetic field exposure are developed for quantitative real-time PCR analysis 4. Phenotypic Analysis: Currently, there are no observable changes in physiological growth parameters due to magnetic field exposure in collards, kale, and lettuce.
Publications
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Progress 03/01/20 to 02/28/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes small-scale farmers, the USDA, the general scientific community, University and Elementary to High school students, and all stakeholders interested in learning about the potential agricultural applications and benefit of this technology as it relates to research and support in agriculture. Changes/Problems:Currently, the computer housing the magnetic field software that controls the Helmhotz coils is not working. We are trying to contact the software company and reformat the computer harddrive for reinstallation of the software. Our progress is limited untill this issue is fixed. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students are exposed to new technologies in plant research and have presented research findings at professional meetings including the Annual Small Farmer's conference to expose producers, officials, and stakeholders to research outputs. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Currently, we have presented research findings a professional meetings including the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference and Small Farmers' Conference. We are developing a website ( TU. St.A.R.T.com) to house research findings and provide factsheets on important issues in agricultural production. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals??1). Finalize statistical analyses and report data outcomes through publications, website uploads, and professional meetings 2). Continue exposure trials on plant species 3). Prepare for Year III trials involving extraplanetary magnetic field exposures
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Currently, we have obtained data from plants under magnetic field exposure and are analyzing the data using collaborators from our Dept. of Computer Science. We have installed an automated phenotyping system ( Leaf Area Index) through our collaboration with the Univ of Florida to increase the University's research infrastructure capacity. Students are trained in the use of equipment related to grant objectives. A primary metabolomics study was performed on sweetpotatos under magnetic field exposure, revealing a difference in "features" ( metabolic expression) among cultivars Georgia Jet and Nuggett compared to non-exposed controls.
Publications
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Progress 03/01/19 to 02/29/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes small-scale farmers, the USDA, the general scientific community, University and Elementary to High school students, and all stakeholders interested in learning about the potential agricultural applications and benefit of this technology as it relates to research and support in agriculture. Changes/Problems:The preliminary metabolomic study was not performed this year as planned. Contingency plan: We have initiated a collaboration with Auburn University Mass Spectrometry Core ( Dr. Boersma) for the metabolomic portion of this study to determine if any molecular changes, particularly in antioxidants or nutraceuticals production has occurred in exposed plants due to treatment. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has served as an excellent opportunity for faculty and student development. The interdisciplinary nature of this project is designed for collaboration, and through collaboration, results are achieved. Students have earned leadership roles during their research endeavors and had the opportunity to meet with a small-scale farmer to address his concerns directly. The PD, a junior faculty, has greatly benefitted from this experience, specifically in the details of project management. The Senior Faculty, Co-PI's have greatly assisted in the academic growth of the students as well as the professional development of the PD. The transcriptome and metabolomic profiling aspects of the grant will be completed through collaborative efforts with UC Davis ( Bioinformatics Core) and Auburn University ( Mass-Spectrometry Core), respectively. Our joint research will provide training sessions for both faculty and student participants. Overall, all project participants will gain essential knowledge and training in modern agricultural research to address related issues in our society. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Currently, the results from this project have not been disseminated to the community as the data analysis is pending. However, the student dissemination team is developing a website that will house project reports, existing agricultural factoids for farmers and stakeholders, student and faculty profiles. It will serve as a conduit for scientific reports. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We are currently analyzing all Year I germination and harvest data and endeavor to achieve publication within this Year. Year two studies involve transcriptome and metabolomic profiling studies, which are presently pending. We expect to have Year I results thoroughly analyzed as well as preliminary results from Year II.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
According to a recent USDA-ERS report, Agriculture, food, and related industries contribute $1.053 trillion to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) due in part to on-going developments in agrotechnology Innovations in animal and crop research that provide deliverables to farmers and stakeholders can increase Net farm income forecasted to increase $3.1 billion (3.3 percent) from 2019 to $96.7 billion in 2020. Biological, mechanical, chemical, and organizational innovations from both public and private sector investments in research and development (R&D) have primarily driven this productivity growth. Currently, of specific interest to producers, small-scale farmers and stakeholders are efficient, environmentally friendly crop propagation methods. The geomagnetic field (GMF) is a natural component of our environment. Krylov and Tarakonova (1960) were among the first to report on MF effects on plants. In 1963, it was reported that a magnetic field (MF) of relatively low intensity could be useful in stimulating or initiating plant growth responses (Pittman, 1963) Although, magnetic field exposure effects to stimulate growth are well-documented, the impact of geomagnetic field exposure effects in plants is poorly understood. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of magnetoreception dynamisms in plants necessitates new in-depth approaches.Our preliminary magnetic field exposure studies resulted in increased biomass production in different plant species. The goal of this USDA-funded research is to expose plant species of high-economic value to magnetic fields under specific intensities and duration and elucidate the resultant biological phenomenon. We endeavor to identify an MFE protocol that may enhance plant growth and development for farmers to increase efficacy in crop production. Furthermore, as the agriculture industry continues to grow, the need for skilled workers becomes a priority. A critical goal of this project is to provide experiential learning in new and emerging plant propagation and research techniques for University students incorporating the use of innovative tools, techniques, and equipment. Students are currently developed a website for the dissemination of existing research factoids and project results for stakeholders. Project Co-PI dutifully serves as mentors to enhance the professional development of the student research team. . Preliminary phenotyping of plant species under MFE - Senior Advisor and MFE Lead - Dr. S. Asundi. Plant breeding and Phenotypic assessment and Project Evaluation Lead: Dr. D. Mortley. Year I: Project activities included the installation of a beautiful research greenhouse ( Atlas Greenhouses) on July 26th, 2019, respectfully named the "G.W. Carver Phytoresearch Unit"(CPU) which has been utilized for project research providing a stable, controlled environment for critical plant breeding experiments and data collection. This resource has directly enhanced the University's agricultural research infrastructure ( GWC Ag. Exp. Station) and will serve as a foundation for future experiments in modern plant science. Additionally, students and PD ( Project Director) developed a micro research unit utilizing reclaimed wood and discarded materials housed within the CPU. During Year I, plant seeds, including carrot, collards, beets, kale, lettuce, swiss chard, and sweetpotato, were subjected to preliminary screening analysis as stated in Objective I. Plant seeds were exposed to baseline magnetic field frequency of 2.5 Gauss for up to 8 hr. After exposure, seeds were planted in the CPU by the student agricultural research team, who performed weekly physical measurements until harvest. The student team is responsible for daily monitoring of plants ( visual reports via WhatsApp 3x/daily), plant breeding and propagation, data collection and analysis, assistance in experimental design, website design, and are strongly encouraged to use critical thinking in all endeavors. Development of TU-ST.A.R.T (Tuskegee University Student Agricultural Research Team) program A significant amount of project funding was allocated to support student stipends during their participation in project research. Students have reported the installation of the CPU has increased their interest in agricultural research. The student participants were selected based on their academic backgrounds, which include a variety of disciplines, supporting the collaborative, interdisciplinary aim of this project. Students from plant and environmental sciences, computer science, and engineering were provided experiential training in innovative plant research and have become proficient in the use of a variety of modern data collection tools. Currently under construction is a website that will feature the student ag. Team, project results, and existing research factoids for farmers, producers, stakeholders, USDA, and governmental officials. The current St.A.Rs. of the St.A.R.T program are Team Captains: Alexandria Turner, ( UG, Plant, and Environmental Science, Data Collection and Analysis Lead), Team Captain Inocent Ritte (Experimental Design and Phenotypic Analysis Lead, ) Lieutenants: M.D. Chowdhury ( Website and Outreach design Lead ), Capri Charleston ( Metabolomics Lead, Outreach), Tia Archie ( Bioinformatics Lead), and Jacob Fitch ( Plant propagation, data collection, and interpretation). Additional Research (not stated in the awarded grant) Field trial collaboration with 4th generation small-scale farmers, Al Hooks, Al Hooks Family Produce, Shorter, AL. During the Summer of 2019, while the CPU was installed, Senior Advisor, Dr. Asundi, and the Project PD, collaborated with NRCS producer AL Hooks ( Al Hooks Produce) to initiate field trials of exposed and control plants. This opportunity provided participants with direct interaction with a local small-scale farmer and experiential learning in-field experimentation. Our collaboration may serve as a platform for future research to provide deliverables to farmers in the local community. 2018 TU Summer Camp for High School students The College of Ag. Env. and Nutr. Sciences have developed a "SMART-Camp" (R. Shange) program to engage high school students in various aspects of agriculture, including research and to promote professional development In 2018, before the project start date, a local high-school student assisted in an MFE trial on sweetpotatos. Sweetpotato varieties, including "Carver, Georgia Jet, and Nugget," were exposed to different time intervals of MFE for one week. Although not statistically significant, the results showed a small increase in sweetpotato root weights in exposed groups.
Publications
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