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CA&ES Currents Newsletter
November 05, 1999
Neal Van Alfen, Bruce Kirkpatrick and Andrew Walker Named to UC Task Force
UC
President Richard C. Atkinson named three members of the college to a
12-member UC task force of eminent scientists and educators from the
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources to help growers combat
Pierce's disease, a bacterium-caused infestation that kills grapevines.
Vice President Reg Gomes serves as chair of the UC Pierce's Disease
Research and Emergency Response Task Force. CA&ES task force
members are:
Neal Van Alfen, dean, College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences
Bruce Kirkpatrick, professor, Department of Plant Pathology
Andrew Walker, associate professor, Department of Viticulture &
Enology
Kirkpatrick is conducting experiments to determine whether infection by
the bacterium responsible for Pierce's disease can be prevented by
boosting levels of essential plant micronutrients in grapevines, such
as zinc, iron and molybdenum. He has been looking at a number of
methods of introducing the nutrients into the vines: foliar
applications to leaves, tiny plastic screws inserted into the vines,
hand-held injection devices and irrigation drip lines.
Walker plans to screen seedlings' genes for resistance to Pierce's
disease to bypass the field testing process. Genetic screening may
reduce the time required for creation of resistant varieties from 30
years to 10 years.
The task force is charged with developing a science-based strategy and
set of research priorities to guide UC's short- and long-term studies
for managing the disease. The panel also will report on efforts by UC
to extend technical assistance to vineyard owners in winegrape growing
regions where the disease is a problem. Representatives from the
California Department of Food and Agriculture, the American Vineyard
Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California
legislature are invited to participate in task force meetings.
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RFP: Preharvest Control of Aflatoxin
Congress
has appropriated funds for research to prevent preharvest aflatoxin
contamination. A portion of the funds will be used for specific
cooperative agreements with appropriate institutions to augment
existing agency aflatoxin research. In preparation for this cooperative
research, the USDA is soliciting proposals leading to the goal of the
preharvest elimination of aflatoxin. The research proposed should make
a significant contribution in one of the following research areas:
Ecological relationships and agronomic practices Biological control for
aflatoxin elimination Control of the pathway of toxin formation Crop
genetics for resistance
Deadline: January 14, 2000
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Graham Fogg and Thomas Harter Receive Awards
The
Groundwater Resources Association of California (GRAC) presented
Professor Graham Fogg and Assistant CE Specialist Thomas Harter of the
Department of Land, Air & Water Resources its Tribute of
Appreciation Award for shortcourses they organized with the association
over the past two years. The award, recognizing "outstanding dedication
and support for helping GRAC implement its mission," was presented at
the California Biennial Groundwater Conference in San Diego in
September. The UC Center for Water and Wildlife Resources and GRAC
jointly organized the meeting. Fogg and Harter have given shortcourses
for three years as part of the Cooperative Extension program in
Groundwater Hydrology. GRAC has sponsored the shortrcourses. Unlike
professional courses offered at the national level for consultants,
shortcourses are geared towards a relatively broad audience of
consultants, regulatory agency personnel on the federal/state/local
level, and engineers and managers of water/irrigation districts.
According to Harter, local districts have gained significant control
over the management of groundwater resources. The shortcourses provide
hands-on experience and meet a continued demand at the local and state
level for introductory and advanced continuing education in groundwater
hydrology.
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RFP: Almond Board
The
Almond Board of California is considering new and ongoing research
projects for possible funding during the 2000-01 fiscal year. Deadline:
December 17, 1999
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Dale Kester Presented Award of Merit
Professor
Emeritus Dale Kester, Department of Pomology, was presented the Curtis
J. Alley Award of Merit at the Western Regional Annual Meeting of the
International Plant Propagation Society (IPPS) in Wilsonville, Oregon,
in October. He helped found the Western Region of IPPS and served on
many of its committees. He was IPPS president in 1996-97. Kester
received his M.S. in horticulture and Ph.D. in plant physiology from UC
Davis, joining the Department of Pomology in 1951. He became a Fellow
of the American Society for Horticulture Science in 1980. His major
research work has been with almonds and stone fruits.
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RFP: Walnut Research
The
UC Walnut Research Advisory Committee is soliciting proposals for
fiscal year 2000-01. Proposals should be submitted using the standard
UC Project Plan/Research Proposal form. Project PIs will present
proposals in person at the annual Walnut Research Conference/Workshop
at UC-Bodega Bay in January 2000.
Deadline: December 1, 1999
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John Voris Named "CPF Person of the Year"
Cooperative
Extension turkey specialist John Voris, Department of Animal Science,
was named recipient of California Poultry Federation's annual Person of
the Year Award at its annual conference in Fresno. The award recognizes
his many years of service to the poultry industry. Voris worked in
Extension for 13 years and, before that, for Nicholas Turkey Breeding
Farms for 25 years. He retired in June 1999, only to be called back to
UC on a part-time basis.
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RFP: Producer-Directed Research Grants
The
USDA's Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
program is soliciting proposals for producer-directed research efforts.
Producer and producer groups residing in the Western U.S. can compete
for grants to identify, evaluate and test sustainable agriculture
practices and challenges. Individuals may apply for grants up to
$5,000; producer groups may apply for up to $10,000. A total pool of
$120,000 is available in the region for one-year grants.
Deadline: January 17, 2000
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Ning Pan Helps Lead Fiber Society
Professor
Ning Pan of the Department of Textiles & Clothing was elected vice
president of The Fiber Society at the group's fall conference in
Clemson, South Carolina. The organization is recognized worldwide as
the major professional society focusing on fiber and textile
engineering and science programs. Pan has been a member of the
society's governing council since 1998.
In the fall of 2001, Pan and Professor You-Lo Hsieh will co-host the
society's first West Coast conference. Pan joined the Division of
Textiles & Clothing as assistant professor in 1990. His main
research area involves the mechanics and transport phenomenon in
various fibrous structures such as textiles, papers and
fiber-reinforced composites.
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David Burger and Frank Zalom Receive Awards
Two
CA&ES faculty were among 12 individuals singled out by their peers
for outstanding contributions to the teaching, research and public
service mission of the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural
Resources.
Professor David Burger, chair of the Department of Environmental
Horticulture, received the 1999 Distinguished Service Award in the
"Outstanding Faculty" category. The award recognizes "leadership
activities that bring a sense of structure to the environmental
horticulture program, are instrumental in obtaining a partial CE
appointment to improve communication among CE advisors and helped
develop the Ornamental Horticulture Research and Information Center."
Frank Zalom, director of the Statewide Integrated Pest Management
Project received the award in the "Outstanding Administration"
category. He was recognized for "leadership and professional
credibility that furthered the development of the IPM Project into one
of the best such programs in the world." The award recognized that
Zalom's support "has been crucial in helping UC pest management
scientists and Extension personnel promote and adapt IPM practices to
California growers." The awards are presented annually by the Academic
Assembly Council (AAC) that represents UC Cooperative Extension farm
advisors and specialists. "It is important that we recognize the
outstanding contributions of CE personnel who have made extraordinary
efforts to get essential, life-changing information into the hands of
thousands of Californians," said Jim Sullins, current AAC president and
director of the Tulare County UC Cooperative Extension program. "These
educators are the essential link connecting the latest knowledge
created by the academic community and putting it to work improving the
quality of life for families in need, helping farmers boost
productivity and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources."
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Miguel Marino Elected to Mexican Academy
Professor
Miguel Marino of the Department of Land, Air & Water Resources has
been elected to membership in Mexico's National Academy of Engineering.
He was inducted into the academy at a ceremony held in Mexico City in
September.
Marino, a professor of hydrologic sciences and civil and environmental
engineering, also was elected to a four-year term as vice president of
the International Commission on Water Resources Systems of the
International Association of Hydrological Sciences. As vice president,
he will organize an international symposium in integrated water
resources management to take place at UC Davis in April 2000.
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Design Alliance Filoli Holiday Tour
Enjoy
the pleasures of an old-fashioned holiday celebration, enhanced by the
"Christmas Fantasy" holiday memorabilia collection of designer Dolph
Gotelli, professor, Department of Environmental Design, on the
Christmas Tour and Filoli Brunch planned for December 1, 1999. Gotelli
personally will lead tour participants through a three-part exhibition
at the historic Filoli mansion:
Display cases featuring Gotelli's diverse, holiday-related "Christmas
Fantasy" collection Twenty-seven dioramas featuring Father Christmas
and other imagery invoking the holiday spirit
A fantasy tablescape in the mansion dining room titled "Sugar Plum Tea
Party"
Each room of the Filoli Mansion has been transformed into a holiday
boutique featuring an array of gift items and decorations. Brunch at
Filoli is included in the tour.
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"I Am a Camera!" Reception
The
opening reception for the "I Am a Camera!" exhibition at The Design
Gallery in Walker Hall will be held 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 14,
1999. A lecture will be held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at 176 Everson
Hall. Guest curator Joy Savage will present her sketchbook drawings and
artifacts, documenting her travels from Africa to Yemen.
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UC Training for Trainers
Educators
with UC's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project will be
conducting a series of statewide "train-the-trainer" workshops to
qualify growers, farm supervisors, labor contractors and others to
train pesticide handlers and agricultural fieldworkers. The workshops,
offered in Northern and Southern California, will be held November 1999
through March 2000. Participants may enroll in English or Spanish
sessions.
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Kudos to College Celebration Volunteers
Thanks
to all who contributed time, energy and enthusiasm in making the
college's eleventh annual College Celebration a huge success. "We
couldn't transform Freeborn Hall or host this event without
volunteers," said Sharon Lynch, assistant director for relations.
"We're extremely grateful to everyone who helped. This was our best
College Celebration yet with more than 450 people attending."
Katie Aschenbach
Quinn Avery
Gayle BonDurant
Carlos Borges
Donna Bradshaw
Shane Breschini
Kim Brobeck
Lisa Brown
Jennifer Buckley
Latisha Burnaugh
Holly Buscombe
Christian Butzke
Stefanie Butzke
Margarita Camarena
Mike Campbell
Carol Cooper
Chris Crivelli
Donna Damanchyk
Robin Denney
Judy Erwin
Sandy Fielden
Tracy Finlayson
Veronica Flores
Katherine Floyd
Leah Forquer
Elisa Gonzales
Katie Hatch
Dave Hawke
Judy Hendrickson
Chris Heringer
Alan Holm
Jack Holmes
Mary Horton
Hilarie Hsu
Katrina Inchauspe
Jim Jackson
Smita Jandaur
Garda Johnson
Devon Jones
Susan Kancir
Eric Knight
Marg Lee
Michelle Leinfelder
Corky Lovin
Sharon Lynch
Rosie Macias
Duane Magno
Rhoda McKnight
Karen McVarish
Ann Mori
Ted Mori
Pam Moyer
A.J. Nava
Adrian Nava
Elisa Noble
Shirley O'Hearn
Clara Robison
Kristy Lee Rocha
Ernie Roncoroni
John Roncoroni
Lorne Rose
Karen Ross
Anne Rundstrom
Catherine Sarmiento
Jan Stallman
Joe Stasulat
Amy Strayer
Rick Swantz
Buffy Tanner
June Taylor
Malena Teeters
Nancy Tibbitts
Brenda Unterleitner
Lany Valencia
Sue Webster
Walt Winton
Teri Wolcott
Shelly Wright
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Congratulations to Nematology/Plant Pathology Staff
The
Departments of Nematology and Plant Pathology presented individual and
team Recognition Awards to the following staff members:
Cindy Anderson, Nematology - developed a computer spread sheet to
facilitate laboratory exercises
Felipe Arredondo, Plant Pathology - initiated good methodologies for performing necessary laboratory protocols
Linda Bolkan, Plant Pathology - maintained diversity of lab cultures for teaching purposes
Judy Hubbard, Plant Pathology - developed pathogenic fungal protocol for determining resistance in celery cultivars
Dave Morgan, Plant Pathology - developed a monitoring program for a fungal disease in pistachios
Steve Silva, Plant Pathology - designed and installed a rolling bench system for greenhouse operations
Tongyan Tian, Plant Pathology - developed a process to establish a virus in whiteflies; breakthrough for viral research
Rhett Woerly, Nematology/Plant Pathology - worked professionally,
economically and timely; installed rolling bench in greenhouse
Yong Wen, Nematology - exceeded expectations; brought forth problems before they became disasters
Jeff Hall, Plant Pathology - excellent organization of time to handle numerous demands for slides and other graphic designs
Manny Melliza, Jr., Nematology/Plant Pathology - outstanding
contributions toward placing images of plant diseases on Web site for
students
Liz Jeffery-Noring, Nematology/Plant Pathology - outstanding contributions to merits and promotions and graduate affairs
Tom Kominek and Richard Webb, Plant Pathology - accomplished a large
amount of field work in a timely fashion; devised methods to expedite
field experiments
Louisa Ruedas, Wendy Miranda, Valinda Stagner and Gulya Yoak,
Nematology/Plant Pathology - initiated, developed, tested and
implemented a hybrid accounting system allowing a method for tracking
expenses and projecting future expenditures
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International Programs Introduces New Web Site
The
college's International Programs office invites you to check out its
new Web site at Click on "Public Service and Outreach." The new site is
arranged so that international visitors, UC Davis students, faculty and
staff can review opportunities available in the college. The site has a
searchable database to identify faculty with international interests
and courses with international content. Links are available to many
funding sources and international organizations. Visitors to the new
site have been particularly interested in the Postgraduate
Certification Program and the Peace Corps Masters International Program.
Follow the directions from theCA&ES Website
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New Electronic ANRCatalog
The
ANR Communications Services catalog of publications, videos and slide
sets is online. Over 850 items are available in a searchable database
with the ease of online ordering, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Customers can search the electronic catalog in a variety of ways - by
topic, subject category, media or language. Hundreds of down-loadable,
free publications are available on the site. The new ANRCatalog is a
good source for agricultural information on the Internet - for answers
on topics ranging from ants to zucchini.
ANR Catalog Online
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Shuttle Service to Livermore National Lab
A
new shuttle service between UC Davis and Lawrence Livermore National
Lab (LLNL) is now available. The eight-passenger van runs one round
trip per day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Passengers leave at
7:15 a.m. from Walker Hall and are delivered to the LLNL site at Hertz
Hall. The return trip leaves Hertz Hall at 2:15 p.m. and returns to
Davis in about two hours. Tickets are $7 one way.
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Water Leaders Class
The
fourth Water Leaders Class, established by the Water Education
Foundation, begins January 2000. It is a one-year program that educates
community leaders about water issues. The program enhances individual
leadership skills and prepares participants to take an active,
cooperative approach to decision making about water resources issues.
Individuals from private business, education, nonprofit organizations,
public agencies and public interest groups are encouraged to apply.
Designed as a program for young working professionals, participation
involves a time commitment both from the class member and the employer.
Application Deadline: November 30, 1999
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USDA Solicits Nominations
Nominations
are solicited by USDA for the 2000 Secretary's Honor Awards which
recognize outstanding contributions to agriculture, to the consumers of
agricultural products and to the ability of the department to serve
rural America. The awards are the most prestigious given by the
Department of Agriculture.
Award nominations must contain adequate background information to
establish the context and scope of each nominee's contribution.
Contributions must have been made (or the results realized) within the
last three years. Heroic acts must have occurred within the past year.
Employees at all grade levels, as well as private citizens, are
eligible to receive these awards. All nominees are eligible for the
same level of recognition.
Deadline: December 6, 1999
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John Fox Steindler Graduate Fellowship
CA&ES
announces the John Fox Steindler Graduate Fellowship for 2000-01 which
supports entering Ph.D. students studying in the general areas of
agricultural production, food and nutrition, molecular biology in
plants, agricultural commodity marketing and rural/urban social
studies. The college awards fellowships to a diverse group of students
based on life experiences and achievements in spite of economic, social
or educational disadvantage.
This fellowship supports and encourages students to pursue careers in
teaching and research. Fellows receive a stipend of $15,000 to be paid
over 12 months, plus in-state fees and non-resident tuition where
necessary. To provide second-year support for the Steindler Fellow, a
matching commitment by departments through TA or RA positions at
regular university compensation is required.
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Cotton Industry Scholarship
The
National Cotton Council is pleased to announce the establishment of a
new cotton scholarship to be awarded annually to an undergraduate
student pursuing a career in agriculture with an emphasis in cotton.
The $2,500 scholarship will be awarded beginning in the 2000-01
academic year.
Applicants must exhibit a strong interest in maintaining a career in
the cotton industry, maintain a 3.0 GPA and be involved in clubs and
activities within his/her respective school's agriculture department.
National Agri-Marketing Association Student Chapter members are
encouraged to apply.
Interested students must complete an application form on the Web site
and will be required to write a 50-word essay on why a career on the
cotton industry interests them and why he/she is a good candidate to
receive this grant. Deadline: December 1, 1999
Link toWebsite
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Mrak Student Loan Program
The
Emil Mrak Student Loan Program was established in 1969 to honor Emil M.
Mrak, UC Davis chancellor from 1959 to 1969 and former Food Science
& Technology department chair. Mrak was recognized internationally
for his work in food preservation and as a world authority on the
biology of yeasts. The university recognizes this award as a reflection
of high academic achievement and an indicator of future success in an
agricultural field. Ability to show benefit to an agricultural field is
critical to receipt of the award.
Eligibility criteria:
Upper division or graduate standing Students majoring in any program
administered by a CA&ES department. Division of Biological Sciences
majors are not eligible, except plant biology majors.
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Current enrollment and in good standing
Financial need
Loan terms: Repayment period up to 10 years Interest of 3 percent per
annum, commencing at the time of graduation, or upon termination of
studies at UC Davis Repayment not to begin until nine months after
graduation, or upon termination of studies at UC Davis Deadline:
November 30, 1999
Sharon E. Lynch
Assistant Director for Relations
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
selynch@ucdavis.edu
(530) 752-1602
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RFP: Intermountain Research & Extension Center - Tulelake
The
UC Intermountain Research & Extension Center is soliciting
proposals for new and continuing research and demonstration projects
for 2000. The center is a 120-acre research facility located at 4,000
feet elevation near the Oregon border.
Deadline: January 7, 2000
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RFP: Kearney Research & Extension Center
The
Kearney Research & Extension Center announced the call for new
research project proposals for 2000. Resources for support of new
projects are limited. Prinicipal investigators should discuss project
plans and support issues with Fred H. Swanson, superintendent, prior to
formally submitting a proposal. Deadline: November 19, 1999
Fred Swanson
Kearney Research and Extension Center
fswanson@uckac.edu
(559) 646-6060
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RFP: Undergraduate Instructional Improvement Program
The
Undergraduate Instructional Improvement Grant Program is the primary
source of off-campus funding for undergraduate curricular renewal and
pedagogical innovation. Each year, areas of emphasis are identified on
the basis of campus needs.
This year's areas of emphasis include: (1) renovations designed to
improve student communication and critical thinking skills,
particularly in the lower division level; (2) use of new instructional
technologies to improve the efficiency or quality of teaching and
learning; (3) development of new courses or modification of existing
courses to meet the Academic Senate criteria for social-cultural
diversity courses; (4) restructuring courses to increase opportunities
for active learning; and (5) development of an integrated,
multidisciplinary General Education course series.
Undergraduate Instructional Improvement funds are intended to provide
support for projects that extend or enhance some aspect of the
educational experience of UC Davis undergraduates. Proposals from
individual faculty members, faculty groups and departments or programs
are invited. Projects may range from an individual faculty member
undertaking a significant revision of an existing course to a proposal
from a department planning a substantial update of its undergraduate
curriculum.
Fall Quarter Deadline: November 22, 1999 Spring Quarter Deadline: April
17, 2000
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RFP: UC Mosquito Research Program
The
UC Mosquito Research Program is soliciting research proposals for
funding for the 2000-01 academic year. The primary goal of the program
is to conduct research that will provide improved methods of managing
pest and disease-transmitting mosquitoes, thereby protecting the
citizens of California from mosquito-borne disease and discomfort from
mosquito bites. Emphasis of the program is on the principles of
integrated pest management, including practical biological control
strategies and other approaches not disruptive to the environment.
Proposals will be considered in the following categories:
Chemical control methods, including application technology
Mosquito biology and ecology Integrated pest management, including
biological control Public health Eligibility is limited to faculty
possessing principal investigator status on a UC campus.
Deadline: January 14, 2000
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RFP: UC Energy Institute
The
University of California Energy Institute is requesting proposals for
two programs:
California Energy Studies Energy Science and Technology
The range of subjects appropriate for both programs includes energy
production (resources and supply systems), efficient energy use, and
environmental and health effects of energy production and use.
California Energy Studies also includes the economics, politics and
regulation of energy systems. The two programs differ in focus and
purpose. Awards will be in the range of $10,000 to $25,000. Energy
relevance is a key criterion in the review process. Additional
encouragement is offered to faculty early in their careers. Deadline:
January 31, 2000
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RFP: South Coast Research and Extension Center
The
University of California South Coast Research and Extension Center
(SCREC) is located on 200 acres of deep, moderately sloped alluvial fan
soil. This soil type and the mild winter climate are condusive to
farming a wide range of plant species including row, orchard and field
crops, and turfgrass, landscape and nursery plants.
SCREC is soliciting proposals for new research and
extension/demonstration projects for 2000. Contingent upon approval,
the center provides land, labor, equipment and facilities to UC faculty
and academic staff of the Division of Agriculture and Natural
Resources. These resources also are available to staff from cooperating
non-UC organizations interested in conducting research and extension
projects at the center.
Deadline: December 10, 1999
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