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Scientists Adopt Research Initiatives

ARDMORE, Okla. — Researchers from the Plant Science Research Unit/ARS-USDA, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center/ARS-USDA, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. and Forage Genetics International recently met in Ardmore, Okla., at the Noble Foundation. This meeting furthered the collaborative efforts formally established in 2003 and allowed the participants to discuss the future strategic research initiatives of the Consortium.

The members of the Consortium adopted three specific research projects to improve alfalfa: tannin production, lignin modification and slowed protein degradation during ensiling. The tannin project will be conducted at the Noble Foundation and coordinated by Richard A. Dixon, Ph.D., director of the Noble Foundation’s Plant Biology Division. The lignin modification project will be led by Mark McCaslin, Ph.D., president of Forage Genetics International, and based on technology developed by Dixon and the Noble Foundation. The protein degradation project will be conducted at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center and led by Ronald D. Hatfield, Ph.D., USDA-ARS.

The Consortium regularly convenes to identify key research projects, prioritize research efforts, coordinate scientific resources and develop potential collaborations both within and external to the Consortium. These efforts leverage the varying resources and expertise of the respective members to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of each research project.

Alfalfa and alfalfa hay is the principal feed stock for dairy cows, but it is also an important food source for horses, beef cattle and sheep. Alfalfa contains between 15 to 26 percent crude protein as well as other important vitamins and minerals. This high protein content directly impacts milk, beef and wool production worldwide. There are about 23 million acres of alfalfa cut for hay in the United States annually. Despite its widespread use and recognized value, alfalfa contains traits and susceptibilities that limit its optimal utilization. Importantly, these deficiencies can be corrected through the application of appropriate scientific tools.

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The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a non-profit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement, and plant biology research; providing grants to numerous non-profit charitable, educational and health organizations; and assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs.

To learn more, visit the Noble Foundation Web site at http://www.noble.org.

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