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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Visit CA&ES Currents online at http://caes.ucdavis.edu/NewsEvents/News/Currents/default.aspx
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CA&ES Currents, the faculty/staff newsletter of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis, is distributed every other Friday. News deadline is noon Monday preceding Friday publication. Send inquiries to Ann Filmer, afilmer@ucdavis.edu
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Issue Editor:
Rhoda McKnight
(530) 752-9328
Contributors: Donna Gutierrez, Thomas Kaiser, Susan Kancir, Rhoda McKnight, Neal Van Alfen, John Weston.
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