AGgie Agenda - Texas A&M Soil & Crop...

AGThe Department of Soil and Crop Sciences

May 2012 Texas A&M Un ive rs i t y

gie AgendaVolume VI , I ssue 3

In This Issue:• News from the

Department Head• New Baby• Gold Houskeeping

Award• Condolences• Visiting Scientist

Requirements• Awards• 100 Longest Term

Agronomy Graduates• Awards• FAC• Drought Facts• Black Sorghum• Study Abroad•Calendar

Texas A&M University - Department of Soil & Crop Sciences - TAMU 2474, College Station, TX 77843 - PH: 979-845-3041

Volume VI, Issue 3

A Word From The Department Head

A big thanks to all of those, which have been recognized for special contributions, through awards, this spring. It is always ex-citing to have such a large number of award recipients from various activities that repre-sent so much dedication and hard work on the part of our faculty, staff and students. Thanks to those that helped organize our spring awards banquet and annual faculty awards celebration as well. Thanks to our agronomy club for hosting a spring picnic to celebrate a great parents week. We had several inducted into Gamma Sigma Delta and honored for special achievement, along with our own awards banquet that week and the College of Ag lunch. It was impressive to see how active and engaged our students have been.

Free time has been a bit in short supply as I have attempted to come up to speed for the interim role as ESSM department head. I am pleased to report that ESSM will be ini-tiating a search for a new Department Head starting today. They are going to make the search internal to AgriLife. We hope to have

this wrapped up by July. The next month will involve trips on behalf of CSSA as the President-Elect plans for the 2013 meetings in Tampa with a June meeting in Cincinnati and have the annual board meeting in Madi-son in May. If anyone has any suggestions for keynote speakers or closing entertain-ment please let me know as that will be the primary focus this summer.

I have been slowly making it around the State with Departmental reviews, but still have Lubbock, Uvalde, Overton, Tarleton, Dallas and El Paso on the list along with several at College Station. It will be a tight schedule to complete the process by the end of May. I appreciate the effort toward flexibility aswe schedule the month of May. I will have roughly 300 evaluations for final approvalthis year, so your efforts to make sure that you get them in the system as early as pos-sible will be greatly appreciated.

AgriLife is in the final stages of interview-ing for a Water Science position and I have had the opportunity to meet with two candi-dates so far. Dr. McFarland has been our representative on the search committee. As we have prepared for this, it has given us a good opportunity to discuss the future of the TWRI with Dr. Wilkins so that we can be better prepared to help Texas meet its water needs.

Dr. David Baltensperger

Department Head for Soil and Crop Sciences [email protected]

We wish David Chalmers the best as he begins to explore new opportunities in South Dakota. We look forward to many cooperative ventures with him as we move forward. We will be plan-ning a farewell prior to his June departure.

I had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. with the A-C-S group for the congressional vis-its day. This is a great opportunity for students to meet with House and Senate representa-tives and their staff. Hopefully we will be able to engage more A&M applicants in future con-gressional visits. Karl Glasener is the Director ofSciencepolicy in theD.C.office.Hisemailis [email protected] if you have interest in participating in future visits.

We continue to place emphasis on large inter-actions with corporate partners including efforts

and meetings with Monsanto, BP, Yulex, Scotts and others since the last newsletter. We ex-pecttheseinteractionstoincreasesignificantlyforthecurrentfiscalyear.Wearealsoworkingon more strategic efforts on endowed giving in-cluding efforts for forage, turf, soils research, soil judging, breeding and crop management. To make a contribution to the department visit our web site, contact David Baltensperger or MonicaDeLisaintheFoundationOffice.

It appears that this will be one of the largest graduating classes in some time for the Soil and Crop Sciences Department. Please join in congratulating them at our Departmental breakfast on Friday, May 11, at 7 am.

Dept. Head Continued

New Baby - Congratulations!Congratulations to Frank and Tami Hons on the birth of their newest grandchild. Koty Ann Curtis was born March 15, 2012, to Austin and Tamarah Curtis. All are doing well.

Volume VI, Issue 3

Calendar Events

Dan D. Stedham COL (Ret), 11/03/2011, Fairfax, VA - AGRO ‘49

Hugh Thomas Magers, 03/20/2012, Mineral Wells, TX - AGRO ‘37

Edward J. Kesgen Ph.D, 02/27/2012, Sylva, NC - RRDV ‘82

Virgil S. Lewis, 07/21/2011, Lititz, PA - FORS ‘86

Earl Douglas Robinson, 03/01/2012, Gainesville, TX - Range Management ‘54

In Memory of Former Students

SympathyOur heartfelt sympathy goes to Dr. Heilman and his family in the loss of Timothy David Reichel (grandson) that was born April 4, 2012.

Condolences to Shirley and Richard Duble on the death of Shirley’s Father, James W. Owen, Sr. Mr. Owen passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012. He was 90 years old.

Please keep the Hallmark family in your thoughts and prayers as their grandson, Ethan, is bat-tling neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that strikes young children. May 8 (11am - 11pm), Chili’s is donating ten percent of their sales to support Ethan. If you are able to join us, be sure to bring the required “Ethan Coupon” located at the end of this newsletter.

Congratulations to Linda Carpenter and Kathy Schmitt! They have created the displays on the firstfloorthatshowcaseourfacultystationsonamap,pinpointing theiroffice location,alongwith a picture of the faculty. You are now able tolocateanySoilandCropfaculty with ease. Great job Linda and Kathy!

KUDOS!

SCS Gold Housekeeping Award

Volume VI, Issue 3

If you have awards or information that you would like mentioned in future newsletters, please send to [email protected].

Required Procedures When Inviting a Visiting ScientistThe art of inviting scholars or students to participate in research in our department is a delicate dance of hurry up and wait. In order to bring non-employee and non-students on board, there are several forms and documents required. International Faculty and Scholar Services (IFSS) maintains a website for J-1 Scholars and these forms will also suffice for any US Citizen that meet the criteria of Visiting Scholar or Student Intern.

Visiting Scholar: http://ifss.tamu.edu/node/40 (if password protected, please call me)

ForYour Information

ALL VISITING SCHOLARS:• Copy of Resume/CV• Proof of required fundingAdditional Forms for Non-US Citizen:• J-1 Nonimmigrant Questionnaire• Copy of Passport• Pre-arrival Proof of Insurance• Certification of Insurance

FROM THE SPONSORING PROFESSOR:• Division of Research 5VS Form• Invitation Letter• Account number to charge delivery of paperwork

and ID cardAdditional Form if Non-US Citizen:• Departmental Sponsorship of J-1 Exchange Visitor

Visiting Scholar: http://ifss.tamu.edu/node/43 (if password protected, please call me)

ALL STUDENT INTERNS:• Copy of Resume/CV• Proof of required funding• Certification of academic standing from stu-

dent’s academic institution• Proof of English language skills (if applica-

ble)Additional Forms for Non-US Citizen:• J-1 Nonimmigrant Questionnaire• Copy of Passport• Pre-arrival Proof of Insurance• Certification of Insurance

FROM THE SPONSORING PROFESSOR:• Division of Research 5VS Form• Invitation Letter• Form DS-7002, Training/Internship Placement Plan• Student Intern Evaluation (mid and end of program)• Account number to charge delivery of paperwork and

ID cardAdditional Form if Non-US Citizen:• Departmental Sponsorship of J-1 Exchange Visitor

Please give all forms to me once completed and I will route for the appropriate signatures. Your scholar or intern can email their forms. If they are a J-1, once all forms are received and reviewed, I will forward to IFSS for their processing. IFFS will send a packet of forms via Fed-Ex which will allow your visitor to apply for their J-1 visa. If not a J-1, the approved 5VS will signal the okay to come aboard.When you visiting scholar or student intern arrive to the department, please have them come see me first so I can have them sign an Intellectual Property Agreement and Waiver of Liability and Hold Harmless Agreement. If on a J-1, I will also schedule a time for processing at IFSS.Please note: if your visitor is a non-US citizen and participates in any activity (not just watching), they must be on a J-1 Visa. A tourist (B-1 or B-2) visa will not suffice. - Barbara Bracken, 979-845-3042

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Thanks to funding as a part of the Action 2015 High Impact Areas, the department has been able to award Graduate Research Mentoring Scholarships to Haly Neely, Joe Storlien, and Katie Rothlisberger. These three graduate students mentored undergraduate students conducting a research project under the direction of Drs. Morgan and Hons in our department. This is an ongoing program over the next five years to encour-age graduate participation and mentoring of undergraduate students conducting SCSC 491 research directed by our faculty.

Congratulations to Dr. Jamie Foster on being recognized on Corpus Christ’s Top 40 Under 40 this year.Corpus Christi Under 40 exists to honor the men and women dedicated to making a difference in Corpus Christi. Be it in education, health care, or technology, it is those individuals with the perseverance and deter-mination that create culture and opportunity for others in the community.

Congratulations Award Winners!

Scholarships

Congratulations to Carol Lange as she has been named as a recipient of the 2012 Gerald O. Mott Meritorious Graduate Studen Award in Crop Science. This annual award recognizes top-notch graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in crop science discipline. Congratulations Carol!

Archana Gawde, student of Dr. Joseph Awika, has received the Charles H. & Frances Fleming Academic Excellence Award. This award has a total value of $1,000 and is endowed by the Association of Former Students.

Additionally, she has received the Graduate Student Council endowed first, Aggie Core Values Award 2012 endowed for Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service. Archana has served on the Graduate Student Council (2009-11), as the Diversity Commissioner with Student Government Association (2010-11) and as the President of International Student Association (2011-12). This award is a reflec-tion of her Aggie spirit and includes a scholarship for her Aggie Ring. Archana Gawde

Archana also received the Montgomery Leadership Award 2012 endowed by the Office of Graduate Studies.

Awards

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Texas A&M University - Department of Soil & Crop Sciences - TAMU 2474, College Station, TX 77843

Soil & Crop Sciences Annual Meeting SERVICE PINS AgriLife 10 years: Linda Dykes, Sandria Prom, Youjun Deng

20 years: Hongbin Zhang, William L. Rooney, Richard White

30 years: Mark Hall, Edward Runge

TAMU 20 years: Kathy Schmitt

25 years: Wayne Smith

30 years: Frank Hons

35 Years: Donald Vietor

Extension 10 years: Diane Boellstorff, Stacy Ferrell, Deborah Sutherland, Wayne Thompson

20 years: Jeff Waskom

EMERITUS Mike Chandler, Tom Hallmark, Lloyd Rooney, David Zuberer, Hamid Shahandeh

PROMOTION AND TENURE

Amir Ibrahim to Professor, Gaylon Morgan to Professor and Extension Specialist, Keerti Rathore to Professor, Girisha Ganjegunte to Associate Professor, Steve Hague to Associate with Tenure and Terry Gentry to Associate with Tenure.

NEW STAFF

Galen Roberts-Mark McFarland, Kristine Uhlman-Diane Boellstorff, “G.G.” Geraldine Opena-Amire Ibrahim and Jeff Savage-Seth Murray.

FAREWELLS

Todd Baughman, Dustin Borden, Susie Mendez, Brent Bean, Emily Hollister-Branton, Lea Dell Morris, Juerg Blumenthal, Travis Janak, Rob Duncan, and Cassandra McDonough.

RECRUITMENTS

Mark Kelly, Ben Whereley, and Paul Schwab.

IN REMEMBRANCE

Ernest Rivers and Ed Percival.

(All awards are listed at the end of the newsletter)

Volume VI, Issue 3

Texas A&M University - Department of Soil & Crop Sciences - TAMU 2474, College Station, TX 77843

It is with great excitement that I write to you today to announce that this year’s Learn-ing Communities Advocate Award winner is Dr. Paul Schwab, the Learning Community Instructor for the Environmental Sciences Learning Community.

The Learning Communities Advocate Award is presented each year to a Learning Com-munity Instructor (LCI) who has demonstrated uncommon commitment and has gone above and beyond the expectations inherent in lead-ing a Learning Community. LCIs are eligible for the award based on a nomination process initiated by the students in their Learning Com-munity.Fromafieldof93LCIs,Dr.Schwabwas identified by his students as a particu-larly passionate and dedicated leader; it is also especially notable that Dr. Schwab was afirst-timeLCIthisyear,asfall2011markedthe initial offering of the new Environmental Sciences LC. At the risk of a lengthy email, I believe it is both important and quite telling to include for you a sample of what Dr. Schwab’s students wanted us to know in their nominations:

- described by one of his students as “Cre-ating a very enjoyable Learning Community Experience for all of the students. This in-structor is very enthusiastic about his work which helped me realize that I have an in-creased likeness for this type of research area.” - “Helping everyone become comfortable with one another to establish good relation-ships” - “he spent time in class generating open discussions and made sure to orchestrate events outside of the classroom that would help us bond” - “He even made sure to hold an end of the semester wrap up event to send us off on a wonderful note.” These comments are indicative of precisely the results that a Learning Community pro-gram seeks to achieve in all LCs for partici-pating students. While we are very pleased for Dr. Schwab in terms of his accomplish-ments and recognition therein, we are much more honored that he serves as an LCI and brings his talent, enthusiasm, and under-standing to participating students. I hope that you will join me in offering sincere con-gratulations on his recognition and gratitude for his efforts.

By James T Pukrop, Purdue University

Volume VI, Issue 3

Our Newest Faculty MemberLearning Communities Advocate Award Winner

Dr. Paul SchwabProfessorSoil Chemistry

Create a Legacy - giving.tamu.edu

Faculty Advisory Committee - Scott Senseman, FAC Chair

Dr. Brent Bean has vacated a position on the committee. Thank you for your service Brent and best ofluckwithyournewposition.Dr.VanessaCorriherhasbeenelectedtofillthevacatedposition.Congratulations Vanessa!

Strategic planning is moving forward. We have submitted surveys for external participation (clien-tele, former students, industry, etc.) and internal participation (faculty, staff, students, administration, adjunct faculty, etc.). We will be seeking input from over 80 external clientele and more than 250 internalparticipants.Pleasehelpusbyfillingoutthesurvey.Wewillcompileandsummarizethismaterial and provide another opportunity for external and internal participants to react to it followed byafinalsummaryandpresentationtothefacultyregardingsuggestedcoursesofactionbasedonthe results of this strategic planning process. The links to the surveys are:

Survey to Internal Participantshttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GY9VL7BSurvey to External Clientelehttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3ZH3HMH

The Faculty Advisory Committee is comprised of Mark McFarland, Steve Hague, Terry Gentry, Scott Finlayson, Vanessa Corriher, Kevin McInnes, Travis Miller, Wayne Smith, David Baltensperger and Scott Senseman, FAC Chair.

Volume VI, Issue 3

Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, [email protected] STATION – Texas agricultural losses due to the 2011 drought reached a record $7.62 billion, making it the most costly drought in history, according to updated totals by Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists. “2011 was the driest year on record and certainly an in-famous year of distinction for the state’s farmers and ranch-ers,” said Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock economist. “The $7.62 billion mark for 2011 is more than $3.5 billion higher than the 2006 drought loss estimates, which previously was the costliest drought on record. The 2011 losses also represent about 43 percent of the average value of agricultural receipts over the last four years.” “No one alive has seen single-year drought damage to this extent,” said Dr. Travis Miller, AgriLife Extension agrono-mist and a member of the Governor’s Drought Preparedness Council. “Texas farmers and ranchers are not strangers to drought,buttheintensityofthedrought,reflectedinrecordhigh temperatures, record low precipitation, unprecedented winds coupled with duration – all came together to devastate production agriculture.” “When you are one of the biggest agricultural producing states in the nation, a monumental drought causes enor-mous losses,” Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. “While the pain and damage this drought has caused cannot be overstated, our state’s farmers and ranchers are determinedintheircommitmentandfierceintheirresolve.We will rebuild and continue delivering the safest, most reli-able and most affordable food supply in the world.” Miller said millions of acres of Texas crops never received enough rain to germinate the planting seed. “Even irrigated farmers experienced huge losses as water supplies that they could deliver were not adequate to pro-duce crops under these conditions with no rain,” he said. “The drought started in the fall of 2010, resulting in very little winter grazing. Many of our pastures and hay meadows nev-er greened up after the winter.” Diminishing water supplies and no local hay produc-tion dramatically increased the cost of maintaining livestock herds, resulting in massive culling and unprecedented runs at livestock sale rings beginning in June, Miller said. “Hay was purchased as far away as Montana, dramati-cally driving up the cost of supplemental feed. While much of the state began to receive some relief from this drought in late fall or early winter, most of the large areas of the plains and West Texas have yet to receive any relief.”

Through August of 2011, AgriLife Extension economists previously reported $5.2 billion in drought losses. The fol-lowing are updated drought losses for 2011 by commodity with previously reported loss estimates from August in pa-renthesis:Livestock: $3.23 billion (up from $2.06 billion);Lost hay production value: $750 million (no change);Cotton: $2.2 billion (up from $1.8 billion);Corn: $736 million (up from $409 million);Wheat: $314 million (up from $243 million);Sorghum: $385 million (up from $63 million); The following are summaries by specific commodities: Livestock – Losses due to the 2011 drought are estimated to be $3.23 billion. The estimate includes the previously re-ported $2.06 billion in August. “Losses include the increased cost of feeding livestock due to the lack of pastures and ranges, and market losses,” Anderson said. “Market losses include the impact of fewer pounds sold per calf and the impact of relatively lower mar-ket prices due to the large number of cattle sold in a very short time period.” Cotton – Texas cotton growers faced unprecedented im-pacts from drought in 2011, according to Dr. John Robinson, AgriLife Extension Service cotton marketing economist. “In August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture projected a relatively low average cotton yield of 636 pounds per har-vested acre, which they subsequently revised down to 557 pounds per acre by December,” Robinson said. “In Texas, cotton growers saw a historically-high acreage abandon-mentof55percentofplantedacres.Comparedtofive-yearaverage yields and abandonment, 2011 represents a huge loss in potential production. “Applied to USDA’s measure of 7.57 million planted cotton acres in Texas, and valued at USDA’s projected price of 91 cents per pound, this loss adds up to $2.2 billion (up from the August estimated loss of $1.8 billion). It is noteworthy that $1.8 billion is also the 10-year average total value of cotton lint and cottonseed production in Texas. Therefore, Texas cotton growers lost more market income in 2011 than they would normally make for an entire cotton crop.” Grains and Hay – The drought of 2011 lowered grain production in Texas to about half of normal levels and is esti-mated to have cost wheat, corn, and sorghum grain farmers in Texas over $1.4 billion. “Recent production revisions by the USDA lowered har-

Updated 2011 Texas Agricultural Drought Losses Total 7.62 Billion

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Continued next page.

vested acres and yields, and resulted in a doubling of the August loss estimate of $600 million,” said Dr. Mark Welch, AgriLife Extension Service grains marketing economist. Wheat – Since August, USDA lowered the number of Texas wheat acres for harvest by another 100,000 acres. Texas wheat production in 2011 was 49.4 million bushels compared toa five-yearaverageof 92.4million, down47percent, according to Welch.“Wheatyieldsweredownfromafive-yearaverageof30bushels to 26 bushels per acre and abandonment is up,” hesaid.“Thefive-yearaverageof wheat planted acres that are harvested for grain is 50 per-cent; 36 percent of planted acres were harvested in 2011. That reduced the number of wheat acres for harvest by over a mil-lion compared to normal years. The combination of yield losses and reduction in harvested acres put Texas wheat for grain losses at $314 million.” Corn – Compared to the Au-gust estimates, Texas corn har-vested acres have been reduced by more than 100,000 acres and yields cut from 112 bushels per acre to 93, Welch said. Texas corn production is now an es-timated136.7millionbushelscomparedtoafive-yearaver-age of 255.4 million, down 46 percent. “Harvested acres are down 23 percent due to higher abandonment rates, and yields are down 30 percent state-wide,” Welch said. “The combination of yield losses and re-duction in harvested acres put Texas corn for grain losses at $736 million.” Sorghum – Since August, Texas grain sorghum harvested acres have been reduced by an additional 150,000 acres. Texas grain sorghum production is estimated at 56.4 million bushels compared toa five-yearaverageof 119.5million,down 60 percent. “The 1.6 million acres planted in the Spring of 2011 was the fewest in Texas’ history,” Welch said. “Then the drought further lowered yields and raised abandonment rates. The combination of yield losses and reduction in harvested acres put Texas grain sorghum losses at $385 million.” Hay – The value of hay production lost due to the drought is estimated to be $750 million. The lack of rain throughout the year led to the lack of hay to harvest.

“Corn stalks, grain sorghum, and wheat stubble from ei-ther failed grain crops or post-harvest residue is often baled during drought years, as was commonly done in 2011,” An-derson said. “The quality of these feeds is often very low, and its value is commensurate with its quality. Although, in years like this even the lowest quality feeds are used along with other supplemental feeds.” Timber -The historic drought took a severe toll on trees across the state. The commercial timber forested area of East Texas was among the hardest hit, said Burl Carraway, Texas Forest Service department head for sustainable for-

estry. An estimated $558 million of standing merchantable trees (diameter of 5 inches or larger) on forestland in East Texas have succumbed to the drought. “The loss is roughly twice the stumpage value of annual timber harvest in Texas over the past three years,” Carraway said. “The drought also has a devastating impact on seedlings and saplings, which are normal-ly more susceptible to severe drought of this scale. Economic loss to these pre-merchantable timber stands is estimated to be

an additional $111 million.” Taking the impacts to merchantable and pre-merchant-able trees into account, the direct economic loss of East Tex-as Forest from the recent drought is estimated to be around $669 million measured in stumpage values (sale value of standing trees), Carraway said. Editor’s note: The following is a list of economic drought losses from 1998 through 2011, as compiled by AgriLife Ex-tension economists:* 2011– $7.62 billion* 2009 – $3.6 billion* 2008 – $1.4 billion* 2006 – $4.1 billion* 2002 – $316 million* 2000 – $1.1 billion* 1999 – $223 million* 1998 – $2.4 billion

Volume VI, Issue 3

Drought Losses Continued

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Onyx Hybrid Touts Traits Suited for Health-Food Market

COLLEGE STATION – A Texas AgriLife Research scientist said there’s potential for a black grain sorghum hybrid targeting the health-food market.

Dr. Bill Rooney has developed Onyx, a black sorghum hybrid that is produced by crossing ATx3363 and RTx3362, both developed by AgriLife Research.

Onyx, a black sorghum hybrid developed by Dr. Bill Rooney, Texas AgriLife Re-search scientist, features many traits suited for the health-food industry. (Texas AgriLife Research photo by Blair Fannin)

This grain sorghum hybrid is unique because the outer layer of the grain (more commonly known as bran) is black, Rooney said. The black color is the result of high concentrations of anthocyanins, which are also antioxidants.

“This type of sorghum would be suitable for the cereal market,” Rooney said. “Youcouldgrindthisandturnitintoflourforfooduse.Youcouldalsotakethebran to concentrate the antioxidants in this form; there are a lot of potential ap-plications for this.”

The color in Onyx is derived from the RTx3362 line, but hybridization was nec-essary to increase grain yield to levels acceptable for production, Rooney said. Currently, obstacles facing sorghum growers targeting production for the health food markets are stability, production, cost and yield.

Onyx, a black sorghum hybrid developed by Dr. Bill Rooney, Texas AgriLife Research scien-tist, features many traits suited for the health-food industry. (Texas AgriLife Research photo by Blair Fannin)

Rooney said that Onyx partially addresses this issue. Its yield potential is approximately 65-70 percent of a com-mercial grain sorghum hybrid.

He said this hybrid is designed for niche market-production – it will not be widely grown or distributed.ProductionwillbeacooperativeeffortamongAgriLifeResearch,specificniche-market sorghum producers and end-users or processors who are willing to pay a premium for the grain so they can use it in health-food products.

Other project contributors from the sorghum breeding lab are Chad Hayes and Ostilio Portillo. In addition, Drs. Lloyd W. Rooney, Joseph Awika and Linda Dykes from the Cereal Quality Laboratory in the department of soil and sciences at Texas A&M University assisted in the characterization of the antioxidants in this hybrid.

Dr. Bill Rooney has developed Onyx, a black sorghum hybrid that is produced by crossing ATx3363 and RTx3362, both developed by AgriLife Research. (Tex-as AgriLife Research photo by Blair Fannin)

The line is currently in the licensing phase through The Texas A&M University SystemOfficeofTechnologyCommercialization.

Dr. Bill Rooney has developed Onyx, a black sorghum hybrid that is produced by crossing ATx3363 and RTx3362, both de-veloped by AgriLife Research. (Texas AgriLife Research photo by Blair Fannin)

New Black Sorghum Line Developed by Texas AgriLife Research

Article by Blair Fannin

Volume VI, Issue 3

Study Abroad to Australia

Twelve Aggie students participated in a new study abroad course, “Agroecology in Austra-

lia”. Students traveled to Canberra, Sydney, Narrabri, and Cairns, Australia. They collected information for case studies about

agriculture’s role in the natural environment. The group met with scien-tists from CSIRO, farmers involved with livestock and crop production, as well as civic leaders. They had the opportunity to visit nature reserves, bo-tanical gardens, tropical rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef. If you would

like more information about this program, contact Dr. Steve Hague at [email protected].

100 Longest Term Agronomy GraduatesMr. Leo V. Witkowski ‘37Mr. John W. Ayers ‘37Mr. Joseph C. Hickerson ‘38Mr. Alfred L. Pace ‘38Mr. Logan W. Crews ‘39Mr. Pat C. Clutter ‘39Mr. Ruben Bonilla-Diaz ‘39Dr. Lee C. Coffey ‘40Mr. Harry C. Forbes ‘40Mr. Harold Mikola ‘40Mr. R. J. Hodges, Jr. ‘41Mr. John W. Brumbelow ‘42Mr. John Box ‘42Mr. Raymond L. Jarratt ‘42Dr. Bradford A. Waddle ‘42Mr. John T. Pesek, Jr. ‘43Mr. James P. Alford ‘43Mr. Carlton H. Power ‘43Mr. Claude E. Lovett ‘43Mr. Paul H. Rosamond ‘43Mr. Percy L. Bell ‘43Mr. Roland B. Von Roeder ‘43Mr. Burett P. Robinson ‘43Mr. William E. Kirkpatrick ‘43Mr. Grady J. Lane, Jr. ‘44Mr. Lacy B. Wheeler ‘44Dr. James R. Watson, Jr. ‘45Dr. George W. Kunze ‘45Dr. Jack R. Runkles ‘45Mr. Tom H. Owen ‘45Mr. William P. Tapp ‘45Mr. Roy G. Freeman, Jr. ‘46Mr. Maurice J. Spears ‘46Mr. Gerald M. Darby ‘47

Mr. R. Martin Vick ‘47Mr. Billie B. Mahler ‘47Mr. Richard P. Bates ‘47Mr. William B. Holleman ‘48Mr. Elvis R. Cozart ‘48Mr. Todd W. Berry ‘48Mr. John D. Brazzil ‘48Mr. Arch K. Jacobson ‘49Mr.LynnM.Griffin‘49Reverend Richard D. Brice ‘49Mr. Ross V. Williams ‘49Mr. S. Jerry Ellis ‘49Mr. Alan M. Curry ‘49Dr. John E. Endrizzi ‘49Mr. Jack C. Williams ‘49Mr. Clarence C. Wiedenfeld ‘49Mr. Luther C. Boswell ‘49Mr. Brooks Bradley ‘49Mr. Don D. Decker ‘49Mr. Joe G. Mears ‘49Mr. Norman N. Hinchliffe ‘49Mr. Lance E. Chase ‘50Mr. Gerald McCaskill ‘50Mr. Travis E. Meyer ‘50Mr. Leonard R. Stanislav ‘50Mr. Jack G. Stroman ‘50Mr. William D. Samuels, Jr. ‘50Mr. Roy H. Cook ‘50Mr. Glenn D. Duhon ‘50Dr. Flake L. Fisher ‘50Mr. Conrad C. Ohlendorf ‘50Mr. Billy B. Gorden ‘50Mr. James F. Robertson ‘50Mr. Ivan J. Bohuslav ‘50

Mr. Vishram Prasad ‘50Mr. Kenneth E. Ritter ‘50Mr. Carl L. Elliott ‘50Mr. Robert E. Ferguson ‘50Mr. Alvin M. Malish ‘50Mr. Billy F. Higginbotham ‘50Mr. Berwin J. Terrell ‘51Dr. George G. McBee ‘51Dr. Charles W. Wendt ‘51Mr. Robert E. Hill ‘51Dr. Raymond J. Kunze ‘51Mr. William E. Watson, Jr. ‘51Dr. Earl C. Gilmore ‘51LTC Raymond H. Falke ‘51Keith L. Hargrove, BG USA (Ret) ‘51Mr. William P. Stromberg ‘51Mr. Robert P. Ramey ‘51Mr. Eugene G. Streger ‘51Mr. James M. Pace ‘51Mr. Leo G. Mikeska ‘51Mr. William B. Brooks ‘51Mr. Ward D. Vogel ‘51Mr. Clovis D. Higginbotham ‘51Mr. Hugh L. Howard ‘51ING. Pablo E. Maurer ‘51Mr. Angel H. Quintero ‘51Dr. William M. Lewis ‘52Dr. Anton J. Bockholt ‘52COL USA (Ret) Bibb A. Under-wood ‘52Mr. James S. Newman ‘52Mr. J. Alton Enloe ‘52Mr. Curtis H. Deaver ‘52

image courtesy of Cushing Memorial Library & Archives @ Texas A&M University

Volume VI, Issue 3

Calendar Events

May8 BenefitatCollegeStationChili’stosupportEthanHallmark.Seelastpageforcoupons.May 11 Graduation 9:00 AMMay 24 Bushland Field DayMay 28 Memorial Day Holiday for CampusJune 14-15 Soils Critique, VernonJune 19 Stiles Farm Field DayJune 26 Eagle Lake Field DayJuly 4 July 4th HolidayJuly 12 Beaumont Field DayAug. 6-8 NAPB Annual Meeting in Indianapolis - for more information www.plantbreeding.org Early registration ends June 1.

NAPB Annual MeetingThe National Association of Plant Breeders will hold its annual meeting August 6-8, 2012 in Indianapolis, with the theme of “Sustaining Life through Plant Improvement”. The annual meeting is an opportunity for breeders and allied scientists to stay updated on recent innovations in plant science and to discuss public policy issues relevant to plant breeding. The meeting also provides an im-portant venue for graduate students to present their research, meet with potential employers, and become acquainted with plant breeding graduate students from other universities. This year’s meeting will be hosted by Dow AgroSciences.More information and registration for the meeting is available at www.plantbreeding.org. Early registration ends June 1.

Congratulations Katie & Clay!

Graduate Students, Katie Rothlisberger and Clay Lewis were married April 21, 2012. Happy Marriage!

Volume VI, Issue 3

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS for 2012-2013 Stacy Arteaga Church Scholarship Texas Seed Trade Association Scholarship Cory Carpenter Kenneth Lindsey Memorial Scholarship Allen and Joan Wiese Endowed Scholarship Ana Sofia Corona Gaxiola Dr. Cleveland & Frances Gerard Scholarship Cecil and Ola Beasley Goodman Undergraduate Scholarship J.F. Mills Endowed Scholarship Landon Crotwell Charles ’63 and Lynann ’66 Simpson Endowed Scholarship Kenneth and Marion Porter Endowed Scholarship H. Jean Mills Memorial Scholarship Ethan Diver Kenneth and Marion Porter Endowed Scholarship Texas Seed Trade Association Scholarship Eric Evans Billie B. and Gloria S. Turner Production Scholarship Allen and Joan Wiese Endowed Scholarship Jacob Fehler J.C. and Judy Blue Undergraduate Scholarship Carl Gerhard Texas Turfgrass Scholarship – William E. “Bill” McLaughlin Scholarship Sequor Foundation/Milberger Turfgrass Endowed Scholarship Keith Ebanks Memorial Scholarship Brandon Gerrish Dick Holland Endowed Scholarship Pat and Ed Runge Future Leaders Endowed Scholarship

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Christopher Haga Texas Turfgrass Scholarship – Paul M. Drummett Scholarship Texas Turfgrass Scholarship – A. W. and Barbara Crain Scholarship Texas Turfgrass Scholarship – William E. “Bill” McLaughlin Scholarship Colby Lisenby Texas Turfgrass Association Scholarship Benjamin Martin Dean Ide P. Trotter Sr. Memorial Scholarship Jacob Menn Jack Hulgan Memorial Scholarship Texas Turfgrass Scholarship – William E. “Bill” McLaughlin Scholarship Sequor Foundation/Milberger Turfgrass Endowed Scholarship Jonathan Moreno Texas Seed Trade Association Scholarship Raymond Poskey Texas Turfgrass Scholarship – William E. “Bill” McLaughlin Scholarship Shelby Redgate McAfee Memorial Scholarship Morris G. Merkle Endowed Scholarship Charles A. Schneider ’70 Memorial Scholarship Emily Webb Ceres, Inc. Scholarship Stetson Wheat Ceres, Inc. Scholarship James Hubert Foster Scholarship Charles A. Schneider ‘70 Memorial Scholarship Nicholas Wleczyk Billy, Gloria and Gerry Conrad Scholarship Jeff Wong Joe S. Campise Memorial Scholarship James Hubert Foster Scholarship Luther Jones Outstanding Junior Scholarship Olin & Thelma Smith Endowed Scholarship

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FRESHMAN & TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS for 2011-2012

Sarah Coffey Luther Jones Freshman Scholarship Sunoco Energy Development Scholarship Landon Crotwell J.C. and Judy Blue Undergraduate Scholarship James Hubert Foster Scholarship Dianna Fisher Texas Turfgrass Research, Extension and Education Endowment Jessica Koepp Kenneth and Marion Porter Endowed Scholarship Billie B. & Gloria S. Turner Production Scholarship Mitchell Schumann Texas Turfgrass Research, Extension and Education Endowment Jeff Wong Kenneth and Marion Porter Endowed Scholarship

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT OFFICERS

Agronomy Society Dianna Fisher – President

Sarah Coffey – Vice President Kelsey Hoegenauer – Secretary

Whitney Minton – Treasurer Jessica Koepp – Reporter

Eddie Beloiu – Merchandise Coordinator Drs. David Zuberer & Steve Hague – Faculty Advisors

Turf Club

Ryan Heine – President Bill Hardin – Vice President Garett Dishman – Secretary

Michael Frantzen – Treasurer Wesley Curtis – Member Services

Drs. Richard White & Ben Wherley – Faculty Advisors

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SOIL and CROP SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS and RECOGNITION, 2011-2012

Heather Watson –J. Fielding Reed Scholarship

(American Society of Agronomy) National Society of Consulting Soil Scientist Scholarship

(Soil Science Society of America)

SCSC Agronomy Society – Presidents’ Trophy Award and 2nd in National Club Poster Competition

Dianna Fisher – 2nd Undergraduate Oral Presentation Kelsey Hoegenauer – 2nd Visual Presentation Contest

Melissa Ganotis – 4th National Speech Contest (American Society of Agronomy)

Dianna Fisher – National Sorghum Breeders Scholarship

and DC Fly-in (National Sorghum Breeders Association)

Dianna Fisher – Student of the Year

(Professional Soil Scientists Association of Texas)

Sarah Coffey – Outstanding Senior Award of Merit (Gamma Sigma Delta – TAMU)

Undergraduate Dean’s Honor Roll

Ana Sofia Corona Gaxiola – Spring 2011 and Fall 2011 Landon Crotwell – Fall 2011

Dianna Fisher – Spring 2011 and Fall 2011 Michael Frantzen – Spring 2011 and Fall 2011

Melissa Ganotis – Spring 2011 Kelsey Hoegenauer – Spring 2011 and Fall 2011

Jeff Wong – Spring 2011

Undergraduate Distinguished Student List Eduard Beloiu – Spring 2011 Christopher Haga – Fall 2011

NOTE: Students must be enrolled in 15 hours and maintain a 3.75 or 3.5 GPA respectively to be placed on these lists

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GRADUATE STUDENT FELLOWSHIP/ ASSISTANTSHIP RECIPIENTS, 2011 - 2012

Brijesh Angira Pathways to a Doctorate Assistantship Henry Awika Borlaug International Scholars Program Ivan Barrero Farfan Valdo Puskaric Pioneer Plant Breeding Fellowship Bhoja Raj Basnet Monsanto Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program Francis Beecher Monsanto Graduate Assistantship in Plant Breeding Meredith Bilek Marsha and Murray Milford ’55 Graduate Endowment Christopher Chick Monsanto Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Program George “Trey” Cutts Monsanto Graduate Assistantship in Plant Breeding John Gill Monsanto Graduate Assistantship in Plant Breeding Kendra Gregory Graduate Diversity Fellowship Reagan Hejl R. C. Potts Turfgrass Assistantship Endowment Rosa Jauregui Monsanto Graduate Assistantship in Plant Breeding Tom Jondiko Waniska Endowed Graduate Assistantship Kolbyn Joy Cotton, Inc. Fellow Mason Kearns R. C. Potts Turfgrass Assistantship Endowment Carol Lange J. Ron Quinby Endowed Graduate Assistantship Irvin M. and Mary Atkins Assistantship

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Adam Mahan Monsanto Graduate Assistantship in Plant Breeding Laura Ann McLoud Cotton Inc. Fellow Meghyn Meeks Monsanto Graduate Assistantship in Plant Breeding Luke Morgan Gladys and Larry Wilding Scholarship Harley Naumann Pathways to a Doctorate Assistantship Dudley T. ’79 and Angela R. Smith Travel Endowment Haly Neely Graduate Diversity Fellowship Eng-Hwa Ng Monsanto Graduate Assistantship in Plant Breeding Justin Ng Luminant Environmental Research Fellowship Bharath Reddy Pathways to a Doctorate Assistantship Madahy Romero Pathways to a Doctorate Assistantship Julie Rothe Monsanto Graduate Assistantship in Plant Breeding Joseph Storlien Tom Slick Fellowship Sean Thompson Monsanto Graduate Assistantship in Plant Breeding Benjamin McKnight Rice Belt Warehouse Graduate Assistantship David Verbree Graduate Diversity Fellowship Jacob Washburn Henry M. Beachell Endowed Scholarship Fund Yujin Wen Tom Slick Fellowship Jatara Wise USDA National Needs Fellowship in Bioenergy

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SOIL & CROP SCIENCES GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS and RECOGNITION, 2011-2012

Ben McKnight – Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Joseph Storlien – 3rd Place Poster Competition (Texas Plant Protection Association)

Kolbyn Joy – 1st Place Oral Competition

George “Trey” Cutts – 2nd Place Oral Competition Rosa Jauregui – 3rd Place Oral Competition

(2011 Beltwide Cotton Conference)

Carol Lange – Gerald O. Mott Meritorious Graduate Student Award

(Crop Science Society of America)

Ratnaprabha – 1st Place Poster Competition and 2nd Place Oral Competition

Chance Robinson – 3rd Place Oral Competition (SSSA International Annual Meeting)

Ratnaprabha – 2nd Place Poster (MEPS Fall Poster Symposium)

Julie Rothe – 3rd Place Oral Competition

(Crop Science Society of America

Edinalvo Camargo – Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Student Award and 1st Place Oral Presentation

(Southern Weed Science Society)

Ratnaprabha – Eppright Outstanding International Student Scholarship Award Finalist

and Charles & Frances Fleming Academic Excellence Award (Texas A&M University)

Ratnaprabha – AFS Memorial Scholarship Award

and Buck Weirus Spirit Award (TAMU Association of Former Students)

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Justin Ng – 2nd Place Oral Presentation (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences-

Student Research Week)

Justin Ng – 2nd Place Poster Award (American Society of Mining and Reclamation)

Madahy Romero – 2nd Place Poster

Justin Ng – 3rd Place Poster (Soil Science Society of America)

George “Trey” Cutts – Rice Research to Production short course

(International Rice Research Institute – Philippines)

Fredrico Barros and Tom Jondiko – AACC Scholarship Leonnard Ojwang – Finalist Student Research Paper Competition

Pulcers Team: Frederico Barros, Archana Gawde, Liyi Yang, Victor Taleon and Tom Jondiko – 2nd Place Team

Trigrano Team: Leonnard Ojwang, Karla Siska, Taehoon Kim and Yunus Tuncil – 3rd Place Team

(American Association of Cereal Chemists International Foundation)

Archana Gawde – Diversity Service Student

(2011 Texas A&M Diversity Awards)

Edinalvo Camargo – 2nd Place Poster (American Chemical Society)

Ana Barrientos Velazquez – 1st Place Poster

and 2011 Travel Grant George Russell – 2011 Travel Grant

(Clay Minerals Society)

Jatara Wise – 2nd Place Poster (2011 Thermochemical Biomass International Conference)

Leonnard Ojwang – Best Graduate Student Research Award

(2011 American Association of Cereal Chemists)

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GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCATION OFFICERS Justin Ng – President

Joseph Storlien – Vice President Katie Rothlisberger – Secretary Justin Ng – GSC Representative

SOIL & CROP SCIENCES FACULTY and STAFF AWARDS and RECOGNITION, 2011-2012

Keerti Rathore – 2011 Cotton Genetics Research Award

(2012 Beltwide Cotton Conference)

Wayne Smith - Fellow (Crop Science Society of America)

Jim Muir – Regents Professor

(Texas AgriLife Research)

Jamie Foster – Career Achievements (Corpus Christi Top 40 Under 40)

B. B. Singh

International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement (University of Illinois)

Trophy and Citation (EMBRAPA IV Bio-fortification Conference)

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2011 SOIL and CROP SCIENCES DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS

Kathy Wingate– Administrative Support Scott Vajdak – Administrative Support

Terry Gentry – Research Mark Arnold – Research Support

Edward Macik – Technical Staff Support – Field Heidi Mjelde – Technical Staff Support - Lab

Edinalvo Camargo – Graduate Research Mark Hall – Teaching

Katie Rothlisberger – Graduate Teaching Landon Crotwell – Undergraduate Student Support

Scott’s Miracle-Gro Company – Special Service Recognition

The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences would like to congratulate all of the winners, thank the donors who have made these scholarships possible,

and thank all who support our department on a daily basis.

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