Microbiota associated with fruits are strongly affected by agricultural practices, but there is only sparse data available on fungal and bacterial diversity in biologically intensive, organic, and conventional apples and none on pears. In Europe, ciders are traditionally produced through spontaneous fermentation from fruits and equipment-associated microbiota, a practice that imparts distinct organoleptic properties and […]
Our proposed work directly addresses the Sustaining Health Grand Challenge through the initiation of the first collaborative study between CAHNRS and ESFCOM, utilizing our Soil to Society research pipeline: including plant breeding and varietal development for nutritional characteristics and evaluating effectiveness in improving human health and well-being. Novel barley varieties high in the soluble fiber […]
Knowledge of the underlying factors of cider’s sensory characteristics and the techniques for assessment is critical to the consistent production of high-quality end product. Our research-based peer-reviewed guide provides an understanding both the theory and practice of cider evaluation, information that provides a much needed foundation for teaching or studying the principles of cider making. […]
In western Washington growers utilize small grains as a rotational crop to break disease and pest cycles as well as resting the soil between more intensive, and profitable, crops. We are breeding barley and wheat for nutritional content and end-use quality, using novel color traits to differentiate the crop and increase the antioxidant content of […]
Despite being rich in protein, fiber, and phytonutrients, pulse crops remain an underutilized food in typical American diets. To help promote pulse consumption, we developed a STEMfocused curriculum that combines exposure to pulses in a school garden setting and in the classroom through nutrition, math and biology education. This curriculum meets the new Next Generation […]
Restoring livestock to mixed-vegetable farms allows on-farm fertilizer production and the sale of high-value meat products. Likewise, diversifying farms with native plants provides habitat for pest-killing birds and predatory insects. Unfortunately, both practices carry the risk of unintentional contamination of produce by human pathogens (e.g., E. coli O157:H7), transmitted through livestock feces or those of […]
The Cascadia Grains Conference brings together farmers, processors and end-users, as well as investors, brokers and local government officials to support rebuilding a grain economy west of the Cascade Mountains in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. The focus is on three value-added enterprises: brewing and distilling, poultry and livestock feed, and artisan baking. Wheat, barley, […]
A robust infrastructure is integral to the quality, growth and sustainability of the organic agriculture industry, including requirements for product safety. The microbial safety of fresh produce is a common concern, highlighted by recent outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. This project builds on our previous research investigating the potential of […]
In an ongoing BIOAg supported study, it has been shown that tomatoes grown with organic nitrogen sources had higher phytonutrient contents than those fertilized with readily available nitrogen. It is hypothesized that improved nitrogen cycling may be the underlying cause of these observed differences. In addition, defense compounds are enhanced in tomatoes grown with organic […]
The goal of the full research project is to conduct dry bean variety trials, market surveys, and human nutrition education in Northwest Washington to increase local dry bean production, marketing and consumption. The goal of the planning grant is to gather essential baseline data regarding local dry bean production and farmgate sales, as well as […]