THE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FOR A BIOBASED INDUSTRY AND ECONOMY
This project seeks to recover protein from wet biomass ahead of its processing to ethanol or other biomolecules, thus adding value to the process. The recovered protein and pigment could carry higher value as feed for poultry and cattle. On-farm operations could be developed for protein recovery, and the fibers could be transported to a bioethanol facility for further processing.
Investigators: Buddhi Lamsal, Stephanie Jung, food science and human nutrition; Kurt Rosentrater, agricultural education and studies
SORGHUM BREEDING FOR BIOFUEL PRODUCTION IN IOWA
Corn-based ethanol cannot supply the total biofuel demand and it has implications for food and feed supplies. The main goal of this project is to conduct research that leads to and supports development of sorghum germplasm for biofuel production adapted to Iowa by creating a sorghum breeding program for biofuel production.
Investigator: Maria Salas-Fernandez, agronomy
BUILDING COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE RURAL FOOD AND FIBER RELATED PRODUCT, SERVICE, TOURISM, AND EXPERIENCE-BASED SMALL BUSINESSES
The goal of this project is to enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for Iowa communities and families by expanding the development, marketing and distribution of food and fiber-related products by small Iowa businesses. This project particularly focuses on the marketing and retailing of food, textile/fiber, apparel-related products and hospitality and tourism offerings.
Investigators: Linda Niehm, Ann Marie Fiore, Jessica Hurst, Rebecca Tang, apparel, events and hospitality management
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE ADAPTATION AND CULTURE
This project evaluates new fruit and vegetable cultivars for adaptability and productivity under Iowa growing conditions, including the use of shelters to improve productivity by extending the growing season. It also seeks to develop sustainable systems to control weeds, insects and diseases that improve the harmony with the environment.
Investigators: Paul Domoto, Chris Currey, Mark Gleason, David Hannapel, Gail Nonnecke, Ajay Nair, horticulture
MULTI-STATE EVALUATION OF WINEGRAPE CULTIVARS AND CLONES
New wine industries have developed throughout North America, including Iowa, under a vast array of climatic and soil conditions. As new wine grape cultivars are developed in the U.S. or introduced from wine-producing regions of the world, they must be thoroughly tested for adaptability and winemaking potential before recommendations can be made. The purpose of this project is to evaluate grape cultivars or clones in replicated field trials in Iowa under uniform guidelines, including productivity, pest tolerance and fruit and wine quality.
Investigators: Paul Domoto, Gail Nonnecke, horticulture; Cheryl Reitmeier, Lester Wilson, food science and human nutrition