Agricultural Research Service - Southeast Area

Abstract Climate extremes cause significant winter wheat yield loss and can cause much greater impacts than single extremes in isolation when multiple extremes occur simultaneously. Here we show that compound hot-dry-windy events (HDW) significantly increased in the U.S. Great Plains from 1982 to 2020. These HDW events were the most impactful drivers for wheat yield loss, accounting for a 4% yield reduction per 10 h of HDW during heading to maturity. Current HDW trends are associated with yield reduction rates of up to 0.09 t ha −1 per decade and HDW variations are atmospheric-bridged with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. We quantify the “yield shock”, which is spatially distributed, with the losses in severely HDW-affected areas, presumably the same areas affected by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Our findings indicate that compound HDW, which traditional risk assessments overlooked, have significant implications for the U.S. winter wheat production and beyond.

Cashew nuts are the second most popular tree nut in the US with sales growing at a rate of 7% per annum. The highest quality cashew nuts are traditionally whole, oil-roasted, and devoid of skins. The development of a technique to remove the caustic cashew nut shell liquid from cashews and leave the skins intact allows for the production of novel cashew products including skin-on or “wrapped” in addition to raw and dry roasted products. This study investigated the nutritional characteristics of these newer cashew products. These products were found to contain bioactive compounds including mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, arginine, magnesium, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds. All the types of cashews exhibited higher levels of phytosterols than the amounts reported for other tree nuts. The skin-on cashews had higher levels of phenolic compounds compared to the other cashew varieties tested, indicating additional health benefits of consuming cashew nuts with skins.

With the growth of population, climate change is a threat to global food security. Understanding and identifying appropriate options of cropping systems and management practices at spatial (locations) and temporal (climate change) scale is important and required. A simulation study was carried out on 13 different locations of Senegal with the objectives of (i) assessing impacts of midcentury climate change scenario across different spatial scales and (ii) evaluating effects of crop management strategies (date of planting, planting density, nitrogen fertilizer management, irrigation, and crop rotations) to reduce risk under current and midcentury climates. Simulation results showed that N fertilization, planting date, and irrigation greatly affected sorghum and millet yield, which can be considered as suitable crop management options to reduce risks under the projected midcentury climate in Senegal although the impact varied by location. The response to N was highly related to water availability or rainfall. In contrast, peanut yield was not sensitive to N application. Early planting (01 to 10-June) improved yield for all three crops across 9 of the locations whereas yield of the three crops in the northern Senegal (Podor, Dagan, Louga and Kanel) remains low and thus was not improved by change in planting date. The length of growing season during the midcentury period decreased at least by up to three weeks due to late onset of rain for some locations, implying that shorter and high-yielding cultivar will be more suitable under future climate. Climate change slightly decreased sorghum yield during the midcentury (likely due to increased temperature and decreased rainfall) although response varied by location while millet yield was either improved or unchanged for most locations. Peanut yields decreased on average by 16 to 20% during the midcentury period regardless of all factors tested. Yield decreases for peanut might be due to increased duration of elevated temperatures and late initiation and shorter duration of rainy season, which implied breeding for heat and drought tolerance, and shorter season varieties might be beneficial. Of all crops evaluated, millet performed well under future climate compared to sorghum or peanut in Senegal although this may be affected by varietals factors. Changes in production systems, particularly focusing on tolerant crops as millet and sorghum will be critical.

This study sought to understand user preferences of raw, boiled and steamed sweetpotato, a staple food in Uganda. A sequential methodology involving state of knowledge review, gendered food mapping, processing diagnosis and consumer testing was used in Lira and Kamwenge districts. Preferred raw sweetpotato characteristics were large roots (≥ 3 cm diameter) with a sweet taste, smooth skin and hard texture, while mealiness, sweet taste and good sweetpotato smell were important attributes for boiled sweetpotato. Processors, mostly women, highlighted ease of peeling and sappiness of raw roots. There were gender differences in quality characteristic preferences and perceived importance. The released variety, NASPOT 8, had the highest overall liking in Kamwenge and was well liked in Lira. Penalty analysis of consumer data showed that sweetness and firmness were key drivers of overall liking. The results will support breeding programmes in meeting specific end-user product profiles, selection criteria and uptake of new varieties.

Prioritizing sensory attributes and consumer evaluation early in breeding trials to screen for end-user preferred traits could improve adoption rates of released genotypes. In this study, a lexicon and protocol for descriptive sensory analysis (DSA) was established for sweetpotato and used to validate an instrumental texture method for which critical values for consumer preference were set. The study comprised several phases: lexicon development during a 4-day workshop; 3-day intensive panel training; follow-up virtual training, evaluation of 12 advanced genotypes and 101 additional samples from two trials in 2021 by DSA and instrumental texture analysis using TPA double compression; and DSA, instrumental texture analysis and consumer acceptability tests on 7 genotypes in on-farm trials. The established sweetpotato lexicon comprising 27 sensory attributes enabled characterization and differentiation of genotypes by sensory profiles. Significant correlation was found between sensory firmness by hand and mouth with TPA peak positive force (r = 0.695 and r = 0.648, respectively) and positive area (r = 0.748, r = 0.715, respectively). D20, NAROSPOT 1, NASPOT 8, and Umbrella were the most liked genotypes in on-farm trials (overall liking = 7). An average peak positive force of 3700 gf was proposed as a minimum texture value for screening sweetpotato genotypes, since it corresponded with at least 46 % of consumers perceiving sweetpotatoes as just-about-right in firmness and a minimum overall liking of 6 on average. Combining DSA with instrumental texture analysis facilitates efficient screening of genotypes in sweetpotato breeding programs.

Core Ideas Surge irrigation reduced the amount of water applied per irrigation event by 22% Surge irrigation reduced the total amount of seasonal irrigation water application by 24% Surge irrigation increased irrigation water use efficiency by 29% The Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer is declining precipitously due to irrigation withdrawal for row crop production. Currently, 25% of the soybean ( Glycine max L.) acres in the Mid‐South are planted on clay‐textured soils and furrow‐irrigated using conventional continuous flow (CONV), the least efficient irrigation delivery system. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of surge irrigation (SURGE) on amount of water applied, soybean grain yield, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and net return above irrigation costs when implemented on clay‐textured soils. The research was conducted during the 2013 through 2015 growing seasons in Stoneville, MS and consisted of paired fields, with the same cultivar, soil texture, planting date, and management practices used on both sites. Paired fields were randomly assigned as SURGE or CONV. Water applied to each field was monitored with flowmeters, and irrigations were initiated based on soil moisture sensor thresholds. Relative to CONV, SURGE reduced the amount of water applied per irrigation event by 22% and total water applied in season by 24% ( P ≤ 0.0349). Soybean grain yield averaged 66 bu/acre and was not different between delivery systems ( P = 0.7711), but SURGE increased IWUE by 29% compared with CONV ( P = 0.0076). Net return above irrigation cost was not different between CONV and SURGE, regardless of diesel price or pumping depth ( P ≥ 0.1149). Results from this research indicate that soybean producers in the Mid‐South and other regions that irrigate using lay‐flat polyethylene tubing can adopt SURGE for soybean on clay‐textured soils without adversely affecting yield or on‐farm profitability while concurrently decreasing the demand on depleted groundwater resources.

Food loss and waste (FLW) contribute significantly to the global food system’s economic and environmental burdens, including substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, resource depletion, and waste management challenges. In alignment with the European Commission’s sustainability objectives and U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, this study explores the potential energy and environmental footprint savings achievable by halving FLW in Europe by 2030. Using a multiregional input–output model, we estimated the total global energy and environmental footprint savings across all stages of the food supply chain, considering industry-specific FLW rates and proportion weights. The findings reveal substantial environmental savings across Europe, with aggregate savings potentially reaching 51 Mt CO2e (0.09 t CO2e/p), 4,620 Mm3 (8 m3/p) of blue water, 106,446 km2 (179 m2/p) of cropland, 55,523 km2 (93 m2/p) of grassland, and 0.47 EJ (0.54 TJ/p) of energy. The greatest potential for savings was found in Western Europe, specifically in France, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands. However, countries with a lower per capita GDP, such as Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania, also demonstrate significant per capita savings potential, indicating that wealth does not necessarily correlate with higher environmental savings. Agricultural production emerged as the stage with the highest footprint reduction potential for GHG and resource footprints across Europe, while the foodservice and institutional stages offer the greatest energy-saving potential. Geographical disparities underscore the need for region-specific policies. These results challenge the wealth-sustainability correlation and advocate for adaptable policies that transcend national wealth and accommodate regional disparities, underlining the pivotal roles of the agricultural production and consumption stages in footprint savings.

Prepared foods are increasing in popularity in West Africa alongside rapid urbanisation. Growing demand for fried products calls for targeted breeding efforts to meet consumer needs, but little is known regarding consumer preferences. This research identified the sensory attributes of fried sweetpotato preferred by different consumer groups using a combination of consumer acceptance testing and descriptive sensory analysis. Market and community surveys identified three consumer segments in Ghana and Nigeria with contrasting preferences for fried sweetpotato sensory attributes. One group preferred crispy, crunchy, mealy and sweet fried sweetpotato; another preferred characteristic yam flavour and dry texture; and the third preferred uniform orange colour appearance, ripe plantain flavour and palm nutty flavour. Such consumer segmentation can help emerging West African fried sweetpotato industries identify target markets and provides valuable information to breeders, growers and retailers to prioritise attributes in their breeding, growing or product sourcing decisions.

A crop simulation model was calibrated to (i) identify optimal planting date and quantify the impacts of nitrogen fertilizer and planting date on barley yield, and (ii) evaluate the responses of barley yield to climate change factors at Adigudom area, northern Ethiopia. Response of barley to seven planting dates at 10-days increments from 20-Jun and nine fertilizer rates at 16 kg/ha increments from 0 kg N/ha under five different soil types were evaluated. There were three irrigation treatment levels: I0 (no irrigation application); I1 (deficit irrigation: 4 irrigations); and I2 (full irrigation). Response of barley to midcentury (2040–2069) climate data from three global climate models under higher emission scenario was evaluated. The model simulated the barley biomass, yield, days to flowering and maturity satisfactorily. The optimal planting window for coarse, medium and fine textured soils were July 1 to July 20, July 1 to July 30 and July 20 to August 10, respectively. The optimal N fertilizer for the respective soils was 64, 32 and 32 kg N/ha, respectively. The difference between the simulated rainfed yield under optimal N fertilizer and on farm yield was estimated to be 1.1 Mg/ha. About 0.6 ± 0.4 and 0.5 ± 0.2 Mg/ha of the yield losses were due to nitrogen deficit and inappropriate planting date, respectively. Average barley grain yield is expected to decrease by 6–11% during the midcentury. This study showed that timely planting and N management along with elevated CO2 could contribute to yield enhancement and minimize the risk associated with future climate change.

Sugarcane breeding is very difficult and it takes 12 to 14 years to develop a new cultivar for commercial production. This is because sugarcane varieties are highly polyploid, inter-specific hybrids with 100 to 130 chromosomes that may vary across geographical areas. Other obstacles/constraints include the small size of flowers that may not synchronize but may self-pollinate, difficulty in distinguishing hybrids from self progenies, extreme (G × E) interactive effect, and potential variety mis-identification during vegetative propagation and varietal exchange. To help cane breeders circumvent these constraints, a simple sequence repeats (SSR)-based molecular identity database has been developed at the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Sugarcane Research Unit in Houma, LA. Since 2005, approximately 2000 molecular identities have been constructed for clones of sugarcane and related Saccharum species that cover geographical areas including Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Colombia, India, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, USA (Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii), and Venezuela. The molecular identity database is updated annually and has been utilized to: (1) provide molecular descriptors to newly registered cultivars; (2) identify in a timely fashion any mislabeled or unidentifiable clones from cross parents and field evaluation plots; (3) develop de novo clones of energy cane with S. spontaneum cytoplasm; (4) provide clone-specific fingerprint information for assessing cross quality and paternity of polycross; (5) determine genetic relatedness of parental clones; (6) select F1 hybrids from (elite × wild) or (wild × elite) crosses; and (7) investigate the inheritance of SSR markers in sugarcane. The integration of the molecular identity database into the sugarcane breeding program may improve the overall efficacy of cultivar development and commercialization.

Abstract Context Cultivation and crop rotation, influenced by federal policy, prices, and precipitation, are significant sources of land-cover heterogeneity. Characterization of heterogeneity is required to identify areas and trends of stability or change. Objectives We analyzed a land-cover time series within a prominent agroecosystem in the US, the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta (the Delta), as a case study of which metrics capture dynamics of landscape composition, configuration, connectivity, and context. Methods An assessment of land cover- from 2008 to 2021- was conducted and analyzed for potential differences among three Farm Bill eras. Twelve out of 23 metrics (including three new ones presented herein) examined were useful in characterizing land-cover heterogeneity. Results Although there was no increase in cultivated land, > 72% of the Delta experienced changes in land-cover type, and ~ 3% of the Delta was stable monoculture. Configurational metrics varied across years for soybeans, cotton, and rice, indicating prevalence of field-level changes in composition; connectivity metrics revealed isolation of upland forest and rice. The amount of corn was positively associated with the previous year’s commodity prices and negatively with precipitation whereas soybean acreage was lower in high-precipitation years and more dependent on commodity prices. Farm Bill effects were mixed among categories, whereas CRP generally declined. Conclusions The Delta experienced land-cover change with no net loss or gain of cultivated lands. Using 12 metrics that captured temporal shifts in spatial patterns, we characterized this agroecosystem as a shifting mosaic. Our approach may be useful for identifying areas of spatio-temporal heterogeneity or stability, with implications on resource management.

Spring mix is a popular packaged salad that contains lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as one of its main ingredients. Plants for baby leaf lettuce (BLL) production are grown at very high densities, which enhances the occurrence of bacterial leaf spot (BLS) caused by Xanthomonas hortorum pv. vitians (Xhv), a disease that can make the crop unmarketable. The market demands disease-free, high-quality BLL all year round. Growing highly BLS-resistant cultivars will reduce loss of yield and quality, thus minimizing economic detriment to lettuce and spring mix growers. The research objectives were to identify lettuce accessions resistant to BLS and associated quantitative trait loci (QTL). A total of 495 lettuce accessions were screened with six isolates (BS0347, BS2861, BS3127, L7, L44, and Sc8B) of Xhv. Accessions showing overall high-level resistance to all tested Xhv isolates were ‘Bunte Forellen’, PI 226514, ‘La Brillante’, ARM09-161-10-1-4, ‘Grenadier’, ‘Bella’, PI 491210, ‘Delight’, and ‘Romana Verde del Mercado’. Genome-wide association studies of BLS resistance by mixed linear model analyses identified significant QTLs on four lettuce chromosomes (2, 4, 6, and 8). The most significant QTL was on Chromosome 8 (P = 1.42 × 10 −7 ), which explained 6.7% of total phenotypic variation for the disease severity. Accessions with a high level of resistance detected in this study are valuable resources for lettuce germplasm improvement. Molecular markers closely linked to QTLs can be considered for marker-assisted selection to develop new BLL lettuce cultivars with resistance to multiple races of Xhv.

Abstract BACKGROUND Previously, a lexicon and protocol for quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) was established for the Uganda sweetpotato breeding program. The implication of QDA scores for priority sensory attributes on consumer preference should be determined to interpret results efficiently and make decisions effectively. The present study aimed to develop a gender‐responsive decision tree to obtain an overall sweetpotato eating quality score to facilitate demand‐led targeted breeding selection. It focused on Kamuli and Hoima districts (Uganda) and uses pre‐lease advanced clones (‘NKB3’, ‘NKB105’, ‘NKB135’, ‘D11’ and ‘D20’), released varieties (‘NASPOT 8’ and ‘NAROSPOT 1’) and landraces (‘Muwulu‐Aduduma’, ‘Umbrella’). RESULTS Including boiled sweetpotato sensory characteristics, namely mealy, sweet taste, sweetpotato smell, firm and not fibrous, in breeding design would benefit end‐users, especially women given their role in varietal selection, food preparation and marketing. ‘D20’, ‘NASPOT 8’ and ‘NAROSPOT 1’ were most liked in both districts. ‘NKB3’ and ‘D11’ were the least liked in Hoima, whereas ‘Muwulu‐Aduduma’ was the least liked in Kamuli. There was a positive correlation between color and overall liking ( r 2 = 0.8) and consumers liked the color (average rating ≥ 6 on a nine‐point hedonic scale) of all genotypes. Threshold values (average rating on 11‐point scales) for consumer acceptability were identified (sweet taste = 6, sweetpotato aroma and flavor = 6, firmness = 3, and mealiness = 4). A regression decision tree tool was created to calculate an eating quality selection index when screening lines in breeding programs using the values. CONCLUSION Decision trees that include consumer needs and gender considerations would facilitate demand‐led breeding and make varietal selection in sweetpotato breeding programs more effective. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The USDA-ARS Sugarcane Variety Development Program in Houma, LA aims to maximize the number of panicles available for crossing through artificial manipulation of the environment. In a three-year study, the effect of growing media, fertilizer treatment, and their interaction on sugarcane flowering (% of panicles emerged), and number of days to flowering (DTF) under an artificial photoperiod treatment were assessed. The commercially-available sugarcane cultivar, 'HoCP 96-540' was planted in 2.8-L pots and subjected to the standard local photoperiod treatment. The cultivar was planted in four growing media (RediEarth Seedling and Germination Mix, Fafard, Metro-Mix®902, and Metro-Mix®900) and subjected to three different fertilizer applications. In the control treatment, fertilizer application was stopped prior to the commencement of the photoperiod treatment as practiced in some sugarcane breeding programs. The continuous treatment consisted of an application of a 10 ml solution of a NPK three times a week between June and October. The partial treatment consisted of applications of the same NPK solution applied post-initiation between September and October. Nitrogen starvation prior to the commencement of the photoperiod treatment is generally accepted to improve flower initiation; thus the standard practice is to cease nitrogen application two weeks prior to beginning a photoperiod regime. The growing media used in this study did not have a significant effect on days to flowering or percent panicle emergence. In our study, the control fertilizer treatment showed a flowering percentage across all growing media types of 21.2% less than a continuous fertilization regime. Furthermore, a significant trend was observed between fertilization treatments and days to flowering, with the continuous treatment producing panicles, on average across growing media, four days earlier than the control treatment, and six days earlier than the partial treatment. Evidence across this three-year experiment indicates that we should consider modifying plant nutrition management as soil fertility was found to be inadequate.

Unprecedented precipitation deficits in the 2022-2023 growing season across the primary wheat-producing region in the United States caused delays in winter wheat emergence and poor crop growth. Using an integrated approach, we quantitatively unraveled a 37% reduction in wheat production as being attributable to both per-harvested acre yield loss and severe crop abandonment, reminiscent of the Dust Bowl years in the 1930s. We used random forest machine learning and game theory analytics to show that the main driver of yield loss was spring drought, whereas fall drought dominated abandonment rates. Furthermore, results revealed, across the US winter wheat belt, the La Niña phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), increased abandonment rates compared to the El Niño phase. These findings underscore the necessity of simultaneously addressing crop abandonment and yield decline to stabilize wheat production amid extreme climatic conditions and provide a holistic understanding of global-scale ENSO dynamics on wheat production.

Silicon (Si) accumulation in plants confers a mechanical barrier to insect herbivory and may alter plant chemistry to increase the attraction of natural enemies to host insect herbivores on Si−treated plants. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major insect pest of grain crops, including maize (Zea mays L.). This study examined whether Si supplementation alters maize volatile compounds that mediate host location in Euthyrhynchus floridanus, a generalist predator of FAW. A four-arm olfactometer was used to test the olfactory preference of nymphs and adults of E. floridanus to the odor of maize leaf materials from plants that were; Si−treated and infested, Si−treated without infestation, Si−deprived and infested, and Si−deprived without infestation. The probabilities of individual insects choosing between the four treatments were estimated using a multinomial generalized linear mixed model. There were no statistical differences in the olfactory preference of E. floridanus between Si−treated and Si−deprived maize leaf materials. However, the median estimate showed that nymphs were almost twice likely to be attracted to Si−supplemented leaf material, indicating a potential positive effect of Si. However, a more robust follow-up study is needed to further assess the impact of Si on E. floridanus.

The toxicity of synthetic pesticides to non-target organisms has prompted a shift towards more environmentally friendly agricultural pest control methods, including the use of essential oils as possible biopesticides. Before these natural chemicals can be widely adopted for protecting food supplies and human health, it is crucial to evaluate their impacts on pollinators, such as honey bees. In this study, we examined the effects of one commercially available essential oil mixture (EcoTec+) and four essential oil components (β-bisabolene, cinnamaldehyde, 1,8-cineole, and eugenol) on honey bee workers using feeding or spray treatment. We then assessed the responses of esterase (EST), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), and P450. EcoTec+ increased the P450 transcript, while bisabolene inhibited EST and AChE, increased GST, and caused a mixed P450 response without being lethal. Cinnamaldehyde exhibited toxicity when ingested, suppressing P450 and eliciting a mixed response in AChE. Cineole inhibited EST but caused a mixed P450 response. Eugenol suppressed EST and AChE and was toxic on contact. We also assayed combinations of each compound with four synthetic formulations representative of the major pesticide categories, though no significant interactions were found. Overall, the essential oils tested did not cause acute lethal toxicity to honey bees; however, their biochemical effects varied, mostly remaining sublethal. These findings suggest that these essential oils could be considered safe for use around honey bees.

Microbes in floral nectar can impact both their host plants and floral visitors, yet little is known about the nectar microbiome of most pollinator-dependent crops. In this study, we examined the abundance and composition of the fungi and bacteria inhabiting Vaccinium spp. nectar, as well as nectar volume and sugar concentrations. We compared wild V. myrsinites with two field-grown V. corymbosum cultivars collected from two organic and two conventional farms. Differences in nectar traits and microbiomes were identified between V. corymbosum cultivars but not Vaccinium species. The microbiome of cultivated plants also varied greatly between farms, whereas management regime had only subtle effects, with higher fungal populations detected under organic management. Nectars were hexose-dominant, and high cell densities were correlated with reduced nectar sugar concentrations. Bacteria were more common than fungi in blueberry nectar, although both were frequently detected and co-occurred more often than would be predicted by chance. "Cosmopolitan" blueberry nectar microbes that were isolated in all plants, including Rosenbergiella sp. and Symmetrospora symmetrica, were identified. This study provides the first systematic report of the blueberry nectar microbiome, which may have important implications for pollinator and crop health.

When wild honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera) nest in hollow tree cavities, they coat the rough cavity walls with a continuous layer of propolis, a substance comprised primarily of plant resins. Studies have shown that the resulting "propolis envelope" leads to both individual- and colony-level health benefits. Unfortunately, the smooth wooden boxes most commonly used in beekeeping do little to stimulate propolis collection. As a result, most managed bees live in hives that are propolis-poor. In this study, we assessed different surface texture treatments (rough wood boxes, boxes outfitted with propolis traps, and standard, smooth wood boxes) in terms of their ability to stimulate propolis collection, and we examined the effect of propolis on colony health, pathogen loads, immune gene expression, bacterial gene expression, survivorship, and honey production in both stationary and migratory beekeeping contexts. We found that rough wood boxes are the most effective box type for stimulating propolis deposition. Although the use of rough wood boxes did not improve colony survivorship overall, Melissococcus plutonius detections via gene expression were significantly lower in rough wood boxes, and viral loads for multiple viruses tended to decrease as propolis deposition increased. By the end of year one, honey bee populations in migratory rough box colonies were also significantly larger than those in migratory control colonies. The use of rough wood boxes did correspond with decreased honey production in year one migratory colonies but had no effect during year two. Finally, in both stationary and migratory operations, propolis deposition was correlated with a seasonal decrease and/or stabilization in the expression of multiple immune and bacterial genes, suggesting that propolis-rich environments contribute to hive homeostasis. These findings provide support for the practical implementation of rough box hives as a means to enhance propolis collection and colony health in multiple beekeeping contexts.

Grasslands in the Southern Great Plains of the United States have major ecological and economic importance, with strong climate and water cycle connections. The historic native prairie grassland has been managed differently for enhancing productivity, while consequently altering water vapor fluxes. However, little is known about the impacts of different management activities on evapotranspiration (ET) at different spatio-temporal scales. In this study, we quantified and compared ET between co-located introduced managed pasture (MP) and native prairie (NP) pasture. Additionally, we compared the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived ET at four different spatial scales: 30 m (ETMOD30), 200 m (ETMOD200), 500 m (ETMOD500), and 1000 m (ETMOD1000) with eddy covariance-measured ET (ETEC). Large differences in ETEC were observed between two pastures from half-hourly to seasonal scales, with variations mainly controlled by the amount of rainfall and management activities. The results demonstrated differential responses of MP and NP in a pluvial year. The ETMOD30 showed a better agreement with ETEC than did the ETMOD200, ETMOD500, and ETMOD1000. The ETMOD200, ETMOD500, and ETMOD1000 largely underestimated ETEC, most likely due to their inability to capture the spatial heterogeneity of vegetation growth impacted by various management activities. Our results facilitate understanding of the difference in ET of MP and NP due to differences in vegetation resulting from different management activities and their differential responses to precipitation.