Project Number: 1265-32630-002-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: May 09, 2001
End Date: Jun 02, 2005

Objective:
Develop methods for detection of bacterial pathogens in water, air and raw or treated manure. Assess transport through and over soil at plot and watershed scales; improve and validate transport models. Determine bioaerosol flux and transport from manure/composts. Assess prevalence and diversity of bacterial pathogens in watersheds with different land uses. Investigate colonization, survival and dissemination of bacterial pathogens on/in organically compared to conventionally grown produce.

Approach:
Develop and optimize immunological and PCR detection methods for waterborne pathogens. Develop functional relationships between hydrological and meteorological parameters and vertical/surface/airborne transport at plot and watershed scales; assess efficacy of vegetative buffer strips. Develop and validate pathogen transport models. Assess impact of manure treatment technologies on survival and regrowth; establish standard detection protocols. Determine emission rates and downwind, off-site concentrations of pathogens and endotoxins coincident with volatiles, odorants (AMBL) and meteorological conditions; measure deposition and survival of pathogens using sentinel plants; model downwind concentrations under a range of atmospheric conditions. Investigate colonization and survival of bacterial pathogens on/in on-farm produce treated with composted manure, compost teas, or irrigation water (growth chamber and field plots). Assess dissemination of bacterial pathogens to/within on-farm produce by plant pests (growth chamber and field plots).