Browsing by Author "Rolston, Marni G."

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Larval mosquito management and risk to aquatic ecosystems: A comparative approach including current tactics and gene-drive Anopheles techniques
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2022-08) Peterson, Robert K. D.; Rolston, Marni G.
Genetic engineering of mosquitoes represents a promising tactic for reducing human suffering from malaria. Gene-drive techniques being developed that suppress or modify populations of Anopheles gambiae have the potential to be used with, or even possibly obviate, microbial and synthetic insecticides. However, these techniques are new and therefore there is attendant concern and uncertainty from regulators, policymakers, and the public about their environmental risks. Therefore, there is a need to assist decision-makers and public health stewards by assessing the risks associated with these newer mosquito management tactics so the risks can be compared as a basis for informed decision making. Previously, the effect of gene-drive mosquitoes on water quality in Africa was identified as a concern by stakeholders. Here, we use a comparative risk assessment approach for the effect of gene-drive mosquitoes on water quality in Africa. We compare the use of existing larvicides and the proposed genetic techniques in aquatic environments. Based on our analysis, we conclude that the tactic of gene-drive Anopheles for malaria management is unlikely to result in risks to aquatic environments that exceed current tactics for larval mosquitoes. As such, these new techniques would likely comply with currently recommended safety standards.
Variety Selection and Agronomic Technology to Reduce Heat, Water, and Pest Stress of Canola in Central Montana (2004)
(Central Agricultural Research Center, 2004) Chen, Chengci; Wichman, David M.; Jackson, G.; Johnson, Greg; Neill, Karnes E.; Rolston, Marni G.; Brown, Jack; Ryerson, Douglas; Johnson, Jim
This paper evaluates selected canola varieties for their adaptation to field sites in north central and central Montana; determines the optimum seeding date and rate to avoid or reduce heat and water stress without risking seedling mortality due to freezing or seed decay in cold soils; and determines the optimum seeding date and rate to avoid or reduce pest damage. Fourteen varieties and breeding lines, including regular and Clear-Field canola, were obtained from Dr. Jack Brown’s canola breeding program at University of Idaho, and three Roundup-Ready canola varieties were received from Monsanto Company and Interstate Seed Company. The canola was planted at the Central and Western Triangle Agricultural Research Centers (CARC and WTARC) of Montana State University. Canola seed yield is significantly affected by seeding date and rate. Early seeding date is a key for obtaining a high and stable yield. Canola should be seeded in late March to early April with a seeding rate of 33 to 67 plants m-2 in central and north central Montana. Several breeding lines from Dr. Jack Brown’s breeding program at University of Idaho showed promising in yield and oil content. However, selected cultivars for early seeding in Montana must be able to emerge in cool soils and tolerate frequent frost damages in early spring. Our preliminary study in variety evaluation and cold tolerance screening showed promising results (Table 2). Therefore, I ask the PNW Canola Research Program Committee to continue supporting my research on variety evaluation and cold tolerance screening.