2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To facilitate the continued development of a Science Center at Florida A&M University. The Science Center will place major emphasis on reserach and graduate education in biology and chemistry with a focus on problems facing U.S. agriculture. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The objectives of this project will be address through s specific cooperative agreement with FAMU. The implementation strategy for continued development of the Science Center will include capacity buildling (equipment library resources, and personnel) and development of degree granting programs. Faculty and graduate students funded by this agreement will conduct collaborative research with ARS scientists. Research projects will be jointly planned; will address specific problems consistent with ARS National Program Action Plans; and be implemented as addenda to the SCA. Review of specific research projects will be conducted by a Steering Committee with 4 representatives each from ARS and FAMU. Where possible, particular emphasis will be placed on research that addresses problems faced by under-served and small, family farmers. In addition to biology and chemistry, other appropriate disciplines may be supported by the Science Center including but not limited to animal science, plant science, food science, nutrition, and natural resrouces. 3.Progress Report Progress in the utilizationof muscadine grapefruit products to reduce meat oxidation without a detrimental effect on sensory qualities. Determined denitrification rate potentials for soils in North Florida tomato fields. Synthesized six noval alkenol analogs of 1-octen-3-01 for potential mosquito control. Meetings and site visits were held to monitor this progress. 4.Accomplishments Fourteen specific research projects are on going and have an ARS collaborating Scientist. These projects are related to ARS National Program 304, Crop Protection and Quarantine and have an ARS collaborating Scientist. Problem Statement During the past half-century, agriculturists have relied successfully on the use of synthetic chemical insecticides to control arthropod pests. Pest control was greatly simplified by the capacity to control many different pests on multiple crops using only a few highly effective insecticides that could kill practically every insect or mite in the crop. These systems, however, proved unsustainable and also killed natural enemies, such as predators and parasitioids. Insects and mite species began to develop resistance to certain pesticides and environmental contamination emerged rapidly and has persisted. As a consequence, pest management strategies are becoming increasingly complex. This trend is exemplified by the recent development of integrated pest management (IPM) and areawide suppression systems, based largely on a combination of biological, cultural, physical and other sustainable methods of pest control. Broad-scale adoption and success of these systems will depend upon their capacity to provide high yields with low environmental impact, while being economically viable. Achieving this goal will ultimately depend upon our ability to foster positive interactions and avoid or minimize negative interactions among the main components of the production system. This work requires extensive knowledge of interactions among pests, their host plants, and the pests’ natural enemies. Knowledge of interactions among these organisms and other beneficial non-targets such as plant pollinators is also essential. Minimizing environmental impacts requires an understanding of the effects of adopted plant protection practices on environmentally sensitive areas beyond field borders. 5.Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations none