New Directions for Biosciences Research in Agriculture High-Reward Opportunities (1985) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
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In realizing how these and other factors will influence the agricultural sciences in the United States for several decades, the ARS has seized the opportunity to reevaluate the structure and substance of its research programs. In the following summary of recommendations the National Research Council's Committee on Biosciences Research in Agriculture suggests ways to focus currently strong basic ARS research programs and identifies areas demanding new or expanded emphasis that will help the agency accomplish its goals.
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In this case the ARS is taking the opportunity to establish scientific leadership in a program that will not duplicate existing public and private research programs. Selection of program objectives will also depend upon the availability of scientific staff, technical and financial resources, and the need to respond to issues such as food quality, public health, and economic factors.
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Necessary research that must be conducted in food animals includes study of the molecular genetics of the immune response; characterization of antigens of pathogens; development of the scientific base for subunit vaccine production; and isolation, characterization, and activity of immune modulators. Growth and Metabolism An understanding, generated from the use of newer techniques, of the molecular bases of key processes in food animals such as pregnancy, growth, lactation, and egg production will contribute greatly to improved metabolic efficiency and product quality.
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As the molecular understanding of gene expression in plants increases, so too will the opportunities for identifying the mechanisms of action that plant hormones and phytochrome use to regulate gene expression. Research should emphasize the role of the biosynthesis and degradation of plant hormones and phytochrome, and other regulatory substances in major developmental stages, such as flowering, germination, and senescence, that influence crop yield.
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Plant Diseases and Insect Pests Plant-Pathogen Interactions A molecular understanding of plant-pathogen interactions should lead to more effective, environmentally compatible, and less costly disease control technologies. The molecular bases, including the genetics, of factors that determine resistance or susceptibility in host-pathogen interactions must be defined.
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A great need exists for establishment of the first multidisciplinary program in insect neurobiology. Research must focus on the molecular biological understanding of the synthesis, regulation, and activity of pheromones, neuropeptides, ecdysteroids, and juvenile hormones and of their interactions in insect growth, development, and reproduction , — Pesticides A clear understanding of the molecular basis of pesticide action will provide opportunities to develop the next generation of pesticides to decrease crop losses during production and storage.
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Staff and Activities The committee recommends that the ARS expand its relatively new postdoctoral program, with the goal being to establish a steady state of 750 nontenured staff members. Nontenured staff would include postdoctoral fellows and senior staff fellows positioned within the most productive basic research programs of the ARS.
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The ARS must also begin to explore research relationships with industry. These may include seminars, laboratory visits, and cooperative research.
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