Mr. MCHUGH. Please describe for the Committee the work you are doing in connection with brucellosis research, by location.

Dr. PLOWMAN. The ARS bovine brucellosis program involves intramural and extramural research aimed at developing improved vaccines and diagnostic procedures and determining mechanisms of resistance to Brucella infection. The National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, is developing a diagnostic test that will differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals. In addition, they are developing deletion mutants of strain 19 as potential vaccine candidates and these vaccines are being tested in cattle. The mutants lack one of the major protein antigens; and, if they provide protection, serologic testing for the missing protein would allow differentiation of vaccinated and infected animals. Serologic tests for the missing protein are being conducted in vaccinated cattle. Isolates of Brucella abortus are being analyzed genetically for source of origin from elk and bison.

ARS also supports cooperative research at three universities: scientists at Oklahoma State University are developing a DNA diagnostic probe which detects Brucella abortus in tissue and the immune response to vaccination is being studied in cattle; scientists at Iowa State University are cloning and characterizing genes of Brucella abortus; and scientists at Texas A&M University are conducting basic research on genetic resistance in cattle to Brucella abortus.

Mr. MCHUGH. By location, what is the funding and staff for brucellosis research for fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993?

POTATO RESEARCH

Mr. McHUGH. Please describe for the Committee the work you are doing in connection with potato research, by location. [The information follows:]

ARS POTATO RESEARCH PROGRAMS

ARS Headquarters.-Funds maintained at headquarters are allocated for extramural research on ring rot, early dying and scab disease problems, aphid and beetle control, and variety development.

Albany, CA (PGEC).-Development of new genetic engineering techniques and gene expression of economically important genes of potato.

Albany, CA (WRRC).—Improved potato quality using plant cell transformation and other genetically engineering techniques.

Athens, GA.-Nondestructive measurement of potato quality.

Aberdeen, ID.-Development of new improved pest resistant varieties and research on disease control.

Orono, ME.-Control of potato diseases and nematodes, develop integrated pest management techniques, and determine effect of soil and water stress on potato production.

Beltsville, MD.-Germplasm evaluation, gene enhancement, and breeding improved varieties; protoplast fusion and other genetic engineering techniques; processing germplasm introductions; pathogen-host interactions and genetics of resistance; and biological control of potato insects. Field trails for the breeding program are located at Presque Isle, Maine.

Frederick, MD.-Study of exotic fungal pathogens of potato and methods of detection and control.

East Grand Forks, MN.-Physical properties and other factors associated with processed potato quality, volatiles and prediction of potato quality from bulk storage, processing quality factors of potatoes following storage, evaluation of potential new varieties for processing attributes, and inhibition of sprouting. Fargo, ND.-Marketing, storage, and inhibition of sprouting.

Ithaca, NY.-Evaluation of potato germplasm for nematode resistance, biology and control of golden nematode, and biological control mechanisms for potato dis

eases.

Wooster, OH.-Management and control of potato insects.

Wyndmoor, PA.—Biochemical and ultrastructural features of interactions of potato diseases with host plant, mycotoxin production in plants, and improved food processing methods for potatoes.

Prosser, WA.-Evaluation of potato germplasm, gene enhancement, development of genetic engineering techniques, development of new improved varieties, and methods of disease control.

Yakima, WA.-Insect behavior, insect ecology, biological control, and improved methods of pest control of potato insects.

Peoria, IL.-Identification and chemical mode of action of potato sprout inhibi

tors.

Madison, WI.-Classification, evaluation, preservation, and distribution of introduced germplasm; potato genetics and cytogenetics; and protoplast fusion and other genetic engineering techniques.

Mr. McHUGH. By location, what is the funding and staff for potato research for fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993?

1 Funds provided for cooperative research to the following States: Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Mr. McHUGH. Please provide for the record a table for fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993 showing the research funding devoted to ring rot, early dying, marketing, aphids, potato beetle, weeds, variety development, soils, and agricultural engineering. [The information follows:]

BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM Mr. McHUGH. Please describe for the Committee the work underway at the Agricultural Research and Development Consortium. Dr. PLOWMAN. The Agricultural Research and Development Consortium, now known as the Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation, Peoria, IL, is a unique consortium in which several major U.S. corporations have joined with the USDA and the State of Illinois to discover and develop new technologies for U.S. agriculture, principally to expand the utilization of agronomically important crops through alternative uses. BRDC also has a charter to transfer technology arising from the research portfolio to its shareholder companies and to other interested corporations for commercial development and practice.

In the 4 years since BRDC began funding research projects in laboratories across the U.S., 32 invention disclosures have been received and BRDC has sought patent protection on 16 of these inventions worldwide. Many of these new technologies are now being licensed to BRDC shareholder companies and to other interested companies. For example, ARS scientists at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL, supported by BRDC, have developed a novel method for encapsulating insect biocontrol agents. This enhances field life and delivery to the target insect. This novel use for cornstarch is expected to give rise to significant new markets for corn. This technology is being licensed to several major U.S. agricultural companies.

Essentially, BRDC is creating an active and dynamic dialogue among Federal, academic, and corporate sectors, leading to enhanced technology transfer.

Mr. McHUGH. Please describe the research proposals that have been funded by the Consortium.

Dr. PLOWMAN. Research proposals which have been funded by BRDC include the use of enzymes and microorganisms to perform highly specific conversions of commodities into higher value products, the development of efficient and inexpensive methods for controlling fermentation processes, novel product recovery systems, biopesticide products, and the development of new diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and immunological agents for animal health

care.

Since its start-up in 1988, BRDC has funded 82 projects at 23 institutions, representing a total program expenditure, through FY 1991 of $12.8 million.

Mr. MCHUGH. Please provide a table for the record indicating a funding history for the Consortium.

Mr. MCHUGH. Please describe for the Committee the work you are doing in connection with aquaculture research, by location. [The information follows:]

AQUACULTURE RESEARCH

INTRAMURAL PROGRAM

Auburn, Alabama.-Diagnosis, immunity, and control of diseases and parasites of aquaculture importance.

Honolulu, Hawaii.-Requirements and sources of nutrients for marine shrimp. New Orleans, Louisiana.-Improving flavor quality of farm-raised catfish. Stoneville, Mississippi.—Catfish breeding, genetics, endocrinology, and production research.

Lane (Tishomingo), Oklahoma.-Improving flavor and storage quality of catfish and improving methods to increase catfish production and efficiency.

EXTRAMURAL PROGRAM

Oceanic Institute, Waimanalo, Hawaii.-Aquaculture productivity research. The Conservation Fund, Shepherdstown, West Virginia.-Aquaculture linked to plant culture: Process and Products.

The Conservation Fund, Shepherdstown, West Virginia.-Demonstration of freshwater aquaculture production in the Appalachian Region.

Mississippi Center for Food Safety and Postharvest Technology, Mississippi State, Mississippi.-Detection of Listeria and other bacteria in catfish. Effective methods in therapy and monitoring antimicrobial drugs in catfish.

Northern Crops Institute, Fargo, North Dakota.-Plant protein substitution for marine protein sources in fish diets.

Mr. MCHUGH. By location, what is the funding and staff for aquaculture research for fiscal years 1991, 1992 and 1993? [The information follows:]

1 These funds are expended through an extramural agreement with the Oceanic Institute. Net funding of the agreement is estimated at $1,477,852.

2 Includes increase of $500,000 in FY 1992. Half of the increase is being used to fund a cooperative research agreement at Mississippi State University and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

a These funds are expended through an extramural agreement with the Spring and Groundwater Resource Institute. Net funding of the agreement is $1,325,000. Excludes $544,800 at Kearneysville, West Virginia, for research on horticultural crops.

CATFISH RESEARCH

Mr. MCHUGH. Please describe for the Committee the work you are doing in connection with catfish research, by location. [The information follows:]

Catfish RESEARCH

Auburn, Alabama.-An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that specifically detects antibody to the bacteria Edwardsiella ictaluri (ESC) was developed previously and is now being used to detect the frequency of the antibody in food size fish and brood fish. Results indicate the prevalence of Edwardsiella ictaluri can be