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IALR Scientist Participates in Gates Foundation Workshop

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IALR Scientist Participates in Gates Foundation Workshop

IALR Scientist Participates in Gates Foundation Workshop

Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), presented in a workshop regarding the potential of endophytic microbes (or helpful bacteria) in sub-Saharan African farming systems at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Washington, from May 16-17, 2023. Dr. Mei, who leads much of the research at the Endophyte Research Center at IALR, was one of 20 presenters from eight countries.  

At the two-day workshop, pioneers in endophyte research from around the world discussed challenges and opportunities from academic and industry perspectives and began the process of developing a roadmap and vision for future investment opportunities and research questions.  

“It was a great honor to participate in this workshop at the Gates Foundation,” Dr. Mei said. “It was a unique opportunity to collaborate with global leaders in this field and discuss the potential and application of endophytes to enhance food production.”  

Throughout the two-day workshop, the participants explored medium- and long-term opportunities to develop these bio-inputs to deliver major nutrients to crops with specific use cases relevant to small-scale producers (maize, sorghum, tropical legumes and root crops).  

With public-private partnerships and funding, talented scientists and exclusive equipment, the Plant Endophyte Research Center has established IALR as a national leader in the exploration of endophyte potential.  

Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist at IALR (second from right), was one of 20 presenters at a workshop at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation regarding the application of endophytic microbes in sub-Saharan African farming systems.

IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report

IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has published its 2021-2022 annual report, which highlights innovative and collaborative partnerships across departments that are transforming the economy of Southern Virginia.  

“Significant economic growth has resulted due to robust partnerships across the region. IALR stands ready to serve as Virginia’s go-to partner for education and workforce development, business and economic growth, and a globally competitive business ecosystem.” – IALR President Telly Tucker.

View the Full Report 

One of the pivotal moments of the report period is the creation and adoption of the new IALR Strategic Plan, which will guide IALR’s work and efforts for the next five years. With input from key stakeholders, the plan establishes strategic goals to outline how IALR can best capitalize on its unique strengths to impact the region. 

Just some of the new initiatives and programs launched, announced or expanded during FY 21 and FY 22:  

The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) framework is spreading into schools across the Commonwealth. The GO TEC program is just one component of the newly developed and proven EmPOWER system – an employer-driven model to systematically connect students to careers through career awareness, exposure, and engagement and experience. Future and current members of the workforce, as well as businesses, find joint benefits in problem-solving teamships, apprenticeships, externships and internships, mock interview days and more.  

While striving to promote a diversified economy by serving a variety of industries, much of IALR’s impact in 2021-2022 was in the manufacturing sector. Expanding the existing middle-school-through-college workforce development pipelines, the new Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is a rapid adult-learner model that prepares talent for jobs in the defense industrial base. ATDM launched in 2020 and is already proving successful and showing what modern public-private partnerships should look like. In addition, IALR partnered with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Danville Regional Foundation to construct the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, a new destination for manufacturers ready to optimize and scale and home to the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.  

Through the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, a joint project with Virginia Tech, IALR has established itself as a global leader in the CEA industry. The presence of the innovative research and state-of-the-art equipment are already making an impact on Southern Virginia. Thanks to best-in-class resources, including lab spaces and staff, the Applied Research team provided 30 companies with applied research and testing services like analytical chemistry, polymer testing and more.  

In partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) and many other economic development organizations, IALR is proud to champion the area while working with local, regional and state partners. In FY 21 and 22, the Southern Virginia region saw $498 million in announced capital investment and 1,288 new jobs. IALR contributed to economic success by serving as a temporary home for growing businesses by providing critical testing services and lab space to innovative companies across industries. The Bridge to Recovery Program connected companies with suppliers and helped businesses become more resilient post-pandemic.  

The Institute Conference Center hosted a variety of events geared toward the growth of industry sectors and Southern Virginia, including trainings and economic development activities. Numerous companies, including anchor and growing employers held successful job fairs, connecting community members with quality employment. An extensive renovation of the main building and a relaunch of Megabytes, IALR’s on-site café, have allowed the Institute Conference Center to provide even better service for the 20,800 guests who visited.  

Controlled Environment Agriculture Summit East to Return in September 2023

Controlled Environment Agriculture Summit East to Return in September 2023

Indoor Ag-Con, Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center to Co-Host 2nd Annual Edition September 19-20, 2023, in Danville, VA

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East is proud to announce its return on September 19-20, 2023, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, VA. Focused on convening the CEA industry and academia, the annual event is co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the premier global gathering of the vertical farming/CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech-IALR CEA Innovation Center, a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Following the success of its debut edition in October 2022, which brought together more than 200 attendees from 28 states, the CEA Summit East will continue to foster connections and collaboration among growers, educators, scientists, extension specialists, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architect/developers and other industry members.

“The enthusiasm and engagement we saw at our inaugural event were truly inspiring and we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the CEA Innovation Center to bring the CEA Summit East back in 2023,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Both organizations see tremendous value in growing an event like this that brings business and academia audiences together at an incredible research facility setting that really fosters an environment for sharing ideas and new business opportunities.”

The 2022 CEA Summit East brought 200+ attendees from 28 states to IALR. People from various industries networked, learned from experts, and toured and explored ongoing research.

The two-day event will feature keynotes, panels and breakout conference sessions, as well as tabletop exhibits from industry-leading companies and research facility tours. Attendees can expect to learn about the latest advances in CEA and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth.

“We are excited to build on the momentum of our first event and continue to bring together leaders in the CEA industry,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “We look forward to showcasing the innovative research and education programs we are developing to support the growth of the CEA industry.”

For more information and to register to attend, exhibit and to learn more about speaking opportunities for the CEA Summit East 2023, please visit the event website.

CEA Summit Website 

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade event for vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture, the practice of growing crops in indoor systems, using hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic techniques. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis and hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. 404.991.5186

Indoor Ag-Con Website

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AT VIRGINIA TECH

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech trains the next generation of professionals in the fields of plant breeding and genetics, agronomic and horticultural crop production, plant protection, soil and water systems management, agricultural technologies, environmental restoration and agro-environmental stewardship. It conducts research to improve agricultural productivity, reduce negative impacts on the environment and improve soil and water health. Through extension programs, it provides science-based information to stakeholders to help them feed the world while protecting the environment. 

School of Plant and Environmental Sciences Website

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA SEAFOOD AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER AT VIRGINIA TECH

The Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Virginia Tech works to support the future of the historic seafood industry — in Virginia and beyond. Its extension specialists work with industry and research partners to identify and respond to emerging needs and provide technical guidance to stakeholders in every level of the seafood supply chain. Through technical assistance, training, process validation, value-added product development, and more, it helps stakeholders ensure product quality, safety, and viability. 

Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center 

ABOUT IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. Core focus areas include research that provides a clear path to commercialization, advanced learning opportunities where education meets experience, training and rapid-launch space for advanced manufacturers, and economic development through conferencing and a partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. It is located in scenic and historic Danville-Pittsylvania County on the VA/NC state line, within a short drive of Roanoke, Greensboro and Raleigh. 

Endophyte Research, Lettuce and Hydroponics: a Three-Year Project

Endophyte Research, Lettuce and Hydroponics: a Three-Year Project

Dr. Mei and Colleagues Publish Paper on Bacterial Impact on Hydroponically Grown Lettuce

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has a library of more than 2,000 endophytes, which are bacteria that occur naturally inside plants. While IALR researchers have generally characterized each of them, they are now conducting endophyte research and tests to evaluate potential uses.  

In collaboration with other scientists from IALR, Virginia Tech and Appalachian State University, Dr. Chuansheng Mei published a research article about the positive impacts an endophyte – scientifically known as Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 – made on lettuce yield and root size. Based on three years of experimentation and testing, the research team found that lettuce plants in several hydroponic systems exposed to the endophyte experienced a significant increase in lateral root development and an average of 15-20% increase in yield.  

A male IALR Scientist wearing goggles and gloves conducts endophyte research.

Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), works with endophytes, or beneficial plant bacteria.

The full article is titled “A Potential Application of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 for Lettuce Growth Promotion in Hydroponics and was featured in Special Issue “Interaction of Plants and Endophytic Microorganisms: Community, Functions and Applications by the scientific, peer-reviewed journal Microorganisms. 

What Are Endophytes?  

On a high level, endophytes are naturally occurring microorganisms that can promote plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, increase stress tolerance and inhibit diseases. These functions can be classified into two main categories: plant growth promotion (biostimulants) and plant disease control (biocontrol agents).  

With public-private partnerships and funding, talented scientists, and exclusive equipment, the Plant Endophyte Research Center has established IALR as a national leader in the exploration of the impact endophytes can have. Particularly, our team looks at the ways that these bacteria influence plant growth when introduced in different environments and stages of the development cycle.  

The endophyte IALR632 used in this research was isolated from leaves of Sorghum halepense grown in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Central Virginia. Most of the endophytes at IALR are from plants native to the Appalachian region.  

What Did This Endophyte Research Conclude?

This project began with the research team testing the effects of five different endophytes. Among them, Dr. Mei and the research team found that IALR632 had a positive effect on lettuce growth. 

This led the team to run additional tests and experiments on six different cultivars of seed-coated lettuce.  

Most of the tests were conducted in controlled environment hydroponic systems – which are soilless growing environments that introduce nutrients through a water-based mineral nutrient solution – in the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center. 

IALR researchers found that IALR632 can increase lateral root development by 164% when added during the germination phase, which could translate to higher yields. When seedlings were inoculated with the endophytes and transplanted, the yield (amount of lettuce produced) consistently increased by an average of 20% or higher.  

Several trays of lettuce are grown under LED lights in the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center.

Several trays of lettuce are grown under LED lights in the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. Ray Meese | Virginia Tech

Significance and Next Steps  

The goal of IALR, as well as the Plant Endophyte Research Center as a whole, is not knowledge for the sake of knowledge. All these experiments and tests are focused on finding ways to simultaneously improve environmental sustainability while increasing food production – two directives that have historically been mutually exclusive. 

This particular research demonstrated that this endophyte has the potential to promote lettuce growth in different hydroponic environments. While the use of biostimulants, including endophytes, is becoming commonplace in traditional agricultural production, research into their use in controlled environment hydroponic systems is limited and holds great promise in boosting productivity in this rapidly growing sector.  

Now that this article has been published, Dr. Mei says that the next step is to continue running tests with IALR 632 in concert with other biostimulants and biocontrol agents (the two general categories of endophytes) on different kinds of lettuce and spinach.  

Contributions and Funding  

The full list of authors includes:  

The work happening at the CEA Innovation Center and the Plant Endophyte Research Center often overlaps. For this project, most of the plants were grown in both the greenhouse and indoor portions of the CEA Innovation Center, as different variations were run in the NFT systems and the indoor vertical systems.  

The Plant Endophyte Research Center has received more than $1 million in research grants, including a $750,000 Department of Energy Plant Feedstock Genomics Grant and a $258,000 Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission Grant. This research project was funded through a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant.

Endophyte Research 

Tables of lettuce are in a greenhouse with a sunny, clear sky are seen through the roof. These plants are part of an endophyte research project.

Tables of lettuce grow in one of the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center greenhouses. These plants are part of the endophyte research project completed by Dr. Mei and several colleagues over the past three years.

Lettuce inoculated with an endophyte grows under LED lights in the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center

Lettuce inoculated with an endophyte grows under LED lights in the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center.

IALR & VT Receive GO VA Indoor Farming Grant

IALR & VT Receive GO VA Indoor Farming Grant

Hydroponic lettuce is one of the plants undergoing research at the CEA Center, which combines engineering, plant science and computer-managed greenhouse control technologies.

IALR and the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement received a grant to help grow the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) sector in GO Virginia Region 3. The $77,053 grant will fund development of a strategy and roadmap for supporting industry growth and workforce development for CEA throughout the region. The effort will include an analysis of this emerging and dynamic agribusiness sector, including its industry and economic growth potential, while identifying needed facilities and infrastructure, workforce development issues, opportunities and applied research assets.

“A key outcome of the study will be to identify future needs and opportunities to support controlled agricultural production facilities and the underlying business investment for use by local and regional economic development and workforce development organizations and professionals,” said IALR Director of Applied Research Dr. Scott Lowman.

Controlled Environment Agriculture is an opportunity to attract and expand agribusiness investments. For instance, AeroFarms recently broke ground on a $53 million investment to build one of the largest aeroponic vertical farms in Danville. Nearby on IALR’s campus resides the focal point of the grant initiative, the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center, which is a partnership with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

Dr. Amaradasa Leads Plant Endophyte Webinar

Dr. Amaradasa Leads Plant Endophyte Webinar

IALR held our second plant endophyte webinar featuring Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa joined by Dr. Scott Lowman, Director of IALR’s Applied Research department. Dr. Amaradasa presented on “Exploring the Potential of Beneficial Bacterial Endophytes for Disease Control,” which explained how plant endophytes can serve as biological control agents. Participants gained knowledge of this fascinating topic during the webinar, which concluded with a live question-and-answer segment. Watch the full presentation at endophyteresearch.com.

Dr. Amaradasa (left) and Dr. Lowman (right) discuss IALR’s plant endophyte research during a webinar; IT, Communications, conferencing staff and the Research team contributed to this webinar, which is one of a series.

Within the presentation, participants learned how endophytic bacteria isolated from natural habitats are screened for biocontrol of plant diseases. IALR houses a library of more than 2,000 endophytes that are rapidly assayed in vitro and tested for commercial value in the greenhouse and field. These endophytes, which have been identified by members at the Plant Endophyte Research Center of IALR, provide new business opportunities. They also offer chances for further collaboration with universities for setting agricultural technology trends. The members of this research center include Lowman, Director; Dr. Chuansheng Mei, Chief Scientist; Robert Chretien, Laboratory Research Associate; Amy Turner, Laboratory Research Associate; and Amaradasa, Scientist.

One of the newest collaborative opportunities for this research center has been presented by the Virginia Tech (VT)-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center. This new indoor farming partnership with VT’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences allows endophytes’ biocontrol properties to be tested for their ability to prevent plant disease in a controlled environment. To learn more about this initiative and research efforts, visit ialr.org/cea.

The presenter, Dr. Amaradasa, has extensive experience in studying fungal plant pathogens and has played an instrumental role in screening IALR’s in-house collection of endophytes for disease control in economically important crops. He obtained his Ph. D. from Virginia Tech and brings research experience as a former post-doctoral researcher for the University of Nebraska and Florida.

Interns Gain Valuable Work-based Learning Experience

Interns Gain Valuable Work-based Learning Experience

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) welcomed nine interns for the 2021 summer session. Benefits of this internship include gaining on-the-job training and real-world leadership development experience valuable to future careers.

Each intern worked on projects pertaining to the focus of their assigned department. Megan Pollok, Graydon Smith and Samuel Hedrick assisted Dr. Lowman and the Research team. Pollok worked on a lettuce growing project she said would help determine “if beneficial plant bacteria can help improve heat tolerance in cool weather horticultural crops.” Hedrick worked with the SMART table, a precision imaging platform for plant research. He programmed a camera to take and file images, created a Graphical User Interface to set parameters, like the number of plants on the table and intervals at which the table should run, and used image analysis tools to gather data from the photos. Smith helped test the disease-fighting capabilities of IALR’s library of more than 2,000 beneficial bacterial plant endophytes. He inoculated test subject wheat seedlings and seeds with strains of the Fusarium fungus, a common plant disease.

Research interns Smith, Pollok and Hedrick use the SMART table, a precision imaging platform, to record and track plant growth in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center.

Cassandra Wade aided Human Resources by creating a performance-based bonus system for IALR employees, modernizing new hire orientation presentations, and creating a visual chart that shows lines of command in IALR staff throughout various divisions. Katherine Clatterbuck organized a Women in STEM panel, in which a board of women in STEM fields converse with students about their future career interests. Benjamin Boles helped the IT department arrange equipment for webinars, update computers with new software and aid IALR staff with technological inquiries.

Kaitlyn Davis and Jahna Waters produced communications like this newsletter story, developed social media content, captured photos of events, and more. Emily Ebalo worked in the Economic Development department where she conducted research on the region’s assets and resources; supported housing studies; assisted with site, industry and leader photo and drone shoots; and helped coordinate economic development announcements in the region.

All interns were hard at work during this program, which culminated with a presentation showcasing their projects. To view more photos, visit bit.ly/IALRinterns21

IALR’s summer Interns include (left to right): front row – Emily Ebalo (William and Mary), Samuel Hedrick (University of Virginia), Kaitlyn Davis (William and Mary), Cassandra Wade (Liberty University) and Benjamin Boles (Virginia Tech); back row – Megan Pollok (Virginia Tech), Jahna Waters (Averett University), Katherine Clatterbuck (Roanoke College), and Graydon Smith (University of Virginia).

VT-IALR Controlled Environment Ag Center Ramps Up

VT-IALR Controlled Environment Ag Center Ramps Up

The Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is now fully operational and open for research, industry collaboration and outreach on the campus of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). A partnership with Virginia Tech (VT), the Center’s staff will develop, promote and advance the indoor farming market in the U.S. and worldwide.

The Center aligns with IALR’s mission of economic transformation by introducing an alternative farming method to area growers while serving as a research collaborator for indoor farming industry partners like AeroFarms, which recently broke ground in Danville (p. 4). The Center capitalizes on IALR’s expertise in applied research, education and talent development, advanced manufacturing, conferencing services and economic development. “The ultimate goal of the Center is economic development,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, IALR’s Director of Applied Research and Director of the Center. “As part of Virginia Tech’s SmartFarm Innovation Network, our team will strive to innovate indoor farming technology and to introduce it as a new high-tech industry in Southern Virginia.”

The Center uses hydroponic systems to deliver ideal amounts of water and nutrients for maximized plant growth and health. Lighting and other factors are controlled for optimal growth as well. Benefits include higher, quicker yield in a smaller space, unrestrictive growing locations and times, and healthier locally sourced food grown without chemicals.

Research will aim to benefit growers and the industry. Some experiments already being conducted include: growth rate studies of microgreens, microbeets and baby leaf lettuce inoculated with beneficial plant bacteria, or endophytes; LED light level studies with microtomatoes; and seeding density studies with baby leaf lettuce.

Center Associate Directors, VT’s Dr. Michael Evans (School of Plant and Environmental Sciences) and Dr. Michael Schwarz (Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center), help steer the Center’s initiatives. VT Research Associate Dr. Emily Zhou oversees operations in collaboration with IALR staff, including Chief Scientist Dr. Chuansheng Mei and Laboratory Research Associate Amy Turner. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is also a supporter.

Future projects will include integration of aquaculture, educational outreach, expanded research, and opportunities for workforce development. For more information and to view a video, visit ialr.org/cea.

Emily Zhou, left, a post-doctoral research associate with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, speaks with IALR Research Associate Amy Turner and IALR Director of Applied Research Scott Lowman at the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center on IALR’s campus in Danville.