The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding endophyte-infected tall fescue seed to Angus steers during the stocker phase on beef shelf life. Endophyte-infected tall fescue seed had no effect on pH, TBARS, activity of superoxide dismutase and metmyoglobin reductases, and sensory attributes of strip loin steaks or patties (P >= 0.082). However, E+ patties had 0.5% more DMb (P = 0.017) and 27% greater redness (a*) on d 5 of display (P < 0.001). Retail display of steaks decreased lightness (L*), redness, oxymyoglobin percentage (OMb), and MRA from 45.01, 32.60, 67.61%, and 9.54 µM/min/g on d 0 to 40.11, 21.83, 48.95%, and 2.30 µM/min/g, respectively on d 7 (P <= 0.001). Retail display of patties decreased L*, OMb, and, MRA from 52.30, 64.04%, and 5.56 µM/min/g on d 0 to 48.88, 58.5%, and 2.16 µM/min/g, respectively on d 5 (P <= 0.001).

Graduation date: 1995

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on Feb 25, 2010). The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file. Dissertation advisor: Dr. Robert L. Kallenbach. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on April 3, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on April 20, 2009) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 1993. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-140). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 36-40). Also available via the Internet.

Rhizoctonia zeae is a common pathogen of tall fescue and other turfgrasses in various regions of the United States. Disease caused by R. zeae typically occurs during hot, humid summer months when conditions are ideal for growth of the fungus but less than ideal for growth of tall fescue. While R. zeae has been reported on turfgrasses in several Mid-Atlantic states, there are no records of this pathogen being present in Virginia. Rhizoctonia isolates were obtained from samples of various turfgrasses exhibiting typical Rhizoctonia disease symptoms in Virginia. Additional isolates were obtained from several other states. All were characterized with respect to species characteristics as well as pathogenicity and virulence on two common cultivars of tall fescue. All isolates were pathogenic on tall fescue but there was some variability in virulence. There was consistently slightly less disease present on Crossfire II than on Kentucky 31. Experiments were also conducted to determine the impact of prior exposure to high air temperatures on the severity of disease. Preliminary data showed that one week of exposure to higher air temperatures caused an initial increase in overall turf quality, but as length of exposure increased the quality of turfgrass declined. Tall fescue plants were subjected to 0, 7, and 35 days of heat stress prior to inoculation with several isolates of R. zeae. No relationship was found between predisposing heat stress and disease severity. / Master of Science