Organization:
Research Title: Improved Response Models
Funding Level (millions of dollars):
| FY94 | 9.2 |
|---|---|
| FY95 | 8.3 |
| FY96 | 8.8 |
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Component:
(a) Subcommittee: Global Change Research Committee (85%)
Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Research Subcommittee (7.5%);
Resource Use and Management Research Subcommittee (7.5%)
Risk Assessment Group
NSTC Committee on Fundamental Science
(b) Environmental Issue: Climate Change (50%); Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation
(30%);
Understanding Processes (20%)
(c) Research Activity: Impacts and Adaptation: Ecological systems (20%);
System
Structure and Function: Understanding (80%)
Organizational Component:
USDA/NRICGP
AG Box 2241
Washington, D.C.
20250-2241
Point of Contact:
Anne H. Datko
Phone: 202-401-4871
E-Mail: adatko@reeusda.gov
Research Goals:
Increased understanding of the fundamental mechanisms, at the whole plant, cellular,
or
molecular level, of the plant response to environmental factors (both natural and
anthropogenic) is sought through investigator-initiated projects. Environmental
factors
include those associated with climate change (e.g., carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases, water, temperature, light {including UV-B}), nutrients, gaseous pollutants,
and
heavy metals.
Research Description:
Examples of investigator-initiated research to be supported include but are not limited
to: (a)
expression and regulation of genes and gene products that are relevant in plant response
to
environmental factors; (b) identification of physiological, biochemical, cellular,
morphological, and phenological changes that take place in plants in response to
environmental signals; and (c) the interactions of multiple factors and how they
affect plant
physiological processes.
Program Interfaces:
The NRICGP Plant Responses to the Environment program is a part of the basic,
developmental, demonstration and application research continuum in the Department
of
Agriculture in cooperation with state, local and private concerns. The NRICGP Plant
Responses Program was established to develop the knowledge needed to understand the
impact of possible environmental changes on sustainability and economic viability
of
agriculture. The information will also support more applied research programs that
enhance landscape management efficiency while restoring environmental integrity.
This
program, as well as other NRICGP Program, is also an integral part of USDA's Global
Change program.
Program Milestones:
Milestones for the NRI Competitive Grants Program are set and passed continuously.
Agricultural interests are represented by a wide spectrum of groups and individuals,
who
constantly experience and are, thus, in touch with critical agricultural needs. These
interests, which include farmers, consumers, commodity and environmental groups and
government agencies, understand and identify what data must be provided by research
to
meet these critical needs. Research areas needed are described and announced yearly
to the
research community in the form of a solicitation of research proposals (Program
Description). Proposals received in response to the solicitation are scrutinized
through
competitive peer review to asses whether they will make best use of limited funds
to
provide the critical data needed in a defined period of time, and, further, whether
the
proposal demonstrates that the data will be published in a timely manner--thus allowing
for
further return on the investment of competitively awarded funds. Each project which
has
successfully competed for funds has defined milestones to be reached within two or
three
years. These must be met if the scientist is to be considered for further competitive
funds.
Policy Payoffs:
This program will provide basic information that will be useful in determining the
mechanisms, intensity and potential extent of damage to plants that results from
climate
change including UV-B radiation, soil, water and atmospheric pollution, and other
natural
or anthropogenically-imposed environmental stresses. Such information will be valuable
in
risk assessments, policy decision-making including international agreements, agricultural
planning, and long-term socioeconomic planning.