• Evaluate the adaptability and performance of small tomatoes and Asian vegetables in open field systems in different geographical regions of Puerto Rico.
• Evaluate the adaptability and performance of small tomatoes and Asian vegetables in high tunnel systems in different geographical regions of Puerto Rico.
• Identify and estimate plant damage from new and emerging insect pests and disease severity in high tunnel and open field production systems for each variety.
• Establish appropriate post-harvest practices and develop value-added products.
• Outreach: Adoption of the production practices and offering market opportunities for new varieties.

• October 01, 2018 – September 30, 2022

• Dr. Fernando J. Pérez Muñoz (CO-PI)
  

• Evaluate adaptation, growth, production and fruit quality of the six most used commercial varieties in California and Florida in southwest Puerto Rico
• Evaluate the adaptation and production of pitahaya varieties in two trellis methods (block tower and umbrella).
• Evaluate the costs of two different trellis and their benefits in plant development, fruit production and harvest. 4. Evaluate the use of artificial light by solar energy system to induce flowering of the pitahaya outside its natural time.
• Develop a technological package with cultivation practices for pitahaya and identify pests and diseases that affect planting.
• Develop a model budget for the production of pitahaya in Puerto Rico.

• October 01, 2018 – September 30, 2022

• Dr. Francisco M. Monroig Saltar (PI)
  

• Evaluate the effect of supplementing pasture-fed beef cattle with PEAR on post-weaning growth rate.
• Determine the effects of feeding PEAR on carcass characteristics (hot carcass yield, carcass dimensions, REA, USDA marbling score and fat thickness).
• Determine the effects of feeding PEAR on beef quality, composition, and shelf life (pH, tenderness, proximate composition, fatty acid profile, color and lipid stability).
• Evaluate the feasibility of producing algae biomass high in protein using a small lab model with a scale-up possibility in Puerto Rico.

• October 01, 2018 – September 30, 2022

• Dr. Luis R. Pérez Alegría (CO-PI)
  

• Produce flours for culinary purposes from local cultivars of apio and plantain.
• Evaluate the properties of starch isolated from Puerto Rican apio as a strategy to increase this species’ use.
• Compare the chemical and nutritional properties, physical, physicochemical and rheological characteristics of the prepared flours, starch, extruded products and chips.
• Evaluate the quality of expanded extruded products made from apio and plantain and composite blends and chips.
• Measure consumer perception of the quality of flours, starch, expanded extruded products and chips.
• Identify the tuber and plantain processed products with the best potential for marketing in PR.

• October 01, 2018 – September 30, 2022

• Dr. Fernando J. Pérez Muñoz (CO-PI)
  

• Design and build a biodigester with structural flexible membrane treating swine waste in co-digestion with other organic wastes for maximum biogas production
• Evaluate the efficiency of struvite formation and Phoslock as a method of removal / recovery of phosphorus from the liquid effluent of the biodigester,
• Develop a drying process of the solid effluent of the biodigester and evaluate the agricultural fertilizing power of this reactor effluent.
• Provide training to Agricultural Extension Service personnel in co-digestion of swine waste and other organic waste available to farmers.

• October 01, 2018 – September 30, 2022

• Dr. Luis R. Pérez Alegría (PI)
• Dr. Javier A. Huertas Miranda (CO-PI)
• Dr. Sunil K. MathankeR (CO-PI)

The main objective of the proposed project is to enable FST Faculty capacity to offer their courses online. More specifically, the following activities will take place as part of the project.

• Perform an assessment-based update of the current FST Master degree program and courses.
• Provide FST faculty with the required online teaching tools.
• Transform FST courses to online versions.
• Update identified distance education facilities to enable the online degree.

• September 01, 2018 – August 31, 2021

• Dr. Fernando J. Pérez Muñoz (PI)

The project objective is to strengthen and improve research and teaching in Agricultural Sciences programs by integrating precision agriculture technologies into course laboratories and by updating instructional materials and equipment. The specific project objectives include the following:

• procure relevant precision agriculture technologies and equipment,
• develop new laboratories for a precision agriculture technologies course,
• integrate procured technologies and equipment into the existing laboratories of the agricultural sciences courses, and
• develop research learning experiences using acquired precision agriculture technologies.

• September 01, 2018 – August 31, 2021

• Dr. Sunil K. Mathanker (PI)
  
• Dr. Francisco M. Monroig Saltar (CO-PI)
  

The major goal of this project is to develop a data driven modeling framework for understanding the complex physical and social vulnerabilities, and interdependencies that resulted in near total failure of the physical systems in Puerto Rico, during and after Hurricane Maria. The specific objectives for the UPRM Team include:

• Develop and calibrate a model to evaluate the hydrologic response to Hurricane Maria and other selected extreme weather events. The model is capable of estimating the extent and depth of flooding, which will be used to inform the infrastructure network model, relative to critical water and electrical infrastructure.
• Support the hiring and management of research assistants who will conduct the social assessment study led by NYU. Also, develop the UPRM IRB, required to perform the social assessment study; and
• Support the CUNY team responsible for conducting the potable water distribution system modeling, serve as liaison between the local water authority (AAA) and CUNY and to perform limited data analysis.

• September 01, 2018 – August 31, 2021

• Dr. Eric W. Harmsen (PI)
  

• To determine non-microbiological shelf life of fruits – Use colorimeter and hedonic scales to measure changes in appearance during storage. Determine fruit pH, concentration of soluble solids and browning related enzymatic activity. Moisture loss during storage will also be calculated.
• To determine mechanical properties of fruits – Specifically, determine fruit peelability (i.e., ease of peel removal), cut strength and susceptibility to mechanical damage by impact (i.e., dropping the fruits) or compression (i.e., stacking the fruits).
• To determine processing characteristics of fruits – Specifically, moisture and oil absorption during processing and pulp yield.
• To determine the nutritional and glycemic index implications of boiling, frying and baking – Specifically, macronutrient analysis and glycemic index will be evaluated on fruits subject to the abovementioned processes typical of the Puerto Rican cuisine.
• Maiden starch properties will also be studied to compare its value against commercially available starches (from other sources) – Specifically, starch yield will be determined and starch granules evaluated in terms of color, size, shape, gelatinization temperature and amylose/amylopectin ratio.
• To measure consumer perception of the quality of processed fruits – Specifically, to perform sensory panels to compare processed Maiden and Maricongo based products such as chips, “tostones”, etc.

• November 13, 2017 – June 30, 2021
  

• Dr. Fernando J. Pérez Muñoz (PI)
  
• Dr. Javier A. Huertas Miranda (CO-PI)
  

• Assess the current extent and spatial variability of soil salinity-sodicity of the Lajas Valley.
• Describe soil morphologic features that influence salinity/sodicity levels.
• Provide data leading to a potential modification of existing soil survey delineating salinity phases at the watershed scale.
• Carry out a soil reclamation demonstration.

• June 13, 2017 – June 30, 2021

• Dr. Luis R. Pérez Alegría (CO-PI)
  

• Assessing changes in the temporal and spatial distribution of phytoplankton productivity in two reservoirs of Puerto Rico through drone-mounted image sensing technology.
• Evaluating the relative influence of nutrients and dissolved inorganic carbon on phytoplankton productivity in tropical reservoirs through field bioassays.

• June 01, 2017 – May 31, 2021
  

• Dr. Luis R. Pérez Alegría (CO-PI)
• Dr. Sunil K. Mathanker (CO-PI)
  

• Develop and evaluate irrigation systems, designs, technologies, and management practices that are sustainable and can increase water productivity.
• Improve methods of irrigation scheduling that are particularly applicable for microirrigation.
• Develop, evaluate, and adapt models as tools to improve system design, management, and production.
• Expand technology transfer products for a diversity of stakeholders to promote adoption of water-saving irrigation strategies.
  

• October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2020
  

• Dr. Eric W. Harmsen (CO-PI)
  

The main goal is to establish a tropical crop production research and demonstrative laboratory at UPRM using Indoor Agricultural Technology. Specific objectives include the following.

• Upgrade the identified site’s infrastructure.
• Acquire and install the necessary technology for ICP.
• Evaluate the production of the most consumed and produced lettuce variety in Puerto Rico (i.e., Tropicana) under ICP.
• Perform a (economic) feasibility assessment of ICP.

• September 01, 2017 – August 31, 2020
  

• Dr. Fernando J. Pérez Muñoz (PI)
  
• Dr. Javier A. Huertas Miranda (CO-PI)
  
• Dr. Sunil K. Mathanker (CO-PI)
  

The main goal is to improve formal postsecondary education by providing UPRM Engineering students an experiential learning opportunity to solve current agriculture related problems. Specific objectives include the following.

• Develop an Agricultural Science curricular sequence aimed for current Engineering students.
• Provide a practicum experience in problem solving agriculture related problems to teams of Engineering students.

• September 01, 2017 – August 31, 2020
  

• Dr. Fernando J. Pérez Muñoz (PI)
  
• Dr. Javier A. Huertas Miranda (CO-PI)
  

• Describe spatial relationships between soil properties of CLASS soils occurring in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix, and spatial covariates such as those indicated in the previous section using geostatistical methods (regression kriging). Use the regression model to map other possible locations where CLASS could be present. Products shall be consistent with NCSS standards and used to update SSURGO spatial and tabular databases.
• Characterize the basic chemical properties, and the spatial and temporal variability of soil profiles from selected coastal lowlands acid sulfate soils in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix.
•  Characterize the chemical composition of export loads (base and storm flow) from selected acid sulfate soils under varying climate conditions.

• September 28, 2018 – August 31, 2020
  

• Dr. Luis R. Pérez Alegría (CO-PI)
  

• Review of Best Management Practices (BMP) for forested lands in Puerto Rico.
• Compendium of BMP’s into a user-friendly guide.
• Workshops with pertinent stakeholders such as forest owners, managers, and professionals to identify needs and to present the final compendium.

• August 27, 2018 – June 30, 2020
  

• Dr. Sunil K. Mathanker (CO-PI)
  

• Evaluar en la Estación Experimental Agrícola de Adjuntas y en fincas de café de la región productora tecnología de cosecha asistida diseñada e implementada por países productores considerando las particularidades de Puerto Rico para determinar la eficiencia, atributos, dificultades, aceptación del trabajador agrícola, el potencial de implantación y la viabilidad económica.
•  Diseñar y evaluar en la Estación Experimental Agrícola de Adjuntas y en fincas de café de la región productora tecnología de cosecha asistida con características ergonómicas y modificaciones a las usadas actualmente en Puerto Rico (canasta tradicional y mallas parciales) para determinar la eficiencia, atributos, dificultades, aceptación del trabajador agrícola, el potencial de implantación y la viabilidad económica.
• Diseñar las guías para la utilización de los métodos de cosecha asistida y proveer adiestramiento al personal técnico que tendrá a su cargo la implantación de las recomendaciones según los resultados de la investigación.
• Implementar la tecnología de cosecha con las recomendaciones resultantes del proyecto a través de adiestramientos a trabajadores agrícolas de la región productora de café en Puerto Rico.

• April 11, 2018 – April 30, 2020

• Dr. Francisco M. Monroig Saltar (PI)