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Data from: Deer keds and blacklegged ticks infesting ungulates in the United States: molecular detection of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia spp.

    Deer keds are blood-feeding flies from which several human and animal pathogens have been detected, including the causative agent of Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). Cervids, which are the primary hosts of deer keds, are not natural reservoirs of B. burgdorferi, and it has been suggested that deer keds may acquire bacterial pathogens by co-feeding near ticks that are infected with the bacteria. We tested this hypothesis by using a molecular assay to screen for presence of Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., and Rickettsia spp. in specimens of European deer keds (n=306) and blacklegged ticks (n=315) collected from 38 individual white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania. There was limited similarity in the bacterial DNA detected between these ectoparasites per host, suggesting that co-feeding may not be a mechanism by which deer keds acquire these bacteria.

    Alfalfa Response to Potassium Rate and Timing of Application

      Alfalfa production is a key component of livestock production in Tennessee. Alfalfa has the ability to take up luxury amounts of potassium, which can lead to high plant tissue K concentrations and lower concentrations of other nutrients. The objectives of this research were to determine 1) whether Tennessee K recommendations for alfalfa were sufficient and accurate, and 2) if splitting K applications impacted alfalfa yield.

      Comparison of four extractants used in soil phosphorus and potassium testing for two soils in a corn-wheat-soybean rotation in Tennessee receiving various amounts of P and K fertilizer

        These soil samples are from field experiments initiated in 2009. There were two separate fertilizer rate trials at each location, one for P and one for K, and each was implemented in a corn-winter wheat-soybean rotation. The soils used in this study are from University of Tennessee (UT)’s Research and Education Center at Milan (35.9, -88.73333) and UT’s Highland Rim Research and Education Center at Springfield (36.466667, -86.816667).

        Uniform Soybean Tests, Northern Region

          The Uniform Soybean Tests, Northern Region, in place since 1941, evaluate yield, disease resistance, and quality traits of public breeding lines from northern states of the USA and Canadian provinces. The annual reports which compile the test results (PDF format) are available, and new reports are added annually.

          Feedstock Readiness Level (FSRL) evaluation: Pennisetum purpureum (napiergrass), Alcohol-to-Jet, Southeast, June 2018

            Feedstock readiness level evaluations are performed for a specific feedstock-conversion process combination and for a particular region. FSRL evaluations complement evaluations of Fuel Readiness Level (FRL) and environmental progress. The data from this evaluation, compiled in June 2018, assesses the maturity of *Pennisetum purpureum* (napiergrass) as a feedstock for the Alcohol-to-Jet conversion process in the United States Southeast region.

            Feedstock Readiness Level (FSRL) evaluation: Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), Alcohol-to-Jet, Southeast, June 2018

              Feedstock readiness level evaluations are performed for a specific feedstock-conversion process combination and for a particular region. FSRL evaluations complement evaluations of Fuel Readiness Level (FRL) and environmental progress. The data from this evaluation, compiled in June 2018, assesses the maturity of *Panicum virgatum* (switchgrass) as a feedstock for the Alcohol-to-Jet conversion process in the United States Southeast region.

              Raw Light-Level Geolocator Data from Golden-Winged Warblers Breeding at Three Sites in North America

                21 raw light-level data files (.lig) from geolocators (Biotrak, Wareham, UK; model ML6240, 2-min light-sampling regime) deployed on 20 individual Golden-winged Warblers from three breeding locations in North America. These data were collected to provide information on the migration routes and timing, and nonbreeding locations of individuals from these populations to inform conservation and management strategies. These data are being released following the publication of these findings.

                Data from: Population structure and genetic diversity within the endangered species Pityopsis ruthii (Asteraceae)

                  *Pityopsis ruthii* (Ruth’s golden aster) is a federally endangered herbaceous perennial endemic to the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers in southeastern Tennessee, USA. Comprehensive genetic studies providing novel information to conservationists for preservation of the species are lacking. Genetic variation and gene flow were evaluated for 814 individuals from 33 discrete locations using polymorphic microsatellites: seven chloroplast and twelve nuclear. A total of 198 alleles were detected with the nuclear loci and 79 alleles with the chloroplast loci.

                  Data from: Switchgrass cultivar, yield, and nutrient removal responses to harvest timing

                    Objectives for this study were to compare switchgrass yields from 2010–2011 on eight widely used and experimental upland and lowland genotype (whole plot) at two locations in Tennessee, to determine: (i) which harvest timing (split-plot) provides maximum yield; (ii) effects of harvest timing (mid-Sep, Oct, Nov, and late Oct) on overall total P and K removal; and, (iii) how results are affected by cultivar.