Multidisciplinary Research Part 1 | The Race to Control A Cotton Virus

Описание: Cotton Leaf Roll Dwarf Virus has a strain specifically unique to Alabama. A 2019 study estimated over 25% of Alabama’s 2018 cotton acreage was affected, accounting for a statewide loss of $19M.

The following year, researchers led by Auburn University’s Dr. Jenny Koebernick were awarded a FFAR Rapid Outcomes grant to study the effects of the disease and how it spreads. In addition to developing real-time diagnostic tools, they discovered practices such as planting dates and removing cotton stalks resulted in dramatic improvements in mitigating yield losses.

An external evaluation of FFAR’s ROAR program found that the dissemination of their findings to growers avoided $12M in producer losses across Alabama’s cotton industry and $3M consumer costs, the evaluation determined that at 20% adoption, this research will yield $2.4M in saving.



FFAR’s pioneering Rapid Outcomes in Agriculture Research (ROAR) program underwent an evaluation by external reviewers to examine how the program has delivered results so far. FFAR’s ROAR program provides one-year grants to address emerging agricultural threats like pests and diseases, ensuring quick action before longer-term research funding is obtained.

Some key highlights:

124+ peer-reviewed publications, ranking in the top 12% of the field.

$25M+ in follow-on funding secured from initial investment.

Research cited 119% more than the global average for similar studies in the same field, influencing over 60 policy discussions.

47+ knowledge products generated in disease diagnostics, pest management and vaccine development.

Four innovations alone are projected to have a $7.51 million direct, measurable economic impact for producers and consumers with a 20% adoption rate.
Learn More: https://foundationfar.org/impact/