2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To provide cooperation on investigations of sugarbeets, beans, potatoes, cucumbers, and fruit quality. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Both parties are actively engaged in independent research projects; meeting the objectives of this project will strengthen and enhance ongoing research within the scope of this agreement. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a Master Memorandum of Understanding between ARS and Michigan State University. Additional details of research can be found in the reports for the following parent projects: 3635-21000-011-00D Breeding Selection and Molecular Characterization for Improved Sugarbeet Germplasm; 3635-21430-007-00D Improved Food Quality in Dry Bean Using Genetic and Molecular Approaches; and 3635-43000-004-00D Technologies for Assessing and Grading Quality and Condition of Cucumbers and Tree Fruits. The objective of this research is to provide cooperation on investigations of sugar beets, beans, potatoes, cucumbers, and fruits. 3635-21000-011-00D Breeding Selection and Molecular Characterization for Improved Sugarbeet Germplasm: Resistance to seedling disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani was discovered in the ARS germplasm release EL51. Two broad-based genetic populations have been developed from promising germplasm archived at East Lansing. The first is a synthetic population of high germination materials after long-term sub-optimal storage that received a second round of field-testing this year. Second is a synthetic population of older, unreleased Rhizoctonia resistant germplasm also being field-tested for a second year. 3635-21430-007-00D Improved Food Quality in Dry Bean Using Genetic and Molecular Approaches: Research was conducted through a Specific Cooperative Agreement with Michigan State University to measure the level of folate in a diverse group of commercial bean genotypes that represent maximum diversity of seed types grown in the US. 3635-43000-004-00D Technologies for Assessing and Grading Quality and Condition of Cucumbers and Tree Fruits: Spectral absorption and scattering properties were determined from horticultural crops (apple, kiwifruit, peach, pear, plum, cucumber, squash, tomato) over the visible and nearinfrared region (500-1000 nm) using a novel hyperspectral imaging method. Monte Carlo simulations, a statistical method for solving the complex mathematical problems that would be otherwise difficult to solve, were developed to quantify light absorption and scattering patterns in apples. Simulation results provided guidance in selecting appropriate sensor configurations including light source for detecting internal quality of fruit. Further statistical analyses were performed on relating spectral absorption and scattering properties to the fruit firmness and soluble solids content of ‘Golden Delicious’ apples. Results showed that both absorption and scattering properties were related to fruit firmness and soluble solids content; however, the combination of both absorption and scattering properties gave better predictions of fruit firmness and soluble solids content than did single properties. This new method is useful for assessing the quality and condition of fruits and other agricultural products.