The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture launches F.U.S.E. Animal Science, a five-year fellowship program that integrates research, Extension, and professional development for undergraduate students. The program will provide students with hands-on experiences and mentorship to develop skills in areas such as animal nutritio...
SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech is developing a virtual reality course in agricultural engineering to provide rural farmers with hands-on training. The grant aims to give farmers technical skills without leaving their land, reducing costs and improving productivity.
The New Farmers of America (NFA) organization taught tens of thousands of rural Black boys about farming and helped them develop leadership skills. The book reveals how the NFA transformed rural Black life and legacy, and its story serves as a model for promoting Black youth interest in agriculture.
Twelve universities competed in the annual Weed Contest, testing their weed science knowledge in six categories, including herbicide identification and team calibration. The University of Arkansas won the contest, and the University of Tennessee Weed Team took top honors in the team calibration event.
The University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture has introduced a new Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics program, combining biological sciences and data analytics. Graduates will enter high-demand careers with unique technical skills in precision agriculture and environmental sustainability.
The inaugural Southeast Farm and Forest Land Summit will bring together farmers, industry leaders, and state agencies to address rapid land use changes and their impact on rural communities. Participants will discuss ways to improve farm profitability, preserve working farmland, and explore policy options for sustainable agriculture.
Barton's lab aims to improve strategies for managing invasive insects by investigating juvenile hormones. The project will also train graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and middle school teachers in STEM education.
Researchers at Nagoya University review the latest results of plasma agriculture, finding that well-tuned plasma treatments boost seed vigor or yield in over two-thirds of studies. Plasma-induced epigenetic changes also promote positive expression of plant genes involved in germination and stress tolerance.
Understanding plant microbiome interactions could transform crop production and improve sustainability. Researchers are exploring how plants shape their microbial partners to acquire nutrients, defend against disease, and respond to environmental stresses.
Experts from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will present research-based recommendations on managing herbicide-resistant weeds. The event features presentations and practical control strategies for Palmer amaranth, goosegrass, and Italian ryegrass.
A study by University of Basel researchers found that farming in Switzerland increased plant diversity over the past 7000 years. However, this trend reversed with modern agriculture's emphasis on efficiency and uniformity. The data suggests that altering farming practices could reverse declining biodiversity.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which microbes boost plants' ability to survive in salty conditions. Pseudomonad bacteria stimulate the production of lignin, a tough substance found in plant cell walls, helping plants withstand environmental stress.
Andrew Muhammad, professor at University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, receives R.J. Hildreth Public Policy Award for his research and outreach in trade analysis and agricultural commodities. He is recognized for his career achievements in government service and education.
Researchers are testing two treatments to help ranchers protect their herds from bovine theileriosis, a deadly disease spread by the invasive Asian longhorned tick. The treatments include a prescription anti-tick vaccine and a slow-release parasiticide, with initial results showing promise in reducing symptoms and mortality rates.
A project led by University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture researchers aims to reduce the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer by designing corn plants that better utilize nitrogen already in the soil. The goal is to decrease nitrous oxide emissions, increase nitrogen uptake, and optimize rooting patterns in corn.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that prehistoric Danes maintained fishing practices despite the introduction of agriculture around 4000 BCE. Fish remains from various eras show consistent evidence of sustained fishing activities.
Researchers discovered that rice plants use floral volatiles to attract fall armyworm caterpillars, which then get trapped in spikelets covered with trichomes. The study found that about 50% of the caterpillars were trapped and killed within 48 hours.
A team of horticulture scientists has identified the single genetic region controlling primocane-fruiting in blackberries, a discovery expected to speed up breeding for improved varieties. The study validated the result through genetic linkage mapping and identified candidate genes involved in flowering regulation.
Researchers found that mid-Holocene soil cooling reduced thermally suitable zones for millet cultivation, contributing to a southward displacement of farming. Soil temperatures recovered after around 6,000 years ago, facilitating millet expansion and late Neolithic development.
Novin AgriTech received an $174,906 USD grant from the US Department of Agriculture to develop nitrogen use efficiency trait in elite wheat cultivars. The company's platform technology will introduce genetic tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency.
A new study estimates that urban agriculture in European cities could produce up to 20 million tons of vegetables annually, representing roughly one-third of the region's current vegetable production. This could supply around 28% of Europe's vegetable demand for 190 million Europeans.
Research by Arkansas Rice Processing Program suggests commingling certain rice cultivars leads to decreased head rice yield due to varying milling rates. This can result in a 2% drop in head rice yield if over-milling occurs, highlighting the importance of identity preservation and optimal milling rates.
Researchers aim to accelerate public spinach breeding by identifying genetic variation and developing genomic tools for Pythium tolerance. They are evaluating 480 diverse spinach genotypes to identify over 30 Pythium-tolerant lines.
Villouta's research aims to characterize root exudates and understand their role in plant stress and productivity in hydroponic systems. He will explore how temperature variations affect spinach growth in hydroponic environments, with the goal of improving crop viability and informing best practices for other temperature-sensitive crops.
The Tennessee State University College of Agriculture and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have launched a joint seed funding program to support collaborative research projects focused on precision agriculture, biotechnology, and food security. The program aims to develop solutions that benefit producers, communitie...
Researchers at UTIA are studying the genetic, cellular and microbial factors that influence feed efficiency in cattle. By identifying cell types, characterizing microbes and determining genetic influences, they aim to develop practical improvements for producers.
Using new genetic markers, fruit breeders can predict flower sex type and seedlessness in muscadines and other grapes with high accuracy. The approach will save time and resources in developing new grape varieties, including the major challenge of creating flavorful seedless muscadines on self-pollinating vines.
Researchers found that sediment loading to streams is significant under current conditions and that individual road crossings have a minimal impact. The study highlights the importance of considering the entire watershed when managing unpaved roads and pastures for maximum water quality effects.
A new system can map soil moisture tree by tree, allowing growers to water specific trees if they're dry. Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for plant health, as too little water can stress trees, while too much water can deprive roots of oxygen.
Researchers developed durable nanofilm electrodes for long-term measurement of bioelectric potentials in plants, paving the way for more resilient agriculture. These electrodes can detect stress in crops early, enabling timely warnings and improving yields.
The study reveals that peri-urban agriculture is key to urban resilience and calls for an urgent shift in planning policies. Agricultural land losses are driven by urban expansion, real estate speculation, and low profitability.
The Center for Scalable and Intelligent Automation in Poultry Processing will hold its first field day on April 9 to share research on developing new robotic technologies. Researchers will demonstrate tools for deboning, detecting foreign materials and pathogens, as well as using virtual reality to operate equipment remotely.
The event aims to connect grain farmers with buyers from the region to discuss market opportunities for organic grain crops. Presenters will also showcase ongoing organic research in Arkansas.
Researchers have developed a robotic gripper called ChicGrasp, which can learn to handle chickens by imitating human movements. The system uses advanced imitation learning algorithm and camera perceptions to grasp a chicken carcass by the legs and lift it on a shackle conveyor.
Two studies have found that trust in landowners and experience with feral hogs significantly influence their willingness to manage the animals. Trust in neighbors and community was found to be associated with the likelihood of landowners taking actions to manage feral hogs, while experience with the animals was also a crucial factor.
A 70-year study by the University of Vienna reveals that imbalances in soil nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can harm mycorrhizal symbiosis between plants and fungi. This affects plant health, pest resistance, and water management, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have developed a hypoallergenic alternative cheese using rice proteins. The study analyzed various protein sources from brown rice, white rice, and bran, finding that they can provide qualities needed for plant-based cheesemaking.
A new study from Ethiopia reveals that conservation agriculture methods like no-dig, crop-rotation, and mulching can significantly reduce water runoff and soil loss. These eco-friendly techniques have been shown to increase crop yields by as much as 122%.
A University of Tennessee team will evaluate the persistence of RNA interference-based biofungicides in controlled environment agriculture. The study aims to generate data for evidence-based decisions on genetically engineered organisms and their ecotoxicological effects.
A recent study from Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggests that optimizing production in fertile areas while allowing less productive areas to lie fallow can cut greenhouse gas emissions. By doing so, food production can be maintained while reducing pressure on biodiversity by up to 20%.
The INSOIL project develops three families of fully bio-based plastic products for agriculture, reducing microplastic release by 5,820 tonnes and agrochemical use by 4,000 tonnes. These products aim to contribute to more sustainable agricultural production and support European reduction targets.
The center aims to strengthen food and environmental resilience, train the next generation of AI-enabled agricultural scientists, and help producers respond to emerging biological and climate threats. Students are immersed in federal agricultural research projects through a USDA-supported summer research program.
The University of Tennessee Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability has received an additional $3.45 million in funding for the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, a nationwide network to facilitate regional efforts to support dairy businesses.
The Scaling Hub South Asia is a multi-sector platform designed to accelerate proven agricultural, water, and energy innovations. It aims to strengthen regional food and water security for over 500 million people in South Asia.
A new study from Cornell University researchers found that improved farm productivity is the driving force behind reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Technological advances improving land efficiencies played a larger role in reducing emissions than labor efficiency improvements.
A new action plan recommends 13 key steps for strengthening Maryland's agriculture in the face of climate change. The plan aims to increase productivity and incomes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve resilience.
A new review highlights the challenges of composite pollution in facility agriculture, where heavy metals, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes interact to affect soil organisms, crop growth, and consumer health. The authors call for more integrated assessment frameworks and sustainable control strategies.
Researchers compared seedling germination, growth and nutrient uptake in pure food waste substrate, commercial potting mix and blends with varying ratios. Mixtures with less than 50% food waste compost produced better results.
Researchers found that biodegradable plastic mulch improved soil moisture retention and crop performance, with stable yields comparable to non-biodegradable mulch. The study suggests a feasible solution for sustainable agriculture in tropical high-rainfall regions.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores how regenerative farmers partner with nature in their decision-making processes. The study reveals that farmers prioritize ecosystem resilience and holistic well-being, acknowledging nature's agency and including it in deliberation and decision-making.
A new Danish model reveals that green initiatives in farming can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions from one aspect of the system, while storing more carbon in the soil over time. The CIRKULÆR model shows that policymakers must consider the entire agricultural system to make informed decisions.
A study on experimental microneedle painkiller patches in pigs has shown that the drug concentrations reached only about 2 micrograms per liter, which is 1,500 times less than the required effective dose. The patches work better on the neck than the ear and have shown safety and tolerability.
Researchers found a positive relationship between government support and voluntary planting of cover crops in Arkansas. The study showed that soybean-to-soybean rotation is the most common aftercover crop adoption, with voluntary cover crops increasing by 5% over the 2013-2019 period.
The event brings together industry experts to explore the convergence of agriculture and biotech for resilient food supply, sustainable protein sources, and open-access technology. Tufts University's Center for Cellular Agriculture is positioned at the forefront of food sustainability research and innovation.
The ECHOES team released an executive report on regenerative agriculture and resilient food systems during COP30, featuring case studies from the Andean, African, and Asian regions. The report showcases sustainable farming practices rooted in local Indigenous knowledge systems.
A QUT-led study introduces a framework to assess the potential of different strategies to mitigate climate change through plant agriculture and synthetic biology innovations. Reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers is seen as a key solution, with gigatonne-level potential for carbon mitigation.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has partnered with the Indian National Horticulture Board to improve agricultural production in India. The project aims to establish nine clean plant centers in India, providing training in advanced diagnostic methods, virus elimination, and science-based certification systems.
A new study found that common noctules hunt disproportionately often in combination with near-natural habitats to find sufficient prey in intensively farmed landscapes. The bats prefer small remnants of these habitats, such as grasslands and water bodies, which contain higher insect biomass due to lower pesticide use.
A new study reveals that modern agriculture is threatening biodiversity in European protected areas, but traditional low-intensity farming methods can help preserve habitats and species. The findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen agricultural regulations inside protected areas to achieve EU biodiversity conservation goals.
The National Champion Tree Program at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has compiled a compilation of more than 80 years of big tree history. The program marks two years at the university after moving in 2023 and is still taking nominations for potential trees through December 1.