A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that a lady beetle's diet influences its feeding patterns and physiology. The research suggests that plant material provides key nutrients lacking in insect prey diets, making mixed diets healthier for the beetles.
The US Department of Agriculture is working on a biocontrol method for the brown marmorated stink bug, which has caused significant damage in homes and gardens. Researchers have identified an aggregation pheromone that attracts males, females, and nymphs to feeding sites.
Researchers at University of Illinois mapped 4,648 urban agriculture sites in Chicago using Google Earth, finding that residential gardens and vacant lot gardens contribute substantially to food production. Backyard gardens, underappreciated and unsupported, also play a crucial role in food security, particularly in areas with limited ...
A study on Arabidopsis thaliana reveals its genetic diversity can help crops adapt to environmental stresses. Dr. Sarah Assmann explores the plant's ability to tolerate climate change, drought, and poor soils.
Researchers used infrared sensors and thermal technology to evaluate irrigation strategies in peach orchards. They found that midday canopy-to-air temperature differences were significantly higher in water-stressed trees, indicating the potential for effective management of water use.
The US Department of Agriculture is developing public health insecticides and devising improved application technologies to kill insects. Alternative fabrics are being designed for fire-resistant uniforms to improve protection against insects.
The USDA has completed a shotgun sequencing of the wheat genome, a major step towards increasing yields and developing drought-tolerant varieties. The achievement is expected to help feed growing populations worldwide and address climate change-related threats to agriculture.
Agricultural research and development investments have seen a surge in private sector spending, driving innovations in crop seed, biotechnology, and farm machinery. The USDA study shows how public-private partnerships are crucial for advancing agricultural productivity.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have developed a deficit-irrigation strategy for early-season peaches, which reduces post-harvest water levels by 25% without significantly affecting next year's yield. The study also found that subsurface drip irrigation systems had minimal effects on yield and fruit quality.
The study found significant genetic differences between Asian and European wild boars, as well as a high degree of similarity in immunity genes between pigs and humans. This discovery could lead to better breeding strategies, improved pork production, and increased potential for the pig as a biomedical model.
A new genomic analysis of pigs reveals similarities with humans in terms of adaptability and susceptibility to domestication. The study also found differences between European and Asian breeds, supporting the independent domestication of pigs in western Eurasia and East Asia.
A team of researchers used advanced soil analysis to uncover evidence of ancient Maya maize production in lowland areas, but also found signs of erosion in steeper soils. This study demonstrates the power of modern soil science in understanding past civilizations' treatment of the land and its impact on food security.
Researchers have identified three black raspberry populations with strong aphid resistance, controlled by multiple genes in two cases and a dominant gene in the third. This breakthrough could help protect fruit production from black raspberry necrosis virus.
A recent study found that rice paddies are a significant source of the potent greenhouse gas methane. The research team discovered that increasing carbon dioxide levels and rising temperatures boost rice yields but also increase methane emissions, highlighting the need for mitigation efforts to ensure a secure global food supply.
A team of researchers has successfully mapped the barley genome, unlocking potential for higher yields, improved pest resistance, and enhanced nutritional value. The breakthrough, supported by USDA, will aid in addressing global food security challenges.
The USDA has announced a regional biofuels system in the Northeast, aimed at developing sustainable energy markets and creating jobs. The project, valued at $10 million, will focus on biomass supply chains for liquid transportation and aviation biofuels.
The USDA has awarded $4.8 million to 23 community-based organizations across the US to establish sustainable local food projects and improve access to affordable, healthy food for low-income residents. These grants aim to promote comprehensive strategies addressing local food, farm, and nutrition issues.
A new crop insurance plan offers Rwandan farmers protection from extreme weather, using automated weather stations. The program, called Kilimo Salama, provides insurance to thousands of farmers in the Southern and Western provinces, shielding them from financial losses.
Researchers discovered that combining conventional antifungal medications with natural plant compounds, such as thymol, can inhibit the growth of fungi at lower doses. This could lead to more effective treatments for fungal infections, potentially even reducing economic losses from contaminated crops.
A collaborative project will analyze the impact of environmental conditions and management tactics on mite populations and disease incidence in wheat. The team aims to develop an accurate forecasting model to help growers anticipate and take action against wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus, and triticum mosaic virus.
Researchers found that closing the yield gap on underperforming lands could boost production significantly, while also reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. The study suggests that more strategic use of fertilizer and water could lead to substantial gains in crop production and reduced adverse environmental impacts.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist has discovered a natural, biodegradable chelating agent called EDDS that can replace existing fertilizers contributing to waterway pollution. The findings support the use of EDDS in floral and nursery crop industries, promoting environmental sustainability.
Research at the US Department of Agriculture found that no-till farming can reduce yield losses caused by climate change. The study simulated different climate factors on three cropping systems, finding declines in corn and millet yields over time. No-till management helped maintain wheat yields for up to 2075.
Researchers will survey producers and interview key stakeholders in 15 cities to examine trends in urban farming. Urban agriculture's diversity in production methods and its potential impact on community development and access to healthy food are also being studied.
The Neolithic Age saw a direct connection between the development of an agricultural society and the emergence of sophisticated carpentry. Archaeological evidence suggests that as humans transitioned from hunter-gatherers to farmers, they also developed heavier axes and woodworking tools capable of felling trees.
A Texas AgriLife Research team is conducting a 3-year study to analyze the benefits of converting traditional cotton land to grow switchgrass or biomass sorghum for bioenergy crops. The study aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote agricultural sustainability.
Researchers warn of rapid groundwater depletion in California's Central Valley and the High Plains, posing risks to US food production. The study suggests that unsustainable irrigation practices may lead to economic challenges for farmers, particularly in the southern High Plains.
The study found that genetic variation of today's Europeans was strongly affected by immigrant Stone Age farmers, but hunter-gatherer genes still remain. The agricultural revolution is believed to have been driven by people migrating from Southern Europe, who lived alongside hunter-gatherers for thousands of years before interbreeding.
A recent study published in Nature concludes that crop yields from organic farming are generally lower than those from conventional agriculture. However, yields can be comparable under certain growing conditions and with best management practices.
The university's organic farm will be expanded from four acres to nearly 30 acres with the new investment, providing a leading platform for organic teaching and research. This $5 million donation by alumni and natural foods pioneers Chuck and Louanna Eggert will greatly enhance WSU's role in promoting sustainable agriculture nationwide.
The university is launching a new initiative to advance desert agriculture using an olive tree forest planted in Wadi Mashash. The project aims to produce food, cash crops, and sustainable farming practices.
Climate change is expected to reduce agriculture productivity by up to 50% in Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to food security. Climate-smart agriculture has become crucial for the region's adaptation strategy, focusing on innovations to adapt agriculture to wild swings in climate extremes.
Climate change may trigger multiple outbreaks of invasive pests and diseases in Southeast Asia's cassava industry, posing a significant threat to smallholder farmers. The region's multi-billion dollar industry is heavily reliant on the crop for income, with Thailand alone accounting for over 60% of global exports.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that maternally inherited small interfering RNAs control seed development, leading to smaller seeds. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture and understanding plant evolution.
New research reveals that rainfall has a greater impact on China's agriculture than rising temperatures. The study, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, found that maize is sensitive to warming but not as affected by rainfall variability as previously thought.
The Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change proposes seven policy responses to address the global challenge of feeding a world confronted by climate change. The report highlights opportunities under the Rio+20 Earth Summit, UNFCCC, and G20 mandates, and calls for changes in policy, finance, agriculture, development aid...
Women farmers produce a lower yield on their crops than male farmers by an average of 25 percent. A recent report shows differences in yield in the same household, with female farmers facing restrictions on access to labor and basic farm inputs.
The European research project ReUseWaste aims to develop technologies and systems to make agriculture more resource-efficient by extracting bio-energy from waste, increasing nutrient recycling, and conserving soil quality. The project focuses on Denmark's significant animal manure production, aiming to increase sustainability and drive...
The Health Impact Project has awarded grants to conduct health impact assessments (HIAs) in various sectors, including energy, housing, agriculture, and transportation. The assessments will help policymakers and communities anticipate potential health impacts of decisions and make informed choices.
Researchers call on scientists to provide clear data on how climate change impacts food security and suggest strategies for mitigation. They highlight the need for policy recommendations to encourage sustainable agricultural practices and prepare the global agriculture sector for climate change.
Researchers from the University of Southampton contributed to a major UN report on the world's land and water resources for food and agriculture. The report notes that global food production is projected to increase by 70% globally and nearly 100% in developing countries, putting pressure on agricultural systems.
A study tracking water quality in the Thames River basin over 140 years found significant rises in nitrate concentrations since World War II. The researchers suggest it may take several decades for any reduction in nitrate levels, highlighting the need for long-term sustainable groundwater management practices.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has evaluated a new method for determining protein quality. Soy protein was found to be a high-quality protein with a PDCAAS score of 1.00, comparable to animal-based proteins like eggs, dairy, and meat.
A number of threatened species rely on human agriculture for survival, according to a new study by the University of East Anglia. Local communities practising traditional agriculture with low ecological impact support valuable practices like grazing animals and growing cereal crops.
Climate-smart agriculture encourages tree-based farming systems to reduce deforestation and promote carbon sequestration. By improving farmers' incomes, it can enhance food security and mitigate climate change through greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Researchers are exploring ways to enhance farm profitability by extending the grazing season and adding value to milk through flaxseed supplementation, addressing concerns of organic dairy farmers in the Northeast. The project also aims to improve milk quality by sustaining omega-3 fatty acids and CLA concentrations throughout the year.
A US Department of Agriculture scientist identified a rare grass-like sedge as blue sedge, native to Asia and Australia, found growing near the gravesites of a royal Gypsy family in Mississippi. The plant's restricted distribution and invasive traits suggest it could cause problems in US lawn and turf systems.
A US Department of Agriculture scientist has developed a partnership with South African colleagues to improve cattle breeding, benefiting breeders worldwide. The research focuses on the Nguni breed, which is popular among poor farmers due to its fertility and tolerance to harsh conditions.
A multi-state research team will develop a blueprint for using marginal farmlands to grow perennial grasses for biomass, reducing soil erosion and increasing carbon sequestration. The study aims to create a market for perennial grass that gives farmers a solid return, promoting sustainable land use and biofuel production.
A team of scientists at the US Department of Agriculture has patented a method to convert commercial digital cameras into color infrared cameras for aerial photography. This technology allows for immediate image availability without further processing, making it ideal for detecting farmland extent and crop health. The innovation enable...
USDA researchers are exploring high-resolution digital panoramas to study landscape changes in rangelands. By creating detailed images, scientists can track wildlife populations, invasive plant species, and monitor riparian areas.
A new plant breeding approach developed at the University of California, Davis, could significantly improve crop yields and disease resistance for staple foods like cassava and banana. The method allows breeders to create hybrid seeds that carry DNA from only one parent, dramatically reducing the time required to develop new crops.
The University of Missouri has received a $100,000 grant from Monsanto to support student research in plant sciences. The fellowship program will pay high-achieving students up to $5,800 per year to conduct research projects and participate in internships.
Researchers found that using flat bed systems increased yields by an average of 6 percent and improved water and nitrogen use efficiency. The study supported the USDA's commitment to enhancing sustainable agriculture, helping farmers increase yields, save water resources, and reduce nitrate leaching.
Using fabric ground covers in organic production allows farmers to control weeds, hold down costs, and maintain soil health. The study found that fabric covers limited water penetration and reduced soil levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Xiaohong Wang's diagnostic test can identify the type of nematode infesting a field, crucial for developing resistant potato varieties. The test is 1000 times more sensitive than traditional methods, enabling reliable results from small amounts of nematode material.
A radical overhaul of farming is proposed as a 'game-changer' for global food security. The new approach aims to enhance production and protect ecosystems by adopting agroecosystem practices that maintain clean water, air, and biodiversity.
Researchers at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture have completed two drought simulators designed to mimic real-world conditions. The simulators, measuring 50 feet by 100 feet, will enable in-depth testing under varying environmental conditions and improve food security for farmers.
A team of researchers from Michigan State University is working on a five-year project to develop tools to help farmers cope with climate variability. The study will focus on corn and soybean growth and profits across 12 states, using models to predict the impact of climate scenarios.
A new study provides a detailed account of the natural carbon cycle in agriculture, revealing that regions dependent on others for food release more carbon than they take in. The researchers developed a national crop carbon budget, finding that the crops absorb and return about 37% of the US's total annual carbon dioxide emissions.