A UC Irvine study found that rice paddies emit significant amounts of methyl halide gases, contributing to stratospheric ozone depletion. The study suggests that agricultural sources play a role in this atmospheric phenomenon, and highlights the importance of understanding natural sources of ozone-depleting gases.
Agricultural copper transport and toxicity in runoff from tomato fields to estuaries remains a significant concern, with sedimentation basins offering only partial solutions. Researchers found that even with reduced copper concentrations, bioavailable forms still pose harm to aquatic life.
Researchers have discovered that ozone directly affects plant aging genes, accelerating leaf yellowing and growth retardation. The findings may lead to the development of ozone-resistant plant varieties, reducing agricultural losses estimated at $3 billion annually.
Researchers have found that a tough protein wall in sorghum seeds slows down digestion, but Hamaker's work identified an uncommon variety with improved digestibility. The study could lead to more nutritious sorghum crops for human consumption and animal feed.
The University of Washington research aircraft Husky One will measure pollutant concentrations from three primary sources: fossil fuels, agricultural fires, and natural processes. The subcontinent-sized plume will be studied as it rotates thousands of miles across southern Africa and the Atlantic Ocean.
Farmers perceive scientists as 'insensitive outsiders,' but researchers found that understanding their social and environmental practices can help improve watershed management. Farmers see beauty in modified, geometric landscapes that also harm biodiversity.
A Cornell University study reveals that younger farmers' lack of access to modern technology hinders their productivity, while older farmers continue to use technology efficiently despite declining output. The research has implications for business management decisions and federal agricultural policies.
New USGS research shows that frog and toad abundance and species richness are low in urban areas but near normal in agricultural areas. The study also confirms the role of forests as important amphibian habitat, suggesting that habitat quality is crucial for these species.
Wayne Purcell, an agricultural economist, and Y.A. Liu, a chemical engineering professor, have received the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award for their contributions to education, research, and community service. They are among 11 faculty members recognized for their impact on the state's agriculture industry.
Research suggests that urea from urban and agricultural runoff may trigger or sustain harmful algal blooms found off California's coast. The study found that a specific type of algae, Lingulodinium polyedrum, prefers urea over other nutrients.
Researchers identified how ozone 'chokes up' plants by directly affecting guard cells, inhibiting stomatal opening and reducing photosynthesis. This knowledge may lead to breeding or genetically engineering less ozone-sensitive plant varieties to improve productivity in regions with high ozone exposure.
The Everglades' low biodiversity, caused by nutrient deficiencies, makes them vulnerable to pollution. Researchers recommend reducing agricultural runoff and filtering water through marshes to preserve the ecosystem's character.
The USGS report found complex mixtures of nutrients and pesticides in streams with significant agricultural or urban development. However, concentrations of individual pesticides were often lower than current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking-water standards.
Researchers found that sites with high agricultural land had a stronger correlation with red-legged frog declines than UV radiation or global warming. The study suggests that wind-borne pesticides from the Central Valley may be contributing to the frogs' decline in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
A recent study found that tomato plants artificially stimulated with chemical jasmonic acid attract parasitic wasps, which kill twice as many caterpillars on treated plants. This natural defense mechanism can be used to develop environmentally friendly agricultural pest control methods.
Invasive pests are harming California's agricultural industry, ornamental plants, and wildlife. The glassy-winged sharpshooter spreads Xylella fastidiosa, causing Pierce's disease in grapevines and almond leaf scorch disease, while yellow starthistle infests 22% of the state, replacing desirable vegetation.
Penn State's InterWET website enables users to calculate water quality consequences with point-and-click calculators, exploring topics like surface runoff, groundwater, and fish populations. The website aims to help beginners understand hydrological concepts without requiring complex math.
The new genomics center will be linked to several institutions, including the New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and will strengthen existing databases for grain and plant genetics. This partnership aims to provide an internationally valuable resource for research storage and analysis of genetic data.
Researchers from University of California call for changes in management of agricultural and environmental resources to ensure sustainable food production and efficient water resource use. They emphasize the need for increased cooperation, public-private partnerships, and research into water resources management.
The new detection system, developed by Dr. Gregg Henderson and his team, samples the air in building walls to analyze for termites' unique gases. Early detection could prevent significant damage, saving homeowners millions annually.
Researchers from Virginia Tech are training Jamaican agricultural personnel to use GIS in integrated pest management, reducing pesticide use and environmental harm. The system helps analyze spatial patterns of variables relevant to solving pest management problems.
Researchers found a link between rainfall and nitrate leaching, with increased rainfall leading to higher nitrate levels in tile flow. The study recommends applying nitrogen fertilizer in the spring to prevent excessive nitrate loss.
New methods using video cameras, spectral sensing, and satellites enable precise chemical applications targeting individual plants. These strategies optimize pesticide use on smaller scales, reducing risks.
A European Union policy overhaul aims to reduce pollution and maintain biodiversity, but scientists struggle to design management strategies for a successful transition. Researchers are exploring the use of diverse plant and soil mixtures to facilitate re-colonization and re-establish natural communities.
The increasing demand for food is projected to lead to the conversion of natural ecosystems into intensive agricultural systems, resulting in substantial environmental degradation. The study highlights the need for strategies like GIS-based management to mitigate land use changes and preserve vegetation and soil health.
Experimental data suggests that elevated CO2 may not stimulate agricultural yield as much as previously thought, with potential losses due to temperature increases and increased pest pressure. Computer models are being used to simulate the effects of climate change on crop yields in various regions.
A unique strategy aims to use computer-examined variables and prescribe chemical regulations for specific areas to benefit the environment and agriculture. The nation's first 'smart' environmental regulations for ground water contamination by agricultural runoff are being created as part of Indiana's pesticide management plan.
A Cornell University study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics found that dairy advertising efforts significantly increased fluid milk sales, retail cheese prices, and wholesale cheese prices. The study also revealed that dairy farmers receive a substantial return on investment for their marketing efforts.
Charles Rick's half-century of research at UC Davis forged a fundamental understanding of tomato genetics. He identified 42 disease-resistance genes and bred them into commercial varieties, benefiting almost every other vegetable crop worldwide.
Research finds that stream biodiversity is slow to recover from long-term agricultural impacts, with diversity greater in forested areas. However, forest regeneration may alleviate some effects, but complete recovery may take years.
The American Phytopathological Society recognizes distinguished members with the Fellows designation for their contributions to plant pathology. The Society also presents several awards, including the Excellence in Extension Award and the Ruth Allen Award, to honor outstanding research and teaching achievements in the field.
The University of Illinois is using satellites and sensors to monitor crop yields, soil moisture, and pest infestations. This technology aims to improve agricultural efficiency while reducing chemical runoff and soil erosion, benefiting the environment.
Agricultural workers in Georgia are now being educated about skin cancer risks through a new program, thanks to $1.15 million in funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The program includes sun block, hats with built-in neck protection, and educational materials targeted at farmers' families.
The Cornell University scientists are leading an effort to develop agricultural systems that explicitly improve human health. The new approach, known as a 'food systems' approach, aims to increase the availability of micronutrients like iron in staple crops, reducing illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.
Kanza is a cold-tolerant pecan variety that can be harvested as early as Sept. 10 in southern Texas and late September in Kansas. It has natural resistance to diseases such as scab and leaf phylloxera, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
A new report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) reveals that U.S. taxpayer-financed investments in agricultural research abroad have generated significant economic benefits for U.S. farmers and consumers. The study found that every dollar invested in wheat research produces a return of up to $190, while rice re...
Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have developed new corn germplasm lines that resist two key nematode pests, Meloidogyne incognita and M. arenaria. These resistant plants can help farmers reduce yield losses of up to 30% in southern US states, with little or no treatment required.
A possible solution is lactic acid bacteria, called LAB by researchers, which produce natural acids that prevent Listeria from getting a foothold in foods. The extra margin of safety is that the same conditions that promote the growth of bad bacteria also cause LAB to thrive.
Researchers at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are conducting a three-year study on saw palmetto production and management. The study aims to increase knowledge on factors affecting growth and fruiting of the saw palmetto, with potential benefits for farmers in Florida seeking supplemental income.
The USDA has developed Z-Trim, a low-cost agricultural byproduct-based fat substitute with a smooth mouth feel. It can supply important texture qualities in foods like cheese products and baked goods, reducing calories by up to 700 per day.