Researchers found that Colletotrichum godetiae displaces C. nymphaeae in Petri dishes even with a spore quantity disadvantage. The study revealed that C. godetiae is more competitive and resistant to copper, but its dominance is not explained by classical ecological theory.
The FAO's AquaCrop model has been updated to simulate alfalfa yield with precision, offering valid predictions for different climates and zones. The new feature was developed by the University of Córdoba and IAS-CSIC, using data from Belgium, Turkey, and Canada.
A recent study found that temperature and extreme drought drive movement among herds of Plains bison, posing challenges for managing the iconic species. The team analyzed GPS-backed evidence from 33 Plains bison across two sites in Oklahoma, revealing a strong link between air temperature and bison movement.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba discovered a non-pathogenic fungus strain that enhances iron response to deficiencies in cucumber plants. The FO12 strain stimulates iron acquisition and plant growth in calcareous soils, offering a sustainable alternative to environmentally harmful fertilizers.
A recent study found that organophosphate pesticides used to control desert locusts in Eastern Africa had devastating impacts on honey production, pollinators, and ecosystems. The campaign led to a 78% decline in honey production and an estimated loss of US$500 million in revenue.
A team of researchers from the University of Córdoba discovered that the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhiziumbrunneum increases iron acquisition in melon and cucumber plants. The fungus induces two main iron acquisition genes, making plants more efficient at absorbing iron from the soil.
Researchers developed an effective method to analyze the effect of olive root exudates on Verticillium wilt, a disease causing olive tree death. The study found that exudates from resistant varieties suppress the fungus's germination, while susceptible varieties stimulate its growth.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba found that silicon fertilization increases olive trees' tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The ideal dose is 20 mg/liter, and application methods include foliar treatment and soil irrigation.
A study analyzed the potential of a bacterium to combat coffee rust, a major challenge for Brazilian coffee growers. The researchers found that the bacterium produces antibacterial and antifungal compounds, as well as proteins associated with protection against water stress, making it a promising candidate for biological control.
Researchers found that PFAS concentrations in treated wastewater are high enough to impact soil filtration and potentially enter crops. The study highlights the need for understanding tradeoffs of using treated wastewater for irrigation practices, especially in agriculture.
Climate change affects European agriculture in distinct ways across regions, with southern Europe experiencing the highest number of initiatives and adaptations. Northern Europe expects a longer growing season, while central and southern Europe struggle with drought and erratic rainfall.
Researchers identified peak emergence times for 15 problematic weed species in the Northeast, revealing that waiting till after June 1 can avoid common ragweed. Flexible crop rotations and weather-based predictions can help farmers plan ahead and control weeds more effectively.
The EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has three key measures to support biodiversity: Cross Compliance, Agri-Environment-Climate Measures, and Greening. Despite these measures, farmland biodiversity is still declining. A study by over 300 scientists recommends six guiding principles to improve the CAP for better biodiversity outcomes.
Research funded by UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund reveals agroecological practices like agroforestry improve farmers' financial savings, land area, and household assets. Adopting such practices can also enhance food security and wellbeing for smallholder farmers in rural Tanzania.
A new irrigation decision support system enables growers to practice more efficient irrigation by analyzing climate predictions, humidity sensors, and irrigation meters. This system allows for optimal watering schedules and reduces water consumption by up to 20% through controlled deficit irrigation strategies.
Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.
Researchers analyzed the repetitive fraction in olive plant genomes, revealing key differences between closely related and distant species. The study sheds light on the evolution of the olive genus and highlights the role of the genome's repetitive fraction in understanding its origins.
A team of scientists found that two beneficial microorganisms (Aureobasidium pullulans and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and a copper phosphite fertilizer can reduce Verticillium Wilt in olive trees by up to 70%. The study suggests that these compounds induce resistance in plants through different metabolic pathways, offering a non-speci...
A new algorithm developed by researchers at the University of Córdoba uses Artificial Intelligence to predict crops' water needs with greater accuracy and precision. The algorithm requires fewer meteorological variables than traditional methods, making it a more efficient tool for managing water resources.
A global team of scientists has identified a consistent pattern of hotter-drought conditions leading to forest mortality events. The study reveals that limiting Earth's warming will determine the survivability of many forests, with higher temperatures projected to double tree-killing droughts.
Researchers evaluated 43 olive varieties over three seasons to determine the concentration and composition of phenols in pomace. The results show that olive variety is the main factor determining bioactive compounds, with different groups containing varying levels of oleuropein, ligustroside, and other compounds. This study offers a su...
Researchers have expanded knowledge of hematite's magnetic and color properties to better understand past climates and environments. Hematite's presence on Mars may provide clues about climatic variations, water presence, and potentially life.
A new UF study found that climate change intensifies the negative effects of invasive plants on longleaf pine trees, making them more vulnerable to drought and wildfires. The experiment showed that trees under stress from both drought and invasive cogongrass were least likely to survive after fire.
A study found that tree susceptibility to decline is driven by edaphology, with high water saturation areas prone to tree death. Slow-growing tree species offer greater protection from falling, while rapid growth rates increase the risk of pathogens and disturbances.
The study found that elevated CO2 concentration increases CH4 emissions by 23%, but reduces N2O emissions by 22%. However, with longer duration of CO2, emissions decrease by 27% and 53%. Appropriate agricultural management practices, such as straw incorporation and water regimes, also affect these emissions.
Researchers evaluate the impact of severe water restrictions on almond plantations, finding that complete irrigation suspension leads to high mortality rates. Sustained deficit irrigation may be a more beneficial strategy for new plantations, mitigating economic losses and preserving production.
The University of Nebraska is at the forefront of a global on-farm research movement, where producers actively contribute to agronomic understanding. This approach has shown significant benefits, including improved soybean production and nitrogen management, resulting in increased yields and reduced costs.
The project will appraise global initiatives and support improved evidence-based intervention design for SIS systems, identifying successful approaches and areas for innovation. It aims to understand how soils information informs national policies and strategic planning.
The study analyzed 32 rice cropping systems and found that around two-thirds of them have yields below optimal levels, highlighting opportunities for improvement through better management and breeding programs. Sustainable intensification can help increase crop yields while minimizing environmental impact.
A recent study has identified 18 species of the fungus associated with olive tree anthracnose, including the most widespread in Spain, Greece, Tunisia, Portugal, and California. The research found significant differences in virulence among species and geographic regions, paving the way for more effective control methods.
CABI has been awarded a $4.5 million contract from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to increase capacity for managing FAIR data standards. The project aims to ensure available data on agricultural development is based upon Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable principles.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba developed an AI model that predicts how much water irrigators will use during different rate periods, optimizing energy usage. The CANGENFIS model combines AI techniques like fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks to model irrigator behavior and predict water distribution by rate period.
Chlorophyll fluorescence tracks photosynthesis rate, providing an 'optical window' for monitoring plant health. Recent advances enable estimation and imaging of SIF at ecosystem scales, paving the way for applications in precision agriculture and ecology.
Researchers categorized available biostimulant products into eight classes based on their modes of action. Half are live microorganisms, while the other half are chemistries or chemical byproducts from
Recent innovations by University of Florida researchers at CABBI demonstrate the first successful precision breeding of sugarcane using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. This technique allows for precise changes in genes and introduces superior versions, potentially increasing productivity and sustainability.
A new study developed methods to help breeders create fast-maturing soybean lines specifically for African environments. The researchers analyzed cultivar time-to-maturity against environmental variables and found daily minimum temperature and change in day length were more important than genotypic differences.
Researchers applied compost to apple orchards, finding it increased the number of beneficial bacteria that recycle nutrients. This leads to more nutrients available for apple trees, reducing the need for fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
A new study by Iowa State University scientists has developed an integrated framework to explain the complex interactions between a plant's genotype and environment. The framework uses advanced data analytics to predict crop performance and could lead to more accurate breeding of high-yielding crops.
A team of researchers has identified key characteristics related to popcorn expansion, enabling more efficient selection and breeding of high-quality popcorn. The study found that kernel outer layer thickness is a critical trait for increased popping expansion.
A new smartphone app developed by Cornell University engineers can predict grape yields up to 24% more accurately than traditional methods. The app uses computer-vision technology to analyze video footage of grape vines, allowing farmers to secure labor and equipment in advance and reduce profits.
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing new models to predict soil erosion and topography changes in Iowa. The models use big-data technology and validate soil measurements from real-world LiDAR data, enabling more accurate predictions of environmental conditions.
A recent study from Spain suggests that deficit irrigation can be a sustainable practice for almond production in the long term. Despite significant investments and water scarcity, the study found that trees subjected to severe deficit irrigation maintained stable productivity over six years.
Researchers from the University of Córdoba found that foliar application is an efficient strategy to increase zinc content in plants by up to 50%. This method was more effective than soil application and can be beneficial for growers in developing countries where diets are limited to vegetable products grown in low-nutrient soils.
Researchers developed a low-cost technology that harnesses excess grid pressure to generate electricity, reducing diesel generator use and carbon footprint. Annual savings and CO2 emissions reductions reached €2,400 and up to 9 tons respectively, benefiting farmers in off-grid areas.
Research suggests that palm farmers in Indonesia can significantly increase their yields by implementing improved management practices, such as improved harvest methods, better weed control, and plant nutrition. This could lead to an 68% increase in palm oil production on existing plantation areas without expanding into new ecosystems.
Researchers have grown shrub willow on a semi-commercial scale to better understand its nuances as a bioenergy crop. Key findings include determining the best varieties to plant and how to handle planting and harvesting. The study also highlights the crop's ability to store carbon, host pollinators, and provide ecosystem services.
The new resource aims to equip development practitioners with skills to develop grants that foster access to agricultural data, leading to greater food security. The toolkit includes seven eLearning modules, guides, and case studies on FAIR principles and data sharing best practices.
Research has identified two stevia varieties that can withstand freezing temperatures, making them suitable for growth in temperate climates. The study aims to improve the yield and taste of stevia while reducing production costs.
A study published by Lindsey Slaughter found that adding manure to pastures increases soil organic carbon and microbial activity. The results took almost a year and a half to manifest, highlighting the challenges of implementing this method in dry climates.
Research from the University of Minnesota finds that atmospheric drying significantly reduces crop productivity even under well-watered conditions. Plants respond by growing smaller and more resistant to drought, but this also leads to decreased productivity in photosynthesis and seed production.
Researchers have identified chickpea varieties with natural resistance to Pythium ultimum, a soil-born water mold threatening the crop's production. These resistant varieties will be used to breed new kabuli chickpea varieties with improved disease resistance.
Researchers developed a way to measure levels of specific carbon nanotubes in plant tissues using programmed thermal analysis. This method can detect small amounts of carbon nanotubes in leaves, stems, and roots, providing crucial insights into their environmental fate and potential human exposure.
Researchers are using digital imaging technology to measure seed traits, enabling faster development of new crop varieties. Plant breeders aim to create seeds with more calories, improved nutrition and resilience to stress, ultimately ensuring sustainable food production.
A new collection of genetic data helps breeders understand yam characteristics, reducing the need for trial and error. The catalog provides valuable information on physical traits, such as stem number and tuber weight, to inform breeding decisions.
Researchers at Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University have developed a method to extract high-carotenoid biomass from microalgae, suitable for the food industry. The obtained biomass can be used as a dietary supplement to prevent vitamin A deficiency and reduce the risk of oncological diseases.
Agricultural expert Angelia Seyfferth investigates how contaminants in soil affect rice plants, finding that adding rice husk residue can lower arsenic and cadmium levels. This discovery has potential to mitigate food contamination and protect global staple food populations.
Researchers are using plant breeding and genetic engineering to develop less allergenic varieties of wheat and peanuts. They focus on reducing gluten content in wheat and one specific protein that regulates gluten production, aiming to increase food options for people with allergies.
Researchers at UCOLIVO Group reduce Verticillium wilt in commercial olive grove by integrating resistant crops and soil disinfestation practices, resulting in 3.1% Picual tree mortality vs 5.6% with traditional techniques. Frantoio trees show even greater resistance to the disease.
Researchers have developed five new bean varieties that combine the best of both worlds for farmers and consumers. These heirloom-type beans are now more resistant to disease, yield 50% more than traditional types, and offer high culinary quality.
A new framework measures nitrogen loss across a wide variety of crops and food products, revealing significant differences between crops and livestock. The research highlights the importance of dietary change and economic incentives to reduce nitrogen loss and promote sustainable agriculture.