Researchers solve decades-long mystery of red pigments in corn by discovering a new gene, Ufo1, which controls the expression of a pigment pathway. The study's findings have significant implications for plant breeding, biofuel production, and crop protection from pests.
Researchers have developed an efficient way to manage nitrogen in agriculture, using light sensors to monitor crop health and vitality. This approach reduces nitrogen fertilizer application, decreases environmental pollution, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, increasing economic returns for farmers.
Tyson Raper, a University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture assistant professor, was honored as the 2019 Beltwide Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year. He has led the university's education and research efforts involving cotton production, working closely with producers and industry groups.
Researchers found that sediment levels declined over the study period, while phosphorus levels increased after an initial decline. Nitrogen levels also decreased, indicating potential benefits to local freshwater ecosystems and the Gulf of Mexico.
A new peanut variety has been discovered to conserve water during droughts, allowing it to maintain a high yield as the soil dries out. By reducing transpiration earlier in the drought cycle, the plant saves water for later use, resulting in increased productivity.
Researchers created an experimental model to evaluate fire and water interactions in soil, finding low- to moderate-severity wildfires result in wetter soil. High-severity burns lead to increased surface runoff, leaving drier soils after the fire.
Researchers have discovered that rice plants can be used to clean runoff from farms before it enters waterways, capturing pesticides and reducing their presence in rivers and streams. The study found that levels of three common pesticides dropped by as much as 97% in fields where rice was planted.
Researchers found that conservation tillage combined with straw mulch improves soil moisture, seedling emergence rates, and marketable yield. Straw mulch proved to be the most effective option for increasing potato tuber yield, leading to a 14.9% increase in yields compared to conventional tillage.
A new study suggests that previous applications of phosphorus fertilizers increase their effectiveness, allowing for more judicious use. This can help farmers save money and reduce environmental pollution by using only as much phosphorus as required.
Research finds that long-term annual application of manure improves most soil quality properties compared to inorganic fertilizer. Manure increases soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and water-stable aggregates, while reducing soil electrical conductivity.
A new study has identified genetic locations of resistance genes in the common bean, allowing breeders to develop varieties with built-in weevil protection. This will enable farmers to store seeds more effectively, reducing losses and improving food security.
Ground penetrating radar can accurately estimate soil water content by analyzing the strength of early time signals. This technology allows for quick measurement across large field sites, enabling farmers to optimize water usage and test irrigation system efficiency.
A multidisciplinary team led by MSU Extension Plant Pathologist Mary Burrows will investigate root rot and effective ways to prevent or overcome it. The project aims to develop resistant plants, study farm practices, and share findings with stakeholders.
Saturated riparian buffer strips can effectively reduce nitrate loads into nearby streams and lakes by reconnecting water flow through the soil, allowing growers to continue using tile drains. The system's cost per pound of nitrate removed is $1.33 for a 40-year lifetime, making it a simpler and cheaper alternative to other systems.
Researchers successfully biofortified wheat to naturally increase its iron content, a process that could help address global iron deficiency. The breeding lines showed no significant decrease in grain yield, making it a promising solution for improving nutrition without compromising farmers' profits.
The importance of plant genetic resources cannot be overstated, as they provide the building blocks for crop breeding and research. Crop wild relatives, in particular, offer valuable traits like drought tolerance that can help ensure global food security.
Researchers in Brazil develop an effective method to minimize lost coffee berries during mechanical harvesting, reducing soil compaction and improving profit margins. The study suggests using a subsoiler followed by a crusher as the most cost-effective solution.
Researchers have discovered genetic landmarks associated with soybean aphid resistance in thousands of varieties, paving the way for developing new resistant varieties. This breakthrough could provide an alternative to insecticides, reducing environmental issues and crop losses.
A recent study shows that common soil carbon measurement methods, including clod, core, and excavation, yield significantly different results. The core method was found to greatly underestimate soil organic carbon stocks, particularly in deeper soil layers.
A group of international researchers calls for a comprehensive transformation of food systems to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement on climate. The proposed four-pillar strategy prioritizes nutritious food access, sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and rural renaissance.
A proposed four-pillar strategy aims to drastically change consumption patterns, ensuring agricultural production and supply chains play a greater role in sustainable development. The transformation hinges on renewing food system governance, prioritizing human development, food security, and rational resource management.
Researchers found that using legume cover crops reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer by up to 35% compared to cereal cover crops or no cover crop at all. This simple technique can help farmers maximize sweet potato yields while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Brazilian researchers have identified a key gene, ScGAI, that accelerates sugarcane growth by regulating developmental hormones such as ethylene and gibberellins. Silencing the gene in transgenic sugarcane lines resulted in increased culm volume and rapid internode elongation.
Research reveals that liming can unlock previously unavailable phosphorus in soils, but the relationship is complex and depends on soil history and enzyme activity. Increases in phosphorus availability are relatively small, highlighting the need for combined lime and added phosphorus to meet crop needs.
Researchers found that liquid hog manure increases water infiltration depth into cracking clay soils, but not beyond 39 inches. This discovery suggests not all clay-rich soils behave the same, and knowledge gaps remain about soil water flow in vertisols, especially with organic additions.
A group of 12 University of Michigan faculty members propose a new analytical framework for studying the global food system, focusing on ecology, equity, culture, and human health. This shift in focus is needed to address the unsustainable nature of current approaches to solving the global food crisis.
A researcher at the University of Córdoba has developed a model that uses artificial intelligence to predict water needs for farmers, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. The model uses fuzzy logic and neural networks to analyze data from remote control systems and establish optimal irrigation depths.
A new quick soil test aims to determine nitrogen need by measuring protein presence. This method has the potential to reduce fertilizer waste and mitigate environmental problems associated with excessive nitrogen use.
Researchers found that coating fertilizer with maleic-itaconic polymers (MIPs) slows down urease activity, improving nitrogen availability for plants. The study suggests farmers have a choice depending on their soil's acidity, offering a potential solution to increase crop yields and reduce environmental impact.
Researchers created computer models to understand how wheat responds to heat stress, including timing, intensity, and duration. The models predict the impact of heat waves on wheat yields and grain size, providing valuable insights for farmers to mitigate losses.
Researchers identified four varieties of high-protein corn that are also resistant or tolerant to the parasitic plant Striga, a major challenge for small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. These varieties will improve food security and nutrition by allowing farmers to continue growing corn in areas affected by Striga.
A research group from the University of Córdoba found that remote control watering systems have been successfully implemented in most water users associations in Spain, but issues with maintenance and adaptation remain. The systems have shown to facilitate life in rural areas, but also revealed problems with their use and effectiveness.
Researchers at Embrapa have developed improved rice varieties with increased yields and reduced plant height, allowing for more efficient use of resources. Over a 45-year period, grain yield improved by an average of 0.62-0.73% per year, resulting in thousands of pounds in increased yield for farmers.
Researchers found radish cover crops significantly reduced soil nitrate content, but decomposed nitrogen was not returned to the soil. The study suggests radish can trap nitrogen without providing a fertilizer benefit to subsequent crops.
State agricultural organizations and researchers are working to improve cannabis cultivation through biological means of pest control and sequencing the cannabis genome. This effort aims to increase the crop's value by providing better growing conditions and fertilizers, ultimately reducing the demand for trained scientists.
Researchers have identified gulls as the major source of E. coli beach closings on Lake Michigan beaches in Indiana. The team found that trained dogs patrolled beaches with a dog deterrence program reduced gull abundance by nearly 100% and beach closures, resulting in improved water quality.
Researchers identify best irrigation methods for cotton in water-limited situations, challenging common assumption that producers should irrigate early and often. By reducing watering after plant emergence, yields and fiber quality can be maintained or even improved.
Researchers recommend developing best practices for revenue sharing, increasing funding for public programs, and establishing professional standards for sharing plant breeding materials. This can support the development of low-return, high-value crops that benefit both farmers and society as a whole.
A five-year experiment found that corn yield was highest in the plastic mulch plot, but soil organic carbon was highest in the straw mulch plots. Straw mulch increased soil's ability to store carbon, whereas plastic mulch increased microbial activity that used up organic carbon.
Researchers found that root exudates enhance soil aggregation and water repellency, particularly in sandy loam soils. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between plants and their surrounding soil, highlighting the importance of exudate production in plant nutrition and soil stability.
Researchers found that faba bean cover crops can add a significant amount of nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for commercial fertilizer by up to half. The timing and management of faba bean residues also play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of this practice.
Scientists found that common ragweed can drastically reduce soybean yield by 76% in some cases, highlighting its potential threat to soybean production. The study suggests that early detection of weed growth is crucial to predict crop yield losses and inform pesticide application decisions.
A new study reveals that spraying beneficial bacteria can increase soybean yields and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers. This innovative approach boosts root nodules, leading to higher crop yields and increased sustainability.
Researchers found that cover crops like hairy vetch and cereal rye have different nitrogen release dynamics. Hairy vetch released almost three times as much nitrogen compared to cereal rye, while cereal rye released nitrogen slowly over multiple weeks.
A 29-year study on cover crops and no-till cotton fields found that cover crops offer benefits in the long term, even if they reduce short-term profits. The research team analyzed data from a unique 29-year period to determine the economic impact of cover crops.
Research classifies olive varieties by their susceptibility to anthracnose, with Picual variety found to be highly resistant. Almost all Spanish cultivars are classified as susceptible or moderately susceptible, highlighting the need for farmers to choose resistant varieties.
Barry Sims, associate director of UT AgResearch, received the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to land grant research and administration. He oversees the system's 10 centers and coordinates faculty research at the centers.
Researchers found that artificial sweeteners in wastewater can indicate contamination of groundwater with septic system pollutants. The study suggests regular inspection and maintenance of septic systems and well water testing are necessary to ensure safe drinking water.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new 'Buck' naked barley variety with high yields and nutrition, making it suitable for human consumption, animal feed and brewing. The barley's unique characteristics enable it to thrive with less fertilizer and water.
Robotic weeders are being increasingly adopted by farmers due to their ability to efficiently control weeds in specialty crops like lettuce, broccoli, and tomatoes. While they have limitations, the technology is improving with advancements in programming and sensor technology.
Researchers at University of Illinois create new maize growth model by integrating features from Community Land Model and Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator. The new model can simulate crop yields with improved accuracy and mechanism, correcting deficiencies in the original CLM model.
Researchers identified annual ryegrass as the most economically viable option to provide early season forage after alfalfa winterkill. This forage crop offers high yields and nutrient content, making it an effective way for farmers to offset losses.
Research found that high nighttime temperatures have a significant negative impact on canola plant production, particularly during the flowering and seed-forming stages. Temperatures between 68-73°F cause a decrease in yield, grain number, and final grain weight.
During a total solar eclipse, plants responded differently to changes in light and temperature, challenging circadian rhythm theories. The research team observed varied reactions among four plant species, with some displaying internal clocks that were activated by temperature changes rather than light.
A team led by ecologist Lindsey Rustad sprays water over a portion of forest during an ice storm, simulating the event and studying its effects on forest health. They find that light icing can be beneficial for forests, thinning out branches and allowing new growth.
Researchers developed a method to trap phosphorus in holding ponds, reducing its release into waterways. Aluminum sulfate was found to be an effective and cost-friendly solution, with a 78-93% reduction in phosphorus levels.
Researchers have successfully bred soybeans with both high yields and high protein levels, addressing a long-standing challenge in plant breeding. The genetic findings suggest that a specific gene on chromosome 15 can increase protein concentration without significantly decreasing yields.
John C. Stier, associate dean at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has been named a Fellow in the American Society of Agronomy, the highest recognition bestowed by the society. He is recognized for his career contributions to the turfgrass industry and his service as a professor and researcher.
Researchers developed mathematical equations to calculate crop yields and optimize fertilizer use for sorghum-peanut intercropping. The study aims to improve profits and food production in West Africa, where millions of farmers face food security challenges.
Researchers found that selective breeding for high yield reduced the flexibility of corn varieties to respond to variable environments. This reduction in plasticity comes at the cost of maximum productivity.