The UK Crop Microbiome Cryobank will preserve the microbiomes of six major food crops in the UK, including barley, oats, oil seed rape, potato, sugar beet, and wheat. This project aims to improve crop yield and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
A new study models groundwater use and crop production as a predator-prey interaction, predicting declining irrigated food production in the US High Plains. By 2050, Nebraska is expected to have nearly 10 times the groundwater-based food production of Texas due to higher recharge rates.
Researchers have engineered a red-algae-like Rubisco enzyme into crops, doubling CO2-fixation rates. The breakthrough aims to increase crop production and improve photosynthesis efficiency.
Scientists combine farmers' knowledge of resilient crops with elite varieties identified by scientists to improve crop yields and adaptability. Traditional varieties have shown better performance in Ethiopian trials, outperforming elite ones.
A three-year study is investigating the agronomic, economic, and ecological outcomes of organic grain production in Tennessee. The research team will explore tillage and cover crop management for organic corn-soybean-wheat rotations to identify changes that can increase profitability and environmental sustainability.
Researchers found that scent-trained honeybees visited sunflowers more often and brought back more pollen, resulting in a 29-57% increase in seed production. This approach could improve pollination efficiency for crops like almonds, pears, and apples.
Researchers tested various cover crops to protect soil in Midwestern states like Illinois. While some cover crops showed promise, most failed to improve soil properties due to harsh winters and limited survival rates.
Cotton growers can improve efficiency by using models to correlate development milestones, estimate crop status, and optimize input use. Thermal models, such as heat units, predict crop maturity, informing applications of plant growth regulators and end-of-season management.
University of Tennessee Extension specialists share perspectives on integrating cover crops into cotton systems, highlighting benefits and drawbacks. Earlier termination of the cover crop and moving residue away from rows can improve stand establishment, according to research.
A recent study tested various cover crops to determine their effectiveness in protecting soil. While some cover crops had little impact, others showed promise in reducing erosion and nutrient loss. Researchers recommend choosing cover crops that can survive winter, grow well in spring, and hold onto soil for extended periods.
Researchers tested using wild crop relatives in breeding programs to improve crop resilience. The results showed that these relatives provided increased resistance to heat, drought, and some diseases, making them a promising approach to address climate change adaptation. However, breeders must also consider the potential impact on indu...
Researchers at KIT have successfully modified gene sequences on a chromosome using CRISPR/Cas, enabling controlled inheritance. This breakthrough could revolutionize crop cultivation by eliminating genetic obstacles and introducing desirable traits.
The EPIC project aims to accelerate electrode drying for lithium-ion batteries by increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs. Innovative drying management techniques are being developed and tested to improve the environmental performance and position Germany as a leading location for battery production.
Scientists estimate nature-based solutions for agricultural pest control deliver $14.6-19.5 billion annually across 23 countries. Non-chemical crop protection (biological control) outperforms traditional Green Revolution methods, promoting rural growth and prosperity.
Researchers found that char can rapidly restore soil carbon and sulfate concentrations, but did not affect physical properties or crop yields. The study suggests char as a potential strategy to enhance soil properties and crop yields in low-carbon soils.
Researchers at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology have identified new genetic markers for controlling glucosinolate content in rapeseed. This discovery can help crop breeders create oil-rich rapeseed varieties, improving oil quality.
Researchers found that the expression of species in a mixture can differ greatly across locations, highlighting the need for customized cover crop mixes. The study shows that low soil inorganic nitrogen favors legume species while a shorter growing season favors triticale.
Researchers found that plant genetic variation influences root flavonoids and soil microbial community composition, which can be impacted by frost. The study suggests that flavonoid production and interactions with microorganisms may provide tolerance to cold and frost stress in sorghum.
Increasing crop diversity in landscapes with high proportions of semi-natural habitats increases the diversity of beneficial insects like pollinators and ground beetles. This benefit was only observed in landscapes with both high crop diversity and semi-natural habitat cover.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that cover crop roots play a crucial role in increasing soil organic carbon levels and promoting biodiversity. The study found that diverse mixtures of cover crops resulted in increased root biomass and improved soil carbon inputs.
Researchers used a Skoltech supercomputer to perform sensitivity analysis on soil parameters for crop yield prediction. They found that certain input factors, such as fertilizer usage, significantly impacted crop yields.
Researchers call for integrated management strategy to combat Mimosa diplotricha's impact on crop yields, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. The invasive weed is threatening the region's agricultural productivity and socio-ecological balance.
Researchers found that adjusting planter depth and downforce according to environmental conditions can improve crop emergence and yield. Studies showed that larger seeds produce a slight increase in emergence, while hill-drop planting overcomes inadequate field conditions.
A Rutgers-led study reveals that US crop yields for apples, cherries, and blueberries are being reduced due to a lack of pollinators. The research highlights the critical role of wild bees and honeybees in pollination and suggests that adopting practices to conserve or augment these species could boost yields.
A study finds that crop rotation effectively mitigates western corn rootworm damage to Bt cornfields, increasing yields and reducing fertilizer use. Farmers must diversify their Bt crops and rotate to prevent the pest's resistance.
A study from 2011 to 2016 found that transgenic corn can be less damaged by the western corn rootworm through crop rotation. The research suggests using multiple transgenic corn varieties as a strategy for reducing resistance.
A WVU professor is researching environmental factors that lead to THC accumulation in industrial hemp, a key issue for growers. He aims to develop a new crop system and genetically modify the plant to reduce THC production.
Researchers have identified key agronomic traits for high yield in short-duration rice, which can enhance source capacity during grain filling. The new breeding lines yielded 11-38% higher than the most popular short-duration variety, indicating enormous potential for developing improved varieties.
A new study reveals that crop plants can absorb microplastics, contaminating edible plants and potentially entering the food chain. The research found that particles as small as 2 micrometers in size can be taken up by plant roots, raising concerns about human health and agricultural sustainability.
A new study by Cornell University and Washington State University found that climate change will force farmers to choose between lower yields and higher revenue volatility. The research team used a model to explore the impact of drought-tolerant crop varieties, which can improve average yields but also increase revenue fluctuations.
Researchers developed a one-step system combining CRISPR-mediated genome editing with other approaches to produce better seeds and shorten the production timeline. This new method can be applied to various crops, including maize, rice, millet, wheat, and sorghum.
A new study reveals that coconut oil production threatens more species per ton produced than palm or other vegetable oils, with 20 threatened species affected per million tons. The research highlights the difficulties of conscientious consumption due to a lack of objective guidance on environmental impacts.
The University of Minnesota has released the first food-grade wheatgrass variety, MN-Clearwater, allowing farmers to grow this beneficial crop. The new variety provides benefits such as reduced soil loss, fewer chemicals entering groundwater systems, and improved carbon storage, making it an attractive option for sustainable agriculture.
Researchers have developed a machine learning platform that analyzes high-resolution drone images to predict root crop growth and health. This technology enables scientists to respond quickly to stimuli and breed more drought- and heat-resistant varieties, ultimately improving crop productivity and food security.
Research on crop residue management found that no-till and prescribed fire can affect nutrient availability and microbial activity in the soil. While prescribed fire showed some short-term benefits, its long-term influence is still unknown.
The use of cover crops is increasing globally due to their environmental benefits, such as reducing erosion and improving water quality. However, planting millions of acres of cover crops will require huge extensions of land to produce cover crop seed, posing a limitation to its widespread adoption.
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have uncovered an environmentally sensitive male sterile phenotype in flowering plants. The discovery of this genetic pathway's role in regulating pollen production could lead to improved seed production and crop yields.
Researchers analyzed 23 years of data on native tallgrass prairie and crop-livestock systems in Oklahoma, finding that cropping systems increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels. The study highlights the importance of long-term research in understanding land management impacts on water quality.
Research highlights the growing threat of fungal crop diseases, outstripping bacterial and viral diseases in severity and scale. The University of Exeter consortium has merged expertise to emphasize the need for new fungicides and robust agricultural systems to address this challenge.
Research reveals that incorporating cover crops with tillage increases mineralization of nutrients from cover crop biomass. However, results show mixed effects on corn-soybean grain yields when planted after cover crops, highlighting the need for suitable cover crop species selection to avoid yield reductions.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin reveals that a diverse range of trees and shrubs in West African parkland habitats supports fruit production and pollination services, ultimately benefiting the shea crop and local communities. The findings have important implications for managing this critical crop and conserving pollinators.
Researchers at Mississippi State University have successfully bred heat-tolerant annual ryegrass using recurrent phenotypic selection. The new germplasm can germinate and survive under high temperature stress conditions, allowing for late summer or early fall planting in the Southeast, increasing grazing days in winter and spring.
Researchers identify critical components for finding environmentally sustainable solutions to food security in the face of climate change. A better representation of physiological responses and crop management are essential for simulating crop growth under stressed conditions accurately.
A research team has developed a microbial strain capable of producing succinic acid with the highest production efficiency to date. The strain, isolated from a Korean cow's rumen, was engineered through systems metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering to produce 134 g per liter of succinic acid.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze 30 years of crop-yield data, finding that warmer conditions are causing corn yields to increase in humidity and decrease with extreme temperatures. The study predicts a shift in corn and soybean production from Iowa and Illinois to Minnesota and the Dakotas as optimal climate conditions change.
Scientists at Northern Arizona University are studying the impact of microbial communities in soil on agricultural crops to increase yield and efficiency. The team found that traditional approaches to crop rotation may not be effective, but advances in microbiome science can help optimize agricultural systems.
Researchers are developing innovative solutions to increase crop production under climate change conditions, including improving photosynthesis and making crops more resistant to drought. The goal is to double cereal production by 2050 to ensure global food security.
Researchers found that cover-crop biomass and carbon to nitrogen ratios significantly influenced weed suppression, with certain mixtures producing more effective control. Cover crops also promoted greater crop yields when used as a sole weed control measure.
Long-term crop straw incorporation reduces annual ammonia volatilization fluxes by 16.1% to 35.1%, likely due to high C/N ratio of straw increasing microbial N immobilization and ammonium transformation. This practice sustains agricultural development while minimizing environmental impact.
A recent study found that only 27% of the world's population can get temperate cereal grains within a 100 km radius, highlighting the difficulty of relying solely on local resources. The study modeled global distances between crop production and consumption, revealing complex dependencies in current diets.
Research reveals significant economic losses in US soybean production, with average annual losses reaching nearly $4.55 billion from 1996 to 2016. The most economically damaging diseases were the soybean cyst nematode, charcoal rot, and seedling diseases.
Cassava has increased yields dramatically in Asia over the last 50 years, with yields in Vietnam rising from 3 tons per hectare to 20 tons through improved varieties and fertilizer management. Researchers have also developed new varieties for industrial use, such as high-starch cassava ideal for higher latitudes.
The Soybean Innovation Lab helps alleviate hunger and boost local economies in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing research-based solutions to farmers. Studies found that smallholder farmers face significant challenges adopting soybeans as a commercial crop, requiring guidance and support from larger systems.
Researchers evaluated integrated crop-livestock systems in paddy fields, finding higher grain yields with lower fertilizer application. ICLS promotes nutrient cycling, leading to increased nutrient-use efficiency and reduced dependence on external inputs.
Researchers developed a new pinto bean variety, TARS-LH1, with increased resistance to leafhoppers and drought tolerance. The new crop has broad adaptation to different climates and could contribute to reducing pesticide use in common bean farming.
Research investigated cover crop biomass production and soil properties in the eastern Great Plains. Early-planted cover crops had minimal effects on soil properties after 4 years, with low biomass production.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that organic soybean producers using no-till and reduced-tillage production methods can achieve similar yields at competitive costs compared to traditional tillage-based production. This sustainable method reduces labor, fuel, and input costs while conserving soil health and water quality.
A new fennel fungal disease caused by Ochraceocephala foeniculi has been identified in Italy, affecting two cultivars and causing significant crop losses. The pathogen damages the fennel with necrotic lesions, posing a serious threat to Italian fennel production.
Research by plant pathologist Gary Stacey aims to develop effective inoculation protocols for biological nitrogen fixation in non-leguminous crops. The study found that bacterial colonization leads to significant shifts in plant metabolism, with some metabolites more abundant in inoculated plants.
A new Stanford study found that diversified farms in Costa Rica provide a more secure habitat for birds and shield against the impacts of climate change. Diversified farms are more stable in supporting bird populations and offer refuge to threatened species.