Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts the presence of animal feeding operations with high accuracy, filling a data gap crucial for managing their environmental impacts. The model uses predictors such as surface temperature and phosphorus levels to identify locations without relying on aerial images.
A new machine learning model, NAS-WD, has improved the accuracy of detecting 'woody breast' in chicken meat to 95%, allowing for better quality assurance and customer confidence. The model uses hyperspectral imaging to analyze complex data from images, enabling more accurate detection than traditional methods.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture conducted a two-year study exposing 31 soybean varieties to flood conditions during the early reproductive stage. The study found that four-day flooding did not significantly alter the seed composition of any variety, but grain yield losses were observed across al...
A new software package called TraitTrainR offers a framework for replicating the evolutionary process many times over. It can perform flexible evolutionary experiments through probabilistic simulations on a computer, allowing researchers to generate thousands-to-millions of evolutionary replicates.
Researchers explore gene editing as a way to breed rice with tolerance to higher nighttime temperatures, which are becoming increasingly common in the largest rice-growing regions. The technique has shown promise in reducing grain yield losses and improving quality.
The Arkansas Clean Plant Center is leading a global effort to remove over 120 'phantom agents' from pathogen regulatory lists. These outdated agents impede access to clean plant materials, hindering crop production and food security. The center's efforts aim to streamline global germplasm exchange using modern molecular techniques.
Researchers aim to develop resilient soybean plants resistant to southern root-knot nematodes, causing $160 billion in damages annually. The project will screen hundreds of genetically diverse soybean lines worldwide to identify potential new sources of resistance.
In-shell pecans are susceptible to pathogens due to soil contact with wildlife and livestock. A recent study found that hot water treatment significantly reduced Shiga toxin-producing E. coli populations on pecans, regardless of treatment time, and prevented cross-contamination.
Researchers are developing a novel vaccine and exploring the use of bile acids to fight necrotic enteritis, a preventable intestinal disease in poultry that costs the industry up to $6 billion annually. The vaccine, known as MEFA, targets multiple virulence points of the disease-causing pathogen, providing better protection against inf...
A $500K grant will support awareness and training for neurodivergent participation in the workplace, with a focus on building inclusive models. The goal is to strengthen employment prospects for those with neurological differences, who face difficulty finding or keeping jobs.
A recent study using satellite imagery analyzed drought dynamics over five years to show increasing droughts in the Arkansas Delta. The user-friendly Arkansas Vegetation Drought Explorer v.2.0 web app provides maps showing drought levels by county, year, and month.
A recent study aims to develop probiotics derived from healthy cattle to prevent bovine respiratory disease. The research focuses on increasing cattle health by decreasing antimicrobial resistance and improving the natural microbial defenses of cattle.
Scientists are exploring the use of fluralaner, an insecticide used to treat pets, as a larvicide against mosquitoes and flies. The study found that fluralaner is effective in controlling mosquito larvae for five weeks and midge larvae for eight weeks.
A recent study found that over 90% of Mexican consumers would be willing to pay a premium of up to 73% for non-genetically modified products, including chicken, eggs, and tortillas. The ban on genetically modified corn could have significant impacts on US farmers who rely heavily on Mexico as their second-largest importer.
Histomonosis, a deadly parasite that decimates turkey flocks, is being studied for its transmission routes and potential treatments. Researchers aim to understand how the parasite survives and spreads, with a focus on fecal-oral transmission via contaminated feces or cecal droppings.
The red milkweed beetle's genome has been sequenced, providing insights into how it safely feeds on toxic plants. The study found an apparent expansion of genes related to toxin sequestration and metabolic enzymes.
A new multi-state study identified three management tips to extend green color and reduce cold-weather injury in hybrid bermudagrass: raising mowing height, applying nitrogen fertilizer in the fall, and maintaining adequate soil moisture. The research found that slow-release nitrogen applications through mid-September had positive impa...
A study from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has improved food quality computer predictions by using human perception data. The researchers trained a computer model to mimic human adaptation to environmental conditions, resulting in more consistent predictions under different lighting conditions.
A $7M grant is supporting a four-year project to breed wide hybrids of muscadines and Vitis vinifera, combining desirable traits like disease resistance and crisp texture. The goal is to introduce new grape hybrids with enhanced quality leading to a more resilient US grape industry.
A new machine-learning model developed by a University of Arkansas student improves upon existing genotype-by-environmental interaction models, achieving higher prediction accuracy. The model uses feature engineering to process environmental data, leading to a 7% improvement in mean prediction accuracy.
A recent study published with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station found that ChatGPT can be a useful tool in teaching agriculture students to program microcontrollers. The study, which aimed to determine the confidence of undergraduate agricultural students in using ChatGPT to write Arduino code for moderately difficult progra...
A new grant aims to evaluate the role of soilless substrates on pests and pathogen risks in hydroponic systems. The research will address both human and plant pathogens, providing strategies for safer hydroponic production.
A $750,000 NIFA grant will support research on growing blackberries in soilless substrates to increase yields and improve fruit quality. The project aims to develop an integrated system for enhanced profitability and sustainability.
Researchers found optimal temperature and humidity levels to protect rice from aflatoxins, which are poisonous compounds linked to cancer and immune system suppression. Proper storage conditions include temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius and relative humidity below 75 percent.
Research by Rupesh Kariyat and Alejandro Vasquez found that frequent mowing of silverleaf nightshade boosts its survival capabilities, leading to deeper taproots, toxic berries, and faster germination rates.
A slow-growth diet for female pigs before breeding improved their long-range health, leading to increased litter sizes and healthier piglets. The study showed that sows fed a low-nutrient diet during development lost less weight during lactation and had better body condition.
A team of researchers discovered a line of chickens bred for water conservation that can thrive under heat stress while consuming significantly less water than standard broiler lines. The high water-efficient chickens showed a 32-point improvement in water conversion and six-point improvement in feed conversion.
A new study predicts key soil health indicators such as organic matter content and soil texture using standard tests. This can guide fertilization, irrigation, and herbicide decisions, reducing turnaround time by at least half. The models are accurate for fine and medium soils but less so for sandy soils.
Researchers developed a framework to ensure food safety by retaining vitamins and minerals. The study used bootstrapping to estimate kill ratios in low-moisture foods, allowing for more accurate risk assessments and potentially relaxed standards, while maintaining high levels of food safety.
Researchers are exploring the potential of using naturally occurring polyphenols and proteins from pigmented waxy rice as a natural starch strengthener. This approach aims to improve food texture without chemical modification, addressing consumer concerns over chemically modified ingredients.
A new study suggests rice malt can yield robust fermentations in gluten-free, all-malt beer and styles with high adjunct inclusions. Malted long-grain rice shows the most promise as a competitor to malted barley for sugar content and brewing qualities.
A new study from the US-Tanzania exchange program identifies knowledge gaps about micronutrient deficiencies in Tanzania and recommends education about zinc deficiency. The research also explores the effectiveness of biofortified foods in reducing micronutrient malnutrition, particularly among children.
Economists propose a strategic rethink of policies to foster a more competitive and accessible market for infant formula. The study identifies a series of tradeoffs associated with changes in infant formula regulation, including increased supply but potential risks of contamination.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have developed a new hybrid technique for creating detailed 3D images of the chicken brain. The method, which combines histochemistry and diceCT imaging, allows for quality images resembling MRI technology at a lower cost.
A global study on plant-herbivore interactions has confirmed variability in insect eating habits across different members of the same species of plants. Latitude is found to be a significant factor affecting herbivory variability, with more kinds of insects feeding on plants and its relatives at higher latitudes.
A team of scientists led by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has been awarded a $3.57 million grant to develop spinach cultivars resistant to fungal pathogens. The project aims to expedite breeding for disease resistance, reducing fungicide use and supporting sustainable spinach production.