Researchers from USDA's Agricultural Research Service have discovered a tomato line with good resistance to the emerging tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). The virus can cause significant yield loss in tomato crops worldwide. Developing resistant cultivars is crucial for controlling ToBRFV and ensuring a stable food supply.
A team of scientists at USDA and Iowa State University used generative AI to identify compounds that can reduce enteric methane emissions in cows. Bromoform, a naturally occurring compound found in seaweed, showed promise in reducing methane production by 80-98% when fed to cattle.
Scientists have developed a near chromosome-level genome for the Mojave poppy bee, which is a specialist pollinator of conservation concern. The genome assembly will help researchers understand the bee's biological traits, including host-plant specialization and susceptibility to pesticides.
Researchers have sequenced the first draft genome of Osmia lignaria, a key pollinator for almond trees, shedding light on its physiological and molecular processes. This analysis led to a better understanding of the bee's lifecycle and dormancy periods, enabling potential developments in managed populations for pollination services.
A novel antimicrobial protein, ClyX-2, effectively cures S. iniae infections in hybrid striped bass with a 95% survival rate, outperforming traditional antibiotic treatments like carbenicillin. The discovery aims to reduce the economic loss of $150 million annually caused by streptococcosis and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
Researchers found a 5% sodium hydroxide solution successfully turns live Lebbeck mealybug specimens green, identical to the 10% potassium hydroxide solution. The new alternative is less corrosive, more water soluble and less expensive.
A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that honey bees are more faithful to their flower patches than bumble bees. Honey bees returned to 76% of the same alfalfa flowers, while bumble bees visited only 47%. The difference may be due to honey bees' communication system and risk aversion.
Researchers have developed a self-teaching web app called BRIDGEcereal that quickly and accurately analyzes genomic data for cereal crops, identifying patterns of DNA variations. This breakthrough tool is expected to revolutionize crop improvement by efficiently mining publicly accessible cereal pan-genomes.
Scientists have successfully produced a gene-edited calf with resistance to BVDV, a virus costing the US cattle sector billions annually. The edited calf, named Ginger, displayed significantly reduced susceptibility to the virus without adverse health effects.
A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists has identified a specific metabolic pathway controlling energy and immune response in honey bees under cold stress. This pathway is strongly connected to large overwintering colony losses, making it a promising avenue for new therapeutic strategies to mitigate these losses.
A new model developed by US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service and the University of Montana forecasts which areas in the Great Basin have the highest probability of a large rangeland fire. The model combines measures of accumulated annual and perennial grass vegetation with recent weather and climate data.
A massive analysis of data from over 700 studies revealed that genetically modified Bt corn has no negative effects on most invertebrate groups, including ladybeetles and lacewings. However, populations of Braconidae insects were reduced with Bt corn.
A study published in mBio found that healthy adults with diets rich in soluble fiber and lower animal protein consumption had fewer antibiotic-resistant microbes in their guts. This suggests that modifying the diet through increased fiber intake may help reduce antimicrobial resistance by shaping the gut microbiome.
A team of scientists has identified a protein called SsPINE1 that allows the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum to overcome plant defenses. This discovery could lead to new avenues for controlling white mold stem rot pathogens and potentially even more effective, targeted breeding to make plants naturally resistant.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that ARS-developed Pol-line honey bees have a significantly higher winter survival rate than standard honey bees, with rates of 62.5% and 3%, respectively. Additionally, Pol-line colonies showed lower levels of three major viruses commonly transmitted by Varroa mites.
A new food freezing method called isochoric freezing preserves food without turning it to solid ice, killing microbial contaminants during processing. This technology could save up to 6.5 billion kilowatt-hours of energy and reduce carbon emissions by 4.6 billion kg annually.
Across most of the western US, dry periods between rainstorms have become longer and annual rainfall has become more erratic over the last 50 years. This is according to a new study that used actual rainfall data from 337 weather stations, revealing changes in drought length and rainfall patterns.
A new study by ARS and UofA scientists found that genetically engineered cotton and sterile pink bollworm moths synergistically suppressed the pest. This collaboration among farmers, scientists, and industry resulted in a 90% reduction of pink bollworm population and saved US cotton farmers $192 million from 2014 to 2019.
Researchers found strong correlations between a colony's defensiveness and specific gene frequencies, rather than individual bee's genes. The study suggests that the home environment, such as island living with human populations, may be a better predictor of gentleness in honey bees.
Agricultural Research Service scientists and OSU collaborators have developed a new genetic way to trace the spread of Agrobacterium, a bacterial plant pathogen causing crown-gall disease in fruit trees and other plants. The method allows tracking disease outbreaks by analyzing plasmid transmission among bacteria.
Research shows microalgae Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) closely matches pollen's essential amino acids and lipids required by honey bees. Spirulina also contains prebiotics supporting healthy gut bacteria growth.
A new freeze-resistant Trichinella species has been found in wolverines, highlighting the need for improved food safety measures. The species, named Trichinella chanchalensis, was discovered in 14 of 338 wolverine samples tested and is estimated to be around 6 million years old.
Researchers have identified a gene that can help combat Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), a major threat to wheat crops worldwide. The discovery sheds light on molecular mechanisms making wheat resistant to the pathogen and paves the way for new varieties with improved FHB resistance.
A simple portable test can detect deadly mushroom toxins in minutes, aiding doctors in diagnosing amatoxin poisoning. The test's sensitivity allows for detection of the toxin in urine, potentially improving patient outcomes and increasing safe mushroom foraging.
Trained dogs can identify infected trees within two weeks of inoculation and distinguish the citrus greening pathogen from other pathogens. This method is more efficient than currently USDA-approved methods, such as PCR tests, which detect less than 3% of infections.
A new study reveals high levels of genetic diversity in US Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), a leading cause of honey bee colony losses. The diverse lineages of this virus equally harm bees and complicate the development of antiviral treatments, which could be used to create a vaccine.
The US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service has published the first genome of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, obtained from a single caught-in-the-wild specimen. The genome sequencing was made possible by Pacific Biosciences' new platform that produces 10 times more data from a single run.
Maps identifying suitable areas for the spotted lanternfly's establishment in the US and world have been published by Agricultural Research Service scientists. The insect has already spread to several countries and is predicted to become established in most of New England, mid-Atlantic states, and Pacific coastal states.
A new tool from the US Department of Agriculture predicts the probability of honey bee colonies surviving winter based on colony size and varroa mite infestation. This allows beekeepers to decide whether to overwinter colonies in cold storage, reducing costs and improving financial viability.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that humans have highly individualized inflammatory responses to eating a high-fat meal. The researchers used a sensitive test to analyze gene expression in response to the meal, finding that responses by more than 13,000 genes differed between subjects.
A study published in Ecology and Evolution found that prescribed burns of invasive western juniper increase the time native mountain sagebrush remains dominant by 44 percent compared to cutting juniper back. This approach can provide better long-term habitat for endangered sage-grouse.
Monsoon rain storms have become more intense in the southwestern United States, with a 6-11% increase in rainfall intensity since the 1970s. Climate change is attributed to these changes, as temperatures in the region have risen by 0.4 degrees F per decade.
The study highlights the importance of native southeastern blueberry bees in pollinating rabbiteye blueberries, increasing fruit set from 10-30% to 70% or more. Providing habitat for these bees on the edges of fields can support their population and improve pollination.
Scientists have constructed the first complete map of the cultivated tomato's genetic makeup, revealing a wealth of new information on how to improve flavor. The discovery includes a rare gene variant that influences fruit flavor and a group of compounds contributing to its aroma.
The study provides a detailed understanding of the peanut plant's genomic history and the molecular mechanisms underlying its growth and development. Researchers have identified potential leads for improving crop resilience to diseases and pests, including geographic origin information and DNA swapping patterns.
A US Department of Agriculture study found that cold exposure can cause weak honey bee colonies to fail during long-distance hauling. Colonies with fewer than 10 frames are more likely to lose bees and struggle to maintain stable temperatures, increasing the risk of failure and chilling.
Researchers found that honey bee colonies foraging on land with a strong cover of clover species and alfalfa do significantly better than those in crop fields. Higher levels of vitellogenin stores are associated with increased colony size, antioxidant enzymes, and disease resistance.
A new study published in PNAS shows that Varroa mites do not feed on honey bee blood, but rather on the fat body tissue. This discovery has significant implications for controlling the pest and could lead to more effective pesticides and treatments.
The small hive beetle's genome has been published, providing crucial keys for better control methods, including insecticidal treatments and genetic solutions. The SHB has a strong gene-guided system that detoxifies many insecticides, allowing researchers to target specific pathways for effective control.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have identified key genes and transcription factors in plants that allow them to direct nitrogen to their roots, shoots, flowers, and seed heads. This knowledge may enable the breeding of new plant varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency.