Articles tagged with Agricultural Engineering
Researchers discovered a combination of Ty-1/Ty-3 and Ty-6 resistance genes in tomato plants provides highly robust protection against begomoviruses. Integration of fewer resistance genes than expected can enhance resistance, offering a promising approach for improving tomato varieties while balancing productivity and fruit quality.
Researchers found that auxin's partner proteins serve as internal plant 'thermostats' that directly sense temperature and change genetic programs to direct root growth accordingly. This discovery could lead to engineering plants that withstand extreme temperatures, protecting crop productivity under challenging conditions.
Researchers developed a hybrid engine to predict sugar beet disease by combining drone images, weather data, and qPCR-based airborne spore monitoring. The system reduced prediction error by up to 39% and provided accurate forecasts of disease severity.
A new system can map soil moisture tree by tree, allowing growers to water specific trees if they're dry. Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for plant health, as too little water can stress trees, while too much water can deprive roots of oxygen.
Researchers found that combining biochar with beneficial bacteria significantly improves phosphorus availability, reshaping plant development and increasing crop yields in greenhouse-grown cherry tomatoes. The study also showed that this approach can enhance soil fertility and crop productivity without increasing fertilizer inputs.
A new study reveals that nano-biochar fertilizers can actively regulate soil processes and help protect rice from harmful metal accumulation. The findings show improved rice growth, enhanced soil biological activity, and reduced cadmium and arsenic uptake in contaminated soils.
The Center for Scalable and Intelligent Automation in Poultry Processing will hold its first field day on April 9 to share research on developing new robotic technologies. Researchers will demonstrate tools for deboning, detecting foreign materials and pathogens, as well as using virtual reality to operate equipment remotely.
Researchers have engineered plants to glow in the dark when stressed, infected, or attacked by insects, providing a new window into plant behavior. The discovery offers potential for early detection and disease resistance, as well as support for sustainable agriculture.
The new framework groups stations with similar hydrological behavior, reducing computational cost while maintaining high predictive accuracy. This approach enables scalable, data-efficient AI systems for water level forecasting, supporting flood early-warning systems, optimized reservoir and irrigation management, and improved decision...
Researchers used aeroponic technology to grow pea shoots fortified with Vitamin B12, delivering the recommended daily allowance in a single serving. The fortified crop maintained shelf-life and persisted through cold storage, offering a commercially viable approach to dietary supplementation.
A new edge-of-field water-treatment system has been developed to reduce excess nutrients washing into waterways from farm drainage systems. The system, combining woodchip bioreactors with biochar water-treatment modules, demonstrated significant reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus runoff.
The center aims to strengthen food and environmental resilience, train the next generation of AI-enabled agricultural scientists, and help producers respond to emerging biological and climate threats. Students are immersed in federal agricultural research projects through a USDA-supported summer research program.
The John Innes Centre has been awarded £21.5m in funding to support four precision breeding projects, aiming to reduce emissions and strengthen crop resilience. These projects will help protect two major agricultural crops from diseases, enhance the nutritional content of tomatoes, and develop sustainable sources of rubber.
A five-day DSI training workshop at ICRISAT strengthened technical and institutional capacity of 18 scientists from 12 countries across Asia and Africa. The program enabled participants to handle and analyze Digital Sequence Information, integrating genomic data into genebank databases.
A UAlbany researcher will study how PFAS 'forever chemicals' accumulate in plants, affecting their nutritional quality and safety. The study aims to understand the dynamics of PFAS in soil-plant systems and develop regulatory standards to protect public health.
A new AI method has identified 51 old pea varieties with high starch and protein content, potentially suitable for producing plant-based foods. The study shows a close relationship between seed appearance and chemical composition, enabling partial prediction of properties based on images.
Researchers at Penn State developed an AI machine vision model that accurately finds, outlines, and estimates the density of weeds in apple orchards. The system achieved high accuracy for weed detection, segmentation, localization, tracking, and identification, paving the way for automated precision herbicide sprayer guidance.
A study on experimental microneedle painkiller patches in pigs has shown that the drug concentrations reached only about 2 micrograms per liter, which is 1,500 times less than the required effective dose. The patches work better on the neck than the ear and have shown safety and tolerability.
University of Houston engineers have discovered that melatonin helps plants grow by adjusting biological processes to coincide with daily cycles. The hormone also enhances photosynthesis and improves stress tolerance in crops.
A new model developed by Osaka Metropolitan University Assistant Professor Takuya Fujinaga enables robots to accurately pick tomatoes, with an 81% success rate. The system evaluates the ease of harvesting for each tomato, taking into account factors such as fruit clustering and stem geometry.
Eight countries support the Resilient Agriculture Investment for net-Zero land degradation (RAIZ) accelerator, which offers a 'quadruple-win' for climate, biodiversity, food security, and desertification. RAIZ aims to mobilize $105 billion in private investment to restore degraded agricultural land at scale.
The Kansas Flood Mapping Dashboard uses stream gauge data and terrain-based models to generate flood inundation maps, providing critical information for emergency management. The dashboard is a result of collaborative research efforts between KU researchers and state agencies, utilizing science and research for the benefit of the state.
Researchers at Hosei University developed a hydroponic cultivation system using LED lighting to produce high-quality edamame consistently throughout the year. The nutrient film technique (NFT) method resulted in higher yields, better nutritional value, and increased productivity compared to traditional open-field cultivation.
Researchers develop system to test and optimise self-driving strategies for agricultural tractors in a virtual environment, creating realistic vineyard scenarios and evaluating control algorithms. The goal is to reduce human presence and improve agricultural automation solutions based on sensors and predictive algorithms.
A new study analyzing soils across Kansas found that the legacy effects of soil microbes can have significant impacts on plant growth, particularly for native species. Researchers discovered that plants grown with microbes adapted to specific local conditions performed better under drought conditions, suggesting a potential source of g...
A new method of essential oil extraction using Instantaneous Controlled Pressure Drop (CID) technology has been developed to overcome traditional limitations. This process enhances heat and mass transfer, resulting in higher-quality oils with lower energy consumption.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
A WSU-led study has discovered two promising cover crops that can be sold as a biofuel source and won't harm the soil. Triticale and hairy vetch showed promising results in Western and Central Washington fields, providing stable yields at low costs while adding nitrogen to the soil.
Engineers have developed a new class of nontoxic, biodegradable solid lubricants to replace existing toxic lubricants in modern farming equipment. The new lubricant reduces friction and prevents seed jamming, outperforming commercial talc and microplastic lubricants.
An AI-driven irrigation management system developed by Texas A&M University students uses soil sensors, crop data, and weather forecasts to optimize watering. The system conserves water, reduces costs, and increases crop yields, addressing global issues of water scarcity and inequity.
Researchers have created a new system, GRAPE, that enables rapid and scalable directed evolution of genes directly in plant cells. This allows for the efficient generation of genetic variants with new properties, such as disease resistance, to enhance crop sustainability.
A new study warns that PFAS, used in products since the 1940s, persist in soil, water, crops, and livestock for decades, accumulating in edible plants and livestock. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to immune system suppression, liver and kidney toxicity, hormone disruption, and certain cancers.
Researchers discovered how auxin strengthens cell walls on the lower side of roots, preventing growth below while allowing cells above to expand. This process, called gravitropism, helps plants sense their environment and adjust root growth direction.
A recent study by Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich shows that extremely dwarf wheat has a less favorable gluten composition than semi-dwarf or tall wild-type wheat. This can lead to poorer baking properties. Environmental conditions also play a significant role in shaping gluten composition.
AI TechX, a UT Knoxville initiative, awards $60,000 seed funding to nine projects addressing real-world challenges through AI research and innovation. The funded projects accelerate adoption of AI across various disciplines, enabling high-impact collaborations and job creation.
Researchers at Aarhus University found that vertical solar panels can generate electricity without compromising crop yields, even with reduced shade. The system requires less land than separate installations and is better received by the public due to its innovative design.
A multilayer film developed by University of California engineers reflects heat while letting through light needed for photosynthesis. This could make greenhouses more water- and energy-efficient, with minimal impact on crop yields. The film reduces near-infrared light passing through by almost 90%.
Researchers at The University of Osaka developed NeuraLeaf, a unified computer graphics model representing diverse plant species and deformations. This AI approach enables precise monitoring and growth prediction, optimizing agricultural practices.
Florida Atlantic University's FAU Engineering has received a $827,533 USD grant from the USDA to develop an advanced edge/fog computing-based framework called FogAg. This project aims to revolutionize precision agriculture by enabling real-time sensing and analysis of crop growth and yield.
The inaugural AI in Agriculture Symposium will bring together experts from academia and industry to discuss the latest research and real-world applications for agriculture. The symposium will feature a roundtable discussion on multidisciplinary collaborations in agriculture.
The ACS Fall 2025 meeting brought together researchers, academics, and industry leaders to discuss the latest advancements in chemistry and its multidisciplinary applications. The NEW Community of Journals emerged as a significant player, featuring high-quality publications focused on sustainable development goals.
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has awarded proof-of-concept funding to four scientific teams developing breakthrough technologies for food security and environmental sustainability. These projects aim to improve crop resistance, develop customized weed control strategies, exploit plasmodesmata to control plant disease, and en...
The book provides a roadmap for sustainable and ethical leadership in engineering management, focusing on ESG reporting, CSR integration, and industry-specific insights. It offers practical tools and strategies for professionals to make informed decisions that reduce ecological impact and improve resource efficiency.
A Northwestern University study discovered that organic matter enhances soil's ability to retain water, even in desert-like conditions. Carbohydrates form bridges between organic molecules and soil minerals, locking in moisture that would otherwise evaporate.
A new project funded by the Weston Family Foundation's Homegrown Innovation Challenge will continue advancing indoor blueberry trials while expanding to include raspberries and blackberries. The goal is to develop compact, high-yield berry varieties and modular growing systems that support Canadian farmers year-round.
A team from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed a low-cost, non-invasive method to estimate total leaf area in dwarf tomato plants. The study applies structure-from-motion techniques and machine learning to predict plant growth with remarkable accuracy, making precision agriculture more accessible.
The system tracks and analyzes crop development using data from sensors, biosensors, the Internet of Things, and AI. Strong security protocols ensure farmer data remains private and resilient against future quantum computer attacks. The research team plans to improve their system with faster sensor processing and a solar-powered battery.
A Japanese study demonstrates that dual-axis sun-tracking agrivoltaic systems can produce competitive solar power while maintaining high-quality rice yields. The system achieved 75-85% rice yield improvements compared to traditional paddies, and generated nearly 44,000 kWh of electricity annually.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new type of bioplastic, called LEAFF, which is strong, biodegradable, and printable. This innovation uses cellulose nanofibers to address the limitations of current bioplastics and has potential applications for sustainable packaging.
Scientists have developed high-performance textile fibers from invasive paper-mulberry bark using a simple, scalable route. The coated fibers exhibit excellent tensile strength and antimicrobial properties, outperforming traditional materials like cotton.
Researchers have discovered biological triggers of oil production in oats, which will help processing and drive demand for Australian-grown oats. The study identified key enzymes involved in oil synthesis, which could be genetically manipulated to lower oil content.
Researchers from MIT found that a single nanoscale dose of lanthanides can make crops more resilient to UV stress and increase seedling growth. The study also uncovered the chemical processes by which lanthanides interact with chlorophyll pigments, strengthening them and helping plants recover from damage.
Researchers developed an AI-powered microscope system to measure soil fungi presence and quantity, providing insights into soil health and fertility. The low-cost optical microscopy with machine learning technology can be used by farmers and land managers worldwide.
Research presents fig tree species storing calcium carbonate in trunks, converting CO2 from atmosphere. The oxalate-carbonate pathway increases soil pH and nutrient availability, making it a potential means to mitigate CO2 emissions.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have found beneficial microbes in rice roots that can support plant growth and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. The study reveals an increase in microbial diversity as plants mature, with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enriching the soil.
University of Sydney researchers have developed a method to produce ammonia in gas form using electricity, offering a more sustainable alternative to the current Haber-Bosch process. This new approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a promising solution for the agricultural and hydrogen industries.
This study investigates the cyclic bond behavior of FRP bars in concrete, analyzing key factors such as bar diameter and embedment length. A unified bond stress–slip constitutive model is developed to capture interfacial degradation mechanisms under cyclic loads.
A new study developed a powerful method for detecting simultaneous nitrogen and water deficiencies in field-grown sesame using deep learning and multiple data sources. The integration of hyperspectral, thermal, and RGB imaging enabled identification of combined nutrient and water-related deficiencies.
A collaboration between Aston University and RAD Global developed pioneering cold storage boxes to keep food fresh without grid electricity. The RADiCool system extends the safe selling window for fish from 12 to 24 hours, reducing waste and improving livelihoods.
A new study reveals how nanoparticles can interfere with photosynthesis in plants, reducing their ability to convert sunlight into food. The research team found that nanoparticles undergo changes in pH and pick up lipid coatings from plant membranes, boosting their binding to RuBisCO and impairing its function.