Combining biochar and dicyandiamide in organic fertilizer reduces cumulative ammonia losses by 27.1% compared to conventional urea fertilization, maintaining crop productivity despite reduced mineral nitrogen input. The treatment also supports economic returns through reduced nitrogen-related environmental and health costs.
SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026
Heather Kelly, a UTIA plant pathologist, has been selected as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar to collaborate with researchers in Brazil. She will use advanced technologies to model soybean disease epidemics and predict potential threats to Tennessee row crop production.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateAug 12, 2026
Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that coordinates flower development and fruit formation in tomato plants, enabling them to produce fruit more reliably during challenging growing conditions. The discovery could lead to the development of seedless tomatoes with improved yield and quality.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2026
Researchers develop pangenome-guided breeding strategy to combine beneficial genes and traits for higher yields and stress tolerance in crops. The approach identifies and reintroduces lost genetic variants from wild species, resulting in improved seed size and high-altitude adaptability.
SourceMurdoch University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A field study in northeastern China shows that combining no-tillage management with microbial organic fertilizer can significantly increase soil organic carbon across both surface and deeper soil layers. The treatment increased soil organic carbon by up to 93.2% and maintained larger macroaggregates, which can physically enclose organi...
SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026
Scientists at NYU have identified a key regulator controlling nitrogen use in plants, which can be harnessed to develop 'gluttonous' plant varieties that absorb more nitrogen from the soil. This discovery could lead to reduced fertilizer application and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceNew York University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 30, 2026
Research team identifies best strategies for managing native cacao trees in Peru, resulting in 59% higher yields after three years. Grafting native 'Blanco de Piura' cacao varieties onto fully grown trees increases productivity levels comparable to commercial clones.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new study by the University of Delaware has identified global hotspots of drought-sensitivity and resilience in major crops like rice, corn, and soybeans. These hotspots reveal areas particularly susceptible to drought, such as the Midwestern US, eastern Brazil, and northern India.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2026
A UTEP researcher has developed a simple, low-dose leaf spray that can substantially reverse the damage caused by salty soil on tomato plants. The treatment pairs manganese oxide nanoparticles with chitosan and has been shown to increase shoot weight, root growth, and antioxidant enzyme activity in stressed plants.
SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalInternational Journal of Phytoremediation·DateJul 27, 2026
Researchers at University of Missouri develop natural colorants from purple corn, showing stability and durability in various environments. The anthocyanins, rich in antioxidants, offer a viable path for food companies to create cleaner labels without sacrificing performance.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·Journalnpj Science of Food·DateJul 27, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers have discovered that plant hormone auxin regulates organ formation by oppositely affecting gibberellin activity, creating a two-step communication system between the two hormones. This mechanism allows plants to carefully alternate between growth and expansion, enabling them to build complex organs with remarkable precision.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2026
Researchers have discovered a rich genetic diversity of avocado varieties in Central America, including those grown in Nicaragua, which could help boost sustainable agriculture and commercial varieties. By analyzing DNA from local farmers and examining leaf samples, the team found evidence of ancient migration from South America thousa...
SourceSmithsonian·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2026
Researchers identified a precise gene edit that lowers cadmium in rice grains while maintaining yield and essential mineral nutrients. The OsNramp5 I441T mutation selectively limits cadmium translocation, reducing grain cadmium by 48% without compromising zinc or manganese uptake.
SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026
A study by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers identified a conserved molecular cascade that explains how drought and abscisic acid signaling trigger excessive Cd uptake in rice under water-saving regimes. The OsNAC4 transcription factor regulates grain Cd accumulation, and its functional knockout reduces Cd concentrations by 30-50...
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026
A two-year field study shows that biochar-derived from rice straw improves soil health and crop resilience to saline-sodic stress. Biochar enhances nitrogen metabolism, increases yield, and reduces oxidative stress, making it a promising strategy for sustainable rice production in salt-affected regions.
SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers found that variable-rate seeding (VRS) can help farmers strike a better balance in corn and soybean fields. However, soybeans proved to be more complicated due to their adaptability to weather conditions. The study aims to make farming more accessible and efficient for small land holders using digital tools and data-driven ...
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 8, 2026
A new study investigates how waterpipe size and heating sources affect hookah smoking, aiming to clarify the risks associated with this popular pastime. Researchers hope their findings will empower people to make informed decisions about their health and guide future regulations.
Researchers found that nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer reduced soil-derived carbon dioxide emissions by 11-18% compared to conventional phosphorus fertilizer. The biochar-based fertilizer also reduced the Q10 value, indicating a decrease in soil carbon decomposition under warming.
SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026
A new study found that global rice production nearly doubled between the 1960s and 2010s due to increased irrigation and nutrient inputs. Climate change reduced rice production by an estimated 7% between 2006 and 2015, but elevated atmospheric CO2 levels contributed to improved water-use efficiency and enhanced photosynthesis.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 10, 2026
Researchers uncover how a previously uncharacterized transporter protein controls magnesium transport in rice, leading to improved grain development, nutritional quality, and cooked texture. The study reveals that magnesium transport is closely linked to crop productivity and sensory traits.
SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A University of Washington-led team found that bean plants release gases to attract predatory wasps, which prey on caterpillars. This defense mechanism is mediated by a protein called INR, showcasing the tiny actions of one protein affecting behavior and protecting plant health.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 28, 2026
Kaminski's work highlights the importance of perennial foods, which represent a way of belonging to the earth and a different way of farming. Her poem 'Neighbors' captures the bonds of reciprocity created through shared practices like tending to plants, highlighting the connection between community, land, and emotional content.
A pilot study discovered over 100 different algae species in German farmland, with blue-green and green algae prevalent during summer, and yellow-green algae during spring and autumn. The research highlights the importance of soil algae in maintaining soil health and fertility.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers discovered that rice plants use floral volatiles to attract fall armyworm caterpillars, which then get trapped in spikelets covered with trichomes. The study found that about 50% of the caterpillars were trapped and killed within 48 hours.
SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalEcological Processes·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2026
University of Missouri researchers developed an irrigation strategy that allows farmers to conserve water while maintaining crop quality. By tailoring water amounts based on plant growth stages, farmers can reduce water usage and costs.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalIrrigation and Drainage·DateMay 5, 2026
Researchers have identified a novel genetic locus in the common agricultural weed Elymus repens that provides significant resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, a destructive fungal disease threatening global food security. The novel Fhb.Er-1StL locus has been successfully transferred into wheat, reducing diseased plant spikelets by up to...
SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026
Researchers found that integrating a mix of shade trees improves soil health and plant physiology, leading to stronger plant growth and consistent early fruit development. Proper management through spacing, pruning, and natural mulch can also make cacao farms more resilient to climate stress.
SourceHasanuddin University·JournalAgroforestry Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026
A new study by Cornell University suggests that animal and human waste could meet 102% of nitrogen and 50% of phosphorus needs for US agriculture, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, implementation challenges such as processing and transport need to be addressed to unlock this potential.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 15, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers discovered that human urine contains essential nutrients for plants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The team developed a low-energy process to concentrate urine into a fertiliser-rich stream, reducing the burden on treatment plants.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Environmental Chemical Engineering·DateApr 14, 2026
The 34th Milan No-Till Field Day will feature presentations on no-till farming strategies, agronomic practices, and cover crop management. The event also includes a trade show, guided tours of the AgResearch Center, and traditional skills sessions like blacksmithing.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateApr 14, 2026
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.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateApr 7, 2026
An international team is calling for a coordinated effort to map gene expression across every cell type and developmental stage of wheat. Spatial omics technologies can transform wheat research by revealing how individual cells respond to stress, regulate grain development, and control yield-related traits.
SourceMurdoch University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 1, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers developed durable nanofilm electrodes for long-term measurement of bioelectric potentials in plants, paving the way for more resilient agriculture. These electrodes can detect stress in crops early, enabling timely warnings and improving yields.
SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2026
Researchers analyzed 48 isolates of P. griseola and found a potential symbiotic relationship between the fungus and endophytic bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans, influencing disease severity. The study sheds light on how the pathogen evolves and may point to new strategies for breeding disease-resistant crops.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateMar 30, 2026
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive wheat disease that can reduce yields and contaminate grain with toxins. New research in Plant Disease identified several emerging fungal pathogens, including a previously undescribed species, responsible for the severe outbreak in Ethiopia.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateMar 25, 2026
Researchers identified a mechanism allowing plants to rapidly slow growth in response to extreme stress. By limiting growth-related compounds, plants pause development and cope with stress. The finding has practical applications for developing more resilient crops.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers discover a unique protein component, RbcS-STAR, that helps concentrate carbon dioxide around Rubisco, boosting photosynthetic efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable food production by improving crop yields while reducing environmental impact.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateMar 5, 2026
A study by MIT researchers found that nitrous oxide can hamper the growth of certain soil bacteria dependent on vitamin B12 for methionine biosynthesis. The findings suggest that N2O production in agricultural settings could influence microbial communities, potentially impacting crop health.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalmBio·DateMar 4, 2026
A recent study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that beneficial nematodes, including predatory nematodes, play a crucial role in regulating pest populations in tropical soils. The research shows that these natural allies can suppress harmful plant-parasitic nematodes, leading to improved crop yields and reduced losses.
SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 2, 2026
Researchers have identified a master regulator in plants that balances root and shoot growth when nutrients are limited, leading to yield increases of up to 24% in rice plants. This breakthrough could ultimately improve global crop yields while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers.
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A new study from Ethiopia reveals that conservation agriculture methods like no-dig, crop-rotation, and mulching can significantly reduce water runoff and soil loss. These eco-friendly techniques have been shown to increase crop yields by as much as 122%.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.
SourceColorado State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 23, 2026
The Morrow Plots, established in 1876, have been a hub for long-term agricultural research and outreach. The plots have directly impacted farming practices by proving methods like crop rotation and judicious fertilizer use boost crop yield and soil health.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2026
Researchers used a virus-based CRISPR system to edit the gatekeeper enzyme HMGR in petunias and lettuce, unlocking natural metabolic control for enhanced aromatic compounds and health-promoting antioxidants. The result was more vigorous growth, stronger floral fragrance, and increased nutritional value.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026
Larry Steckel, a leading expert in weed science, has been elected Fellow by the Weed Science Society of America. His research program focuses on managing multiple-herbicide-resistant weeds in row crop production, providing critical data for farmers to prevent yield loss.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateFeb 16, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A research team led by Boyce Thompson Institute has created the most comprehensive genetic map of cucumber ever made, revealing nearly 172,000 large-scale DNA rearrangements that shape its evolution and agronomic traits. The study found that structural variants were purged during domestication, but continued to be present in global var...
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 10, 2026
A recent study by RIKEN researchers analyzed the effects of pesticides and fertilizers on mandarin oranges in real-world farms across Japan. The findings showed that reducing chemical pesticides led to more fruit diseases, while also enhancing soil microbial diversity and improving carbon content. This trade-off highlights the need for...
Researchers identified genes controlling cell wall changes in ripening pistachio hulls, which can lead to cracks and tears. The study also found that the physics of forces and humidity influence degradation, with applications for other non-berry fruit crops.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 22, 2026
Researchers have identified novel sources of soybean resistance to cyst nematode that could help protect global soybean production. The study reveals a wealth of previously untapped genetic resistance to SCN by mining deep into soybean genomes.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 21, 2026
A study at Kindai University has identified a single gene in eggplant that provides resistance to begomovirus infection. This finding holds promise for developing naturally protected crop varieties, reducing the need for insecticides and promoting sustainable food production.
SourceKindai University·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A recent study found that rice viruses actively manipulate plant defense pathways to protect their insect carriers, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. By disrupting the plant's alarm signal, these viruses gain protection from parasitoid wasps, while also facilitating viral transmission.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 7, 2026
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered that parasitic plants recognize
SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025
Researchers at Chonnam National University identified a hidden molecular switch that quickly reprograms root development to withstand cold conditions. The discovery highlights opportunities to protect crops from rising climate instability by enhancing specific signaling pathways or stabilizing key regulators.
SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalJournal of Integrative Plant Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2025
Researchers in Illinois used public genebanks and shared data to accelerate corn quality research, identifying genetic regions influencing kernel composition traits. By combining near-infrared spectroscopy and genomic data, the team found well-known and previously unreported genomic regions associated with key kernel composition traits.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateDec 17, 2025
A new review evaluates biological strategies to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis, highlighting promising solutions such as engineering Rubisco enzyme and developing cooperative crops. The research aims to address global challenges in agriculture and ensure food security for the world's population.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalCell·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 11, 2025
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A breakthrough study has identified varieties and key genes to halt pre-harvest sprouting in groundnut due to unseasonal rains, offering a powerful safeguard against severe financial losses. The research provides valuable insights for breeding improved varieties with fresh seed dormancy.
SourceCGIAR·JournalPlant Physiology and Biochemistry·DateDec 8, 2025
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute engineered compact goldenberry plants that are 35% shorter than their wild relatives, making them viable for commercial agriculture. These new plants have the same nutritional profile as commercially available goldenberries but can be grown at higher density and with reduced maintenance.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2025
Researchers discovered that plants respond to compacted soil by thickening their roots and changing their structure, allowing them to penetrate harder. This mechanism is similar to basic engineering principles, such as a pipe's diameter and outer wall strength affecting its ability to resist buckling.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2025
Researchers have identified Aegilops cylindrica as a powerful genetic reservoir for resistance against the devastating fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. The study reveals novel mechanisms of immune suppression by the pathogen and offers new insights into plant immunity.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateNov 11, 2025