Articles tagged with Crop Science
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered that parasitic plants recognize
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new method of gene editing allows for the efficient production of non-GMO, genome-edited plants without introducing foreign DNA. The technique uses Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression to enable genome editing in a transgene-free manner.
Plant biologists developed a method to grow transgenic plants in weeks instead of months by hijacking a plant's natural regeneration abilities. The technique uses bacteria carrying genetic instructions for wound healing and regeneration to trigger plant growth.
Researchers found that foxtail barley can harbor several fungal pathogens, including those causing net blotch, spot blotch, stem rust, stripe rust, and crown rust. The fungus infected up to 100% of the evaluated accessions, with varying degrees of compatibility
A study warns that Ukraine's soils are losing vital crop nutrients due to reduced fertilizer access and inefficient farming practices. To mitigate this, the authors recommend better farm management, efficient use of fertilizers, and introducing legumes into crop rotations.
Researchers have discovered that extended periods of high stress in wheat crops can lead to iron deficiency and stunted growth. By reducing iron deficiency with a synthetic organic molecule called PDMA, plants are able to improve photosynthesis and biomass under heat stress conditions.
A breakthrough gene atlas for oats has been developed, which could help plant breeders create better oat varieties with improved health benefits and climate resistance. The atlas will significantly expand genomic resources available to researchers.
Researchers have identified genes with organ-preferential expression in sorghum stems, revealing distinct temporal functional signatures and potential candidates for genetic engineering applications. These findings offer valuable insights into improving sorghum stem biomass and composition for bioenergy and biopolymer production.
Researchers measured miscanthus × giganteus net primary productivity in both aboveground and belowground structures. They found that aboveground productivity varied among sites, fertilization rates, and calculation assumptions, with yields ranging from 15.4 to 36.4 Mg DM ha–1 year–1.
Researchers evaluated 13 sorghum hybrids for biomass yield potential and feedstock quality under various nitrogen fertilization levels. H1 and H13 were identified as top performers, exhibiting superior biomass yield and energy-rich feedstock composition.
The University of Tennessee AgResearch has received a $50-million investment to modernize its West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. The new facilities, precision agriculture equipment, and laboratory renovations will enhance on-site research and improve data quality.
Researchers found that beneficial bacteria can enhance the levels of amino acid and antioxidant ergothioneine in spring wheat, potentially improving nutritional value. This approach could associate plants with benign microbes to increase protein content in staple crops.
Researchers at Washington State University found that early planting to avoid heat damage may actually hinder spring wheat productivity due to other growth issues. The study used computer modeling to show that moving crop plantings earlier in the season can expose crops to elevated heat or cold stress in later growth stages.
A global synthesis found that genetic variation in crops significantly affects methane emissions, but not nitrous oxide emissions. Selective breeding of crop traits can help balance high yields with lower GHG release.
Researchers have discovered that the same beneficial bacteria occur in pollen stores of honeybee colonies and on nearby plants, producing compounds that kill pathogens of bees and plants. These endophytes can be used to develop new treatments for crops and hives.
A study by ICTA-UAB reveals that non-agricultural sectors absorbed most of the value added in global agri-food systems between 1995 and 2020. The Global South increased its share of agricultural production, but countries of the North still capture a disproportionate share of income from higher-value sectors.
This study deciphers epigenetic regulation of soybean NLRs and PRRs, revealing poised chromatin states that regulate gene expression. Clusters of R-genes within topologically associating domains exhibit increased repressive marks and TAD-mediated co-regulation.
Bionema's innovative bio-based pellets use Loline alkaloids to deliver a safe, sustainable solution for controlling slugs and snails in crops. The project is expected to generate £50 million in the UK and £100 million globally by 2035.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen argue that creating diverse landscapes with various habitats is necessary for biodiversity preservation. Habitat diversity can include arable land, natural areas, and structures like nesting sites, promoting species movement and reduced extinction risk.