Articles tagged with Crop Science
A new University of Illinois study integrates field data and advanced mathematical modeling to understand how cover crops affect soil water, nitrogen, and oxygen dynamics. The research finds that proper management of cover crops can balance their benefits with cash crop yields, while ignoring the impacts without optimization.
Research reveals that stronger lettuce stems are a key part of disease resistance against Sclerotinia spp., the causative agent of lettuce drop. The study found that wild lettuce species exhibit increased stem strength and reduced symptom development, while modern commercial cultivars are susceptible to rapid basal stem rot.
Researchers at UMD are developing CRISPR-Combo systems to improve genome editing and crop regeneration. The technology aims to reduce the time and cost of breeding new crop varieties with enhanced nutritional and agronomic traits.
A new study introduces a wild-grass chromosome segment that inhibits nitrification, reducing fertilizer use and nitrous oxide emissions in wheat crops. The technology has the potential to increase yields and grain quality in both well-fertilized and nitrogen-poor soils.
Scientists developed new imaging and machine-learning methods to discover water-use efficiency traits in crops. The approach identified key links between microscopic anatomy and physiological performance, revealing the genetic basis of variation in stomata patterning.
Chlorophyll fluorescence tracks photosynthesis rate, providing an 'optical window' for monitoring plant health. Recent advances enable estimation and imaging of SIF at ecosystem scales, paving the way for applications in precision agriculture and ecology.
Citrus canker has reappeared in Texas after a 70-year absence, threatening the state's $200M commercial citrus industry. Collaborative eradication efforts are underway between the USDA, Texas Department of Agriculture, and universities to prevent further spread.
The University of Exeter has developed a virtual safe space tool called BEE-STEWARD to test different land management techniques for bumblebee survival. The tool provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape, allowing researchers and farmers to predict the impact of their decisions.
Research suggests climate change will increase disease pressure in some regions and reduce it in others. Model projections indicate that rising temperatures will boost yields in temperate areas while having little effect on tropical regions.
Researchers developed a method to identify soil color and structure using ground-penetrating radar, allowing for classification of soils for construction, agriculture, or mining. The technique was tested in Kamennaya Steppe, where it matched actual soil colors 80% of the time.
Researchers found genetic evidence of malaria's emergence in Sub-Saharan Africa dating back to at least 20,000 years ago. The study challenges the long-held assumption that agriculture led to the spread of malaria.
Scientists have identified a wild tea plant in China that contains virtually no caffeine and may provide the health benefits of regular brewed teas. The newly discovered plant, known as hongyacha, was found to contain several potentially health-promoting compounds not found in regular tea.
Researchers have developed a natural way to prevent enzymatic browning in pastry dough, driven by polyphenol oxidase (PPO). A combination of white wine and lemon juice inhibits PPO activity and prevents discoloration, making it an attractive alternative to synthetic additives.
Researchers found that compounds in Sakurajima Daikon radish promote nitric oxide production, which can improve coronary blood vessel function. The study identifies trigonelline as the active component behind this effect.
A study reveals that refrigeration suppresses protein activity crucial for banana aromas, leading to potential flavor and fragrance enhancements. Scientists found that chilling bananas slows ripening and alters their off-flavor, suggesting a regulatory process involving MabZIP4 and MabZIP5 TFs.
Scientists detected 10 key odorants in Wagyu beef, including a previously associated compound with cooked chicken, and unsaturated fatty acids play a crucial role in its aromatic process
A new protein database developed by scientists can definitively identify fish species, helping to curb seafood fraud worldwide. The database uses mass spectrometry to create unique 'fingerprints' for 54 fish species, including salmon and tuna.
Conventional tillage severely damages earthworm populations, but reduced tillage practices can increase their numbers. Farming with no-tillage, Conservation Agriculture, and shallow non-inversion tillage are shown to significantly boost earthworm populations.
Scientists have identified compounds in jackfruit seeds that mimic chocolate's distinct aroma and flavor, offering a potential solution to the impending cocoa bean shortage. These findings suggest that jackfruit seeds could be used as a substitute for cocoa powder or chocolate manufacturing.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that stink bugs can contaminate wine with stress compounds, affecting its quality. The researchers discovered that pressing is a key step in releasing these compounds, and that limiting stink bugs to three per grape cluster could improve wine quality.
A new species of bird, the Himalayan Forest Thrush, has been discovered in north-eastern India and adjacent parts of China by an international team of scientists. Genetic analysis reveals three distinct species within a previously thought to be single species, Plain-backed Thrush.
Scientists found that oranges are packed with nutrients like carotenoids and flavonoids, which can help lower cancer risk and cardiovascular disease. However, juicing oranges may slightly lower nutrient levels but significantly improve their bioaccessibility.
Researchers found that sprouted garlic had higher antioxidant activity than fresh bulbs and made different substances. This could be a way to improve the health benefits of garlic without wasting food.
A study by USDA scientists found that treating poultry cages with heated forced air at 122 degrees Fahrenheit can eliminate detectable Campylobacter levels on cage flooring. This method is more effective than static heat or unheated flowing air in reducing bacterial cross-contamination.
The US Department of Agriculture is developing public health insecticides and devising improved application technologies to kill insects. Alternative fabrics are being designed for fire-resistant uniforms to improve protection against insects.
Researchers are using an insect growth regulator called pyriproxyfen to prevent the maturation of house fly larvae. This technology has shown promise in controlling the spread of bacteria through these insects.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have developed a deficit-irrigation strategy for early-season peaches, which reduces post-harvest water levels by 25% without significantly affecting next year's yield. The study also found that subsurface drip irrigation systems had minimal effects on yield and fruit quality.
USDA scientists develop immunocrit technique to measure newborn piglets' serum immunoglobulin levels, indicating mortality and nursing ability. The test can identify at-risk piglets and provide opportunities for intervention strategies.
Researchers use near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to assess seed oil quality and quantity, potentially boosting biodiesel output by optimizing oilseed yields and reducing costs
Scientists at FAO and IAEA developed a larval rearing unit for efficient mosquito mass-rearing, promising to boost the Sterile Insect Technique's effectiveness. The new system maintains water temperature stability and minimizes evaporation, allowing normal larval development and reducing labor costs.
A recent study by Mehmet Isleyen and colleagues found that grafted watermelon plants accumulate pesticide levels up to 140 times higher than non-grafted watermelons. The researchers advise commercial farmers to exercise caution when using this grafting practice to minimize exposure to pesticides.
Heavy coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, with four cups daily reducing the risk by 50%, and every additional cup by 7%. Coffee's beneficial effects may be attributed to compounds blocking human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) misfolding.
A US Department of Agriculture scientist has developed a partnership with South African colleagues to improve cattle breeding, benefiting breeders worldwide. The research focuses on the Nguni breed, which is popular among poor farmers due to its fertility and tolerance to harsh conditions.
Cotton technologist Paul Sawhney and his colleagues investigated using virgin cotton in nonwoven materials. They found that greige cotton, a naturally water-repellent material, can be made absorbent by controlling water pressure during processing.
Researchers use Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy to identify infected trees with 95% accuracy. The method is faster and cheaper than current DNA testing, but further differentiation between diseases is needed.
A study of beef 'trim' found US procedures for monitoring imported beef trim are adequate for detecting pathogens like E. coli. Researchers have since shared pathogen detection technologies with Uruguayan national laboratories.
Researchers confirm that stream bank failure is a significant contributor to high sediment levels in the Mississippi River, with seepage erosion playing a crucial role. The study finds that stable stream banks can become unstable when seepage erosion is added to factors promoting bank failure.
A team of USDA scientists has developed a new approach to detecting pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella bacteria in waterways, achieving lower detection levels than previous methods. The process uses a combination of techniques, including filtration, biochemical testing, and polymerase chain reaction technology, to identify even...
USDA researchers are developing constructed soils to build better, less-costly sports fields, raingardens, and lawns on degraded land. The most promising mixture includes quarry byproducts and composted chicken litter, which reduces rain runoff and erosion.
Scientists are tracking golden eagles with satellite transmitters to identify their favourite habitats and monitor the impact of wind farms. The project aims to determine how wind farms affect eagle populations in northern Sweden.
USDA scientists Jon Bates and Tony Svejcar found that burning cut juniper trees in winter helps protect native perennials from invasive cheatgrass. After 10 years, burned areas showed 1.5-2 times greater herbaceous and perennial grass cover than unburned areas.
A new commercial trap for wasps, hornets and yellowjackets has been developed using attractants created by US Department of Agriculture scientists. The RESCUE! W-H-Y Trap attracts multiple species, including yellowjackets, paper wasps and hornets, and eliminates them through drowning or dehydration.
Researchers designed a floating barrier with two rows of pilings to protect levees from wave action, dissipating 75% of wave energy. The design was more effective and cost-efficient than previous methods.
Researchers have identified a key component of the female pear psylla's pheromone, which could be used to lure males onto sticky traps or disrupt their mating. This compound, 13 methyl heptacosane, may reduce reliance on insecticides and help mitigate resistance.
A study found that vitamin D levels were associated with better cognitive performance in elderly individuals receiving home care. Those with sufficient vitamin D blood levels performed better on executive function tests, suggesting a potential link between vitamin D and mental agility.
A team of ARS scientists used remote sensing tools to identify invasive Ashe juniper shrubs and trees in central Texas. The study found that the first 10 bands from a MNF transformation were the best for distinguishing Ashe juniper from other mixed woody species.
Research by USDA scientists found that oat compounds called avenanthramides decrease inflammatory molecules and inhibit proinflammatory cytokines. This suggests potential health benefits for heart disease prevention beyond lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Researchers have developed a barley protein concentrate that can meet the protein needs of trout and other commercially produced fish, potentially replacing fishmeal and soy protein concentrate. The concentrate is produced through an enzymatic method and has been shown to be effective in feeding trials.
Agricultural Research Service scientist Peggy Tomasula has written a chapter on using dairy ingredients to produce edible films and biodegradable packaging materials. The research focuses on improving the water-vapor barrier properties of dairy proteins, such as casein and whey.
Experts will discuss emerging developments in plant and soil sciences, including drought-tolerant sorghum and biotechnology. The meeting also addresses climate change, energy, and sustainable development.
Australia's top scientists will present on using mathematical models to understand complex systems, including climate change and agricultural sustainability. The conference will feature models assessing water availability, predicting aircraft distances for safer skies, and evaluating coral bleaching impacts.
A study by Cardiff University scientists has revealed that common earthworms in the UK are composed of multiple distinct species, each with unique roles in food chains and soil ecology. The discovery, published in Molecular Ecology, sheds new light on the importance of earthworms in agriculture.
The USGS conducted a holistic study on agricultural chemicals in the environment, collecting field data and employing numerical models to simulate water and chemical transport. The results show that modifications to agricultural practices can profoundly alter chemical transport rates, affecting contaminant dilution and transformation.
A new microarray chip can detect up to 300 different viruses infecting farm animals, birds, and insects. The chip has already been successfully used to identify a coronavirus and foot-and-mouth disease virus.
Scientists have discovered that ancient genes, including Constans (CO) and Flowering Locus T (FT), dictate flowering and fall bud set in trees. This finding has significant implications for understanding tree maturation and adaptation to climate change, as well as speeding up tree breeding.
A team of Swedish scientists has discovered a key gene controlling tree growth and development, shedding light on the complex mechanisms behind flowering and dormancy. The findings hold promise for revolutionizing forest tree breeding and improving pulp, paper, construction, and bioenergy production.
A study by Cornell University found that farm-raised salmon in Europe contained higher levels of organic contaminants than those from North America and South America. The analysis revealed 13 out of 14 organochlorine contaminants were present in farmed salmon, highlighting the need for safer farming practices.
An environmental epidemiologist from UGA aims to investigate how air pollution affects pregnant women and their unborn babies, building on his earlier research in Peru. He plans to measure personal pollution exposure of 100 pregnant women in Trujillo and analyze blood, urine, and cord blood samples.
A new field of ecology explores how humans influence urban ecosystems, raising questions about accountability and stewardship. Cities are increasingly recognized as significant ecological systems with diverse conditions, energy-intensive operations, and a substantial ecological footprint.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that the amount of lead in the environment from bullets on battlefields is not a significant concern for water quality, with no contamination detected off range. However, they discovered that shot impacts cause significant damage to trees up to 140 meters beyond the range.