Articles tagged with Maize
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A new study from the University of Illinois reveals a wealth of untapped diversity in popcorn's genetic code, with over 308,000 variations across the genome. The research may help improve the agronomic performance of the crop and uncover its long history of movement across North America.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified new genes that regulate the surge protector in plants, which can help increase photosynthesis efficiency and boost corn yields. The discovery could lead to breeding plants better equipped to capitalize on yield-boosting sunlight.
Researchers at UC San Diego and Stanford University have developed a roadmap of root chemicals that are critical to plant growth, providing new insights into plant development. The study reveals that key small molecules are clustered in patches across the root, suggesting a purposeful distribution for optimal growth.
A team from the University of Illinois has created 3D reconstructions of C4 plant cell structures, revealing new information on chloroplast size and plasmodesmata distribution. This work aims to improve modeling and production of biodiesel and biojet fuel.
A new study reveals that crops such as corn, sorghum, and millet have evolved by swapping genetic modules between cells to adapt to environmental changes. Researchers identified trends of gene module trading among the species, which may help scientists pinpoint genes controlling drought tolerance.
A new study reveals that the fall armyworm pest in Sub-Saharan Africa was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to up to 58% maize losses worth US $9.4 billion. The researchers highlight the need for sustainable management of this pest and improved policy practices to manage future threats.
Most smallholder farmers in Uganda surveyed believe they can reduce damage caused by the fall armyworm using various management and control options. They predominantly use chemical control methods, including regular weeding and handpicking, with some farmers also employing biological extracts to combat the pest.
A new study reveals that Indian farmers have adapted to climate change by changing management practices and using hardier crop varieties. However, the impact of climate change on crop yields varies across crops and regions, with some areas experiencing greater benefits than others.
Research by the University of the Basque Country found that gluten-free products often lack essential nutrients like fibre and protein. Gluten-free pasta, for example, is now made from millet instead of rice flour, improving nutrition.
The study found that almost 92% of Africa's maize growing areas support year-round growth of fall armyworm. Almost 95% of the crop is also deemed climatically suitable for fall armyworm, with multiple pests posing significant risks.
Researchers developed a bioeconomic model to overcome the cost barrier of high-density planting for weed suppression. The study found distinct physiological differences in crops that impact the balance needed to achieve a cost-neutral result.
Researchers discovered a species of grass, seashore paspalum, that can tolerate diverse stresses and aid in crop development. The study revealed the plant responds to nutrient deprivation by doubling its production of a sugary molecule called trehalose, which helped corn seedlings grow faster and larger without added nutrients.
The Aztecs tracked seasonal variations in weather by watching the sunrise against the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Their agricultural system accurately fed a population of up to 3 million people before the Spanish arrival.
A new study reveals that the US Midwest has seen a significant increase in cover crop adoption, with 7.2% of cropland being planted with cover crops in 2021. This is attributed to government programs and funding initiatives, which have been shown to strongly correlate with the onset of cover crop assistance.
Research reveals that sweet corn yields significantly decrease with extreme heat during flowering, especially in rainfed fields. Irrigation may help mitigate yield loss, but water scarcity could worsen climate-related challenges.
Researchers found the skeletal remains of a 5-8 year old spider monkey in Teotihuacán, Mexico, which provides the earliest evidence of primate captivity and translocation. The discovery also reveals gift diplomacy between Teotihuacán and Mayan elite, challenging previous beliefs about Maya presence in the region.
Researchers developed disease-resistant maize genotypes for smallholder farmers, increasing safe yields and reducing aflatoxin contamination. The findings offer a promising strategy to protect food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A new University of Illinois study reveals that maize prices do not always rise after harvest in Sub-Saharan African markets, with prices falling 16.3% of the time. This uncertainty leads farmers to make decisions based on guesswork, considering storage expenses and risks of spoilage and loss.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are investigating maize roots for organic and regenerative systems to optimize carbon storage, resource use efficiency, and productivity. They aim to develop corn varieties that provide ecosystem services even under changing weather scenarios.
A team from the University of Illinois measured dynamic leakiness of CO2 from C4 plants, showing that activation of the C4 cycle is faster than the Calvin-Benson cycle during photosynthetic induction. This results in large efficiency losses due to lack of coordination in fluctuating light conditions.
Researchers have identified four genes in corn and Arabidopsis that regulate root growth in response to gravity, a trait essential for drought tolerance and efficient water use. The study's approach, leveraging genomic comparisons between distantly related species, has the potential to be applied to other traits.
A new analysis of nutrient omission trial data reveals that balanced fertilizer application can significantly improve maize and rice yields in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that doubling current yields through balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can lead to more consistent results across regions.
A University of the Basque Country team has successfully produced starch-based pharmaceutical tablets using 3D printing technology. The tablets display varying release properties depending on the type of starch used, offering promising solutions for personalized medicine and tailored drug delivery.
Researchers found that non-growing season nitrous oxide emissions in the Midwest can account for up to 60% of annual emissions. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature drive these emissions, with more intensive freezing causing increased emissions in the southeastern Midwest.
A team of researchers developed a deep learning pipeline to analyze vascular system images of plants with high accuracy. The pipeline can detect vascular bundles, identify specific zones, and perform statistical analysis of traits in different stem internodes. This study has the potential to improve crop resilience and food security.
A CABI-led study reveals a multi-channel information campaign significantly increases maize yields for smallholder farmers in Eastern Rwanda by up to 34%. The research also found that the approach benefits farmers in the region, improving their ability to manage fall armyworm pests.
The study proposes the establishment of local Biological Control Agent (BCA) hubs to fight the devastating fall armyworm pest in Bangladesh. The hubs would be owner-managed by farm entrepreneurs and provide nucleus culture and technical support, allowing for non-linear business models that reverse low uptake of safer-to-use BCAs.
A Dartmouth-led study found that urban gardens with rare plant species tend to attract rare bee and bird species. Women, older gardeners, and those living near the gardens are more likely to curate these rare plants, suggesting a cascading effect on biodiversity.
Researchers found that domesticated maize recruits different microbes from soil than its wild ancestors, including those involved in nitrogen cycling. This shift may be driving the need for synthetic fertilizers, but understanding the ancestral microbiome could help breed crops more sustainably.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
Quantitative disease resistance is a promising approach to combat plant diseases, which cause an estimated 13% loss of global crop yields annually. Researchers aim to identify disease resistance mechanisms for important corn diseases and develop genetic resources for the broader maize genetics community.
A new study published in Nature Food finds that ploughing and tilling soil on slopes is causing farm soils to thin, threatening future crop yields. The researchers predict significant declines in wheat and maize yields over the next 50 years if farmers continue to till hill slopes.
Researchers at NC State University discovered that a maize gene called HPC1 helps plants adapt to high altitudes and cold temperatures. The gene originated from teosinte mexicana and has been retained in modern-day corn, allowing it to thrive in challenging environments.
Researchers found that wetter pre-growing seasons reduced soil nitrogen through leaching, but applying more fertilizer can mitigate this effect. The model also showed that cold pre-growing season temperatures limited early growth in ways that affected yield potential, making extra fertilizer less effective.
Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.
A recent study reveals that climate change has driven shifts in European grain production, with Eastern Europe taking on a greater role. The shift is attributed to technological advancements and global climate change, which have increased crop yields in the region.
A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of traditional farmer crop varieties are already represented in genebanks, but conservation gaps persist for key crops like pearl millet and potatoes. The analysis highlights areas with high diversity in landraces, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India.
The Ustilago maydis effector Rip1 targets and binds Zmlox3, a maize gene from the lipoxygenase family, to suppress PTI and reduce susceptibility to fungal infection. This action leads to reduced ROS-burst formation in infected plant cells, highlighting the complex co-evolutionary forces between host and pathogen.
Researchers analyzed ancient corn roots to understand the transformation of wild grass teosinte into modern corn. The study found that early corn specimens lacked seminal roots, a key adaptation for drought tolerance, and had different root anatomy than modern corn.
Researchers discovered that bacterial virulence factor WtsE initiates mobilization of nutrients and water into spaces where the bacteria reside in infected maize plants. This process precedes death of plant cells and could inform future breeding practices to resist devastating corn diseases.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Illinois researchers identified two tropical corn germplasm lines showing promising levels of tar spot resistance, regardless of location. The study developed a new method for scoring tar spot incidence and severity, which will aid breeding programs. The findings suggest resistant hybrids are key to managing the disease long-term.
A new study reveals that ancient Maya people originated from south-to-north migrants carrying maize, which became a staple food. The discovery sheds light on the origins of intensive farming in the Maya region and its impact on the development of large communities.
Researchers used single cell RNA-sequencing to identify specific cells and genes in maize roots responsible for nitrate uptake. The study provides valuable insights into optimizing root nutrient uptake ability in crops.
A study by McGill University researchers shows that tailored fertilizer recommendations based on on-site soil tests can significantly improve maize yields. The approach also helps farmers overcome financing constraints, increasing productivity and profits while minimizing environmental impact.
A recent field study examines the 2006 Abuja Declaration's effects on N fertilizer use, yield potential, and soil fertility. The study found that partial N balances exceeded optimal ranges, highlighting insufficient N input and elevated risk of soil depletion.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed bionanoparticles derived from corn that selectively target and inhibit the growth of cancer cells, inducing tumor necrosis factor-α release. These findings suggest a novel, economical, and safe anti-cancer therapy approach.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that applying dicamba at the latest growth stage and using a safener can help minimize injury to sweet corn. The results suggest that dicamba could be used safely in sweet corn with proper application timing and formulation, offering practical guidance for farmers.
A team of researchers at UMass Amherst identified the specific genes responsible for growth suppression in maize flowers, including GRASSY TILLERS1 and RAMOSA3. These findings provide insights into the evolution of life on earth and have implications for plant breeding, benefiting humans from apples to corn.
A group of plant pathologists have compiled a recovery plan to mitigate tar spot's impact on corn production. The plan reviews current knowledge and future needs, enabling the dissemination of best management practices across state lines.
New study reveals tradeoff between water quality and emissions on farms, highlighting potential environmental benefits of conservation practices. Researchers found that split nitrogen applications had no impact on nitrous oxide levels, but cover crops increased emissions by spikes in summer.
Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a system using hyperspectral sensors on planes to quickly and accurately detect nitrogen status in corn crops. The technology achieved up to 85% accuracy and has potential for use in satellites, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about nitrogen side-dressing.
Researchers developed a new method to complete genetic data gaps using haplotype blocks, improving breeding efficiency in plants. The approach has shown comparable quality to collecting more information from DNA strands, reducing costs in animal and plant breeding.
The study found that nitrogen fertilizer accelerated residue decomposition, producing more carbon dioxide and reducing the incorporation of residues into soil organic matter. This long-term problem can cause microbes to attack stable organic matter, leading to a decline in soil health.
A Mediterranean region study predicts increased crop water demands due to worsening climate conditions, affecting staple crops like maize and wheat. The findings highlight the need for precision agriculture and water management strategies to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.
A new Illinois study compares performance of static and dynamic nitrogen recommendation tools, finding that complex dynamic tools do not consistently increase profits but offer a 15% reduction in nitrogen leaching. The researchers highlight the need to refine these tools and prioritize environmental outcomes over economic gains.
A NASA/PIK study found that new climate conditions will push crop yields outside of their normal range in more regions, particularly in breadbasket areas. This could lead to severe losses for farmers unless they adapt quickly by changing planting dates or using different crop varieties.
A new study explores maize diversity for fall armyworm resistance, revealing clear evidence of FAW resistance in diverse mechanisms across various landraces and crop wild relatives. The research calls for strategies to develop FAW-resistant maize varieties as a way forward to secure maize production and smallholder farmers' livelihoods.
Research from the University of Illinois found that high-oil corn has greater amino acid and energy digestibility than conventional corn, with increased phosphorus and fiber content. This could save producers money by reducing supplement needs.
Over an 80-year period, marketable ear mass in sweet corn hybrids grown at high densities increased by 2.85 tons per acre, while fresh kernel mass and recovery showed minimal changes. Modern hybrids were found to be more suitable for growth at high densities due to their compact plant architecture.