Articles tagged with Maize
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University of Illinois researchers discovered waterhemp's unique mechanism to detoxify the herbicide SA3, adding complexity to controlling this weed. This finding raises concerns about the potential for waterhemp to resist new herbicides before they are even commercialized.
A new report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) suggests that accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change. Climate change-induced biophysical crop stress could lead to a 10% reduction in food crop yields by 2050, but investing in agricultural research and devel...
Researchers found that Maya rulers altered their cities' structures and alignments to reflect their own desires and authority. Many temples were built on top of existing ones or abandoned altogether, shifting the focus from community ritual to ruler-centric politics.
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.
Researchers used functional genomics to identify key genes involved in inducing callus from immature maize embryos, overcoming a major roadblock in plant breeding. The study found that nearly 30% of predicted A188 genes were structurally different from other maize lines, accounting for high protein divergence and phenotypic variations.
A recent study explores the plant immune system using chimeric maize leaves with an auto-active R protein. Researchers found that Rp1-D21 triggers a defense response without recognition events, leading to cell death in affected areas but not neighboring cells.
Researchers developed a 'site-specific' strategy to improve cereal yields in Nepalese smallholder farms, outperforming traditional generalized approaches. The Nutrient Expert system uses machine learning to identify crop-specific nutrient requirements, optimizing yield and resource efficiency.
Research at North Carolina State University reveals that soil microbes significantly impact heterosis, or hybrid vigor, in corn plants. In experiments with sterile bags and field tests, hybrid lines outperformed inbred lines due to microbial effects on root growth and biomass.
The researchers reported a reference sequence for the supernumerary B chromosome in maize, with key properties such as its origin and molecular mechanism remaining unclear. The study found that the current gene content is a result of continuous transfer from the A chromosomal complement over an extended evolutionary period.
A global team has discovered that the nutritional quality of cereal grains varies substantially with location, posing a 'postcode lottery' to micronutrient deficiencies. The study found that some areas have much lower levels of essential nutrients like calcium and iron.
Researchers discovered a mutant corn line with enhanced sugar levels due to the Maize ufo1 gene. The finding has implications for breeding crops that can thrive in a warming world, with potential benefits including improved stress tolerance, seed development, and biomass production.
A new study found that bacteria in the soil enhance plant growth by promoting lateral root formation and improving nitrogen absorption. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable agriculture practices by reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution.
Subgenome fractionation determines hybrid vigor in maize, with one subgenome experiencing more gene loss than the other. This leads to increased protein accumulation and a nonadditive effect on heterosis in F1 plants.
A new study reveals that chronic ozone stress decreases crop yields in maize by 25%, while hybrid plants produce more chemicals to cope with the damage. The researchers found that hybrid maize is more sensitive to ozone exposure, suggesting possible strategies to improve tolerance.
A recent study published in Food and Energy Security reveals that households in Zimbabwe blighted by the fall armyworm pest are more likely to experience hunger. The research found that severe infestation can reduce household income by 44% and increase the likelihood of food shortage.
A new study uses multiple approaches to investigate the diet of ancient dogs in the Americas, revealing a diverse diet including maize, walnuts, grapes, fish, and duck. The analysis also sheds light on human-dog dietary overlap, providing insights into human health and diet.
A new study found that early breeding efforts in sorghum decreased harmful mutations compared to their wild relatives, unlike maize. This unexpected result may inform future breeding efforts in both crops.
A new study suggests that farmers' individual practices, such as continuous maize cultivation, can contribute to the spread of western corn rootworm resistance. Regular crop rotation and planting non-Bt maize can effectively manage rootworm and delay resistance development in surrounding populations.
Researchers at HHU have discovered a novel phloem loading mechanism in maize leaves, which enables efficient transport of photoassimilates. This mechanism, found in the abaxial bundle sheath cells, is likely linked to maize's high productivity rate and C4 photosynthesis.
A CABBI study shows energy sorghum behaves more like perennial miscanthus in its efficient use of water and light to produce abundant biomass. Energy sorghum has higher nitrogen emissions than maize but can be managed with careful fertilizer, offering a middle-road crop solution.
Genetic analysis reveals that improved maize varieties developed by Indigenous South Americans were reintroduced into Central America, potentially leading to more productive and consumed varieties. The study provides new insights into the spread of maize in the Americas and its impact on human history.
A study reveals distinct dietary patterns in ancient Huaca Prieta and Paredones communities in north coastal Peru, with Paredones adults consuming high amounts of maize and terrestrial meat. The findings suggest diet differences may have facilitated resource exchange and economic specialization between nearby communities.
Researchers at Kumamoto University used X-rays to visualize 28 maize weevil impressions on ancient pottery shards from the late Jomon period. The study provides evidence of the early presence of food pests like weevils in Japan and suggests lessons can be learned from ancient pottery about modern epidemics and disasters.
A new disease affecting maize has been discovered by researchers at the University of Göttingen, caused by an aggressive strain of the fungus Trichoderma. This discovery raises concerns about the potential risks of using organic plant protection products in agriculture.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has shed light on the genetic diversity of European flint maize, revealing distinct differences between lines. The research highlights the importance of sequencing the entire pangenome of a species to fully understand its genetics.
Researchers have decoded the European maize genome, revealing significant differences in genetic content and genome structure compared to North American lines. These findings suggest that heterosis, a phenomenon increasing crop yields, may be influenced by variations in knob regions and gene regulation.
A new study has successfully demonstrated a method for site-directed mutagenesis in wheat using haploid induction by maize. The technique resulted in the identification of 15 independent target gene-specific mutants in six different wheat backgrounds, with mutations found in all three genomic target motifs.
Researchers developed a one-step system combining CRISPR-mediated genome editing with other approaches to produce better seeds and shorten the production timeline. This new method can be applied to various crops, including maize, rice, millet, wheat, and sorghum.
Researchers mapped non-coding genome in maize during early developmental window to understand inflorescence differentiation. The study provides a roadmap for adjusting gene expression precisely to improve grain yield and ear traits.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that crops' lower leaves are less efficient due to altered light conditions, not age. This 'Achilles' heel' can cause a 10% loss of potential canopy photosynthesis gain, highlighting the importance of optimizing light environments for improved crop yields.
A new CABI-led study suggests that governments should reallocate subsidies to encourage the use of lower-risk control options like biopesticides. The research also emphasizes the importance of enforcing pesticide regulations and mass media campaigns to inform farmers about recommended pesticides and sustainable management options.
New research reveals ancient human skeletons show transition from pre-maize hunter-gatherer diets to increasing reliance on corn. Maize made up less than 30% of people's diets by 4,700 years ago, rising to 70% 700 years later.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researcher Douglas J. Kennett and collaborators found that maize had become a staple grain in the Americas 4,700 years ago, exceeding what is considered a staple grain. By 4,000 years ago, maize was persistently used as a staple, continuing through the Classic Maya period until today.
The discovery of well-preserved ancient skeletons in Belize has provided new insights into the introduction of maize as a key part of people's diets in Central America. The study shows that maize became a major food source around 4,700 years ago, with its consumption increasing over time and eventually becoming a staple crop.
A new study suggests that corn was not grown in Cahokia until between A.D. 900 and 1000, a relatively late date corresponding to the start of the city's rapid expansion. The researchers analyzed charred corn kernels and carbon isotopes in human teeth and bones, revealing a sudden increase in corn consumption around this time.
A Cornell University research team, led by plant biologist Michael Scanlon, has received a five-year $1.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study maize stem cell development and organ formation.
A University of Illinois study finds climate-smart agricultural practices increase maize yields, particularly when farmers have access to training and resources. The practices, such as absorption trenches and agroforestry fertilizer trees, help conserve water and soil nutrients.
A study using crop models and climate simulations found that a limited nuclear war in South Asia could decrease global temperature by 1.8ºC and precipitation by 8% over the first 5 years, resulting in significant yield losses and food shortages worldwide.
A new aflatoxin biocontrol product has been developed for use in Senegal, reducing contamination in groundnut and maize crops. The product, Aflasafe SN01, includes four atoxigenic isolates native to Senegal and is highly effective in hot, drought-prone areas.
Researchers have decoded a genetic map for maize, revealing how tropical varieties can be adapted to temperate climates. The study aims to improve the crop's resistance to emerging diseases and drought, ensuring global food security.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that two annual plants, goosefoot and erect knotweed, can produce yields comparable to those of maize when grown together with other lost crops. The study's findings challenge the assumption that maize was adopted as a staple crop due to its high productivity.
Increasing maize gene zmm28 expression improves grain yield, nitrogen uptake, and photosynthetic activity in field tests, according to researchers. Altering a single gene's expression can lead to significant yield improvements, suggesting new avenues for genetic engineering approaches.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics explores the potential of genomic selection to boost wheat yields and quality. By analyzing genomic data from diverse environments, researchers found that this approach can predict disease resistance, grain quality, and climate resilience with varying degrees of accuracy. The findings provide...
Researchers developed a new approach to identify plant genes that control traits, enabling more efficient breeding of affordable and sustainable crop varieties. The method is valuable for global food security and human nutrition, particularly for crops such as maize, vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Researchers identified six genes responsible for producing plant antibiotics that control fungal disease resistance in maize. This breakthrough could lead to improved disease resistance in rice and other crops using the same genetic pathways.
Researchers discovered a gene variant, UPA2, in wild teosinte that can be used to increase maize yields under high-density planting. The introduction of this allele into modern maize resulted in significantly increased yield and upright plant growth.
A new study in Science shows that alternative farming practices can boost farmers' profits while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The Happy Seeder system, which allows for direct seeding of wheat into unplowed soil and shredded rice residues, is a promising solution.
Researchers identify novel genes and networks underlying senescence in maize, a complex trait affected by internal and external factors. Understanding the triggers for senescence in crops like maize can lead to altering plants that can benefit a hungry world, slowing down senescence to keep the plant green longer.
Researchers found that the soil in Chaco Canyon could not support farming due to scarce rainfall and destructive flash floods. The team calculated that only 100 acres of farmland would have been sufficient to feed a maximum of 1,000 people.
An increase in elite Maya's preference for a maize-based diet made the population more vulnerable to drought, contributing to its societal collapse. The study found that a less flexible and less resilient system resulted from population expansion, agricultural intensification, and socially conditioned food preferences.
Biofortification, a process of developing micronutrient-dense staple crops through breeding and biotechnology, is being used to address global nutrition issues. Provitamin A-biofortified maize has been shown to be an effective source of vitamin A, while zinc-biofortified wheat varieties have reduced pneumonia and vomiting rates in youn...
Researchers elucidate genetic isolation mechanisms that prevent hybridization between maize and teosinte, enabling two distinct species to form. A specific gene cluster, Tcb1-s, plays a crucial role in this process.
Researchers found that climate extremes account for 18%-43% of yield fluctuations in staple crops like maize and spring wheat. Temperature, rather than precipitation, plays a significant role in predicting crop yields.
A team of scientists has identified a novel lignin gene, Zm4CL1, that controls the maize bm5 mutant with reduced lignin content. The study reveals increased forage digestibility and cell wall saccharification efficiency in the bm5 mutant.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a relationship between maize crop yield and genetic activity associated with the RAMOSA3 gene. The discovery suggests that the gene may be 'moonlighting' with a hidden activity controlling branching.
Listeria contamination in fattening pig feed can cause severe illness and death, researchers warn. A study found that anaerobic ensilaging conditions can suppress bacterial growth, highlighting the importance of proper feeding procedures.
The discovery of a vessel with an estimated 500 maize weevils offers insights into the cultivation and distribution of chestnuts, food in the Jomon era, and the spirituality of ancient Japanese people. Researchers found that maize weevils were a dominant pest in stored rice and grains during this period.
Researchers tested rats on GM maize MON 810 and NK603 for 6 months, using high-throughput biology techniques. No significant biological markers were found, and anatomic pathology examination revealed no alteration of organs. The study does not detect any harmful effects of the GMOs on rat health or metabolism.
Researchers found a predecessor of today's corn plants, still bearing wild ancestor features, was brought to South America from Mexico over 6,500 years ago. Farmers improved the crop in Mexico and the Amazon until it was fully domesticated, challenging previous single-origin theories.
A new study reveals southwestern Amazonia as a secondary improvement center for early maize, contradicting previous understanding of its history. The analysis of ancient grains' genetic heritage provides insight into human-mediated evolutionary processes that led to one of the world's most important staple crops.