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A research team develops SCAG algorithm for accurate branch detection and angle calculation in soybeans using LiDAR data

A new SCAG algorithm achieves high accuracy in branch detection and angle calculation, identifying novel traits for evaluating soybean density tolerance. The open-source algorithm has potential to enhance crop development and agricultural productivity.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Key nutrients help plants beat the heat

Researchers at Salk Institute found that higher temperatures drain plants of important dietary nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting their long-term sustainability. The study's findings will inform the engineering of climate-resilient crops to address global warming's impact on food production.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2024

Gene seekers discover atypical two genes that control multiple valuable soybean traits

A team of researchers has identified two long noncoding RNA genes that control multiple traits in wild soybeans, including insect resistance and leaf growth. These findings can aid in the development of new domesticated soybean varieties with improved seed composition and nutritional traits.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2024

NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic scientists replace fishmeal in aquaculture with microbial protein derived from soybean processing wastewater

Researchers at NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic develop a new, sustainable feed alternative for farmed Asian seabass, reducing reliance on wild-caught fishmeal. The single cell protein is cultivated from soybean processing wastewater, offering a promising solution to the aquaculture industry's environmental challenges.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024

Breeding more resilient soybeans may come down to test site selection

A new study from the University of Illinois recommends redistributing soybean testing sites to better represent the growing environment and improve crop resilience. The researchers analyzed long-term climate data and records of soybean trials to develop two new sets of maps that would help breeders strategize test site placement.

Pollinators make a big impact on edamame marketability

A recent UMD study reveals that cross-pollination significantly improves the quality and quantity of soybean pods, with open-pollinated flowers producing more grade-A beans. The research also suggests that a greater biodiversity near fields can lead to increased yields by attracting beneficial pollinators.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Pollination Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Study: How farmers decide to store or sell their grain

A new study from the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences examines how Illinois corn and soybean producers make marketing decisions. The research found that farms with lower financial positions tend to store more grain, while bigger and older farms have lower storage costs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Recycled phosphorus fertilizer reduces nutrient leaching, maintains yield

Researchers have found that struvite, a recycled phosphorus fertilizer, can reduce nutrient leaching and maintain soybean yields compared to conventional fertilizers. The study showed that struvite can be a full substitute for traditional fertilizers in terms of yield benefits.

Solving stickiness sustainably

A team of chemists at Purdue University has created a sustainable adhesive system that uses epoxidized soy oil, malic acid, and tannic acid. The new adhesive is inexpensive, effective, scalable, practical to produce and completely sustainable.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2023

Top corn producing state to see future drop in yield, cover crop efficiency

A new study suggests that while winter cover crops can reduce nitrogen pollution by up to 30%, their effectiveness will decrease under future climate scenarios. Illinois' corn yields are expected to suffer more than soybean yields, especially in southern regions, as warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns impact crop growth.

LSU Health New Orleans study finds diet contributes to risk of HPV-related cancer

A new study published by LSU Health New Orleans found that a diet high in fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans can significantly lower the risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection, which is associated with cervical cancer. The research also showed that women who eat healthily tend to practice other healthy behaviors.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

RIPE researchers model ‘link’ between improved photosynthesis and increased yield

A team from the University of Illinois has modeled improving photosynthesis through enzyme modification and simulated soybean growth with realistic climate conditions. The study found that seasonal climate conditions impact the effectiveness of improving photosynthesis to increase soybean yield.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalField Crops Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2023

Cover cropping up to 7.2% in US Midwest, boosted by government programs

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.

Companies’ ‘deforestation-free’ supply chain pledges have barely impacted forest clearance in the Amazon

A recent study found that companies' zero-deforestation supply chain commitments have reduced tree clearance in the Brazilian Amazon by only 1.6% between 2006 and 2015. Despite this, over 50% of soy-suitable forests in Brazil remain unprotected. Experts call for stronger regulations to effectively combat deforestation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 27, 2022

A smoky solution — for plants

Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 19, 2022

Brazilian soybean growers’ use of biofertilizer is highlighted by a leading science journal

Using biofertilizer on 80% of their planted area, Brazilian soybean growers enjoy environmental and economic benefits by employing the microbiome instead of chemical fertilizers. The use of biofertilizer saves farmers huge amounts of money, with costs significantly lower than chemical fertilizer.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 28, 2022

Technique using light and artificial intelligence is effective in selecting immature soybean seeds

A team of Brazilian researchers has developed a novel technique using light and artificial intelligence to identify the maturity stages of soybean seeds. The method utilizes chlorophyll fluorescence and machine learning algorithms to classify commercial seeds with high accuracy. This innovation avoids destroying seeds, which are then c...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 25, 2022

RIPE researchers prove bioengineering better photosynthesis increases yields in food crops for the first time ever

Researchers have successfully increased soybean plant efficiency, resulting in greater yields without losing quality. The study aims to improve global food production by improving photosynthetic efficiency in food crops for smallholder farmers.

Weed zapping

Researchers found that electrocution treatments can eliminate up to 97% of late-season, herbicide-resistant waterhemp plants. The treatments also reduced weed seed viability by 54-80%, with some studies showing yield losses of 11-26%.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Climate change demands near perfect weed control in soybean

Research reveals that climate change and drought can cause significant yield losses in soybeans, even with high levels of weed control. To mitigate this, farmers need to adopt integrated weed management strategies, including the use of soil-residual herbicides and late-maturing soybean varieties.

Scientists led by NTU Singapore produce oils from microalgae that could replace palm oil in food production

Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a method to produce and extract oils from a type of common microalgae, which are edible and have superior properties as those found in palm oil. The newly discovered method would serve as a healthier and greener alternative to palm oil.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2022

Nanocarrier spray: Better crops without genetic modification

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.

SourceRIKEN·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 2022

Gene important in soybean protein content found after 30-year search

University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.