Articles tagged with Herbicides
A recent study by the American Society of Agronomy found that low levels of herbicides can harm potato plant reproduction. The research revealed that tuber yield and quality can be affected even at rates below those causing vegetative growth reduction or injury.
Researchers have developed a new grape called Improved Chancellor that is resistant to the popular herbicide 2,4-D. The discovery of the gene that makes this grape resistant came about by accident, and it has the potential to help salvage the wine and grape industry in the Midwest.
The traditional method of discovering herbicides involves random searching of chemicals, resulting in most commercial products. New biotech information allows companies to create targeted weed killers. The American Society of Agronomy developed an interactive web lesson to teach students about the history and development of herbicides.
A new biopesticide has been developed for use on organic crops, offering a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides. The product is safe for humans, animals, and the environment, and will be available this October for conventional growers.
USGS scientists investigated pesticide occurrence in ground water at four US sites. Herbicides triazines and chloroacetanilides were most frequently detected, with degradation products often exceeding parent compounds. Redox conditions, residence times, oxygen levels, and nitrogen gas influenced pesticide concentrations.
Using native grasses in golf course roughs can improve biodiversity and reduce costs on pesticides and labor. The research found that blue grama and Cody buffalo grass were the most effective options for coverage, with rates of 20 pounds per acre recommended for best results.
Researchers found that diversified, low-external-input farming systems can achieve high crop yields and profitability while reducing synthetic fertilizer and herbicide use. The study's results suggest that large reductions in agrichemical use are compatible with high crop yields and profits.
Planting herbicide-tolerant crop varieties can significantly reduce herbicide losses and concentrations in surface runoff, according to a USDA study. The study found that contact herbicides like glyphosate and glufosinate resulted in lower concentrations of herbicides in water compared to residual herbicides.
Research by Tufts University biologists reveals that early exposure to atrazine leads to deformed hearts, impaired kidneys, and digestive systems in tadpoles. The study found a significant increase in abnormalities in organs after 48 hours of exposure, with 57% of tadpoles having smaller-than-normal hearts.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a plant herbicide that disrupts Toxoplasma gondii's signaling pathway, reducing fatal infection risk in mice. Low doses of the herbicide prevent T. gondii from increasing its numbers and remaining dormant.
Cornell researchers identified a natural amino acid called meta-tyrosine in fescue lawn grass that inhibits weed growth and suppresses plant development. The discovery may lead to the development of new varieties of fescue grasses with improved weed-suppressing properties.
A new molecular tool, eco-tilling, helps detect early signs of herbicide resistance in weeds, reducing the need for chemical use. This technique uses reverse genetics to identify mutations at a fraction of the cost of alternative methods.
A long-term study found that salamander exposure to atrazine had persistent effects on mortality rates, even after recovery. Survivors of the exposure suffered lower survival rates compared to those not exposed to atrazine.
A cohort study of over 2,000 Air Force veterans found that dioxin exposure was associated with a lower incidence of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and decreased testosterone levels. The study suggests a link between dioxin exposure and endocrine disturbances in the male reproductive system.
Researchers found that combining pesticides disrupts frog development, causing delayed maturation, retarded growth, and increased susceptibility to infections. The study suggests that the interaction between pesticides and environmental factors may be a major contributor to amphibian decline.
Researchers found that Roundup(r) killed up to 71% of tadpoles and 86% of terrestrial frogs after exposure. The surfactant in the herbicide, not the active ingredient, is lethal to amphibians. The study highlights concerns about accidental spraying during lawn care.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Rick Relyea found that Roundup is extremely lethal to amphibians, causing a 70 percent decline in biodiversity and an 86 percent decline in tadpole mass. The herbicide's surfactant was responsible for its toxic effects on amphibian populations.
Researchers at UGA identified morning glory families tolerant to glyphosate, a noxious herbicide. The study suggests developing regional strategies for managing tolerance is crucial. Increased tolerance of morning glories to glyphosate could leave farmers without effective control, highlighting the need for new management strategies.
A study by Purdue University researchers found a strong association between lawn chemical exposure and increased cancer risk in Scottish terriers. The study suggests that the genetic predisposition of this breed makes them ideal 'sentinel animals' to uncover potential carcinogenic substances.
Researchers explore new natural pesticides derived from plants and microorganisms to combat parasitic weeds that destroy large areas of crops. Scientists are developing broad-spectrum herbicides with targeted resistance to useful crops.
The University of Minnesota has received a grant to sequence the complete genome of Arthrobacter aurescens, a soil bacterium that can break down environmental pollutants. The project aims to gain tools, such as genes and enzymes, to clean up contaminated environments.
Researchers at UC Davis found that organic and sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables contain higher levels of polyphenolics, a type of natural chemical with potential health benefits. The study suggests that the absence of pesticides and fertilizers in sustainable farming practices may lead to increased production of these chemicals.
Research by UC Berkeley scientists shows that atrazine can feminize male leopard frog tadpoles and turn them into female frogs at levels as low as 0.1 parts per billion, a 30 times lower threshold than the current allowable limit for drinking water. The herbicide has been linked to declining amphibian populations in the US and worldwide.
The University of California, Riverside has received a donation of intellectual property from DuPont for a novel class of herbicides. Researchers at UCR aim to further develop and license the technology, which could bring significant financial benefits and environmental advantages.
A new herbicide-resistant maize technology has been developed to combat Striga hermonthica, or witchweed, which infests approximately 20-40 million hectares of farmland in sub-Saharan Africa. The method, tested for over ten crop seasons, shows promising results, increasing yields up to four-fold in fields highly infested with witchweed.
The team's new process eliminates toluene and generates less waste, producing a safer and more sustainable herbicide. The award recognizes the contributions of individual researchers at DuPont who worked together to achieve this innovative breakthrough.
Atrazine, a widely used herbicide, has been found to demasculinize tadpoles and turn them into hermaphrodites. The herbicide also lowers levels of the male hormone testosterone in sexually mature male frogs.
A comprehensive study on organic weed control in vineyards will be conducted to produce valuable information on controlling weeds without using chemicals. The project aims to provide alternatives for Australian wine producers to maintain their clean reputation and avoid contamination scares.
Scientists found that genetically-engineered oilseed rape produces hybrid, transgenic weeds resistant to herbicides, which reproduce as prolifically as unaltered weeds. These weeds may carry beneficial traits from the crop parent and still exhibit weed-like characteristics.