Articles tagged with Agronomy
Researchers used aeroponic technology to grow pea shoots fortified with Vitamin B12, delivering the recommended daily allowance in a single serving. The fortified crop maintained shelf-life and persisted through cold storage, offering a commercially viable approach to dietary supplementation.
Larry Steckel, a leading expert in weed science, has been elected Fellow by the Weed Science Society of America. His research program focuses on managing multiple-herbicide-resistant weeds in row crop production, providing critical data for farmers to prevent yield loss.
University of Delaware researchers have discovered a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis that helps plants resist soil-borne diseases and retain moisture. The microbe, UD1022, is effective in controlling dollar spot fungus but only when applied directly to leaves, not through soil treatment.
The John Innes Centre has been awarded £21.5m in funding to support four precision breeding projects, aiming to reduce emissions and strengthen crop resilience. These projects will help protect two major agricultural crops from diseases, enhance the nutritional content of tomatoes, and develop sustainable sources of rubber.
A recent study by RIKEN researchers analyzed the effects of pesticides and fertilizers on mandarin oranges in real-world farms across Japan. The findings showed that reducing chemical pesticides led to more fruit diseases, while also enhancing soil microbial diversity and improving carbon content. This trade-off highlights the need for...
A recent study found that adding manganese to soil can lower plant-available nitrogen, reducing nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching into waterways. Manganese also reduced the expression of genes involved in nitrogen cycling.
The Scaling Hub South Asia is a multi-sector platform designed to accelerate proven agricultural, water, and energy innovations. It aims to strengthen regional food and water security for over 500 million people in South Asia.
A five-day DSI training workshop at ICRISAT strengthened technical and institutional capacity of 18 scientists from 12 countries across Asia and Africa. The program enabled participants to handle and analyze Digital Sequence Information, integrating genomic data into genebank databases.
Engineered biochar shows promise in boosting crop yields, suppressing soil-borne diseases, and remediating contaminated land. Purpose-specific design is essential for optimal performance.
A study at Kindai University has identified a single gene in eggplant that provides resistance to begomovirus infection. This finding holds promise for developing naturally protected crop varieties, reducing the need for insecticides and promoting sustainable food production.
Researchers compared seedling germination, growth and nutrient uptake in pure food waste substrate, commercial potting mix and blends with varying ratios. Mixtures with less than 50% food waste compost produced better results.
Research in Chile's national parks shows that wildfires significantly alter soil structure and nutrient cycles, affecting ecosystem resilience. Humid temperate forests recover faster than mediterranean woodlands due to fire-adapted trees and higher rainfall.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered that parasitic plants recognize
A new AI method has identified 51 old pea varieties with high starch and protein content, potentially suitable for producing plant-based foods. The study shows a close relationship between seed appearance and chemical composition, enabling partial prediction of properties based on images.
A new study has identified the underground interactions between fungi and oomycetes in twenty Andalusian dehesas, revealing water as the main driver of microorganism diversity. The research also sheds light on the pathogen responsible for la seca, a disease affecting holm oak ecosystems.
Researchers developed a non-invasive OCT scanner to measure environmental stress in plants. The device reveals internal structural changes caused by ozone exposure, enabling early detection of deficiencies or stress-induced changes.
A breakthrough study has identified varieties and key genes to halt pre-harvest sprouting in groundnut due to unseasonal rains, offering a powerful safeguard against severe financial losses. The research provides valuable insights for breeding improved varieties with fresh seed dormancy.
Eight countries support the Resilient Agriculture Investment for net-Zero land degradation (RAIZ) accelerator, which offers a 'quadruple-win' for climate, biodiversity, food security, and desertification. RAIZ aims to mobilize $105 billion in private investment to restore degraded agricultural land at scale.
The book explores how CEH can enhance yield, quality, and resource efficiency through technological innovation. It also highlights the role of biotechnology in ensuring global food security.
A team of researchers from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture identified the base, optimal and maximum temperature ranges for eight commonly grown cover crop species. The study's findings provide significant guidance for developing accurate plant growth and biomass prediction models.
Researchers sequenced the genome of over 3,400 cultivated eggplant varieties and identified key agronomic traits associated with genes. The study revealed over 3,000 associations between traits and genes, providing a foundation for breeding tailor-made eggplant varieties adapted to local conditions.
A two-year field experiment in California's Central Valley found that super-high-density olive orchards can produce high-quality oil and yields with significantly reduced nitrogen fertilizer. Compost application also improved tree nutrition and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers have discovered that extended periods of high stress in wheat crops can lead to iron deficiency and stunted growth. By reducing iron deficiency with a synthetic organic molecule called PDMA, plants are able to improve photosynthesis and biomass under heat stress conditions.
Researchers found that straw-derived biochar enhances maize biomass by up to 30% and improves nitrogen use efficiency under limited-water conditions. Alternate partial root-zone drying irrigation also stimulates soil microbes to release nutrients, promoting deeper and more efficient root systems.
Researchers measured miscanthus × giganteus net primary productivity in both aboveground and belowground structures. They found that aboveground productivity varied among sites, fertilization rates, and calculation assumptions, with yields ranging from 15.4 to 36.4 Mg DM ha–1 year–1.
A machine learning model developed by Dr. Lan Mu's team at Tianjin University of Commerce predicts biochar yield and nutrient content with stunning accuracy, unlocking smart soil solutions for healthier soils, cleaner ecosystems, and smarter farming.
Researchers at Washington State University found that early planting to avoid heat damage may actually hinder spring wheat productivity due to other growth issues. The study used computer modeling to show that moving crop plantings earlier in the season can expose crops to elevated heat or cold stress in later growth stages.
A global synthesis found that genetic variation in crops significantly affects methane emissions, but not nitrous oxide emissions. Selective breeding of crop traits can help balance high yields with lower GHG release.
Researchers at Mizzou have developed a specially bred soybean variety called Super that yields the best results in terms of flavor and aroma, making it more appealing to Western consumers. The study found that smart plant breeding can make soy-based foods taste better, which could help more people accept and enjoy them.
Researchers at Aarhus University found that vertical solar panels can generate electricity without compromising crop yields, even with reduced shade. The system requires less land than separate installations and is better received by the public due to its innovative design.
Researchers are analyzing leaf and soil samples from diverse areas to determine beneficial or harmful roles of different microbes. The study aims to improve crop production practices and overall yield by assessing the health of soil rhizosphere.
Researchers used multiple agronomic models to examine the effects of climate-smart agricultural practices on carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. The study found positive effects in both studied locations under a baseline scenario, but negative effects in a worst-case scenario.
Florida Atlantic University's FAU Engineering has received a $827,533 USD grant from the USDA to develop an advanced edge/fog computing-based framework called FogAg. This project aims to revolutionize precision agriculture by enabling real-time sensing and analysis of crop growth and yield.
The third edition of Compendium of Cotton Diseases and Pests features significant updates and new content, including expanded focus on entomology and emerging diseases. Hundreds of new images enhance identification and diagnosis, making it a comprehensive guide for plant pathologists, agronomists, and growers.
Researchers identify two distinct gene transcripts, SiMYB2-Long and SiMYB2-Short, that regulate anthocyanin accumulation and pigment pattern formation in Saintpaulia flowers. The study reveals the genetic basis of flower patterning, potentially enabling more deliberate breeding of patterned flowers.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that soybeans employ differential transpiration as a natural defense strategy to cool reproductive tissues under extreme weather conditions. This adaptation allows plants to save significant amounts of water while protecting their flowers and seed pods.
A new study by Texas A&M University is tracking the health effects of living in an agrihood community, where residents have access to a working farm and green spaces. The study aims to measure changes in physical activity, nutrition, and social connectedness among participants.
A review has identified six key employment pathways for youth in Africa's agricultural sector, including primary production, agri-service provision and green entrepreneurship. The review highlights the importance of scalable and sustainable business models that support young entrepreneurs, such as collective action and revenue-sharing ...
The study develops a stochastic dynamic programming model that accounts for cumulative effects of cover crops on soil fertility, uncertain future prices, and irreversibility of sunk machinery costs. The findings suggest a threshold level of soil fertility above which it is optimal to adopt cover crops, favoring no-till practices.
Researchers develop a method using convolutional networks to automatically identify traditional, intensive, and super-intensive olive grove types from Sentinel-2 satellite images. The algorithm achieved an accuracy of 80% and offers a more efficient and precise alternative to traditional methods.
Traditional Asian wheat varieties harbor multiple genes conferring yellow rust resistance, a devastating disease threatening global bread wheat production. These findings highlight the importance of preserving genetic diversity and traditional farming practices to combat diseases and ensure food security.
Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated the reversal of embolism in a type of wild grass, which can recover from extended drought within 24 hours. This finding has significant implications for improving agricultural productivity and food security, as it could potentially be bred into crops to make them more resilient...
Researchers developed an AI system to classify tiny powdery pollen grains produced by fir, spruce, and pine trees, enhancing speed and accuracy. The tool can aid allergy sufferers, urban planners, farmers, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Researchers identify CLE16 peptide as key molecule promoting symbiotic relationship between plants and beneficial soil fungi. Supplementing with this peptide or its fungal equivalent can enhance nutrient exchange and strengthen these traits in crops.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that bridging structures, regional coordinators, and addressing stakeholder expectations are crucial for long-term success. The project promoted habitat connectivity and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes.
Researchers at Okayama University have identified the Shoot-Silicon-Signal protein as a crucial regulator of silicon uptake and accumulation in rice and other grasses. The study highlights the importance of silicon in enhancing plant resilience and productivity, particularly under climate change conditions.
The study reveals five groups of barriers reinforcing each other, including corporate dominance and institutional shortcomings. A comprehensive framework is proposed to address these systemic challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrated political responses and context-sensitive solutions.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $210,000 grant to support ongoing integrated pest management programs across the state. The grant will focus on agronomic and specialty crops, pest control in houses and schools, and improving pollinator health.
A new study from the University of Göttingen reveals that the identity of pollinators, pollen, and crop varieties significantly impact fruit quality. The research emphasizes the need to consider these factors to improve crop nutrient composition and consumer health.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers finds that nearly half of soybean-related emissions come from the natural processes in soil, which can be mitigated through strategies like planting winter cover crops and adjusting planting schedules. These solutions have been found to reduce emissions by one-third while increasing yields.
A new study presents a cutting-edge catalog of banana diversity, tracing the ancestral origins of various cultivars using innovative genomic techniques. The catalog reveals that some locally appreciated banana groups are not single clones, opening perspectives for diversification.
A new multi-state study identified three management tips to extend green color and reduce cold-weather injury in hybrid bermudagrass: raising mowing height, applying nitrogen fertilizer in the fall, and maintaining adequate soil moisture. The research found that slow-release nitrogen applications through mid-September had positive impa...
A new machine-learning model developed by a University of Arkansas student improves upon existing genotype-by-environmental interaction models, achieving higher prediction accuracy. The model uses feature engineering to process environmental data, leading to a 7% improvement in mean prediction accuracy.
A new study by German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig found that climate change impacts ecosystems' multifunctionality, affecting soil health and biodiversity. Sustainable land management practices can enhance ecological and economic benefits under current and future climate conditions.
Nitrous-oxide emissions have increased by 40% over the past four decades, resulting in accelerating atmospheric accumulation of this potent greenhouse gas. Agricultural production is the largest source of emissions, and improving practices can help reduce nitrous-oxide emissions and water pollution.
Researchers used pea, carrot, and tomato plants to simulate Martian agriculture. Intercropping emerged as a promising method to optimize fresh food production in future colonies.
Entomopathogenic nematodes can parasitize and kill fall armyworms without environmental risks. The nematode gel technology, developed by Patrick Fallet and colleagues, outperforms commercial formulations and yields significant yield increases in Africa and Asia.
A team of scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology uncovered the molecular mechanism responsible for crossover interference during meiosis, a biological process that generates genetically diverse reproductive cells. The findings have significant implications for breeding and cultivating crops with specific desired traits.
A neural network trained on a photographic database of olive fruit endocarps can identify olive varieties with high accuracy. The OliVaR tool automates the traditional morphological classification process, allowing growers to quickly identify olive tree varieties and advancing general knowledge of all existing olive varieties.
Research reveals that aquifer depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to continue meeting irrigation demands. As groundwater dwindles, agricultural losses escalate, especially for corn and soybean yields.