Articles tagged with Cotton
Researchers found that reusable plastic bags are the most eco-friendly option, followed by single-use plastic bags, due to their lower environmental footprint compared to single-use paper and multi-use cotton bags. Reusable plastic bags can be reused over 50 times before becoming environmentally detrimental.
A study found that humans more accurately recall the locations of high-calorie foods than low-calorie foods. Participants presented with food samples were 27% more accurate at mapping high-calorie foods to the correct location, while those presented with food-scented cotton pads showed a 28% accuracy boost.
Cotton growers can improve efficiency by using models to correlate development milestones, estimate crop status, and optimize input use. Thermal models, such as heat units, predict crop maturity, informing applications of plant growth regulators and end-of-season management.
Foliar fertilization improves efficiency and corrects deficiencies in cotton yields. The 4Rs approach to nutrient management is essential for economic, environmental, and social factors.
University of Tennessee Extension specialists share perspectives on integrating cover crops into cotton systems, highlighting benefits and drawbacks. Earlier termination of the cover crop and moving residue away from rows can improve stand establishment, according to research.
Planting cover crops is a key strategy for effective integrated weed management in cotton, offering benefits like improved Palmer amaranth control and reduced herbicide input. Research shows that cover crops can also mitigate wind and water erosion, while minimizing labor and improving cotton stand.
Harvest aids accelerate natural processes to minimize trash, improve quality, and expedite harvesting. The timing of application is crucial, considering factors like labor availability, weather, and regional preferences.
Scientists have created a novel way of creating a flame-retardant, insect-repellent fabric using nontoxic substances. The new fabric was found to perform at least 20% better than the untreated material in heat release capacity and total heat release tests.
Researchers at Mississippi State University recommend using an integrated approach that combines seed-applied nematicides with in-furrow nematicides to manage reniform nematodes in cotton. This approach can improve cotton yields while reducing production costs, making it a economically viable option for farmers.
A new study tests the effectiveness of different types of masks in preventing the spread of droplets that contain SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. The findings suggest that professional-grade N95 masks, surgical or polypropylene masks, and handmade cotton masks may block much of the spray produced when wearers speak.
Researchers found that adjusting planter depth and downforce according to environmental conditions can improve crop emergence and yield. Studies showed that larger seeds produce a slight increase in emergence, while hill-drop planting overcomes inadequate field conditions.
The University of Tennessee Extension's Cotton Nitrogen Management publication has been awarded a Blue Ribbon by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. The publication, authored by Lori Duncan and Tyson Raper, provides recommendations for optimizing nitrogen use efficiency in cotton production.
A study finds that crop rotation effectively mitigates western corn rootworm damage to Bt cornfields, increasing yields and reducing fertilizer use. Farmers must diversify their Bt crops and rotate to prevent the pest's resistance.
Plant pathologists at Auburn University conducted a field trial to assess the economic damage of reniform nematodes on cotton yields. The study found that cotton yields were 50% lower in fields infested with the nematode compared to clean fields.
Researchers found that combining tightly woven cotton with two layers of polyester-spandex chiffon or natural silk can effectively filter out aerosol particles, similar to N95 masks. The effectiveness of the mask depends on a proper fit, as a 1% gap reduces filtering efficiency by half or more.
The study found that wild and domesticated cotton genomes are remarkably similar, with less diversity between species than within humans or cells. This limits the ability to introduce beneficial traits like disease resistance through gene mining.
The study reveals that despite its widespread distribution, the cotton genome is remarkably stable, with only minor differences between species. This knowledge can inform breeding practices and improve crop yields.
Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that a majority of fungi associated with cotton can reduce galling caused by the Southern root knot nematode. The study found highly repeatable reductions in gall formation across independent trials, suggesting these fungi may have previously unappreciated positive effects on plant health.
Researchers found that both surgical and cotton masks failed to filter SARS-CoV-2 from coughs of patients with COVID-19. The study suggests that the use of face masks may not be effective in preventing the spread of the virus.
Researchers at Hokkaido University and Kao Corporation discovered that bound water on cotton surfaces causes cross-linking between single fibers, leading to stiffness. The study used atomic force microscopy and infrared spectroscopy to investigate the bound water's unique properties.
A new analysis of GM Bt cotton in India challenges its effectiveness, citing increased spending on fertilizers and insecticides as key factors behind productivity gains. Despite being credited with tripling cotton production, the seeds' impact is overstated due to factors beyond their agronomic benefits.
Tyson Raper has made significant contributions to cotton profitability through his research on high-residue cover crops and nutrient rate optimization. His work evaluating crop heat units for modern cotton varieties is also being recognized with the Cotton Researcher of the Year award.
A study by Nora Szech and Jannis Engel reveals that consumers unconsciously use a single ethical aspect as an excuse for a less moral behavior regarding other aspects of the product. This 'indulgence effect' persists even after the purchase and can be used to justify selfish decisions.
Researchers at University of Leeds and Procter & Gamble found that shorter, cooler washes can significantly extend garment lifespan and reduce microfiber release by up to 52%. This reduces environmental impact, as microfibers contribute to ocean pollution.
Integrating a cover crop with broiler litter in no-till dryland cotton systems increases plant residue, cotton yield, and infiltration while improving soil health indicators. This approach helps reduce fertilizer costs and protect the environment.
A collaboration between growers and scientists has identified practices increasing soil health in West Texas cotton production, including crop rotation, cover crops, and residue management. These regenerative practices improve soil resiliency to climate extremes.
A study evaluated various commercial products to recover cotton plants from reduced dicamba and 2,4-D rates. No recovery treatments regained yields compared to untreated plots for either herbicide, with inconsistent trends from year to year.
Researchers engineered a violet-colored polyester fabric that attracts more female tsetse flies and shows improved effectiveness against savannah species. The new fabric was developed based on understanding how flies see color.
No-till with cover crop systems have produced higher net returns than conventional till in Texas cotton systems. The practice also improves soil health, water storage, and long-term yield potential.
Researchers developed an electronic nose that can non-destructively detect odors emitted by books of different paper compositions and ages. The device distinguished between paper from cotton, linen, or wood, as well as identified acidic and yellowing papers.
Cotton blue disease, caused by Cotton leafroll dwarf virus, was first reported in the US in 2017. Next-generation sequencing revealed characteristic symptoms, including slowed plant growth and loss of chlorophyll.
Cotton blue disease, caused by Cotton leafroll dwarf virus, was reported in the US for the first time in Alabama in 2017. The disease affected approximately 25% of the state's cotton crop and resulted in a 4% yield loss.
Researchers found that sesame performs well under drought conditions, with consistent yields even when water-deficit conditions decreased sorghum's yield by 25% and cotton's yield by 40%. Sesame has multiple market value uses, including food consumption, cooking oil production, and livestock feed.
Scientists discovered that viruses alter host plant immunity to deter non-vector insect herbivores, facilitating disease transmission. Geminivirus infection redistributes plant metabolites, inhibiting herbivore growth and production.
Researchers Sally Taylor and Seth Dorman recommend scouting, threshold-based management, and resistance management strategies to effectively manage tarnished plant bugs in Mid-Atlantic cotton. They emphasize the importance of avoiding planting nearby hosts and using certain varieties to minimize intensive management.
The tarnished plant bug is a significant pest of cotton in North Carolina and Virginia, feeding on reproductive tissues and damaging crops. Effective management strategies include sampling correctly, applying thresholds properly, planting early, and avoiding overfertilizing and overirrigating.
The Fieldprint calculator helps farmers evaluate productivity, profitability, and sustainability across eight metrics. It collects data by asking farmers to answer questions about their management practices, providing analysis relating to biodiversity, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and more.
Researchers have modified cotton fabric to emit a lemony citronella aroma when sweat comes into contact. The fragrance release strategy uses either an odorant-binding protein or liposomes, resulting in quick and controlled scent emission.
Researchers have developed an efficient and low-cost method to convert waste denim into reusable cotton fibers, reducing textile waste and conserving resources. The new process uses a 1:4 mixture of ionic liquid and DMSO to dissolve cellulose building blocks, resulting in white or colored viscose-type fibers.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research reviewed plant population studies to update recommendations. They found that yield is optimized at around 15,000 plants per acre, but there is no yield benefit to high populations.
Researchers used genetic maps to identify genes controlling fiber length in Sealand cultivars, which improved fiber quality while maintaining or increasing yields. This breakthrough could help breeders overcome the yield vs quality challenge in cotton breeding.
The 2018 Mississippi State University Row Crop Short Course presented topics such as nematode management, weed control, off-target movement of herbicides, and the economic outlook for row crops. Presentations are now available online through the "Focus on Cotton" series.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new method to produce enzymes in plants, which can be as effective as traditional microbial-derived enzymes. The plant-grown enzymes are cheaper to produce and shelf-stable, making them a game-changer for industries such as textile manufacturing and juice production.
The proliferation of genetically modified seeds in India has led to 'choice overload,' where farmers struggle to make decisions due to a vast array of options. Farmers prioritize community expectations and social status over yield, driven by the desire to be successful and modern.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a fabric that can harvest body heat to power small wearable microelectronics, such as activity trackers. The fabric uses thermoelectric properties of everyday materials like wool and cotton to generate electricity.
Tyson Raper, a University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture assistant professor, was honored as the 2019 Beltwide Extension Cotton Specialist of the Year. He has led the university's education and research efforts involving cotton production, working closely with producers and industry groups.
A global collaboration of ecological researchers, including Kent State University's Dave Costello, has revealed new findings on the effect of climatic factors on river-based ecosystems. The study found that temperature and moisture influenced carbon-cycling rates of river ecosystems.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a cotton-based hybrid biofuel cell that provides twice as much power as conventional biofuel cells. The device uses gold nanoparticles assembled on cotton to create high-conductivity electrodes, improving efficiency and stability.
Researchers identified a dominantly inherited mutation that makes cotton bollworms resistant to genetically engineered cotton. The study's findings suggest that this dominant gene is spreading rapidly and may soon threaten cotton production in China.
Research in China found reduced insecticide use against bollworm led to increased mirid bug severity, while Bacillus thuringiensis cotton reduced overall pest complex. Climate change may exacerbate this issue, highlighting the need for sustainable management practices.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife have developed a fertilizer system that applies phosphite to engineered cotton crops, allowing them to utilize the nutrient while suppressing weeds. This technology has shown promise in inhibiting growth of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth and other herbicide-resistant weeds.
Researchers identify best irrigation methods for cotton in water-limited situations, challenging common assumption that producers should irrigate early and often. By reducing watering after plant emergence, yields and fiber quality can be maintained or even improved.
A field experiment was conducted over two years to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen levels and drip irrigation modes on seed cotton yield, dry matter, and water productivity. Results showed that Rassafa cotton cultivar is responsive to nitrogen fertilizer and drip irrigation modes.
Researchers developed mathematical models to analyze the connections between pest patterns of dispersal in crops and diversified intercropping systems. The models showed that spatial configurations can favor or inhibit pest dispersal, and identified the best refuge configuration to delay Bt crop resistance in pests.
A 29-year study on cover crops and no-till cotton fields found that cover crops offer benefits in the long term, even if they reduce short-term profits. The research team analyzed data from a unique 29-year period to determine the economic impact of cover crops.
University of Tennessee assistant professor Tyson Raper received the 2018 Dr. J. Tom Cothren Outstanding Young Cotton Physiologist Award for his research contributions to cotton physiology. He leads education and research efforts on cotton, wheat, and small grain crops.
A recent simulation study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research team found that winter wheat is a viable cover crop option for Rolling Plains cotton production. The study showed no significant impact of winter wheat on soil moisture and yield in both irrigated and dryland systems.
Researchers found that a multi-spectral camera mounted on a quad-copter provided more accurate results than a digital camera, with over 93% accuracy in estimating plant populations. The study aims to improve crop monitoring efficiency and profitability for farmers.
Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a vapor deposition method for nano-coating fabric to create sewable, weavable, electrically heated material. The technology has the potential to change personal thermal management, medical heat therapy, joint pain relief, and athletic rehabilitation.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have successfully detected polarised light from a rapidly spinning star for the first time. Using a highly sensitive piece of equipment, they measured Regulus' spin rate of 96.5% of its break-up velocity, equivalent to 320 km/s.