Articles tagged with Crop Production
A team of researchers at DOE's BioEnergy Science Center has pinpointed the single gene controlling ethanol production capacity in a microorganism. This breakthrough discovery could lead to developing biomass crops that produce higher concentrations of ethanol at lower costs, addressing our reliance on imported oil.
Algae-based fuel produces high energy output with minimal land use, but its production is associated with significant environmental costs. The research suggests that algae-based biofuels may not be a silver bullet for replacing petroleum as a transportation energy source.
A Michigan State University study shows that converting Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land to corn and soybean production creates a significant carbon debt. Growing CRP grasses for cellulosic ethanol instead provides immediate energy and climate benefits, with no carbon debt.
A study by Kansas State University researchers linked increased soybean and biofuel crop production in Brazil to significant deforestation in the Amazon. Reducing soybean production by 10% could decrease deforestation by nearly 40%.
The study found that self-seeding winter cereal cover crops produced consistent growth using wheat cover crop and mechanical seed dispersal. This technique can lower costs and risks while extending ecological functions of cover crops beyond their normal termination dates.
Researchers found that virus-tested foundation seed increases yield, but quality declines when integrated into commercial farms. Seed productivity and quality vary from year to year and location to location.
An online mentoring program helped students in agriculture and natural resources gain insight into career opportunities and college life. The program expanded students' views of career possibilities and increased their willingness to relocate for career purposes.
Researchers identify top biotic constraints affecting soybean production, including aphids, rust, nematodes, and exotic pathogen red leaf blotch. Genetic resources, biosecurity measures, and resistant cultivars are needed to combat these threats.
A new analysis finds that most countries participating in REDD+ cite agriculture as the main cause of deforestation, but few provide details on how to address this issue. Countries pursuing food and biofuel production policies are intensifying agriculture-related pressures on forest lands.
A study on Miscanthus species reveals their potential as high-yield energy crops capable of growing on marginal land. The authors found that wild populations have genetic variation and adaptation that could provide valuable resources for the development of bioenergy crops.
The American Society for Microbiology warns that globalization is exposing the US food supply to unsanitary practices, particularly in seafood and fresh produce imports. The FDA inspects less than 1% of imported entries annually, highlighting the need for both government verification and industry responsibility.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a fungus-based process that improves the economics of ethanol production by producing high-quality animal feed and cleaning water for recycling. The MycoMeal process has the potential to save US ethanol producers up to $800 million per year in energy costs.
A new study led by Stanford University researchers found that US farmers have largely avoided the impacts of global warming on wheat and corn production. However, with projected temperature increases, it is likely that North American crop yields will eventually be affected.
Algae crop failures cost millions in the emerging green industry, so researchers are seeking solutions. A recent $1 million grant from the USDA will help develop a Best Management Practices Plan (BMPP) to prevent zooplankton contamination and promote sustainable algal cultivation.
The Iowa State University team created an interactive simulator, I-BOS, which replicates real-world biorefinery operations and includes features like video clips from actual plants and emergency scenarios. This tool can help train employees to operate a biorefinery more efficiently.
A US Department of Agriculture study suggests that dietary yeast extract has good potential as a non-antibiotic alternative for decreasing pathogens in organic turkey production. The researchers are looking for a balance between enhancing immune response and maintaining growth.
A UC Riverside entomology team proposes a pesticide-free method to increase egg production by targeting a damaging parasite. The strategy involves introducing a natural parasite that competes with and eliminates the more difficult-to-manage fowl mite, reducing egg losses by up to five percent.
Reduced tillage can increase weed populations, particularly perennial species like Canada thistle and bindweed, which are difficult to control. Integrated systems that include on-site or locally sourced manure can improve the economics of organic production.
Researchers at the USDA's Vegetable and Forage Crops Research Laboratory in Prosser, Wash., have found promising alternatives to traditional crops for bioenergy production. These include canola, camelina, soybeans, mustard, and switchgrass, which could help supply Washington State with renewable fuels.
Two Agave species have yielded significantly more than other biofuel crops in independent studies, making them a promising alternative for global energy needs. The crop's potential to thrive in semi-arid regions without significant land demands offers a sustainable and environmentally-friendly production method.
A recent University of Illinois study shows that sweet corn can be grown successfully with reduced atrazine use, but may not often be able to do so. The study found that weed control falls apart quickly when atrazine is removed, increasing the risk of yield losses.
A new extraction method using green chemistry has been developed to recover pigmented carotenoids from dried Capsicum fruit, with a recovery rate of 85% or greater. This process reduces the use of hazardous solvents and minimizes environmental risks, enabling a wider range of red-fruited cultivars to be used for pigment production.
A recent study evaluates integrated fruit production and organic fruit production systems for disease-resistant 'Liberty' apples. The research suggests that IFP could be widely implemented in the northeastern US, but OFP may be more feasible for small to midsized direct market operations due to higher costs.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a new farming method that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions while increasing corn grain production. The method, called strip tillage, involves tilling fields in strips and applying fertilizer in bands, resulting in lower nitrous oxide emissions and higher yields.
A study investigated willow cut-stem producers' profiles, production practices and market value. Most growers sought to expand acreage and extend seasonal markets, with some citing limited scientific knowledge of the crop.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a long, non-coding RNA molecule, COLDAIR, that helps plants remember winter and bloom in spring. This process, known as vernalization, allows plants to recognize longer periods of cold and adjust their flowering schedules accordingly.
African leaders are set to adopt a new strategy for transforming the continent's agriculture and economy. The plan calls for increased investment in modern technologies, infrastructure expansion, and improved education, with a focus on women's empowerment and rural prosperity.
A new report from the Energy Biosciences Institute projects that developing cost-competitive algae biofuel production will require long-term research and development. Several non-fuel applications of algae could advance the industry, but achieving economic viability will require additional income streams.
A new assessment tool measures environmental performance of global aquaculture, revealing that large-scale farming still causes significant ecological damage. Despite best practices, industrial-scale aquaculture magnifies environmental degradation, especially in Asian countries with rapidly increasing production.
The University of Illinois is developing guidelines for increasing environmental, social, and economic sustainability in ornamental crop production systems. Biocontainers made from plant-based materials are being evaluated for their potential to reduce waste and improve plant growth.
A new study finds that crop productivity improvements and carbon emission limits can work together to prevent tropical deforestation over the next 100 years. The research suggests that increasing crop yields while implementing economic incentives to store carbon in forests can help preserve tropical forests and even increase their extent.
Scientists have successfully cultivated 'ōhelo berries in Hawaii, reducing environmental damage and increasing the fruit's availability for small farms and ornamental purposes. The new cultivar, Kilauea, exhibits improved plant hardiness and vigor, allowing for faster germination and flowering.
A new multistate study aims to develop and test technologies for site-specific detection and control of nematodes, reducing nematicide usage by over 75% compared to uniform-rate applications. The project will enhance crop yield while saving farmers thousands of dollars annually in reduced pesticide costs.
A Vermont study found that consumers are willing to pay significantly more for locally grown, organic apples. The research indicates a 'significant niche market' for local, organic apples in the US, with many consumers purchasing them from supermarkets, farmers' markets, and natural food stores.
The American Society of Agronomy has selected 2010 ASA Fellows, including experts in soil science, plant breeding, and water management. The class includes Cynthia Grant, Scott D. Haley, and Peter Kleinman, among others, who have made significant contributions to their fields.
Researchers found that early cotton planting boosts yield only with irrigation. In non-irrigated plots, early planting resulted in decreased production, even experiencing a 13% decline in yield one year.
Researchers at the University of Illinois will study the effects of the Glossy15 gene system on sorghum biomass production. The goal is to develop economically and environmentally sustainable crops with improved biomass yields and conversion to bioenergy.
The study found that over 80% of new farmland created in the tropics between 1980 and 2000 came from felling forests, with significant implications for global warming. The research suggests that the rate of deforestation may be slowing, but the demand for agricultural production is expected to continue growing.
Researchers develop integrated pest management system using Neoseiulus californicus predatory mites and petroleum spray oils to reduce pesticide usage in eggplant farming. The system aims to improve eggplant production, increase farmer income, and benefit consumers and the environment.
A study from the Energy Biosciences Institute proposes using a range of plants, including perennial grasses and woody biomass, to produce sustainable cellulosic fuels. This approach could support ecosystem health worldwide by utilizing dedicated energy crops rather than repurposing food and feed crops.
A new study found that rising temperatures in Asia will slow rice production, with daily minimum temperature increases cutting yield growth rate by 10-20 percent in several locations. This could lead to food insecurity and poverty for the over three billion people who rely on rice as their staple food.
Scientists converted surplus butter into biodiesel, meeting most test standards for a biobased fuel source. Butter's fatty acid esters can be blended with existing biodiesel to increase supply.
Archaeologists are studying the production of large quantities of decorated ceramic vessels by the prehistoric Hohokam people without a managerial elite hierarchy. The researchers aim to understand how a egalitarian society achieved mass-production techniques.
A study compiled field studies across the US to identify influences on biomass yield of switchgrass. Lowland and upland switchgrass types showed varying yields, with annual averages of 12.9 metric tons per hectare for lowland and 8.7 metric tons for upland ecotypes.
Researchers at Hebrew University successfully produced human type I pro-collagen in transgenic tobacco plants, solving a major issue with scarce and pathogen-ridden human cadaver sources. This breakthrough has significant commercial potential, valued at multi-million dollars.
ARS scientists Rich Novy and Jonathan Whitworth are working on a program to develop new potato lines that resist different biotypes of late blight. The goal is to help growers save on fungicides and other expenses associated with controlling the disease, which can render potatoes unmarketable.
Researchers identified a gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that enables it to convert five-carbon sugars like xylose into ethanol. This discovery may lead to the development of new, industrially-applicable strains for large-scale bioethanol production.
Researchers found that cowpea produced comparable onion yields to bare ground, while foxtail millet was less effective as a mulch due to its thickness. Soybean meal showed potential as an effective source of nitrogen for organic onion production.
The US Department of Agriculture's ARS is conducting long-term studies to examine growing camelina as a bioenergy crop. Camelina has high oil content, making it a promising candidate for producing biofuels.
The report assesses environmental, social, and agricultural characteristics of GMS nations and outlines changes needed to meet future food demands. Technologies and practices can help farmers use water more efficiently, increase crop yields further and adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have discovered that the plant hormone jasmonic acid regulates nectar production in rapeseed flowers, a critical process for pollination. The study found that jasmonic acid triggers nectar accumulation in response to floral development, regardless of herbivore attack.
A report by air quality expert Frank Mitloehner rejects the claim that reducing meat and dairy consumption can combat climate change. Instead, he suggests focusing on more efficient farming practices in developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers have developed five new potato breeding lines resistant to powdery scab and black dot diseases, caused by fungi <i>Spongospora subterranea</i> and <i>Colletotrichum coccodes</i>, respectively. The lines consistently showed fewer disease symptoms than other tested varieties in three years of field trials.
A 2-year field study found that peppermint yields and oil content are higher in Mississippi compared to other regions. Delaying the first harvest until late July promotes accumulation of menthol, a key oil ingredient.
A new Stanford University study finds that global warming could lead to crop shortages, rising food prices, and increased poverty in some regions. However, others may benefit from higher crop yields and prices, particularly farmers who own their own land.
The world's population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, with a significant decline in crop yields due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. To address this challenge, scientists are advocating for innovative agricultural systems that reduce land, energy, and water usage while minimizing pollution.
Smallholder mixed farmers, who feed most of the world's poor people, are neglected by aid and policies. The authors urge wealthy countries to support small-scale farming systems that combine crop and livestock production, which can increase food production sustainably.
The 2008 Organic Production Survey found that US organic farms had higher average sales ($217,675) and production expenses ($171,978) compared to conventional farms. California dominated the market with $1.15 billion in sales, accounting for 36% of nationwide sales.
Researchers have found that oat plants with strong crown rust resistance tend to produce higher concentrations of Avns, a type of antioxidant metabolite. The study suggests that oat breeders can select cultivars with enhanced Avn production by taking into account disease pressure during growth.
The industry is shifting towards organic methods, with growers citing environmental concerns and a desire to reduce their ecological footprint. Organic bedding plant producers face challenges such as insect and disease management, fertility issues, and substrate problems, highlighting the need for future research in this area.