Articles tagged with Crop 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.
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.
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 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.
The study found that the world can achieve greater environmental benefits by focusing on improvements to key aspects of salmon production and distribution. Farmed salmon feeding, wild salmon catching, and transportation methods have a significant impact on climate change, ocean acidification, and habitat loss.
Researchers found that flax can produce up to 0.3 kg of ethanol per kg of dry biomass, but its overall environmental impact is lower than Brassica carinata. Bioethanol from these sources can help mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gases.
Australian scientists have achieved world-leading oil production rates from algae grown in open saline ponds, paving the way for commercial quantities of clean biofuel. The multi-million dollar pilot plant will test the whole process on a larger scale and aims to produce biofuel at less than $1 a kilo.
Mechanical fruit thinning improves pecan yield and nut quality, leading to increased profit potential. The study found that thinned trees had a higher return crop value in the off-year, offsetting any loss in yield, resulting in overall increased profitability for 'Cape Fear' and 'Sumner' pecan varieties.
Researchers will develop a system for conducting climate-impact assessments for international market systems, focusing on the tart-cherry industry. The study aims to provide detailed information for industry stakeholders to plan for future investments.
The USDA's $320 million initiative aims to support programs in 12 states, enabling farmers to implement conservation practices that reduce nutrient runoff and improve wildlife habitat. The program underscores the agency's commitment to sustainable land stewardship and cleaner water.
IRRI must produce an additional 8ñ6 million tons of rice over the next twenty years to meet demand and keep prices affordable. The organization supports sustainable land acquisition practices, prioritizing benefits for poor rice farmers and consumers.
Salt-loving algae can be grown on marginal lands with brackish water, producing biofuels 10-30 times more than terrestrial crops. Their growth is non-seasonal, making them suitable for recycling atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Researchers have discovered that the juice of 'cull' watermelons can be efficiently fermented into ethanol, producing approximately 220 L/ha. This process also yields valuable nutrients like lycopene and L-citrulline.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that bioethanol production requires up to 861 billion gallons of water, with some regions consuming as much as 2,100 gallons per gallon of ethanol produced. This highlights the need for regional-specific considerations when implementing biofuel mandates.
The study found that winter chill in California will decline by up to 80% by the end of the century, making many tree crops unsuitable for growing. Growers may need to develop new tree cultivars and management strategies to mitigate the impact of reduced winter chill.
Research suggests that corn yield stability improves when rotated with alfalfa, red clover, and timothy; dairy manure applications can support continuous corn in high-yielding years but hinder it in low-yielding years. Synthetic fertilizers or phosphorus-based manure negatively impact continuous corn yields.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is developing drought-tolerant rice to help farmers cope with water shortages affecting 15-20 million hectares of irrigated rice. Genetically modified rice may also play a role in boosting production and improving grain quality during postharvest
Agriculture is expected to see an increase in supply and demand, leading to higher real prices for grain and oilseeds. The rising trend of corn and soybean yields in major production areas, combined with new technologies and genetic improvements, will contribute to this growth.
Crop residues are crucial for sustaining soil organic matter, but extensive removal for ethanol production can impact soil productivity. Research suggests that straw removal rates should be limited to less than 66% and no more than 40% of aboveground residues removed.
A three-year NSF grant will help improve protein production in crops through research on Arabidopsis gene conversion. The study aims to understand how plants control protein synthesis and identify key steps and factors involved.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that growing duckweed on hog wastewater produces starch for ethanol, outperforming corn by five to six times per acre. The process generates clean water and turns pollutants into a fuel production system.
The study found that organic and rotational grazing systems were more profitable than conventional monocropping, despite increased risk exposure. The results suggest that governmental policy should support crop rotations and organic farming practices.
Researchers have identified new alternative substrates to pine bark and peatmoss, finding that landscape annuals can thrive in ground pine tree and pine bark substrates. The study showed comparable foliage growth, flower density, and root proliferation for plants grown in both substrates.
The US shiitake market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for nutritious mushrooms. Shiitake are high in potassium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc, making them an attractive crop for environmentally friendly growers.
The national nursery survey report highlights distinct regional variations in nursery production practices and technology adoption. Regional differences were found in areas such as labor usage, integrated pest management, and computerization adoption.
A new enzyme developed by CSIRO Australia successfully removes over 90% of atrazine from contaminated water in a trial, providing a promising solution to reduce off-farm water contamination. The enzyme works against various triazine herbicides and is expected to benefit farmers worldwide.
A new study by Holly Gibbs at Stanford's Woods Institute for the Environment suggests that biofuel crops may contribute to climate change by burning tropical forests. The research found that agricultural subsidies and policies favoring biofuel crop production can lead to deforestation, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
The study found that plant and forestry waste, dedicated energy crops, and cellulosic ethanol could sustainably produce 90 billion gallons of ethanol by 2030. Cellulosic biofuels could compete with oil without incentives at $90 per barrel, assuming reduced costs.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and the USDA have identified alternative fumigants to methyl bromide (MeBr) for tomato production in North Carolina. The study found that while no single alternative can fully substitute MeBr, technically and economically feasible options exist for growers to adopt.
A study published in Human Ecology highlights the problems linked to converting crops into biofuels, including inefficiency, economic costs, and environmental degradation. The research reveals a negative energy return for many biofuel sources, making them less productive than projected.
Concordia University will coordinate the Cellulosic Biofuels Network, a major national project focusing on sustainable ethanol production from cellulosic material. The project aims to assess crop production economics and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A study by University of Iowa researchers has documented MRSA in swine and swine workers in the US for the first time. The investigation found a high prevalence rate of MRSA among swine and swine handlers, suggesting transmission between animals and humans.
The tequila boom has led to a surge in demand, causing companies to plant their own agave, marginalizing independent farmers and workers. The study highlights the need for sustainable production practices to be incorporated into the legal framework of geographical indications.