Articles tagged with Crop Production
Scientists discover that small RNAs recruit RNA Polymerase V to initiate DNA methylation, enabling crop breeders to avoid silencing from the start. This finding has substantial implications for reducing the cost and effort of producing transgenic crops.
Farmers in the African Sahel have developed crop diversity strategies to cope with high seasonal variability and rising temperatures caused by climate change. By alternating long and short-cycle crop varieties, such as sorghum and pearl millet, they maintain food security despite changing environmental conditions.
A NASA study published in Nature Food projects that climate change will affect crop yields as early as 2030. Maize yields are projected to decline by 24%, while wheat yields could increase by 17%. The changes are due to rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and elevated carbon dioxide concentrations.
A NASA/PIK study found that new climate conditions will push crop yields outside of their normal range in more regions, particularly in breadbasket areas. This could lead to severe losses for farmers unless they adapt quickly by changing planting dates or using different crop varieties.
A new production model has been introduced to the Rwandan broiler industry, allowing smallholders to increase productivity and profitability. The model, which employs a hybrid asset-building approach, provides an entry point for small-scale producers to compete with larger operations.
A team of scientists found that technology adoption as a water-saving method for improving irrigation efficiency is ineffective and can worsen water scarcity. The study suggests that modern irrigation technologies may only achieve a 10-20% saving under ideal conditions.
A large-scale study characterized 585 strains of the Xanthomonas perforans bacterium in Florida commercial tomato fields, finding associations between farms and transplant facilities as key points of pathogen spread. This research provides insights into the diversity of the pathogen population and potential control strategies for farmers.
Researchers found that urban waste products applied to agricultural fields in France contained higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) than livestock manures. The study also detected a shift towards more persistent PFAS compounds over time, raising toxicity concerns.
A recent study has revealed that Fusarium wilt of cotton is more aggressive and diverse than previously understood, affecting Pima and Upland varieties. The researchers identified a population shift towards FOV4, a fourth race of the fungus, which has overcome some resistance in commercial Pima varieties.
Over an 80-year period, marketable ear mass in sweet corn hybrids grown at high densities increased by 2.85 tons per acre, while fresh kernel mass and recovery showed minimal changes. Modern hybrids were found to be more suitable for growth at high densities due to their compact plant architecture.
University of Illinois researchers discovered waterhemp's unique mechanism to detoxify the herbicide SA3, adding complexity to controlling this weed. This finding raises concerns about the potential for waterhemp to resist new herbicides before they are even commercialized.
Research suggests that concentrate farming allows for more natural habitats while meeting future food targets, resulting in better biodiversity outcomes compared to wildlife-friendly agriculture. This approach also sequesters more carbon and may benefit marine life.
A new report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) suggests that accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change. Climate change-induced biophysical crop stress could lead to a 10% reduction in food crop yields by 2050, but investing in agricultural research and devel...
A new study reviews sustainability standards for crop and livestock production, finding moderate positive effects on the environment through reduced agrichemical use. However, economic benefits vary by region and standard, and assessments are complicated. The study also raises concerns about labor practices and inequalities in the rura...
The Sustainable Agriculture Matrix provides a comprehensive assessment of agricultural sustainability at a national level, considering environmental, economic, and social impacts. The framework helps governments and organizations evaluate progress, identify priorities for improvement, and inform policies towards sustainable agriculture.
A new University of Illinois study integrates field data and advanced mathematical modeling to understand how cover crops affect soil water, nitrogen, and oxygen dynamics. The research finds that proper management of cover crops can balance their benefits with cash crop yields, while ignoring the impacts without optimization.
A new study provides a comprehensive framework to evaluate the emissions of three major greenhouse gases from food production and consumption. The research found that animal-based foods emit 57% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while plant-based foods account for 29%, with CO2 being the most important emission factor.
Researchers have sequenced the shea tree's genome, providing a valuable resource for genetic improvement and breeding. The new tool will enable faster development of high-performing shea varieties, addressing the species' slow growth rate and high demand.
Researchers at UMD are developing CRISPR-Combo systems to improve genome editing and crop regeneration. The technology aims to reduce the time and cost of breeding new crop varieties with enhanced nutritional and agronomic traits.
Researchers from Göttingen and Hohenheim found hand pollination used worldwide for 20 crops, including apples and vanillas. The method can reduce losses and improve crop quality, but also brings challenges due to labor intensity and cost.
The Agrobiodiversity Index reveals that globally, biodiversity and agrobiodiversity are in decline, with only a fraction of species contributing to crop production. Maintaining diversity is vital for achieving sustainable food systems.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to longer dry spells in tropical regions, causing important global crops like coffee and cocoa to suffer. This could result from hotter temperatures, increased number of dry days, and longer dry spell lengths, particularly during the dry season.
A recent study has identified a nematode attractant in flax seeds, which can be used to develop sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture methods. The attractant, consisting of cell wall polysaccharides, is found to contain L-galactose sidechains that are critical for nematode attraction.
A comprehensive review found that site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) increases yield by 12% and profitability by 15%, while saving 18 kg N/ha and reducing environmental risk. SSNM can detect and correct long-standing nutrient input inadequacies, improving outcomes.
A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment suggests that bioenergy crops can be produced on economically marginal land. The research team estimated that 1.4-2.2 million hectares in the rainfed region are suitable for bioenergy crop production on such land.
Researchers from Tel Aviv and Berkeley Universities propose a model for seaweed farms to absorb nitrogen, reducing pollution in estuarine and marine environments. The study shows that these farms can produce a natural decontamination facility with significant ecological and economic value.
Researchers found that many collectors are planting seeds in forests to conserve wild populations, but also using commercially acquired seeds from online purchases, threatening the plant's gene pool. The study aims to better understand ginseng forest farming and promote conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Citrus canker has reappeared in Texas after a 70-year absence, threatening the state's $200M commercial citrus industry. Collaborative eradication efforts are underway between the USDA, Texas Department of Agriculture, and universities to prevent further spread.
A University of Delaware study found that diversifying nutritional strategies is key to improving diets for India's smallholder farmers. The researchers suggest individual-level and community-level approaches, such as growing diverse crops or sharing produce at local markets.
Research suggests climate change will increase disease pressure in some regions and reduce it in others. Model projections indicate that rising temperatures will boost yields in temperate areas while having little effect on tropical regions.
A new study suggests that growing stinkweed as a crop could produce cleaner jet fuel with fewer environmental impacts than other biofuels. The study found that stinkweed requires less fertilizer and pesticides, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution.
Yiping Qi's team will test new delivery technologies for CRISPR-Cas12a to develop a pipeline for genome editing in carrots. They aim to create more nutritious and hypoallergenic carrot varieties with improved nutritional value and reduced allergenicity.
Researchers have identified five Bacillus strains with antibiotic ability against the deadly Fusiarium wilt TR4 fungus, which is threatening global banana production. The study found that these strains can trigger direct or indirect antagonism on the fungus, providing a new biocontrol method to combat TR4.
The institute will develop predictive digital twins of individual crop plants and entire farm fields, integrating real-time data from sensors to optimize crop growth. By leveraging expertise in plant sciences, engineering, and technology, AIIRA aims to accelerate agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Scientists create biofertilizer made from fast-growing freshwater cyanobacterium Tolypothrix, which can fix nitrogen without additional fertilization. The production process offers a cheap and renewable source of nitrogen-rich fertilizer for degraded soils.
A new study from the University of Illinois and The Ohio State University reveals that farmers care more about soil health than scientists and conservation professionals think. Farmers prioritize soil health at a higher level (8.5 out of 10) than academics and NRCS professionals expected (4.9 and 5.7, respectively).
PlantwisePlus will test new interventions in 6-7 countries to reduce crop losses and empower farmers to increase incomes, food security, and food safety through sustainable approaches. The program aims to accelerate the availability of nature-positive plant protection products and create employment to support economic development.
A team of researchers discovered a novel barley protein, HvMADS1, that regulates flower production in response to high temperatures. The study found that introducing a genetic modification to the protein can convert an unbranched spike into a branched structure with more flowers, potentially increasing grain production.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on coffee production, particularly in smallholder farms. Labor shortages, border restrictions, and economic downturns have created conditions conducive to the spread of Coffee Leaf Rust, a disease that can devastate coffee crops.
A new study published in PNAS predicts that changes in farming practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from grain production by up to 70% within the next 15 years. The study identifies a combination of technological innovations, including digital agriculture, crop genetics, and electrification, as key drivers of this reduction.
A study tested over 150 sorghum germplasm lines for resistance to a fungus likely to hamper production. Researchers found sources of resistance to anthracnose leaf blight, including improved lines from various regions. The findings will help develop better recommendations for sorghum growers in Pennsylvania.
A team of Monash University scientists has discovered a new process based on phosphonium salts to produce green ammonia from renewable energy. The process represents a major contribution towards the development of a sustainable fuel for the future, with potential applications in fertiliser production and as an energy carrier.
Double-cropping in Brazil's Centre-West region contributed significantly to the country's grain boom, increasing from 19% to 33% between 2003 and 2016. The practice allowed for increased corn production without expanding cropland, offsetting around 76.7 million hectares of arable land.
A new study led by CABI reveals that women play a crucial role in contract farming and the food value chain, but face significant barriers to participation. The research highlights the need for gender-inclusive approaches to promote equality and shared decision-making amongst men and women.
A new study finds that emission intensity per unit of animal protein produced from the livestock sector has decreased globally over the past two decades due to greater production efficiency. However, regional differences in emission intensities remain and are influenced by factors such as diet, grazing intensity, climate, and manure ma...
Researchers found that locally adapted cultivars can increase crop yields by up to 20% even under moderate warming, and that strong warming threatens adaptation. Innovative breeding methods like CRISPR-Cas may help develop required cultivars quickly and targetedly.
A new study by WCS found that 53% of households in the area had eaten lemur meat over the past year, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to reduce hunting and consumption of these protected species. The study aims to assess the impact of ongoing conservation initiatives and promote alternative protein sources.
Researchers developed three scenarios to achieve Indonesia's CPO productivity target of 60 M t by 2035. The business-as-usual scenario requires significant land expansion, while the other two intensification scenarios focus on increasing existing productivity and targeted expansion to avoid high-C peatlands.
A novel matrix-based slow-release urea was developed to improve nitrogen use efficiency in rice production, reducing nitrogen loss and increasing soil nitrogen availability. The new fertilizer showed significant agronomic nitrogen efficiency gains and improved rice yields.
A new study by Oregon State University has found that combining solar panels and lamb grazing increases land productivity. The research compared lamb growth and pasture production in pastures with solar panels to traditional open pastures, finding less overall but higher quality forage in the solar pastures.
A recent study from Spain suggests that deficit irrigation can be a sustainable practice for almond production in the long term. Despite significant investments and water scarcity, the study found that trees subjected to severe deficit irrigation maintained stable productivity over six years.
A new metric, STAR, measures the impact of human activities on biodiversity, revealing that conserving 9% of land could reduce global extinction risk by half. By abating threats in key areas, companies and countries can report reductions in species loss and contribute to the global biodiversity target.
Researchers at KAIST successfully produced carminic acid from glucose in engineered Escherichia coli, overcoming the need for complex purification processes and protein contaminants. The development of a generally applicable C-glucosyltransferase also enables the production of other valuable natural products.
A new study by the University of Illinois reveals that climate change will impact Colombia's coffee production significantly, with low-altitude regions facing negative effects and high-altitude areas experiencing improved yields. The research provides valuable insights for policymakers and coffee growers, highlighting the need for regi...
Assistant Professor Xin Zhang received a $500,000 NSF CAREER Award to investigate how to align stakeholder interests with nitrogen reduction goals. The research aims to improve decision-making and develop innovative solutions for sustainable nitrogen management.
Research suggests that palm farmers in Indonesia can significantly increase their yields by implementing improved management practices, such as improved harvest methods, better weed control, and plant nutrition. This could lead to an 68% increase in palm oil production on existing plantation areas without expanding into new ecosystems.
A recent study assesses global market flows and shows that biodiversity conservation is essential to sustain consumption patterns. The researchers discovered a strong link between the expansion of cropland in developing countries and loss of pollinator habitats, highlighting the need for collaborative governance strategies to balance i...
A University of Illinois study suggests that India's rice farmers can increase production while reducing water usage by adopting conservation practices like direct-seeding and soil conservation technology. The researchers also recommend reducing post-harvest losses to further increase crop availability.
A Cornell University scientist is receiving a USDA grant to study the relationship between insulin, ceramide, and lactation in dairy cows. The goal of the research is to identify mechanisms that control insulin resistance in early lactation, with potential benefits for improving milk production efficiency and animal health.
A University of Michigan study finds that groundwater depletion could significantly impact Indian agriculture, with potential losses of up to 20% in winter cropped acreage nationwide. The researchers estimate that even partial replacement with canal irrigation may not be enough to maintain current production levels.