Beyond the green revolution
Diversifying crop production can increase protein by 1-5%, iron supply by 5-49%, climate resilience by 1-13% and reduce GHG emissions by 2-13%. Coarse cereals like millets and sorghum are recommended
Crop Production
Articles tagged with Crop Production
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Potential vitamin and Alzheimer's drug produced in yeast
Researchers at DTU Biosustain successfully produced 0.6g/L of ergothioneine in yeast broth, a promising antioxidant with neuroprotective effects. The production method could lead to cheaper and more accessible supplements, addressing high market prices due to chemical synthesis costs.
Too much sugar doesn't put the brakes on turbocharged crops
Recent research on turbocharged crops reveals that their productivity lies in sugar sensing mechanisms regulating photosynthesis. Unlike C3 plants, C4 crops are not sensitive to high levels of sugars, suggesting a more complex feedback mechanism.
How the Aztecs could improve modern urban farming
Researchers discovered that chinampas, a raised field system on artificial islands, can provide fresh produce year-round with low irrigation needs. The system's high productivity and sustainability make it an attractive solution for modern megacities.
A win-win for forests and small-holder dairy farming in East Africa
A new study found that using Napier grass as a nutrient-rich animal fodder can intensify small-scale dairy farming while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research modelled the impact of three scenarios for feeding diets to dairy cows in Kenya, and found that only the Napier grass diet reduced overall emissions by 2.5%.
Farmer wages must be improved to prevent millions in India from malnutrition
A comprehensive study by Colonel Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay highlights the need for improved farmer wages and a greater use of technology to tackle food security issues in India. The current system requires constant improvements to ensure better food security for the country's millions.
How rat-eating monkeys can help protect palm oil harvests
A study published in Current Biology found that pig-tailed macaques actively search for and hunt rats, a major pest of palm oil crops. By controlling rat populations, the macaques can reduce crop damage by up to 3%, leading to increased yield and sustainability.
The makeup of mariculture: FSU researchers examine global trends in seafood farming
A team of FSU researchers examined over 50 years of data from 1950 to 2016, finding consistent patterns in mariculture development globally. Countries with stable production farmed a greater diversity of species than those with fluctuating trends.
Study offers new insights on impacts of crop trading in China
Scientists analyzed China's crop production and trade over 1986-2015, finding that imports can relieve nitrogen pollution but also expose China to market risks. The study proposes 'alternative' nitrogen and land concepts to mitigate environmental damage.
Discovery of a bottleneck relief in photosynthesis may have a major impact on food crops
Researchers have found a way to accelerate the photosynthetic process by producing more of a protein that controls electron flow, potentially leading to increased crop production. The discovery is significant because C4 crops, such as maize and sorghum, play a crucial role in world agriculture.
Princeton scientists awarded grant to boost crop yields by adding algal organelle to plant
Researchers aim to increase photosynthesis efficiency by introducing an algal structure into plants, potentially increasing crop productivity. The team plans to engineer Arabidopsis thaliana with a functional pyrenoid to enhance carbon fixation and growth.
Cover crops, compost and carbon
A long-term study in California's Salinas Valley found that annual cover cropping significantly benefits soil health, while organic matter from compost has relatively small effects. The research suggests innovative strategies to increase cover cropping adoption, improving soil quality and sustainability.
FAU partners with USDA to boost domestic production of farm-raised fish
Scientists from FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are developing novel technologies to supply warm water marine fish seedstocks, addressing the US's struggling aquaculture industry. The partnership aims to increase domestic production, reduce waste, disease risks, and feed inefficiencies.
Tariffs lead to creative supply chains
A Michigan State University team applied metacoupling to analyze socioeconomic and environmental interactions in global soybean trade. The results show that Chinese demand for foreign soybeans affects not only Brazil but also neighboring countries like Paraguay and Argentina.
UTIA and Blühen Botanicals to collaborate on hemp production research
The UTIA/Blühen Hemp Agronomic Research Program will provide much-needed research data to enhance the success of hemp farmers in Tennessee. The four-year program aims to support agronomic practices and improve crop yields.
New study: How much do climate fluctuations matter for global crop yields?
A new study published in Science Advances found that El Niño-Southern Oscillation and other climate patterns significantly affect global corn, soybean, and wheat production. The research estimated that climate variability accounted for 18% of year-to-year changes in corn production.
Stanford study shows how to improve production at wind farms
A new Stanford study shows that wake-steering can improve the quantity and quality of power from wind farms, increasing overall power output by up to 47% in low wind speeds. Wake steering also reduces the variability of power production, making it easier for grid operators to manage supply and demand.
Improving wind farm efficiency
Researchers developed a wake steering technique that increases total power production while reducing variability in wind speeds, leading to improved efficiency for near-average wind conditions. The study used field experiments on an array of 6 turbines over 10 days at a wind farm in Alberta, Canada.
Global agriculture: Impending threats to biodiversity
The study found that expansion poses a particularly serious threat to biodiversity in the tropics, while intensification primarily threatens biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Global agricultural production must increase to meet demand, but this comes at the cost of biodiversity.
Snack peppers find acceptance with reduced seed count
A recent study investigated the desirability and practicality of producing snack peppers with low seed count. The findings revealed that true breeding pepper lines with reduced fruit seed count exhibited significantly reduced seed count, making them more suitable for specialty markets.
The challenges of North American specialty cut flowers
The study reveals that the main perceived production problem is insect management, followed by crop timing and disease management. The survey also highlighted common postharvest issues such as temperature management, hydration, and flower food management, with hydration and vase life being the top concerns.
How much would you pay to eliminate child labor from your cocoa?
A study suggests that increasing Ghanaian cocoa prices by up to 47% could potentially eliminate all forms of child labor from cocoa production. The model assumes that the price premium mitigates the negative financial effects for households, maintaining current living standards.
Research brief: Climate change is already affecting global food production -- unequally
New research shows climate change has already affected production of key energy sources, with some regions and countries facing greater declines. The study found that climate change causes significant yield variation in the world's top 10 crops, with negative impacts mostly seen in Europe, Southern Africa, and Australia.
A new vision for genomics in animal agriculture
A new blueprint for animal genomics research prioritizes improvements in efficiency, livestock welfare and production to meet the demands of a growing global population. The research focuses on using genomic technology to predict how environmental variation and management practices affect production.
Colombia could lose 60% of land suitable for irrigated rice due to climate change
A new study warns that Colombia's rice production may shift to higher altitudes without climate action, with potential losses of 4.4 million hectares of arable land by the 2050s. The research highlights the need for complex decisions on land-use change and crop cultivation to ensure food security.
Chloropicrin application increases production and profit potential for potato growers
The use of chloropicrin as a preplant soil treatment measure has been found to suppress soilborne pathogenic fungi and some nematodes and insects. Additionally, it results in greater crop yield and health, with treated soil having a healthier root system, improved water use, and more efficient fertilizer use.
Palm oil: Down from the conservation barricades and out of the rhetorical trenches
Researchers argue that palm oil's environmental impacts are case-specific, with some locations experiencing devastating deforestation while others benefit from sustainable development. The industry also provides income and employment opportunities for millions of people.
New York state winters could pose solar farm 'ramping' snag for power grid
Adding solar farms in New York state could reduce summer electricity demand by up to 9.6 percent, but winter energy demand may lead to volatile swings in the power system due to low demand and high solar production
Climate extremes explain 18%-43% of global crop yield variations
Researchers found that climate extremes account for 18%-43% of yield fluctuations in staple crops like maize and spring wheat. Temperature, rather than precipitation, plays a significant role in predicting crop yields.
Ag census reveals first reports of kiwiberry production in the northeast
For the first time since 1840, farmers in several Northeast states are reporting kiwifruit production operations, with two producers in New Hampshire self-reporting kiwifruit production. The increase in kiwiberry operations is attributed to growing consumer interest, an established valuation of local produce, and a unique culture of di...
Early agricultural strategies in southern Polynesia
Researchers discovered fossil evidence of early taro cultivation in southern Polynesia, suggesting a history of taro production on the islands. The study indicates that fire was used for clearing forest cover during early cultivation, followed by a decrease in fire and an increase in short-lived plants as production intensified.
Nature versus nurture: Environment exerts greater influence on corn health than genetics
A recent study published in Phytobiomes Journal found that corn's bacterial communities play a significant role in its health and performance. The research, led by Dr. Jason Wallace, monitored the active bacteria on the leaves of 300 diverse lines of corn and discovered little relationship between the bacteria and corn genes.
Air pollution caused by corn production increases mortality rate in US
A new study estimates that air pollution from corn production causes 4,300 premature deaths in the US each year, resulting in a monetized cost of $39 billion. The health damages vary by region, with some areas experiencing greater damage than their market price.
The tremendous supply of apple cultivars in Wyoming
Researchers identified over 200 heritage apple cultivars planted in Wyoming's homesteads and orchards from the late 19th century. These historic trees continue to produce fruit despite harsh conditions, suggesting they could be used for breeding programs to improve drought- and cold-tolerance.
Substituting HPS with light-emitting diodes for supplemental lighting in greenhouses
Researchers found that LED lighting generally outperforms HPS lighting in greenhouse production, producing higher-quality flowers with potential economic benefits. The study suggests LED technology is capable of replacing HPS for supplemental lighting in cut gerbera production during darker periods.
SCOPE project scoops $16 million EU grant
The SCOPE project aims to harness plasma energy to transform the production of fertilisers, enabling tailored production for individual environmental conditions. Successful completion could lead to small-scale, flexible fertiliser plants that can produce up to 50,000 tonnes per year.
When development and conservation clash in the Serengeti
A new study suggests that road construction in the Serengeti could lead to increased poaching and land conversion, contradicting proponents' claims of economic growth. Local communities prefer traditional livelihood activities over new wage-earning opportunities.
Timing of precipitation pattern change
Researchers project timing and location of precipitation changes relevant to agricultural crop production due to climate change. Precipitation patterns are expected to increase in high latitudes like North America and Europe by 2020s or have already emerged in regions such as the Mediterranean.
Climate-friendly labriculture depends on an energy revolution, says Oxford study
A new study from the Oxford Martin School suggests that lab-grown meat production may have detrimental long-term consequences on the climate if it relies on high-carbon energy. The researchers found that while reducing methane emissions is crucial, replacing it with carbon dioxide could lead to increased global temperatures.
The prospects of American strawberries
The article reviews the challenges, needs, and opportunities of strawberry growers across the US, highlighting increasing use of protected culture strawberry production. Key findings also discuss pest control, labor availability, and consumer demand for year-round availability.
Study: Aquaculture does little, if anything, to conserve wild fisheries
A new study by North Carolina State University found that aquaculture has expanded seafood production but does not contribute to fishery conservation. The research suggests that prioritizing socially sustainable seafood production and regulating industry practices are essential for advancing conservation goals.
Fish farmers of the Caribbean
UC Santa Barbara researchers estimate the Caribbean can produce over 34 million metric tons of seafood annually, exceeding current production by two orders of magnitude. The region's vast ocean space makes it an attractive location for offshore mariculture, with some areas showing promise for commercial farming.
Small family-run livestock farms stand out in Cordoba's dehesa
Small farms in Cordoba's dehesas are showing more intense production and increasing livestock density, with beef cattle and Iberian swine being the most common combination. These family-owned farms are intensifying production despite traditional ideas of low productivity, and their study reveals key characteristics of these farms.
Plants don't like touch: Green thumb myth dispelled
New research reveals that plants are highly sensitive to touch, with repeated touching retarding growth by up to 30%. The study found that a major genetic defense response is triggered within 30 minutes of being touched, altering 10% of the plant's genome.
Climate change imperils Midwest ag production
A Cornell University-led study finds that Midwest agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with a clear escalation in climate sensitivity between the 1960s and '70s and more recent years. The region's reliance on rain-fed crops and specialization in crop production contribute to this vulnerability.
Bioenergy crops could be as bad for biodiversity as climate change
A large-scale expansion in bioenergy crop production could lead to a significant decline in vertebrate biodiversity, with potential losses of up to 36% of global habitats. The study argues that the benefits of bioenergy mitigation may be outweighed by its negative impacts on biodiversity.
The secret to better berries? Wild bees
A study led by University of Vermont scientists reveals that wild bees are essential for larger and better blueberry yields, providing major benefits including greater berry size, quantity and earlier harvests. Maintaining natural bee habitat and reducing pesticide use can help protect wild bees.
Studying water flow for more efficient aquaponic systems
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are studying water flow in fish tanks to improve aquaponic systems. Their study suggests that reducing water flow rates can result in similar velocity profiles, leading to lower operational costs. The findings aim to increase sustainable food production through integrated farming methods.
Intelligent sprayers poised to transform nursery industry
Researchers developed intelligent spray technology that uses laser and sensors to apply exact amount of pesticide needed, reducing costs by up to 70%. The technology also reduces environmental impact by minimizing drift and loss to the ground.
Scientists debunk potential link to crop cold tolerance
A new study by the University of Illinois and Massachusetts Institute of Technology refutes the idea that C4 crops like corn and sugarcane are limited in their ability to produce Rubisco, an enzyme essential for photosynthesis. The researchers found that these crops' chloroplasts have sufficient space to house more than enough Rubisco ...
Changing temperatures are helping corn production in US -- for now
A new study by Harvard researchers found that warmer temperatures and localized cooling have contributed to increased maize production in the US. A longer growing season and reduced exposure to high temperatures have boosted yields, with over a quarter of the increase attributed to these factors.
Genes that could lead to improvement of beef cattle are identified
Researchers identified 35 genes linked to reproduction, milk production, growth, meat quality, and health in Gir cattle. These genes are a key step towards developing novel lines with desired traits for producers and consumers.
Not enough fruits, vegetables grown to feed the planet, U of G study reveals
A University of Guelph study found that global agriculture is overproducing grains, fats, and sugars while insufficiently producing fruits and vegetables. Adopting a more nutritious diet would require significant changes to the food system, including reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based protein production.
This wild plant could be the next strawberry
Groundcherries, a wild fruit native to Central and South America, may be domesticated for large-scale production through genome editing. The groundcherry's drought tolerance and enticing flavor make it an appealing candidate for the next major berry crop.
'High-yield' farming costs the environment less than previously thought -- and could help spare habitats
A new study suggests that high-yield farming systems can produce fewer pollutants, cause less soil loss, and consume less water than previously believed. However, the authors caution that if higher yields are used solely for profit or lower prices, they will only accelerate the extinction crisis.
Barriers and opportunities in renewable biofuels production
Renewable biofuels have huge potential, but two main challenges need to be overcome: developing efficient microbial cell factories and converting biomass into sugars. The study suggests that improving these processes could make biomass-derived hydrocarbons a real alternative to fossil fuels.
Farmers on the front lines
Researchers analyzed climate change's effects on marine aquaculture production, finding it's already impacting producers today and will worsen unless proactive measures are taken. The study highlights the need for countries to prepare for climate change and develop adaptive measures to ensure sustainable seafood production worldwide.
Earliest Mediterranean cheese production revealed by pottery over 7,000 years old
Researchers analyzed potsherds from Neolithic villages on the Dalmatian coast and found evidence of cheese production dating back to around 7,200 years ago. This suggests that dairy products played a key role in expanding early farming communities into northern Europe.
From farm to fridge: Milk carton 'sell-by' dates may become more precise
A new predictive model by Cornell University researchers aims to reduce food waste and spoilage by making 'sell-by' dates on milk cartons more precise. The model shows that refrigerated milk at lower temperatures significantly reduces the presence of spore-forming bacteria, leading to improved shelf life.
Less drain on freshwater supplies with seawater fuel discovery
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have found a way to produce Bioethanol using seawater and a novel marine yeast strain, reducing the need for freshwater resources. This breakthrough could help alleviate concerns over food crop and water usage, making it a more sustainable fuel alternative.