Articles tagged with Crops
Scientists have developed a method to produce strigolactones, a group of plant hormones that prevent excessive budding and branching. By combining yeast and bacteria, researchers can synthesize these hormones from microbes, providing a promising alternative to traditional methods.
The Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS) will develop technologies connected to the internet and cloud to listen to and learn how plants sense and respond to their environments. This two-way communication system aims to help scientists improve crop management by better understanding plant biology.
A study found that gut microbiome profiles in children from the Democratic Republic of Congo reveal high glucosidase and low rhodanese microbes, which could increase susceptibility to konzo. The researchers plan to further investigate sibling pairs to confirm their findings.
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 new analysis platform developed by Ohio State University scientists combines genetics and phytochemical data to improve the health benefits of apples. The platform has potential to reduce breeding time and enable data-driven assessments of how to boost apple nutrition.
A new study introduces a wild-grass chromosome segment that inhibits nitrification, reducing fertilizer use and nitrous oxide emissions in wheat crops. The technology has the potential to increase yields and grain quality in both well-fertilized and nitrogen-poor soils.
Researchers have developed a way to bottle the 'smell of fear' produced by predators to repel and disrupt destructive insects. The odor blend can be used in essential oil diffusers to spread over time across gardens or fields, offering a natural alternative to pesticides.
The New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute aims to integrate plant traits, communities, and the soil ecosphere to advance restoration of natural and agricultural ecosystems. The project seeks to understand how root traits influence plant interactions with each other and with the soil.
A reservoir of genes allowing sorghum to adapt to environmental stresses has been identified from 13 contrasting genomes. This genetic diversity is valuable for breeders, enabling them to improve crop yield and resilience. The analysis, led by the University of Queensland, provides unprecedented insights into the genome's dynamic nature.
Long-term simulations show that smart land management, such as organic farming and protected refuge areas, can help stabilize threatened bumblebee species. Climate change is expected to have the strongest total effect on bumblebees, threatening many species.
A new study found that US-China trade tensions would lead to increased nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and irrigation water consumption in agriculture, affecting not only the two countries but also other nations through international trade.
A Rutgers-led study puts duckweed, a tiny freshwater floating plant, as an excellent laboratory model for discovering new strategies for growing hardier and more sustainable crops. The study suggests that duckweed's unique characteristics make it an ideal platform to discover novel strategies for improved plant growth.
Researchers at Cornell University have made a significant breakthrough in improving crop yields by enhancing photosynthesis. By removing the enzyme carbonic anhydrase from chloroplasts, scientists have found that plants can still undergo photosynthesis without compromising their growth, paving the way for more efficient food production.
The University of Exeter has developed a virtual safe space tool called BEE-STEWARD to test different land management techniques for bumblebee survival. The tool provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape, allowing researchers and farmers to predict the impact of their decisions.
Cornell University researchers used facial recognition AI to develop an imaging robot called BlackBird that scans grape leaf samples automatically, reducing manual assessment time from six months to one day. The technology has the potential to save farmers billions of dollars by detecting disease early and reducing fungicide usage.
A team of researchers from the University of York has identified a new class of enzymes that enable crop pathogens to break through plant cell walls and infect plants. The discovery could lead to effective disease control technologies and protect crops from devastating diseases such as potato late blight.
A new collection of corn genomes provides a detailed understanding of the genetic diversity and adaptability of corn plants. Researchers have mapped the first corn genome in 2009 and filled in gaps since, revealing how the corn genome was shuffled over time.
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.
New research reveals Bronze Age farmers in China prioritized cattle for their diets, utilizing byproducts like millet stalks for feed. This approach differs from other regions, where cows were raised closer to human settlements.
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.
A Cornell University study found no evidence that environmental stresses increase THC concentrations or CBD ratios in hemp. The research suggests genetics play a key role in determining THC content and CBD ratios.
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.
An international team of scientists uses archeological digs and palaeoclimate records to study human interactions with the environment during past climate-change events. This approach can help identify tipping points in climate history and provide insights into how cultural diversity has contributed to human resilience.
A new paper synthesizes results from nearly thirty researchers on nitrogen management in agriculture, identifying areas for improvement and providing a foundation for sustainable nitrogen management. The study's findings have significant implications for addressing food security and environmental pollution challenges.
Researchers identified genetic markers to control fatty acid content in sunflower oil, a key source of vegetable fats. The study used genomic selection to create new crop varieties with tailored properties suitable for different uses.
A recent study investigated the relationship between switchgrass and soil microbes, revealing that each cultivar harbors a unique community of bacteria and fungi. The research found that root characteristics, such as length and diameter, differ among cultivars and may influence soil microbiomes.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that diverse agricultural landscapes increase the species richness of wild bees. Different mass-flowering crops like rapeseed and faba beans support different wild bee species due to varying flower shapes.
Scientists from the John Innes Centre and University of Bristol found that deep shade triggers changes in plant circadian clocks, suppressing stem elongation. This adaptation allows plants to coexist in dense forests and crop canopies without wasting energy.
Researchers created a CRISPR-Cas9-based gene drive that cuts and copies genetic elements in Arabidopsis plants, transmitting specific traits from a single parent. This technology could help plants defend against diseases and grow more productive crops, addressing global food security concerns.
Researchers report that solar energy can produce microbial protein-rich biomass with significantly higher yields than traditional crops. This photovoltaic-driven process uses land and sunlight efficiently, offering a resource-efficient food source for a growing global population.
Researchers have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to manipulate glucosinolate levels in broccoli, reducing their accumulation in the leaves and florets. This study highlights the potential of gene editing to improve crop health and adaptability in challenging environments.
Researchers have developed ultrathin sensors that can monitor plant health without harming them, providing a promising solution for sustainable farming. The sensors use bioimpedance measurements to detect physiological changes in plants, enabling farmers to optimize water, light, and nutrient supply.
A green transition roadmap for emissions-reducing technologies could achieve net negative emissions through optimized fertilizer application, low-emission alternatives, and system redesign. This plan aims to generate environmental benefits while fulfilling societal functions in row crop agriculture.
A study by CNRS scientists proposes a balanced coexistence between agriculture and the environment. Implementing an organic, sustainable system involves changing diet, generalizing long crop rotation systems, and bringing together crops and livestock to reduce synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
A new sweet sorghum variety called KIT1 has been developed by Dr. Adnan Kanbar, accumulating particularly high amounts of sugar and thriving under temperate climate conditions. The estimated sugar yield per hectare is over 4.4 tons, corresponding to almost 3,000 liters of bioethanol.
A new study has identified the genetic root of bitter taste in greens like broccoli rabe and bok choy. The research team reconstructed an evolutionary tree from DNA sequences analysis of over 400 Brassica rapa varieties, revealing that Central Asian turnips were the most genetically diverse crops.
A computer simulation tool called PoPS predicts when and where pests and diseases will attack crops or forests, helping manage strategies and pesticide applications. The tool improves with data feedback from natural resource managers, enabling more accurate predictions of future spread.
Researchers have found that Rubisco proton production can enhance CO2 acquisition, allowing plants to fix more carbon dioxide and produce more sugar. This discovery could lead to improved crop yields and increased food security.
A new study in PNAS reveals that domesticated watermelons come from wild crop progenitors in northeast Africa. The research uses DNA from hundreds of watermelon varieties to confirm the correct origin, correcting a long-held misconception about their South African roots.
Scientists have identified areas at high risk for conflicts between humans and elephants and lions in Africa. The study estimates that mitigation fences could provide considerable return on investment via reduced cattle loss and crop damage.
Scientists have developed a solution that synergistically couples photorespiration and C4 metabolism in plants, conserving nitrogen and accumulating C4 metabolites. This breakthrough connects two main targets in plant metabolism and has the potential to improve agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed new peanut varieties that combine the genetic diversity of wild relatives with the desirable traits of modern peanuts. The new lines are resistant to diseases such as leaf spot and root-knot nematode, and offer improved sustainability for farmers.
Researchers at USask have sequenced the tepary bean genome to study its heat stress tolerance and disease resistance. The study aims to combine traits of tepary and common beans to create a more sustainable crop variety.
New research from the University of Illinois and USDA-ARS found that certain hybrid sweet corn varieties can tolerate higher plant densities without increasing the risk of root lodging. The study used a combination of experimental and on-farm data to conclude that density tolerance is a key factor in reducing lodging incidence.
A study suggests that targeting plants' internal clocks, known as circadian clock genes, can lead to higher yields and more sustainable farming practices. By matching the plant's natural rhythms with optimal growing conditions, farmers can reduce resources required and apply treatments at precise times for improved efficiency.
Researchers developed a way to fuse high-resolution satellite data into one integrated product to track soil and plant conditions. The technology aims to redefine drought based on plant-centric metrics and provide precision irrigation with high accuracy, addressing farmer adoption challenges.
Researchers found that El Niño can accurately predict cacao yields with a high degree of confidence, even 25 months before the harvest. This innovative approach uses machine learning and rigorous data collection to provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers, enabling them to make informed investment decisions.
A team of scientists from China has sequenced the high-quality genome of Chinese hazelnut, identifying genes related to oil biosynthesis and stress resistance. The study provides valuable resources for molecular breeding and genetic improvement of hazelnut crops worldwide.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that US interstate trade can reduce the economic impact of climate change on crop profit, with potential benefits worth up to $14.5 billion by 2050. This approach shifts the paradigm compared to current forecasts, which only consider local drought impacts.
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.
Researchers used CRISPR to study tomato gene interactions, revealing a complex relationship between mutations and fruit size. The findings suggest that predicting the effects of mutations on different varieties is crucial for efficient crop breeding.
Researchers found that chronic dietary exposure to RNAi pesticides enhances their efficacy in controlling pests, allowing for lower concentrations to be used for effective control. This breakthrough has implications for optimizing dsRNA spray approaches and developing genetically engineered crops with built-in pest control.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a gene, Rpg7, responsible for high stem rust resistance in wild barley from Jordan. This discovery could provide valuable insights into breeding programs to combat this devastating disease affecting global cereal crops.
Researchers have discovered a fungus that can improve nutrient uptake and yield in ketchup tomatoes, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. The fungus, Ceriporia lacerata, enhances enzyme activity in soil and increases sugar-acid ratio, vitamin C content, and flavor in tomatoes.
A UC Riverside geneticist has won a $1.7 million grant to study how barley has adapted to survive thousands of years, with the goal of understanding its future survival in extreme weather conditions. The project will also train undergraduates in agricultural science and computational techniques.
Researchers propose that plants evolved for long-distance seed dispersal and rapid growth as adaptations for megafaunal mutualisms. These traits allowed them to thrive in human-dominated landscapes, contributing to the global dominance of certain plant families. The study suggests that exaptation traits played a key role in the domesti...
Researchers have grown shrub willow on a semi-commercial scale to better understand its nuances as a bioenergy crop. Key findings include determining the best varieties to plant and how to handle planting and harvesting. The study also highlights the crop's ability to store carbon, host pollinators, and provide ecosystem services.
Scientists studying early-budding trees have identified a key gene, EBB3, that regulates bud-break in response to temperature changes. This discovery could lead to genetically modified crops more resilient to warmer winters and late frosts.