Articles tagged with Crops
Increasing diversity in crop production improves biodiversity and ecosystem services, while maintaining crop yields. Diversification practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and reduced tillage can enhance pollination, pest regulation, and soil fertility.
Fungus-farming ants have domesticated fungus over 60 million years, retaining a stable food supply despite climate change. They regulate nutrients used to grow crops, using a blend of plant substrates to target specific nutritional requirements for their fungal crop.
Researchers developed a model that shows CAM-like metabolism can save more than 50% of water while maintaining 80% productivity in temperate climates. The study also identified an alternative CAM cycle involving mitochondrial enzyme ICDH, which can add up to 11% of total water savings.
A new study sheds light on human responses to climate change in ancient Turkey, revealing local evidence of resilience and flourishing societies despite changes in the region. The research provides a significant new dataset that helps address questions about societal responses to proposed climate change.
A research team from the University of Córdoba has developed a method to calculate tree water consumption, allowing for optimized irrigation systems. This innovation enables farmers to determine if their trees are consuming water at optimal levels or experiencing stress, enabling targeted watering and maximizing production.
Researchers studied attine ants and their fungal crops, finding that the ants' ability to target specific nutritional needs evolves as they develop more advanced farming practices. The findings suggest that humans can learn from nature's agricultural systems, which prioritize nutritional sustainability over industrial-scale production.
Scientists are developing safer alternatives to chlorpyrifos, a widely used insecticide linked to human health problems and environmental damage. Researchers are testing biodegradable hydrogel beads, targeted soil treatments, and root-based applications to minimize exposure in agricultural workers.
A University of Saskatchewan-led team has developed a mathematical model to identify the most resilient lentil varieties against climate change. The model uses factors like temperature and photoperiod to predict which lines will perform well in new regions, supporting global food security.
Researchers establish relationship between soil nitrogen at different growth stages and corn yield, finding a tradeoff between productivity and environmental impact. Soil nitrogen explains majority of grain yield variation, with optimal levels resulting in 22% yield increase.
Researchers used satellite imaging to map groundwater use in California's San Joaquin Valley, finding that field crops and pasture crops have higher rates of subsidence than fruit and nut crops. This study provides new insights for irrigation policymaking and sustainable groundwater management in agricultural regions worldwide.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, have created a new checklist to guide plant breeders in growing crops more sustainably. The tool helps breeders understand species better and find ways to increase growth using wild plant species.
A group of water scientists from 11 countries warns that the shift to monoculture crops and tree plantations can constrain soil-plant-water systems, leading to reduced ecological resilience. The authors emphasize the importance of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
A recent study found a significant increase in the trading of species such as green monkeys and warthogs to protect crops, despite religious taboos. The research suggests that urban demand is not driving the wildmeat trade, but rather limited access to alternative protein sources and crop-protection incentives.
Researchers found that scent-trained honeybees visited sunflowers more often and brought back more pollen, resulting in a 29-57% increase in seed production. This approach could improve pollination efficiency for crops like almonds, pears, and apples.
Cotton growers can improve efficiency by using models to correlate development milestones, estimate crop status, and optimize input use. Thermal models, such as heat units, predict crop maturity, informing applications of plant growth regulators and end-of-season management.
University of Tennessee Extension specialists share perspectives on integrating cover crops into cotton systems, highlighting benefits and drawbacks. Earlier termination of the cover crop and moving residue away from rows can improve stand establishment, according to research.
Harvest aids accelerate natural processes to minimize trash, improve quality, and expedite harvesting. The timing of application is crucial, considering factors like labor availability, weather, and regional preferences.
Researchers at KIT have successfully modified gene sequences on a chromosome using CRISPR/Cas, enabling controlled inheritance. This breakthrough could revolutionize crop cultivation by eliminating genetic obstacles and introducing desirable traits.
Scientists at the Universities of Bath and Sussex have developed a new system that slowly releases ant pheromones to attract pests to an insecticide bait. This innovative approach aims to reduce pesticide spraying and minimize environmental damage.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method using thin mesh covering, called exclusion netting, to control spotted wing drosophila infestation in New York berry crops. The technique has shown significant benefits, including reduced pesticide use and lower costs, with minimal SWD incidence.
A team from Pennsylvania State University analyzed the root systems of various beans and legumes to identify beneficial characteristics for breeding. They found that roots can balance nutrient exploration in topsoil and subsoil, leading to improved crop resilience under stress.
A Berkeley Lab study predicts warmer California temperatures will impact cool-season crops like broccoli and lettuce, while warm-season crops like tomatoes may require relocation. The research aims to ensure food security by predicting future climate conditions and informing agricultural response strategies.
The study provides a spatially distributed global estimation of the value of agricultural water worldwide across 16 globally important crops. Factoring in increased crop value associated with irrigation, the average water value is found to be around 0.23 USD/m3
US public plant breeding programs are facing significant declines in personnel hours, budget shortfalls, and retirements of program leaders. This erosion of capacity poses a risk to US food security, natural resource resilience, and public health if not addressed with stable funding and expertise.
Researchers found that if 40% of landowners provide space for wild bee habitat, they lose $1M but generate nearly $2.5M for their neighbors. Collaboration among neighboring farmers could lead to increased benefits.
Researchers found that the expression of species in a mixture can differ greatly across locations, highlighting the need for customized cover crop mixes. The study shows that low soil inorganic nitrogen favors legume species while a shorter growing season favors triticale.
A recent study published in Food and Energy Security found that optimizing cowpea canopies can significantly improve CO2 assimilation and water-use efficiency, leading to increased crop yields. Researchers used a canopy gas exchange chamber to measure plant responses to different canopy architectures, revealing that higher biomass cano...
Researchers at KAUST propose vast greenhouse complexes using energy-efficient solar panels, air-cooling technologies, and salt-tolerant agriculture to grow food and crops. This concept aims to provide sustainable, local crop growth on a large scale in coastal desert regions.
Increasing crop diversity in landscapes with high proportions of semi-natural habitats increases the diversity of beneficial insects like pollinators and ground beetles. This benefit was only observed in landscapes with both high crop diversity and semi-natural habitat cover.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that intensified rainstorms predicted for a warmer climate may efficiently water major crops, partially offsetting projected yield declines caused by rising heat. The research found that years with heavy rains of up to 20 millimeters per hour resulted in higher yields.
The first commercially available intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) cultivar has been released, providing a sustainable crop option for agriculture. MN-Clearwater produces high grain yields of 696 kg ha-1, with minimal lodging and disease levels, making it suitable for the US Upper Midwest, southern Canada, and Northeast regions.
Researchers developed a system using orange-tinted solar panels to generate electricity while growing crops like spinach and basil, increasing yields and nutritional content. The system offered financial protection from market fluctuations and climate risks, with significant benefits for farmers.
A new report from Colorado State University outlines a list of 20 climate indicators that provide insight into the impacts of climate change on US agriculture. The indicators, organized in five categories, offer a broad look at what's happening across the country.
Researchers found that adjusting planter depth and downforce according to environmental conditions can improve crop emergence and yield. Studies showed that larger seeds produce a slight increase in emergence, while hill-drop planting overcomes inadequate field conditions.
A Rutgers-led study reveals that US crop yields for apples, cherries, and blueberries are being reduced due to a lack of pollinators. The research highlights the critical role of wild bees and honeybees in pollination and suggests that adopting practices to conserve or augment these species could boost yields.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to speed up breeding for Miscanthus hybrids, which could improve renewable energy crops. The study uses genomic selection to predict phenotypic outcomes and optimize winter hardiness, biomass, disease tolerance, and flowering time in Miscanthus.
Researchers developed two approaches to control plant proteins related to hydrophobic pollutant transport. A pesticide that suppresses MLP gene expression reduced hydrophobic pollutant accumulation, while an MLP-binding pesticide inhibited binding to pollutants. This breakthrough enables safer crop production on contaminated soil.
A study analyzing 35 years of US agriculture data reveals a steady shift towards consolidation, with production moving to larger farms that cover almost all crop and livestock commodities. Smaller farms are becoming unsustainable, while family businesses still dominate the industry.
A WVU professor is researching environmental factors that lead to THC accumulation in industrial hemp, a key issue for growers. He aims to develop a new crop system and genetically modify the plant to reduce THC production.
A study from 2011 to 2016 found that transgenic corn can be less damaged by the western corn rootworm through crop rotation. The research suggests using multiple transgenic corn varieties as a strategy for reducing resistance.
A Rutgers University-led study found that geoengineering's benefits for apple production in northern India are limited and may backfire if stopped abruptly. The research suggests that global warming would reduce apple production due to the winter chill period, and adaptation efforts would only partially succeed.
Researchers are using art to fill gaps in the history of fruits, vegetables, and cereal crops by analyzing ancient depictions. By studying artworks, they can determine what these plants looked like and where they were found in the past.
Researchers used drones with thermal cameras to locate ground-nesting farmland bird nests, identifying a promising conservation tool. The system performed best under cloudy and cold conditions, showing potential for automated nest detection in agricultural practices.
Aeroponic vertical farming offers a sustainable solution to grow high-value nutritious crops year-round, reducing environmental impact and increasing productivity. The study identifies seven key research areas to accelerate the growth of this branch of precision agriculture.
A new study reveals that the last remaining agro-steppe habitats for endangered bird species in Europe may decline by up to 50% in the next century. The Natura 2000 network, a biodiversity conservation strategy, has failed to prevent habitat loss despite protecting approximately 36,000 hectares of agro-steppe area in Iberia.
A study found that Conservation Agriculture can increase organic carbon in soil by up to three times the goal amount, making it a key tool for mitigating climate change. By adopting no-till farming and rotating crops, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental sustainability.
A Cornell University-led team of researchers found that traditional chemical insecticides work best against the invasive Allium leafminer on allium crops. Synthetic insecticides like dinotefuran and cyantraniliprole reduced damage by up to 89% and eradicated the insect in some cases.
Fires have spread across Angola and DRC in June 2020, with 61,661 alerts in Angola and 102,738 in DRC, according to Global Forest Watch. This 'slash and burn' agriculture practice has been used for over 12,000 years, clearing fields and returning nutrients to the soil.
The Reutivar App aims to optimize fertilizer and water application in olive orchards, reducing waste and environmental impact. By using reclaimed water with macronutrient content, farmers can control fertilizing calendars and reduce nitrogen use, promoting a more sustainable approach to irrigation.
Scientists have mapped thousands of teff varieties to fast-track efforts to save the crop from higher temperatures, which could reduce production by 80%. The study reveals unique characteristics and traits allowing teff to cope with different environmental conditions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered over 230,000 DNA differences across 100 tomato varieties, allowing for rapid identification and evaluation of genetic mutations. This breakthrough enables breeders to create new crops with desirable traits, such as increased size and flavor.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new plant gene, CLE53, that regulates cooperation between fungi and plants. The gene helps plants absorb phosphorus more effectively, reducing fertiliser use and increasing agricultural efficiency.
The study found that exposure to Transform and Sivanto pesticides shortens honeybee lifespan and causes physiological stress. Researchers suggest that more information be put on the labels of these products and further studies be conducted on sublethal effects of chronic exposure.
Researchers found that many plant pathogens can specialise on particular temperatures or host plants, but also have wide temperature or host ranges. This study provides key insights into the co-evolution between pathogens and their hosts, allowing scientists to better understand where and when pathogens could strike next.
Bangladeshi farmers achieving higher yields and revenues through insect-resistant genetically engineered eggplant, providing a more sustainable crop option. The study found that Bt brinjal varieties earned growers 21.7% higher revenue, equivalent to around $664 per hectare.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin reveals that a diverse range of trees and shrubs in West African parkland habitats supports fruit production and pollination services, ultimately benefiting the shea crop and local communities. The findings have important implications for managing this critical crop and conserving pollinators.
A parasitic wasp species has been discovered that can control a major pest affecting oilseed rape crops. The wasp, Microctonus brassicae, lays eggs within the beetle's body, rendering it sterile and causing its death.
Researchers identify critical components for finding environmentally sustainable solutions to food security in the face of climate change. A better representation of physiological responses and crop management are essential for simulating crop growth under stressed conditions accurately.
Researchers found that longer alfalfa harvest intervals in the southeastern US result in positive outcomes, with harvesting at 42-day intervals producing maximum productivity. Growing alfalfa in mixtures with tall fescue also yields greatest forage mass and nutritive value.
Researchers developed a CRISPR/Cas9 protocol that allows genetic modification of whiteflies, which can lead to novel control strategies. The technique enables the deletion of genes in whiteflies, allowing scientists to investigate genetic control strategies for this devastating pest.