Articles tagged with Crops
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 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 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 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.
Researchers found that considering soil organic matter improves water retention, mitigating crop yield losses from drought. Including this data in insurance premiums could reduce liabilities by 36% while increasing corn yields by 35 bushels per acre.
Researchers at the University of Seville are studying the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in bacteria like Pseudomonas putida to develop biocontrol agents for sustainable agriculture. The T6SS is a molecular weapon that allows bacteria to quickly eliminate competitors and protect plants from diseases.
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.
Research has identified two stevia varieties that can withstand freezing temperatures, making them suitable for growth in temperate climates. The study aims to improve the yield and taste of stevia while reducing production costs.
A global study found that diverse communities of pollinators provide more stable pollination services to nearby crops over time. This suggests that land management techniques that support pollinator diversity, such as wildflower areas and crop rotations, can help maintain long-term benefits to food production.
Developed countries heavily rely on imported pollination services from developing nations with high crop export rates, indicating a global dependence on biodiversity. Countries that export most pollinator-dependent crops also experience fastest cropland expansion and highest biodiversity decline rates.
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered a simple polymer additive can cut agricultural pollution in half by improving fertilizer stickiness. The study found that combining fertilizers with a miniscule amount of polyethylene oxide nearly eliminated environmental loss, reducing percentage from 30 to just five.
Researchers discovered that the WOX9 gene can induce more flowers to form in various plant species by changing its regulation, suggesting potential for improving crop yields. Genome editing allowed them to reveal the gene's additional functions without altering its protein product.
Climate change may cause geographical mismatches between crops and their pollinators, threatening crop yields. The study found potential declines in the distribution of some wild bees that pollinate tomatoes, particularly in the eastern United States.
A growing body of research helps understand spotted lanternfly biology and management, featuring 25 articles on its impact on native plants and crops. The collection showcases progress made so far in containing the spread of this invasive pest.
A pioneering study identified 20 'nitrogen hotspots of opportunity' in the US, representing 63% of surplus nitrogen balance but only 24% of cropland area. The top-ranked hotspot is a region across Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Researchers will investigate climate-resistant oats and develop innovative products with industrial partners. The project aims to promote the health, economic, and environmental benefits of growing oats in Wales and Ireland.
Researchers have identified two potassium-independent cesium transporters in plants, which can take up toxic cesium without affecting plant growth. This breakthrough has significant implications for phytoremediation and solving agricultural issues related to radioactive contamination.
A two-year study in Brazil found that fertilizing a grass cover crop with potassium improved cotton fiber quality, leading to higher market value. The technique also reduced production cost by optimizing operational logistics and conserving water.
The invasive spotted wing drosophila prefers to lay its eggs in places that no other flies have visited, raising questions about how it detects virgin territory. This finding could inform the development of new pest-control techniques and mitigate significant crop losses.
A RUDN University ecologist proposes a two-step approach to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from animal farms by evaluating carbon footprints and analyzing measures to reduce emissions. The method aims to balance soil carbon sequestration with atmospheric CO2 reduction, with potential reductions of up to 5 megatons of CO2 equivalent ...
The developed framework captures detailed information on agricultural groundwater use at the regional scale down to individual fields. It combines data from satellite images, weather prediction models, and land-surface hydrology models to estimate water delivery to each field.
A recent study found that a diverse population of fungi, including Hyalorbilia, are likely killing cyst nematodes, leading to a natural decline in pesticide use. This decrease in pesticide application has resulted in increased broccoli yields and reduced environmental impact.
A study by Christine Costello and colleagues found that urban agriculture in Chicago made little difference in reducing land area needed to supply nutritional needs. However, adding certain vitamins as supplements could make locally raised food sufficient for residents within a smaller radius.
Researchers uncover the reason behind reduced oil production in genetically modified plants producing specialty fatty acids. They found that feeding these plants additional endogenous fatty acids triggers a shutdown mechanism, slowing down oil synthesis.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have produced genome sequences of two wild tomato ancestors, Solanum pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme, which will aid in breeding improved crop varieties with enhanced disease resistance, climate tolerance, and taste.
Researchers have produced a high-quality reference sequence of the complex switchgrass genome using samples from 10 experimental gardens across eight states. This allows breeders to test what genes affect the plant's adaptability to various environmental conditions and associate climate adaptations with switchgrass biology.
A newly engineered CRISPR variant called SpRY enables targeted mutation of nearly any genomic sequence in plants, expanding genome editing capabilities and opening up new possibilities for crop improvement. This breakthrough discovery is a significant advancement in the field of plant genome editing.
Recent advances in crop modeling and remote sensing can enhance the quality of index insurance programs, increasing the value that index insurance offers to agricultural households and communities. This approach enables inexpensive, quick coverage to many people who would otherwise be uninsured.
A study in Plant Health Progress identified Fusarium flower blight and Helminthosporium leaf spot as prominent diseases in southeastern US hemp production. The research also found nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, and issues with excess water and herbicide injuries.
The study maps cotton fiber quality to determine how in-field practices impact fiber growth, enabling growers to maximize profitability and reduce environmental impact. By combining data on yield, fiber quality, and sustainability metrics, producers can provide customers with information on the cotton they use.
Scientists at ISCA, Inc. and their collaborators have successfully grown insect sex pheromone precursors in genetically modified camelina plants, creating a low-cost source of pheromones needed for sustainable pest control. The transgenic plants produce insect pheromone precursor compounds in their abundant seed oil.
Citrus disease-induced microbial shifts may lead to new management strategies for crops. Researchers found increased diversity in microbiome associated with Huanglongbing disease progression.
Researchers have developed a method to quickly screen crops by analyzing the light signal emitted during photosynthesis, known as Solar Induced Fluorescence (SIF). This signal provides critical insights into photosynthesis, which could lead to improving crop yields and feeding humanity.
The CABI-led Plantwise programme has helped millions of smallholder farmers increase crop-based activity and income by 12-30%. The programme supports over 44 million farmers with plant health knowledge, reducing the likelihood of a household falling below the poverty line by 5%.
A study suggests that 96% of US crop wild relatives require high conservation priority due to limited understanding of their geographic distribution and current conservation status. Conservation action is needed in taxonomic hotspots across the country to safeguard these genetic resources for breeding and food security.
Certain bacteria living in sorghum roots work together with the plant to reduce drought stress, leading to overall plant success. The microbiome plays a critical role in determining crop productivity, and manipulating it may hold the key to developing crops that can thrive in harsh conditions.
A recent study found that pesticides in contact with plastic mulch can lead to delayed degradation, contaminating the soil and potentially harming the ecosystem. The use of biodegradable plastics was shown to have a higher percentage of pesticide sorption, leading to concerns about soil contamination.
A recent study by UFZ researchers highlights the importance of both crop diversity and temporal production patterns in ensuring food security. The analysis reveals that countries with high production stability and asynchrony, such as India and China, are better equipped to mitigate the impact of global market uncertainties.
Almond trees have unique needs and challenges for farmers, but researchers are finding ways to balance nutrient inputs with environmental quality. Conservation practices like nutrient budgeting and fertigation can help achieve this balance.
Scientists at UC San Diego have identified a biological switch, or receptor, that sounds an alarm in plants when herbivores attack, enabling plant recognition of danger. The discovery offers new strategies for improving plant health and resistance to crop pest damage.
Researchers at North Carolina State University recommend a coalition, CLEAR-GOV, to provide basic information about gene-edited crops for greater transparency. The proposed model would include details on plant species, trait modifications, and downstream uses.
A recent study found that cassava can maintain its nutritional quality and photosynthetic efficiency even under elevated carbon dioxide levels. The crop showed significant yield increases of 22-39% in various varieties, making it a promising option for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.
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.