Articles tagged with Crops
Researchers have solved the structure of a protein complex that enables cyanobacteria to convert weak sunlight into usable energy, giving them an adaptive advantage over other organisms. The discovery could lead to the development of crops that thrive under low-light conditions, increasing crop yields and sustainability.
A new study reveals how symbiotic viruses in aphid saliva suppress plants' defense mechanisms, allowing aphids to thrive on new hosts. This unique relationship has potential applications for controlling aphid dispersal and improving crop yields.
A genetically engineered diamondback moth has been successfully released into an open field, showing promise for effective and sustainable pest control. The self-limiting strain, developed by Oxitec Ltd, is modified to target pest populations without harming the environment.
Researchers have identified chickpea genes that offer robust non-host resistance to Alternaria blight, a devastating fungal disease affecting Brassica crops. The study reveals these genes can suppress fungal development and colonization in mustard plants, paving the way for blight-resistant crop varieties.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a new type of corn that recovers much more quickly after a cold snap, allowing for earlier harvests and potentially higher crop yields. This breakthrough could enable farmers to command better prices for their crops in temperate climates.
A recent study found that organic farms with larger surrounding field sizes exhibit higher biodiversity and profits compared to conventional farms. However, the advantage in profitability decreases as the size of the surrounding fields increases.
A new study reveals that warmer temperatures worsen the productivity of infested tomato plants, causing them to produce more defense compounds in response to caterpillar attacks. This double-edged sword leads to impaired photosynthesis, decreased crop yield, and unexpected tradeoffs between defense responses and plant productivity.
Crop residues serve as a key microbial ecosystem, contributing to both crop health and disease susceptibility. The microbiomes of crop residues may play a crucial role in innovative disease management strategies.
A new computational model shows that regular crop rotations switching every other year may not be optimal for maximizing crop yield when threatened by plant pathogens. The analysis identified patterns of crop rotation that maintain soil quality and diminish pathogen load, suggesting a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
A new study suggests that a collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) would lead to widespread cessation of arable farming in Britain, resulting in a substantial reduction in agricultural output. The AMOC brings heat from the tropics, making Britain warmer and wetter than it would otherwise be.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed nanosatellite technology that can detect nitrogen stress in corn early in the season. This allows farmers to plan in-season nitrogen fertilizer applications and alleviate nutrient stress for crops, potentially increasing yield and reducing environmental impact.
A study from UC Riverside identifies a protein called IRK that controls plant growth and division. Turning off the gene producing IRK increases root cell division, potentially leading to bigger roots and better nutrient uptake.
Rutgers research reveals information gaps on optimal LED light intensity and colors for indoor crops, aiming to improve energy efficiency. The study recommends using a spectroradiometer to calculate light ratios and develop standard definitions for specific wavebands essential for plant growth.
A research team led by Ana Caicedo at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has identified missing links in the tomato's evolution. The study reveals that the modern cultivated tomato is most closely related to a weed-like tomato group found in Mexico, not semi-domesticated intermediate types found in South America.
Integrating a cover crop with broiler litter in no-till dryland cotton systems increases plant residue, cotton yield, and infiltration while improving soil health indicators. This approach helps reduce fertilizer costs and protect the environment.
Stemphylium leaf blight has emerged as the most dominant foliar disease in New York onion crops, causing lesions that lead to loss of green leaf area and potentially affecting bulb size and quality. The re-emergence of SLB is attributed to fungicide resistance, leading to its removal from commercial production.
Researchers have engineered a new variety of gene-edited tomato plants that can be grown in compact spaces, producing ripe fruit in under 40 days. These 'urban agriculture tomatoes' are designed to thrive in urban environments or other places with limited space, such as on the roof of a skyscraper or in space.
Researchers are exploring how cover crops can enhance the sustainability of star fruit farms in Florida. By incorporating cover crops like sunn hemp and velvet bean into their practices, farmers can improve soil organic matter and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.
JUA Technologies International, a Purdue University-affiliated startup, has partnered with BrazAgro Ltd. to distribute its solar-drying tray, Dehytray, in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Dehytray uses natural solar energy to dry specialty crops like leafy greens, coffee, and grains.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley, identified a core microbiome in commercial tomatoes that is robust and stable. The researchers used experimental evolution to select for microbes that best survived on the plants, resulting in a healthy plant microbiome.
A new study by John Innes Centre reveals that warmer Octobers can lead to higher oilseed rape yields, as plants grow longer under warmer conditions. This is the first 'lab in a field' experiment, which simulated warmer October temperatures using soil surface warming cables.
A five-year study by Oregon State University found that deer and elk can play a key role in controlling broadleaf vegetation that competes with Douglas-fir seedlings. In some cases, the presence of large herbivores promotes crop tree survival and growth.
Researchers are exploring various water management techniques to optimize crop yields and reduce water usage in water-scarce areas. Advanced irrigation technologies, such as mobile drip and precision application, show promise in reducing applied water by up to 20%.
Researchers at KAUST used advanced quantile regression techniques to analyze barley plant traits affecting yields in saline and nonsaline conditions. Two key traits help gain high yield under saline conditions: early flowering time and a specific ear number per plant.
A new study found that a permitted neonicotinoid insecticide can effectively control pests while improving bumblebee foraging and food stores. This suggests certain neonicotinoids may be beneficial to bees, but the researchers caution against considering them as a homogeneous group.
Researchers detected imidacloprid residues in 48% of rape fields, posing a non-negligible risk to pollinating bees. Persistent use of neonicotinoids with certain crops threatens bee populations, highlighting the need for reinforcement of pesticide controls.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that regular foot patrols in two forest reserves reduced illicit activity by over half between 2012 and 2016. The patrols led to the arrest of six poachers, destruction of hundreds of hectares of cocoa farms, and a significant decline in gunshots and snares used to capture game.
High crop density and inadequate fungicides contribute to new disease emergence in ready-to-eat salads. Climate change also plays a role, reducing plant resistance to pathogens.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is developing a 'fresh electric farm' to produce nutritious crops in controlled environments, reducing carbon footprints. The first crop being studied is kale, grown in a storage container under bright LED lights.
Cassava farmers in Tanzania can reduce disease spread by planting susceptible varieties during the long rainy season and disease-resistant ones during the short rainy season. This approach helps minimize quality loss over repeated planting cycles, offering a cost-effective solution for crop production.
A new study suggests that unchecked climate change will lead to a decline in arable farming in the east and south east of England by 2100. Crops may still be grown with irrigation, but this would require significant water transport or storage.
Researchers at the University of Bath have characterized receptors unique to fungi that prevent sexual reproduction, which could be targeted to slow down fungal evolution. By making fungi believe they are starving, these receptors could inhibit sex and increase the shelf life of resistant crops and antifungal compounds.
Researchers have generated genetic resources for three different varieties of millets, which can lead to the development of new crop varieties. The study's findings uncover tiny differences in DNA sequences that may be connected to characteristics like drought tolerance and growth rate.
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.
Cotton blue disease, caused by Cotton leafroll dwarf virus, was reported in the US for the first time in Alabama in 2017. The disease affected approximately 25% of the state's cotton crop and resulted in a 4% yield loss.
A new study investigates how wild pig invasions are dependent on the availability of crops and non-agricultural food sources. The researchers found that pigs eat and damage agriculture more when it is highly available, but this behavior lessens when non-agricultural food sources are also highly available.
A new interactive global map reveals where people receive the most benefits from nature, with up to 5 billion at higher risk by 2050. The study highlights inequitable distribution of environmental impacts, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate share.
Researchers are developing robust gene transfer and editing technologies to study the unique biology of hornworts, which could lead to breakthroughs in plant evolution, crop yields, and environmental sustainability. The ultimate goal is to engineer symbiotic nitrogen fixation into crop plants, reducing fertilizer use and pollution.
A new study from Iowa State University highlights the need to update agricultural drainage infrastructure, which can benefit crop production and the environment. The research recommends installing higher capacity pipes and implementing long-term conservation practices, such as denitrification wetlands, bioreactors, and saturated buffers.
A University of Córdoba research group has developed a system that can stop the development of Fusarium oxysporum, a pathogenic fungus affecting over 100 crops. The method exploits the fungus's use of autocrine pheromones to detect its own species and control its growth.
Researchers have discovered that drought stress triggers the activity of Rider retrotransposons, potentially leading to new trait variations in crops. The study highlights the potential of transposons as a source of crop improvement, particularly in breeding more resilient crops against climate change.
Researchers have developed a new flaxseed cultivar called ND Hammond with significantly higher seed yield than other varieties. It also exhibits resistance to Fusarium wilt and flax rust diseases, making it an attractive option for US farmers.
A new model developed by Stevens Institute of Technology researchers can predict how conservation approaches can reduce demand for phosphorus, a vital resource for feeding the world. The model shows that collective diet changes, such as reducing meat consumption or switching to lower-feed meats, can significantly reduce phosphate minin...
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.
A team led by James Umen and Ru Zhang has identified hundreds of 'Deep Green' genes in land plants and green algae with unknown functions. These genes are likely to play important roles in photosynthetic cells and may be exploited to improve bioenergy crops under drought, heat or nutrient stresses.
A new study reveals that climate change could significantly reduce or eliminate gains in banana crop yields worldwide, with 27 countries experiencing increased yields since 1961. By 2050, 10 major producers including India and Brazil are predicted to see significant declines in yields.
A new study found that almond, cherry, and meadowfoam provide ample pollen to honeybees, while highbush blueberry and hybrid carrot seed crops may not. Pollen diversity is crucial for colony growth and survival of the western honeybee.
New research suggests that understanding plant biological clocks can refine the use of chemicals like glyphosate, allowing for more efficient and sustainable agriculture practices. By applying treatments at optimal times, farmers can reduce herbicide usage, saving time and money while minimizing environmental harm.
Researchers found that adding compost and cover crops to organic-certified systems increased soil carbon content by 12.6% over a 19-year period, outperforming the international '4 per 1000' initiative. This approach stores more carbon than previously calculated, highlighting the importance of balancing diet for microorganisms in soils.
The tarnished plant bug is a significant pest of cotton in North Carolina and Virginia, feeding on reproductive tissues and damaging crops. Effective management strategies include sampling correctly, applying thresholds properly, planting early, and avoiding overfertilizing and overirrigating.
A new smartphone app scans plants for signs of major diseases and one common pest, detecting them with a 90% successful rate. The app aims to link farmers to extension workers and satellite images to prevent production losses and support global disease control.
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.
Researchers found two eco-friendly methods to combat Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Disease: using UV-blocking plastics and salicylic acid analogues. These alternative approaches could help farmers reduce damage and improve crop yields without harming the environment.
Agrivoltaics combines solar panels and agriculture to create a more efficient and sustainable system. This practice reduces evaporation of irrigation waters in summer and increases photosynthesis, leading to improved crop growth and reduced water usage.
A new University of Vermont study reveals that certain essential oils, including garlic, spearmint, and thyme, can effectively repel the swede midge pest from broccoli crops. The study provides a novel framework for exploiting plant odors to manage invasive pests, offering a sustainable solution for organic farmers.
A new Cornell University study reveals that releasing natural enemies to combat pests is more effective in fields surrounded by forests and natural areas, resulting in fewer pests, less plant damage, and increased crop biomass. Conversely, farms with predominantly agricultural landscapes saw the opposite outcome.
A recent study reveals that global agriculture is shifting towards monocultures, threatening food security and the livelihoods of millions. The majority of the world's fastest-growing crops rely on pollinators, which are under threat due to pesticides and habitat loss.
Researchers mapped the crystal structure of a key protein that makes metabolites responsible for the bitter taste in Brassicas. The study could be used to manipulate crop plants for nutritional and taste benefits.
The genome of black-eyed peas has been fully sequenced, providing valuable insights into the genes responsible for their drought and heat tolerance. This breakthrough could help develop new crop varieties more resilient to climate change, particularly in regions where water availability is limited.
Researchers at La Trobe University have discovered a protein that can sense vital phosphorus levels in plants and adjust growth and flowering accordingly. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce fertiliser wastage and improve crop efficiency, leading to significant environmental and economic benefits for farmers.