Articles tagged with Crops
A field experiment in Uganda found that raising tenants' share of crops from 50% to 75% can increase agricultural output by 60%, thanks to higher investment and risk-taking. The change also led to a sharp gain in overall welfare for tenants, but a 20% drop in landlords' income.
A UBC researcher's study found that commercial bio-fertilizers may not improve soil quality or crop yields, raising concerns about environmental consequences. The study also highlights the need for more knowledge on the impact of these inoculants on the land and potential invasive species risks.
Researchers measured farmland nectar supplies throughout the year, revealing hungry gaps when food supply is not meeting pollinator demand. Early spring and late summer are periods of great nectar deficit on UK farmland.
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...
Researchers are tweaking tiny tomato plants to increase photosynthesis and make them suitable for growing on the International Space Station. The goal is to create a crop that can feed astronauts and potentially support future space colonies.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to engineer cassava plants resistant to viruses, but found mutated viruses that evolved resistance instead, threatening crop yields. The study warns of potential unintended consequences of gene-editing technology in agriculture.
A team of researchers analyzed oxygen isotopes in adult ostracode shells from Lake Nakaumi to understand the 3,000-year history of East Asian summer monsoons. They found that solar activity was a primary factor driving centennial-scale variations.
A new study concludes that EU's restrictive regulation of GMO crops cannot be justified, even considering risks to the environment. The researchers argue that GMO crops can be consistent with organic farming principles and should not be treated differently from conventional products.
A Rutgers-led study found that pollen genes in certain corn strains undergo natural mutations, which may lead to better breeding and crop development. In contrast, other strains show no detectable gene mutations.
Researchers from Michigan State University used satellite imagery to quantify nitrogen losses in Midwestern corn fields. They found that nearly $1 billion worth of fertilizer is wasted annually, resulting in 6.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at University of New Hampshire found 14 wild bee species declining in the Northeast, including ground nesters and cavity nesters, with significant shifts in elevation and latitude. Climate change is affecting certain populations, particularly in coastal areas.
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that sorghum's gene diversity has decreased over time due to agricultural practices. The crop's ancestors hold the key to its future survival and potential adaptation to climate change.
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.
A new study shows that using safe, native strains of Aspergillus flavus can be as effective, or even more effective, than commercial strains in reducing aflatoxin levels in corn crops. Native strains may perform better due to their adaptation to soil type and weather conditions.
Researchers at Iowa State University are conducting a three-year experiment to gauge how quickly soil health changes after implementing prairie strips and how it reverts when the strips are removed. The study aims to answer questions about the long-term benefits and drawbacks of this farmland conservation practice.
Researchers at Stanford University found that adopting diverse agricultural lands can provide flood control, water purification, and climate stabilization, while also doubling farmers' incomes. The 'Ecological Development Strategy' aims to support both economic growth and environmental health in rural regions like Hainan Island.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a system using unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-based robots to monitor air temperatures and provide targeted heating to protect crops from frost damage. The project aims to minimize energy use while maximizing precision in frost protection, with the goal of reducing economic losses for growers.
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.
Scientists at Newcastle University have identified limonene as the main component responsible for keeping tomato whiteflies away from plants. The study found that marigolds release limonene, a chemical that repels whiteflies without harming them.
Researchers found that the gene INDEHISCENT plays a crucial role in shaping Capsella's distinctive heart-shaped fruits by upregulating auxin biosynthesis. This discovery may lead to improved crop yields and denser oilseed rape canopies through genetic modification.
A study reveals key insights into breeding and distribution practices in the turfgrass industry, aiming to address growing environmental concerns. Researchers identified primary parties influencing breeders' decisions and challenges they face when developing target traits.
The Slide Hammer Seeder is a low-cost tool that allows precise planting of small-seeded species, including insectary plants and novel vegetables. It can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of growing these crops, reducing the need for pesticides.
A multinational review of peppers/chilis (Capsicum species) explores various aspects, including taxonomy, genetic resources, cytogenetic studies, and capsaicinoid biosynthesis. The crop's global production, cultivation, and economic value are also examined.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified two new Miscanthus cultivars, 'Nagara' and '10UI-032.004', with improved winter hardiness, making them suitable for northern growers. These hybrids showed better survival rates and biomass yields compared to other cultivars in cold winters.
A new study found that a conversion message by British environmentalist Mark Lynas, who turned from an opponent to an advocate of GM crops, had a greater impact on public attitudes than a direct advocacy message. The study suggests that people's minds may be more easily changeable on this issue.
Archaeologists have discovered a mass of charred seeds in Brantford, Ontario, dating back to 900 B.C., identified as ancient quinoa native to Eastern North America. The finding sheds light on the cultural exchange and agricultural practices of Indigenous peoples in the region.
Researchers found that North African date palms are a hybrid between Middle East cultivated date palms and the wild Cretan telative native to Crete, leading to increased genetic diversity. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of the earliest domesticated tree crop in the world.
A new complex carbohydrate was discovered in barley by University of Adelaide researchers, which has the potential to be exploited for various uses. The polysaccharide is a mix of glucose and xylose and could behave as a structural component or a viscous gel.
A study reveals that introducing a parasitic wasp to control the cassava mealybug can reduce crop losses, restore farm profitability, and slow deforestation. The approach provides a sustainable solution for tackling invasive species, promoting biodiversity conservation and profitable farming.
A new study reveals that wildfires can affect plant growth hundreds of kilometers away from the impact zone, reducing productivity in areas far from the blaze. This finding suggests that fire pollution could pose an increasing threat to global productivity in a warming world.
A new study suggests that cover crops grown in fields during winter can increase temperatures in the northern US and southern Canada by up to 3 degrees Celsius. This occurs due to reduced snow reflectivity, allowing crop stems and leaves to absorb solar heat and warm the surrounding atmosphere.
Researchers developed a cost-effective method to monitor indoor crop health using SI-NDVI imaging, detecting stress signatures before visible signs appear. This technique has potential applications in space-based farming and can be used by indoor farmers to catch problems quickly.
Warmer UK winters may delay blackcurrant growing seasons, leading to reduced yields and poorer fruit quality. Researchers found that different varieties respond differently to climate change, but breeding new resilient ones is key.
The discovery of protein DEX-1 in the roundworm C. elegans sheds light on the molecular trigger for structural remodeling in response to stress, allowing animals to better withstand challenging conditions. This research has implications for understanding nematode biology and its impact on parasitic species affecting crops.
A research study published in Ecology Letters found that plants using a mix of chemical compounds for defense are more effective at deterring insect pests than those relying on single compounds. The type of bouquet matters, with blends having multiple defensive chemicals reducing damage by up to 37%.
Researchers examined pollen dispersal in traditional buckwheat processing, finding that pollen content reached over 70% during threshing and sieving stages. This study provides a scientific basis for identifying crop processing remains in archaeological sites and assessing human agricultural activities.
Researchers found that shifting premium payments to harvest time increased insurance adoption by 67 percentage points. This solution addresses cash constraints and present bias, crucial for success.
A new indicator reveals that less than 3% of evaluated species are classified as 'low priority' or 'sufficiently conserved.' Wild coffee plants, Christmas trees, and chocolate's tree are among those in need of protection. The study highlights the urgent need for international conservation targets to meet ambitious goals.
Researchers with NASA and UChicago institutions developed a new approach to improve crop yield predictions by incorporating planting and harvesting data into models. This method shows improved accuracy in matching observed yields, enabling more robust simulations of droughts and heat waves' impacts on food supplies and prices.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to measure water-use efficiency in corn, which could make breeding more efficient. The method uses leaf samples and measures the ratio of heavy to light carbon isotopes to determine water status.
A recent study found that the Mauritian flying fox is responsible for only some fruit damage and can be managed effectively without culling. The research recommends alternative methods such as pruning trees and using nets to reduce losses.
Scientists demonstrate that epigenetic variation in plants can be selected for and passed on through generations, enabling quick adaptation to environmental changes. This discovery opens new opportunities for crop breeding and could help plants thrive in a changing climate.
A team of Saudi Arabian scientists has discovered a way to control dormancy in grapes and other fruiting plants by subjecting them to high-tech plasmas. This method may help extend the cultivation of temperate zone crops to milder climates, mitigating problems caused by global warming.
Researchers discovered a gene, SRG1, that boosts plant defense against bacterial and viral infections. Higher levels of defence proteins enabled more resistant crops, with potential applications in reducing crop losses worldwide.
A new study suggests up to 13% of US beekeepers are in danger of losing their colonies due to pesticides sprayed to contain the Zika virus. The researchers calculated the percentage of colonies that could be affected by comparing data on bee densities with areas at risk from Zika.
A team of scientists will investigate solutions to limit the impact of annual bluegrass on turf systems, evaluating cultural practices and non-chemical management options. The project aims to improve profitability and social benefits for sod production farms, golf courses, athletic fields, and residential turf systems.
Researchers at UC Davis will use genomics to combat downy mildew in lettuce, a pathogen causing $3 billion industry losses annually. The project aims to reduce crop losses and improve profitability for farmers, while providing consumers with produce using fewer chemicals.
A US defense agency program aims to genetically modify crops using infectious viruses, sparking concerns about its potential military applications and the risk of creating new biological weapons. The approach, known as HEGAAs, would deliver the viruses through insects, raising questions about transparency and public deliberation.
The study reveals that botanic soil amendments with popular weeds like black nightshade and jimsonweed can effectively control nematodes. Researchers report a significant reduction in female nematode populations when treated with weed extracts, making these natural alternatives a promising eco-friendly solution.
A recent study found that a new bacterial pathogen, Erwinia tracheiphila, emerged from the introduction of foreign crop plants to North America. The pathogen's genome shows dramatic changes, suggesting it has recently evolved as a pathogen, primarily affecting cucurbits grown in intensive monocultures.
Scientists have identified a crucial gene controlling stem juiciness in sorghum, which could enhance drought tolerance but also increase disease susceptibility. The discovery has significant implications for breeding and improving crop yields.
Researchers use CRISPR to tame the wild groundcherry, increasing fruit size and weight, and reducing weed growth habit. The modified plant also exhibits fewer instances of fruit drop, addressing food safety concerns.
The importance of plant genetic resources cannot be overstated, as they provide the building blocks for crop breeding and research. Crop wild relatives, in particular, offer valuable traits like drought tolerance that can help ensure global food security.
Bicyclopyrone, a corn herbicide, shows potential as an alternative for extended residual weed control in watermelon crops. The herbicide was found to be safe and effective against common weeds, reducing yield losses by up to 82%.
A team of MIT researchers has found a way to balance the size of droplets used in spraying pesticides, making them stick to targets more effectively. The new method uses a fine mesh screen to break up larger drops into tiny ones, reducing waste and pollution.
Agricultural irrigation accounts for 70% of water use in some regions, and increased efficiency can lead to more water extraction, not less. Higher irrigation efficiency may even increase on-farm water use and groundwater extraction, argues a recent study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a model to identify cities that can benefit from re-circulating human-waste-derived nutrients into farm fields. This approach could promote agricultural sustainability and economic independence in developing countries.
Studies of ancient plant remains from a medieval archaeological site in Uzbekistan have shown that fruits like apples, peaches, and melons were cultivated in Central Asia roughly a thousand years ago. The Silk Road played a significant role in the spread of these crops across Eurasia, contributing to their popularity in cuisines today.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that southwest Amazonia was a key region for early crop cultivation, with evidence of manioc, squash, and other crops dating back over 8,000 years. The findings indicate that people in the region transitioned to agriculture before 6,000 years ago, leading to landscape modification.
A new research collection targets insect pests of pulse crops, providing guidance on integrated pest management. The collection features nine articles covering major pests, microbial control methods, and economic threshold levels.