Articles tagged with Crops
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study conducted at Kruger park in South Africa found that honeybee pheromones safely repel elephants, showing promise for a safe elephant management tool. The pheromone-laden socks were effective in deterring elephants from approaching water holes, with 25 of 29 elephants moving away after getting close enough to smell the formulation.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, open-source field imaging system that enables real-time tracking of plant movement and lodging resistance. The system uses commercial hardware and electronics to capture high-quality videos of plant movement under windy conditions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a robot called TerraSentia to count corn plants with high accuracy. The robot uses a suite of sensors, algorithms, and deep learning to capture each plant from top to bottom, overcoming challenges such as varying inter-plant spacing.
A new study from the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods in Vermont led to a 19% reduction in opposition to these products. By providing transparency, labels may alleviate public concerns about GE food safety.
Lancaster County corn production may face significant declines due to projected climate change impacts. Rising temperatures and extreme heat stress threaten corn yields, forcing farmers to reconsider their growing strategies.
A new defensive feedback control system has been developed to enable plants to strengthen their defenses against deadly pathogens, reducing crop waste globally. The system mimics an aircraft autopilot, detecting pathogen attacks and preventing weakening of the plant's immune response.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a 360-degree LiDAR technique to automatically collect millions of 3-D coordinates about plant traits. This approach improves accuracy and speed in collecting phenotypic data, which is essential for breeding crops that produce more food.
Researchers used citizen science to analyze slug appearances and complex weather patterns, revealing correlations between humidity, precipitation, and windspeed. This prediction method could inform targeted eradication policies against invasive species like the giant slug.
Researchers found that projected changes in temperature and humidity will not lead to greater water use in corn, allowing crop yields to thrive. This optimism is based on calculations of energy balance and evapotranspiration, which show a slight decrease in evaporation loss due to warmer temperatures.
A new study reveals that optimal timing of cultural management techniques such as careful rotary hoeing, delayed planting, and diverse crop rotations can significantly impact organic weed control. By reducing weed emergence and promoting soil fertility, these methods help crops become more competitive against weeds.
Researchers evaluated aquaculture feed and land use requirements in a simulation-based study, finding that future aquaculture production needs to be four times higher than current levels. An aquaculture-dominant diet reduces feed-crop requirements and land use compared to meat-based agriculture.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a gene drive system targeting the invasive spotted-wing drosophila, a fruit fly causing millions of dollars in damage. The Medea system dramatically biases inheritance rates with near-perfect efficiency, allowing for potential control of populations.
Researchers found that faba bean cover crops can add a significant amount of nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for commercial fertilizer by up to half. The timing and management of faba bean residues also play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of this practice.
Researchers investigated the role of alcohol in ambrosia beetles' fungal farming, finding that increased enzyme activity allows optimal fungus growth in alcohol-rich wood. The beetles' sophisticated social care system ensures optimal symbiosis between beetle and fungus.
A new study reveals that organic fertilizers from biowaste fermentation contain microplastic particles, which enter the terrestrial environment and may end up in human food. The amount of microplastic particles differs based on pre-treatment methods and plant type.
Researchers aim to develop a new type of weed control system using genetic modification techniques. The goal is to introduce specific genetic controls that could change the sex ratio of waterhemp and Palmer amaranth populations, leading to population crashes.
The USDA is funding a four-year research project to investigate the environmental benefits of woody polyculture systems for crop production. Led by University of Illinois scientists, the study aims to compare different farming practices and estimate their impact on soil health, insect diversity, pollination, and carbon sequestration.
A team of researchers has developed an algorithm that uses GPS tracking and data analytics to optimize the harvesting of hand-picked crops. By analyzing the movement of each worker in real-time, the algorithm can predict the amount of completed boxes and improve overall efficiency.
The TerraSentia crop phenotyping robot, developed by the University of Illinois, measures plant traits using various sensors and transmits data in real-time to operators' phones or laptops. This allows for more objective and efficient data collection, enabling better breeding pipeline outcomes.
A 40-year study quantifies Bt corn's benefits for offsite crops like sweet corn, peppers, and green beans, showing 90% European corn borer population suppression. The adoption of Bt corn reduces spraying regimens and overall crop damage by up to 90%.
A new study reveals that collared peccaries, red brocket deer, paca, and agoutis are the most damaging crop-raiding animals in the Amazon. Crop raiding damages farmers' livelihoods by reducing crop yields and requiring costly protection.
Washington State University researchers are working on developing resistant spinach varieties against Fusarium wilt, a devastating disease that has been crippling farmers' crops in the Pacific Northwest. The team is testing over 600 varieties of spinach and studying their DNA to find genetic markers that reveal natural resistance.