Articles tagged with Crops
Two large-scale field studies reveal that neonicotinoids harm bees by reducing reproductive success and survival, with effects varying by environment. Neonicotinoid exposure also impairs worker bee life expectancy and queen colony stability.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that cellulosic biofuels can provide a climate benefit, but only if certain conditions are met, including using native perennial species on marginal lands and minimizing nitrogen fertilizer use.
Research reveals Palmer amaranth life history traits influence its growth and reproduction in various cropping systems. Crop rotation and canopy better explain trait differences.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln are exploring innovative approaches to stop Drosophila suzukii, a major agricultural pest affecting soft and stone fruit crops worldwide. The team will investigate using yeasts as bait and developing intelligent 'bio-inspired' robotics systems to mimic insect vision.
Scientists have identified a large chromosomal swap in banana crops, which may help explain their reduced fertility and increased susceptibility to diseases like Panama disease. The study found that this chromosomal rearrangement was preferentially transmitted to progeny, highlighting its significance for breeding programs.
A new study found that camelina seed yields were 54% lower at Hays than at Moccasin due to environmental conditions. However, seed protein content was significantly higher at Hays, and oil composition differed between the two test sites.
A study by UCLA and University of Houston researchers reveals significant groundwater loss in the Central Valley during two droughts, with losses totaling 16.5 cubic kilometers and 40 cubic kilometers, respectively. The increase in groundwater loss was attributed to reduced precipitation, snowmelt, and changes in crop cultivation, high...
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a gene that is turned on when plants compete for resources, including nitrogen fixing bacteria. This finding has potential implications for reducing manmade fertilizer use in agriculture.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University are developing sustainable clean-tech solutions for global potable water and clean food production. The project aims to improve energy and water consumption, as well as environmental and carbon footprint in closed greenhouses.
A new study by University of Delaware researchers explores the history of sika deer in Dorchester County, Maryland, revealing a complex relationship with native white-tailed deer. The study suggests that sika deer may be outcompeting white-tails for resources, causing ecological concerns and challenging management strategies.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara scientists has found that landscape characteristics, such as crop diversity and field size, affect insecticide use. Crop diversity was shown to reduce insecticide use by 8kg per hectare in table grapes, while larger fields use more insecticide.
A study by Cornell University found that pesticides pose a significant risk to honeybees, with over 60% of found pesticides attributed to non-sprayed orchards and surrounding farmland. The research analyzed the bees' food stores and revealed high levels of pesticide exposure in 17% of colonies.
A recent study found that cover crops can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil carbon sequestration. The research suggests that cover cropping can be an effective adaptive management tool to maintain yields and minimize nitrogen losses as the climate warms.
Ants cultivated and maintained vast subterranean farms producing fungi, dating back to 30 million years ago. These ancient agricultural ants have evolved complex societies, with crops dependent on ant farmers for survival.
African forests, which feed and provide subsistence means to at least 100 million people, are being cleared at a rate of over 10% by 2025 due to expanding agricultural production. The study recommends policies that prioritize forest conservation and local control of land to mitigate deforestation.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that strawberries produce higher yields when blooming directly after an apple bloom. This method allows growers to manipulate the timing of crop blooms without relying on natural habitats, providing a more sustainable solution for boosting crop yields.
Researchers found that timing strawberry blooms directly after neighboring apple blossoms results in higher yields due to increased pollinator activity. This strategy allows growers to capitalize on the services of pollinators without relying on external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
Scientists have developed a new oilseed crop that is more resistant to heat, drought, and diseases than oilseed rape. The breakthrough technology keeps bitter defense compounds out of the seeds while maintaining them in the rest of the plant, enabling cultivation in areas previously unsuitable for oilseed crops.
Researchers are using wild relatives to breed more resilient sunflower varieties, reducing the impact of diseases, weeds, and insects. The study highlights the importance of annotating genetic information in wild relative collections to preserve traits for future use.
Researchers found that energy crops can be grown on CRP land without increasing nitrous oxide emissions in a small portion of the landscape. The study suggests that once established, large emissions from the footslope can be suppressed.
A new study examines neonicotinoid pesticides' effect on wood frog development, finding slight delays that may not be detrimental. Additional studies are needed to investigate the indirect effects of these pesticides on amphibian populations.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced funding for fundamental and applied research on canola to increase productivity and profitability in various growing environments. This $766,000 grant program aims to develop new commercial products from canola and improve production systems.
A new risk model developed by researchers at the University of Delaware allows lima bean growers to assess their fields' risk of downy mildew, a fungal-like disease. The tool provides a numeric scale from 1 to 10 and takes into account individual tolerance levels.
A team of scientists at the John Innes Centre has created a fast-growing broccoli line with the potential to deliver two full crops a season, reducing reliance on seasonal weather conditions. The new line can be grown in protected conditions or in urban farms, enabling continuous production and supply of fresh local produce.
A recent study suggests that almost 20% of food produced is lost due to over-consumption and waste. This represents a significant amount of resources wasted globally, which could be redirected to improve global food security and prevent environmental harm.
A new mobile app developed by University of Vermont researchers aims to help farmers protect endangered bees by calculating crop productivity and pollination benefits. The app allows users to explore land management scenarios and virtually test how bee-friendly decisions would improve their business.
The £4.4 million BBSRC BRAVO project will support the training of young scientists and raise industry stakeholder awareness through workshops in Brassica genetics, genomics, phenotyping and modelling. This knowledge will help develop new, more resilient varieties of Brassica crops.
A study published in Conservation Letters found that the EU's Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) initiative has little benefit for biodiversity and farmers, despite being implemented since 2015. Fallow land was the only EFA option considered worthwhile by both ecologists and farmers.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that growing multiple algal species helps stabilize biocrude production and makes the system more reliable. However, competition among species often causes mixtures to produce less biocrude than individual species.
Researchers found that strip tillage systems with rowcovers had lower yields than plasticulture systems, mainly due to specialized equipment needs and weed pressure. Rowcovers reduced insecticide applications but had no significant impact on yield in both systems.
Researchers found that pairing cool-season cash crops like onion, broccoli, and lettuce with warm-season cover crops can alleviate challenges in midscale organic production. The study suggests that these rotations can produce high-value certified organic vegetables while maintaining soil organic carbon.
Researchers discovered the DNA sequence responsible for determining leaf shapes in upland cotton, leading to potential improvements in crop yields and farmer costs. The study found that plants with leaves having five deep lobes, like okra, are less susceptible to boll rot and offer better dispersal for pesticides.
Researchers used computer technology to learn how past societies responded to climate change, identifying crops and strategies that can be useful today. The studies found that drought-tolerant crops like Hopi corn and foxtail millet could become crucial for human survival in areas impacted by climate change.
A new, fully-automated rainout shelter has been developed to enable precise testing of crop varieties for their tolerances to water stress. The shelters use a portable solar power system and customizable features like rain sensors and surveillance cameras.
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has allocated $3.8 million for research, education, and extension to support organic farming and promote the growth of the organic sector. The grants aim to improve technologies, methods, and cultural practices in organic farming systems.
A study found that medium and high crop loads resulted in higher total polyphenol content in cider. Meanwhile, low crop loads led to lower yeast-assimilable nitrogen concentrations in apple juice. These findings suggest optimal management strategies for orchard managers to improve cider quality.
A team of scientists has developed an equation to measure soil physical quality, which can help determine the best use of a particular soil. The research, led by Robson Armindo, found that this approach can save time and money in crop production.
Researchers found that intercropping Arabica coffee with macadamia tree HAES 816 improves environmental conditions and increases coffee production. The partnership reduces competition between crops and provides a source of income for farmers, making it a promising strategy for Brazilian coffee producers.
The CReSP initiative aims to benefit at least 50 million people in high-vulnerability regions by promoting climate-smart and nutritious sweetpotato varieties. Orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties have been shown to reduce chronic malnutrition and child stunting when promoted with nutrition counseling.
Researchers successfully grew high-quality tomatoes in a Texas A&M AgriLife Research project, producing over 1,500 pounds of tomatoes. The study found that tomato yields were higher in the high tunnel plots than in the field, with the Texas A&M-developed varieties outperforming commercial entries.
A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that certain weeds, like milkweed, can be beneficial to crops and the environment. By incorporating these weeds into agricultural systems, farmers may reduce their reliance on pesticides and herbicides, while also supporting biodiversity and pollinator health.
The PheNode, a solar-powered environmental sensor and phenotyping station, continuously monitors field crops for growth rate, stem diameter, height, and more. It provides crucial information for crop improvement and precision agriculture, helping growers make better decisions to manage their crops and reduce environmental footprint.
Researchers found specific hemp cultivars, such as Ferimon, Anka, and Jutta, consistently produced high yields of biomass and seeds in eastern Canada. The study provides valuable information on adapting industrial hemp to the region's wetter conditions.
Researchers have discovered that anthranilic diamides can effectively control pests in snap bean crops, rivaling industry standards. The compounds show promise as a replacement for neonicotinoid seed treatments and pyrethroid sprays.
A new study published in Nature found that plant diversity can suppress insect pests by being variable, not just low quality on average. Researchers discovered that bugs have narrow ranges of nutrient levels where they flourish, making it easier to control pests.
Researchers at USDA-Agricultural Research Service found that using less chicken litter than needed for maximum crop yields can increase farmer profits. The study aimed to calculate the optimal amount of chicken litter for cotton crops to balance yield and profitability.
Researchers found that direct livestock-transfer programs had a rapid and persistent positive effect on poverty and food insecurity, increasing dietary diversity and economic resilience. The programs also improved gender empowerment and reduced poverty among participating households.
Researchers at Penn State and EPFL developed an AI model to recognize specific plant diseases from images, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.35% in a public dataset. The technology has great potential for supplementing existing disease diagnosis methods and could be implemented on smartphones, especially in developing countries.
Networking is crucial for spreading integrated pest management in agriculture. The article suggests three ways to improve networking: enhancing communication between research organizations, involving advisors in defining research projects, and structuring knowledge generation approaches. By following these recommendations, farmers can ...
A study from Lund University finds that foreign agricultural companies' crop choices and water management contribute to increased water shortages and competition for resources. This leads to a higher risk of conflicts between humans, plants, and animals in affected areas.
A new discovery at RUDN University allows for substantially increased production of high-quality planting material using artificial winter in the fridge. This method uses micro cloning to grow plants from small buds, with potential benefits including increased plant height, reduced virus attacks, and improved plant health.
The global seaweed industry is driving growth with valuable uses in food, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. However, rapid expansion poses ecological and societal risks, including disease outbreaks and environmental degradation.
The collaboration aims to significantly boost the ease and frequency of data collection for crop testing, benefiting agricultural production worldwide. Ground and aerial robots equipped with high-tech cameras, sensors, and embedded computers were put on display at Clemson University.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed an alternative fertilizing source for organic farming, allowing farmers to harvest mobile green manure repeatedly without affecting crop yields. The method has the potential to improve fertilizer quality and reduce the need for conventional animal manure in the future.
The US Department of Agriculture's NIFA has awarded $17.8 million to 37 projects supporting new and beginning farmers through the BFRDP program. The funding will enhance education, mentorship, and sustainability initiatives for the next generation of agricultural producers.
A new study has linked exposure to neonicotinoid seed-treated oilseed rape crops to long-term population decline of wild bee species in England. The research found that oilseed rape is a key mechanism for neonicotinoid exposure among wild bee communities, leading to significant declines in biodiversity.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded grants totaling $36.5 million to support research and extension projects in specialty crop production. These projects focus on improving crop yields, addressing food safety concerns, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Research by Cornell University reveals that planting cover crops beneath grapevines reduces nitrogen leaching, decreases dissolved organic carbon, and lowers neonicotinoid insecticide residues. This environmentally sustainable approach also saves vineyards money by minimizing herbicide use.
A University of Utah study found that traditional lawn watering recommendations are often inaccurate for urban conditions in Los Angeles. By measuring evapotranspiration in shaded areas, researchers developed a new approach to adjust watering rates and achieved higher accuracy than existing models.
The study found that mesh screens provide cost-effective pest control for organically grown peppers, excluding insects including beneficial and pest species. The researchers recommended lighter colored, and/or wider meshes to allow entry of sunlight and beneficial species.