Articles tagged with Crops
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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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 ...
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.
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.
Scientists found that cultivating squash led to the expansion of a bee species, Peponapis pruinosa, from central Mexico to California and Idaho. Genetic analysis revealed genetic bottlenecks in populations, suggesting farming practices may be causing local extinctions.
A new study reveals that the type of soil used in agricultural models can significantly impact yield projections, particularly in regions with limited fertilizer or irrigation. This uncertainty highlights the need for improved soil observations to better adapt to climate change impacts on food production.
Researchers are breeding barley to make it more resistant to drought and heat, helping farmers avoid yield loss due to climate change. By identifying key molecular switches, they aim to create crops that can efficiently manage water under extreme weather conditions.
Researchers discovered a protein, EPYC1, that enables green algae to efficiently capture CO2 from the air. This finding is crucial for harnessing algae's power in agriculture, which could enhance crop yields by up to 60%.
Three PNNL scientists, Yingge Du, Kirsten Hofmockel, and James Moran, have been selected to receive Early Career Research Program grants from the Department of Energy. They will conduct research in climate science, energy storage, and other areas, with each receiving at least $2.5 million over five years.
Researchers found that snails choose seedlings based on dislike for naturally-omitted scents rather than taste. This discovery suggests harnessing these chemicals could provide an eco-friendly solution to protect crop seedlings from pests.
A study by Stephen Smith found that intellectual property protection encourages crop improvement, benefiting both breeders and society. The research linked optimal genetic innovation with increased economic welfare, health, and nutrition for consumers.
A team of researchers has sequenced the cassava genome to identify genetic diversity and improve breeding strategies. The study reveals that past breeding programs have reduced genetic diversity in Africa, affecting crop yields.
Researchers found that plants can only withstand a limited number of genetic changes before population collapse and extinction. The study challenges common thinking on plant adaptability and has significant implications for agriculture and horticulture in the face of rapid climate change.
A small stand of hybrid poplar trees harvested at the University of Tennessee AgResearch Center will help progress biomass production and a bioeconomy. The trees' woody biomass can be converted into advanced fuels or other biobased products, supporting a sustainable industry in the Southeast.
Research led by UI Scientist Brian Dennis finds honeybees' decline rooted in hive size, which becomes unstable when cooperative functions are degraded. The study proposes regional pesticide management and conservation programs to help honeybees.
An Ibero-American team has sequenced the Mesoamerican common bean genome, which will aid in improving production and conserving genetic varieties. The discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as it will help identify genes involved in disease resistance, drought tolerance, and seed quality.
The Crop Science Society of America is sending graduate students to Zambia to learn about dry bean research and increase international knowledge of this important crop. The PanAfrican Grain Legume Conference and World Cowpea Conference will focus on pulses, dry beans, peas, and lentils.
Soilless farming proposed as a solution to Qatar's food shortage, increasing crop yield by 100 times compared to conventional farming. The system uses nutrient-enriched water and advanced hydroponics to provide reliable quantity and quality of crops, while reducing costs and environmental impact.
The study found that eastern Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northern Atlantic regions are suitable for growing bioenergy grasses like Miscanthus while minimizing water quantity and quality effects. Bioenergy crops can mitigate nitrogen leaching across the US by displacing other cropland or grassland.
A new study suggests that optimized rain use and irrigation can increase crop yields globally, particularly in water-scarce regions like China, Australia, and Mexico. This approach to crop water management could make a crucial contribution to filling the plates of the poor and increasing climate resilience for smallholders.
Scientists from the UK and US are working together to develop new synthetic vaccines and understand how viruses interact with their environment. Repeated strain of Potato virus Y in the US has caused greater crop damage and is harder to control, according to research. Avian influenza poses a threat to food security worldwide.
Researchers aim to unlock the secret of nitrogen fixation in legumes, which could revolutionize agriculture by reducing fertilizer usage and saving billions of dollars. The project will use advanced DNA sequencing and computational analysis to understand the signaling between plants and bacteria in the root nodules.
A study reveals chimpanzees struggle to find ripe fruit, the most energy-rich food source, in tropical rain forests. They must use cognitive strategies to outcompete other animals and optimize their search for high-energy foods.
Small-scale agriculture in developing nations can significantly benefit from increased pollinator density, with a 24% yield increase possible. Large farms may require diverse pollinators to achieve similar benefits, highlighting the importance of agricultural strategies to support pollinator health.
The article discusses the biology and life cycle of squash bugs, which cause significant damage to crops. To control these pests, growers are adopting integrated pest management techniques, including cleaning up debris and boosting natural enemies.
Researchers at Salk Institute and Cambridge University found that grafted plants can share epigenetic traits, enabling them to communicate with each other. This discovery may allow growers to exploit epigenetic information to improve crops and yields.
Researchers tested eggplant irrigation rates and found that moderate watering can reduce nitrogen leaching and maintain fruit yields. The study suggests a potential to lower current irrigation rates without negatively impacting crop performance.
Researchers have successfully used digital imaging to measure pyrethrum flowers before harvesting, detecting 88% of flowers compared to manual recognition. This automated system allows for faster and easier image collection, enabling greater plot areas to be sampled for yield estimation.
A new study led by McGill University and the University of British Columbia found that droughts have a significant impact on cereal crop production, particularly in developed nations. The research analyzed data from 177 countries and found that global production lost to extreme weather events averaged around 9-10%.
Researchers found that foliar applications of kaolin at 2.5% and 5% controlled approximately 80% of the whitefly population in bean crops. Kaolin also improved plant physiology, reducing transpiration by 40% and increasing leaf chlorophyll content by 43%.
Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a way plants assess shade to outgrow menacing neighbors, triggering accelerated growth through molecular sensors. This finding could improve crop productivity and help farmers grow crops closer together.
Researchers found biochar produced from tomato crop green waste can be used as a substrate for soilless hydroponic tomato production. The study showed that tomatoes grown in biochar-based substrates had similar growth, yield, and fruit quality to those in pine sawdust.
Scientists evaluated nine spring and six fall crop cultivars for suitability as baby-leaf salad greens in the Pacific Northwest. Pak choi 'Joi Choi' and Mustard 'Komatsuna' showed high marketable weight, quick harvest time, and good weed competitiveness.
A new decision support tool has been developed to help farmers and policymakers optimize soil carbon stocks and fertility. The tool identifies five cost-effective methods to improve soil health, including crop rotation, residue handling, and conservation agriculture.
The US hemp industry is expected to grow as the country's demand for healthful foods increases, thanks to the nutritional profile of hemp. The crop contains all nine essential amino acids, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and has been shown to have potential health benefits.
A recent study led by the University of Queensland found that non-bee insect pollinators, such as flies and butterflies, are crucial for crop pollination. These insects performed 25-50% of total flower visits and provided similar pollination services to bees.
The red clover genome provides a valuable tool for improving the beneficial traits of this important forage crop, including its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and provide protein-rich livestock feed. The genome assembly will pave the way towards genomics-assisted breeding methods for forage legumes.