Articles tagged with Crops
Researchers recommend specific strawberry cultivars for challenging conditions in the US Southwest. The study evaluated 16 varieties and found that 'Wendy', 'Brunswick', and 'Honeoye' are tolerant to high-pH soil, while others like 'Allstar' and 'Chandler' are sensitive.
Prickly lettuce has potential as a new cash crop providing raw material for rubber production, according to Washington State University scientists. They identified genetic markers linked to rubber production in the plant's genetic code, opening the way for breeding desired traits and developing a sustainable source of natural rubber.
Experiments show that living mulch can reduce broccoli yields, with reduced effects when organic fertilizer is added.
A study found that 7 million acres of new land were converted to cropland for biofuels, replacing millions of acres of grasslands and emitting significant carbon dioxide. The conversion, mainly to corn and soy, could have released as much CO2 as 28 million cars on the road.
This special issue delves into the latest research on molecular gastronomy, perception of food, growing crops, obesity, and diet's impact on the circadian clock. Researchers discuss the science behind cooking techniques, flavor creation, and how chefs are pioneering new fermentation reactions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that an intensified management system increased corn yields by 28%, primarily due to the combined effects of Bt trait, strobilurin-containing fungicide, and balanced nutrition. The study suggests that no single factor is crucial, but rather the synergistic effect of all five management fa...
Researchers have developed genetic tools to pre-adapt crops to future drier climates, improving water efficiency and reducing the need for irrigation. By altering plant stomata, crop yields can be maintained or increased with less water, supporting regions facing water scarcity.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that ants in white plaster nests filled specific corner areas with feces of the same color as their fed food, indicating potential 'toilets'. The ants also preferentially placed these toilets in corners, highlighting a unique aspect of ant sanitation.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that naturally occurring plant-friendly fungi can prevent crop-ravishing diseases from spreading and aid plant survival in testing environmental conditions. These 'symbiotic' relationships between barley and the fungi increase plant survival by up to six times.
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have developed new breeding techniques to enhance flood tolerance in barley and other crops. They identified the mechanism used by plants to sense low oxygen levels and reduced yield loss in water-logged conditions, leading to improved crop resilience.
A team of scientists led by Sean Cutler at UC Riverside successfully repurposed an agrochemical to enhance plant drought tolerance. The researchers engineered plant receptors to respond to mandipropamid, a widely used agricultural chemical, and found that the plants effectively survived drought conditions.
Agricultural fires in Indochina were detected by NASA's MODIS instrument, revealing the region's reliance on deliberate burning for land management. The practice helps enhance crops and grasses but also degrades air quality through smoke production.
Researchers discovered that high temperatures stimulate stem growth in plants, contrary to cooler temperatures where light inhibits it. Mathematical models and experiments validated the findings, suggesting plants may associate hot weather with drought risk and grow quickly to reproduce.
A new study led by University of Arizona scientists found that transgenic crops producing two or more Bt toxins do not effectively delay pest evolution. In reality, the actual efficacy against pests often does not live up to computer simulation models, leading to inadequate management guidelines.
In 19th century New Zealand, yellowhammers were introduced to control insect pests but became a nuisance themselves. A new study reveals how they went from welcome guest to public enemy in just 15 years through careful analysis of historical documents and newspaper articles.
Researchers created an oil palm system model using APSIM framework to help growers maximize yields while reducing environmental harm. The model accounts for soil, climate, and management factors to evaluate water balance, nutrient balance, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists suggest rewilding crops by reintroducing lost genes to regain beneficial properties like disease resistance and higher nutritional value. However, these genetically modified organisms may face challenges for market penetration due to consumer concerns.
A systematic overview of over 100 studies reveals organic agriculture yields are higher than previously estimated, with certain practices further shrinking the productivity gap. Organic farming can be a competitive alternative to industrial agriculture when it comes to food production.
A study found unheated high tunnels to be an effective method for finishing cold-tolerant annuals, reducing plant mortality and delays in days to flower. The use of high tunnels also led to improvements in measures of plant quality, such as shorter, more compact plants.
A new study compares machine and hand harvest techniques for specialty cider apples, finding that machine harvesting requires significantly less labor and increases apple yield. The research suggests that machine harvesting could be a viable option for US apple growers to meet growing demand for hard cider.
Researchers found that nitric oxide signals plants to limit nitrogen uptake, allowing for optimal growth without excess pollution. This discovery could inform crop breeding and fertilizer use, resulting in more sustainable agriculture.
A recent study published in Nature found that no-till farming often leads to yield declines compared to conventional tillage systems, except in dryland areas where it can show promise. Implementing all three conservation agriculture principles is crucial for maximizing yields and minimizing environmental impacts.
Scientists at NH Agricultural Experiment Station will apply DNA-based tools to create new rosaceous crop varieties, including strawberries, with improved product quality and disease resistance. The five-year grant aims to develop commercial scion and rootstock cultivars for local growers and organic production.
Researchers found compounds in Camelina sativa seed that increase liver detoxification enzymes fivefold, showcasing its potential as a nutritional supplement and anti-cancer agent. The bioactive ingredients work synergistically when combined, similar to sulforaphane in broccoli.
A new scientific review of genetically engineered feeds in livestock diets concludes that feeding these crops has no impact on the health or productivity of animals. The review examines nearly 30 years worth of data from over 100 billion animals, revealing comparable performance and health between GE-fed and non-GE-fed animals.
NASA's Terra satellite captured images of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi weakening over Vietnam after making landfall on September 17. The storm caused significant damage to homes, crops, and trees in the northern Vietnamese province of Quang Ninh.
A new computer model simulates how plants grow under varying conditions, providing valuable insights into nutrient distribution and adaptation to changing climates. The study's findings could lead to the development of crop varieties with high yields in specific environmental conditions.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive, herbivorous insect species causing significant damage to crops. The new article provides information on its life stages, chemical ecology, and biological control options, including natural enemies and sustainable strategies for integrated pest management.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a gene, called OSCA1, that helps plants sense water availability and adjust their water conservation machinery accordingly. The findings could lead to new ways to help crops thrive when water is scarce.
SRAP markers exhibit high variability and are less technically demanding than traditional methods, making them suitable for various research fields including plant systematics, biogeography, conservation, and ecology. The new study suggests that these markers will be useful when paired with next-generation sequencing technologies.
Researchers suggest genetically edited fruit could be more acceptable in Europe, with potential applications in vitamin A production and browning prevention. Genome editing tools like CRISPR enable precise adjustments to natural ingredients.
Releasing genetically engineered male flies could be an effective way to control the Mediterranean fruit fly, a serious agricultural pest that causes extensive damage to crops. The method works by producing only male offspring, which then mate with local females and pass on a self-limiting trait, resulting in no viable female offspring.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed regulatory definitions and a list of 49 low-risk biofuel plants to prevent invasive species. The 'white list' offers producers clearly identified options, reducing conflicts between renewable fuel production and environmental concerns.
A large-scale study found that organic foods have higher antioxidant levels and lower pesticide residues compared to conventional counterparts. The research team analyzed 343 peer-reviewed publications on the topic and discovered significant nutritional benefits from organic farming.
Biologists at UC San Diego have discovered a new genetic pathway in plants that helps them reduce breathing pores in response to rising CO2 levels, a mechanism that can affect heat stress and drought tolerance. The discovery could provide tools for engineering crops to deal with droughts and high temperatures.
Scientists have developed a new technique to observe root development in 3D and in real-time, allowing them to track cell movements and capture the formation of new roots. This breakthrough could help plant breeders select crops more resistant to drought and flooding.
Researchers at UNH's NHAES identified over 600 species of leafhoppers in New Hampshire, with about 40 being economically significant due to their disease-carrying abilities. The team found six leafhopper species known to carry X-disease, and provided guidance on management techniques to reduce the risk of outbreaks.
Researchers developed a new technique to observe root growth in 3D and in real time using fluorescence microscopy. This allows them to track cell movements over three days, capturing the formation of new roots.
A two-year project aims to improve Ugandans' diets by increasing high-quality mushroom spawn availability. Researchers will develop a breeding program and indigenous germplasm bank, addressing concerns of soil contamination and introducing spent mushroom compost evaluation.
The world's first human trial of pro-vitamin A-enriched bananas will start soon, with the goal of improving the health status of millions of Ugandans. The project, led by Professor James Dale, aims to increase the level of pro-vitamin A in bananas to 20 micrograms per gram dry weight.
A recent study reveals that grain legume crops are a valuable source of essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and nickel. The research found that these crops can provide up to 100% of the recommended daily allowance for certain micronutrients per serving.
Research from Brown University suggests that the decline of suitable land for agriculture is a key factor in slowing deforestation in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study found that land with characteristics such as flat terrain and proximity to roads was initially converted to agriculture, but this type of land is becoming increasingly scarce.
Researchers have analyzed and compared the genomes of ten diverse citrus varieties, revealing that they originated from two wild citrus species diverged in Southeast Asia over five million years ago. The study provides valuable insights into disease resistance and breeding strategies for improving citrus yields.
A recent study analyzed 10 diverse citrus varieties and found very limited genetic diversity, which could threaten the crop's survival. The researchers hope to enable sequence-directed improvement to produce crops that better resist diseases and environmental changes through modern genomics-guided development.
The study found that Australian sweet cherry varieties 'Sweetheart' and 'Kordia' have different chill hour requirements. The researchers concluded that regions in Western Australia and Queensland will become marginal for 'Kordia', while 'Sweetheart' can still thrive with increased winter temperatures.
A recent study found a 46% drop in Central Valley wintertime fog days between November and February, which is crucial for fruit and nut crops. The researchers suggest climate forecasts indicate continued decline in winter chill accumulation, prompting farmers to consider adjusting orchard locations.
A Purdue study reveals that reducing corn's growing conditions by 2 hours a day can lower its height by 9-10% and reduce stalk diameter by 8-9% while maintaining its seed yield. This technique could enable controlled environment agriculture in mines and caves for growing high-value transgenic crops.
Research from North Carolina State University found that more diverse bee species improve blueberry yield by $311 per acre, with a total value of $1.42 million annually. The study suggests that differences in weather tolerance among bee groups contribute to this benefit.
Researchers found that crop domestication took much longer than expected, with cultural and historical factors playing a key role. Domesticated crops like corn showed traits such as seed resistance and shortened flowering times, but their adaptation was slower than genetic changes.
A new study examines three hoop house designs for growing lettuce and spinach during the winter season in the southwestern United States. The single-layer and double-layer designs appear to be the most appropriate technology for both locations, providing adequate protection and higher probabilities of producing positive returns.
A team of researchers led by David Hughes is studying the role of group size, complexity, and connectedness in driving infectious disease transmission. By analyzing ant colonies, they aim to develop strategies to reduce the spread of diseases, including those affecting humans in schools, hospitals, and farms.
Researchers at MU have found that a specific gene in Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines contributes to its susceptibility to powdery mildew. This discovery could lead to breeding more resistant grapevines and potentially developing immunities for other crop plants.
A team of international researchers has identified a key receptor binding to BABA, a chemical boosting plant immunity. The findings offer more durable crop protection by priming the plant immune system against future attacks.
Biologists at Newcastle University use 'confusion effect' to temporarily disorient whiteflies, reducing their ability to feed on tomato plants. The study suggests a potential new method for sustainable pest control, using harmless plant volatiles to give plants time to defend themselves.
A new study found that pelargonic acid is an effective natural herbicide for controlling weeds in yellow squash, with minimal crop injury. The 10-lb/acre PA treatment produced the highest squash yields and fruit number compared to other application rates.
A new study finds that India's highest suicide rates are among debt-ridden farmers growing cash crops like cotton and coffee, which are highly susceptible to global price fluctuations. The researchers suggest policy intervention to stabilise prices and relieve indebted farmers may help stem the tide of suicide in marginalised areas.
A new study by David W. Taylor and Gregory J. Anderson found that consumers are willing to pay more for culturally significant crops, highlighting the importance of 'Culinary Cultural Conservation.' The research also identified key food groups, such as viandas, which are essential to recreating a sense of home.
A panel of international experts will discuss the pros and cons of genetically modified (GM) crops in improving European food security. Recent research shows that consumers are increasingly concerned about GM foods, with 11% checking labels for information on GM content.
Michigan State University researchers found that attracting wild bees to farms can increase yields by 10-20 percent and boost revenue. The study showed that adding habitat for wild bees can improve pollination in nearby crop fields and is an insurance policy against poor pollination.
Researchers discovered specific soil microbes that hinder the growth of ragweed, a common weed in eastern US. By using plants that attract these microorganisms, farmers may be able to create 'weed-suppressive soils' and reduce weed growth.