Articles tagged with Crops
A team of MSU researchers, led by Sarah Evans, will study how plants interact with microbes to obtain nitrogen in abandoned farmlands. The goal is to maximize biofuel yields while minimizing fertilizer use and preserving soil health.
Scientists have discovered a new parasitoid wasp species that can kill up to 25% of the Asian fly larvae, a widely spread invasive pest corrupting large parts of the pigeon pea crops. This natural enemy has the potential to be a biocontrol agent, offering a promising solution for the Dominican Republic's economic losses estimated at 76%.
A large-scale genetic study of marijuana and hemp revealed a lack of knowledge about cannabis due to its controlled status. Researchers found that cannabis plants are often incorrectly labeled and breeders' claims about strain ancestry are not accurate.
A research team at the John Innes Centre has identified and studied peas with mutations in genes coding for seed protease inhibitors, which can reduce protein availability by up to 10%. The study provides proof of principle for genetic approaches to improve crop traits, including the removal of allergenic proteins.
A University of Exeter review highlights the dangers of relying on climate-based projections for crop pest distributions. Crop pests like the Colorado potato beetle have evolved rapidly to evade predictions, making it challenging to predict their future spread.
Researchers found that strip-till farming increased soil organic matter content by 8.6% after five years compared to no-till methods. This resulted in reduced bulk density and penetration resistance, creating a more favorable environment for crop growth.
A new study using genomics to match plant varieties with climate stresses shows promise for increasing crop resilience. Researchers mapped genomic signatures of adaptation in sorghum varieties, identifying those that thrive under drought or toxic soils.
A recent study from Michigan State University found that perennial biofuel crops use a comparable amount of water as traditional corn crops in the Midwest. This discovery has significant implications for cellulosic biofuel production and understanding the impact of climate change on water balances.
CAM research provides a roadmap for increasing agricultural production by developing water-efficient crops and improving existing non-CAM crops. The emerging discipline has tremendous potential for applications, attracting growing interest from academia and industry.
A study by Sasha Kravchenko reveals that long-term differences in soil use impact pore sizes and microbial communities, providing plants with essential nutrients. The research compared two agricultural systems, finding complex pore structures and unique bacterial colonies within individual aggregates.
The University of Illinois will lead a $3.1 million project to develop all-terrain automated ground rovers for high-throughput field phenotyping. These rovers will measure crop growth using 3-D reconstruction and various sensors, enabling faster breeding of energy sorghum and other bioenergy crops.
A major international study reveals that only two percent of wild bee species are responsible for pollinating 80 percent of global crops. This finding underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity, particularly among common wild bee species such as the common eastern bumblebee and red-tailed bumblebee.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have identified key volatile compounds in damaged walnuts that attract insect pests, threatening California's walnut harvests. The team has developed a blend of these aromatic compounds to control pests sustainably and reduce pesticide use.
A comprehensive study by Washington State University scientists David Crowder and John Reganold reveals organic agriculture has significant profit margins compared to conventional farming. Despite lower yields, organic agriculture offers greater environmental benefits and can expand its share in sustainable food production.
Researchers found that applying a fence around a nest protects it from harvesting operations and predators, with a map directing citizen science efforts for maximum benefit. However, predation can counterbalance the positive impacts of protection.
The new TSEA or Agricultural Ecosystem Health Cards provide a practical tool for diagnosing agricultural ecosystem health through analysis of surface-level crop indicators and underground soil level. These handbooks enable users to make basic or advanced diagnoses, with a focus on biological parameters such as microbiological activity.
A new study found that genetically modified corn's Cry1Ab toxin has little impact on the corn earworm, contradicting earlier predictions. The results suggest that pest resistance to GM crops may be more widespread than initially thought, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and research.
A research project by ACIB uses bacteria as bodyguards for seeds like corn, canola, and sugar beet to improve growth, ward off pests, and increase resilience. The method has shown positive results in tests, offering a viable alternative to pesticides for healthier food production.
A recent study found that organic farming systems provide greater economic value than conventional systems, with ecosystem services like pest control and nitrogen release generating higher profits. The research suggests that government incentives or market rewards can encourage the adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture.
The increasing use of asbestos in Asia poses a significant threat to public health, with the potential for widespread mesothelioma and lung cancer cases. Government and non-government groups must work together to improve recognition and diagnosis of asbestos-related lung diseases.
Experiments show that living mulch can reduce broccoli yields, with reduced effects when organic fertilizer is added.
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.
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.