Articles tagged with Crops
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.
Crop residue burning is a common practice in Indochina for pest control and field preparation, but it also causes significant air pollution and health concerns. The ongoing agricultural fires in the region release vast amounts of smoke into the atmosphere, affecting respiratory health and environmental conditions.
Agricultural fires in Indochina have detrimental effects on the environment, releasing vast amounts of smoke that cause air pollution. The fires also pose health risks to individuals with respiratory concerns.
Researchers found that smallholder farmers' investment in microdosing led to improved productivity, with a 30-35% increase in adoption rates after training. Microdosing uses fertilizer more efficiently and has unlocked the power of chemical fertilizers in low-rainfall areas.
Cornell research reveals that natural enemies like ladybeetles can delay pest resistance to Bt crops, reducing the need for multiple genes and refuge plants. This finding supports the use of Bt crops in agriculture while minimizing pesticide usage.
A study published in HortTechnology found that controlling irrigation using moisture sensors can reduce production time and crop losses, increasing profitability substantially. The wireless sensor system also saves water, labor, energy, and fertilizer.
A new study finds that using seed-filled buoys can effectively restore genetically diverse sea meadows in San Francisco Bay. The technique, known as Buoy Deployed Seeding (BuDS), was tested on eelgrass seedpods and showed promising results in maintaining genetic diversity.
A study by the University of Exeter reveals that crop pests are greatly underestimated in developing countries, posing a significant threat to global food security. With many nations underreporting pest loads, investment in pest observations is crucial to identifying and controlling losses.
Researchers found that rare and common plant species had similar tolerances to widely used herbicides, suggesting a lack of persistent effects on plant communities. The study highlights the need for alternative strategies, such as preserving farmland habitats, in plant conservation efforts.
A study found that reducing nitrogen levels and using selected cultivars minimizes environmental impact in greenhouse pepper production. The research demonstrates how the environmental impact of intensive agriculture can be minimized without harming fruit yield or quality.
Researchers in sweet corn production emphasize the need for accurate measurement of crop responses to improve decision-making. The current approach often focuses on yield, whereas processor variables like recovery and case production are crucial for productivity.
Four common pesticides commonly used on crops to kill insects and fungi also kill honeybee larvae within their hives. The team found that mixtures of pesticides can have greater consequences for larval toxicity than individual pesticides, with chlorothalonil being the most toxic.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have devised a natural way to combat the devastating papaya mealybug, saving Indian farmers and consumers billions of dollars. The intervention, which used parasitic wasps from Mexico, prevented devastation worth $524-1.34 billion over five years.
Researchers found that native perennial grasses and mixes of native prairie grasses and flowering plants outperform corn in terms of biodiversity, pest suppression, and methane consumption. The study suggests that coordinated land use policies can enhance ecosystem services, but rising commodity prices threaten this approach.
Significant portions of the Ogalalla Aquifer are at risk of drying up due to excessive drainage. Michigan State University scientists propose policy solutions, including federal crop insurance changes and wholesale precision agriculture strategies, to avert water crisis.
Researchers evaluated camelina expeller digestibility in pigs, comparing them to canola meal. The study found that some camelina expeller sources had comparable amino acid digestibility to canola meal, suggesting their use in pig diets may be possible. However, other sources showed lower digestibility values.
A new set of guidelines assesses pollinator performance using four metrics: single-visit efficiency, abundance, inclement weather behavior, and visitation rate. Small native bees are found to be highly efficient pollinators despite low abundance.
The Bagrada bug, an invasive stink bug, can be managed through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. IPM strategies include understanding the bug's biology and host range to develop effective control methods. Farmers and growers can benefit from downloading this free, open-access article for guidance on managing this invasive pest.
Researchers have found that the closest relatives of papaya are three herbaceous species and a small tree with stinging hairs from Mexico to Guatemala. The study clarifies species boundaries and reveals the biogeographic history of the papaya family.
A study by Washington State University researchers compared high tunnel and open-field production systems for lettuce and tomato. High tunnel-grown tomatoes were three times more profitable than open-field production, while lettuce was less profitable due to higher labor costs.
A recent study found that the invasive creeping daisy attracts and augments local populations of pollinating insects, including the native bee Braunsapis puangensis. This association has positive implications for crop growers and commercial honey producers in Fiji.
Researchers identify four native shrubs with potential as commercially viable nursery crops: Ceanothus americanus, Corylus cornuta, Lonicera canadensis, and Viburnum acerifolium. Successful propagation protocols are key to their success. Timing of cutting is crucial for optimal rooting, with Viburnum acerifolium showing the most promise.
A study found that vetch residue management strategies combined with organic fertilizers increased marketable zucchini yield by 46.6% and 38%. The technique of roller-crimper mulch also improved soil moisture and fertility, contributing to better crop quality.
Researchers have discovered how plants recognize and respond to bacterial proteins, leading to the development of crops with enhanced immunity. This breakthrough has significant implications for increasing crop yields and improving food quality worldwide.
A University of Calgary-led research team has discovered a gene regulatory network that controls seed 'de-greening' in canola, a major cash crop in Alberta. The breakthrough offers a solution to a long-standing problem causing millions of dollars in annual losses.
Researchers are studying the effects of urban climates on crop yields to develop new crops adapted to urban gardens and provide recommendations for urban farmers. The benefits of urban agriculture include increased food production, community engagement, and access to healthy fresh produce.
Researchers from the University of Guelph compared 55 years of Wisconsin and Ontario data to determine associations between weather and crop yields. Key findings indicate that hot days during June-July-August and rainfall were significant factors affecting yield, with heat tolerance being crucial for breeding purposes.
Researchers found an association between living near pig farms and manure fertilizers with community-acquired MRSA infections. Approximately 11% of cases could be attributed to crop fields fertilized with swine manure.
A study by UC Davis researchers has found that wild Asian elephants retreat from both leopard and tiger growls, which could help Indian farmers protect their crops from elephant raids. The work aims to prevent conflicts between human farmers and elephant herds, resulting in the loss of human and animal lives.
The NTA IPM team developed a science-based framework to assess Bt crop risks on beneficial non-target arthropods. Their research and outreach information validated the tier-testing system used by regulatory agencies.
MSU's UAV measures crop health, helping farmers pinpoint problem areas and apply precise treatments. The combination of drone and SALUS model allows for sustainable farming practices.
High crop species richness suppresses pest populations, indicating a positive relationship between crop diversity and biological control. The study found that crop diversity enhances the natural enemy-pest ratio, leading to improved pest control on EMS using microlandscape.
Researchers develop a Sudoku-inspired watermarking technology that can resist 9 out of 10 cropping attempts, providing robust protection for photographers and content owners.
A recent study by Kansas State University predicts that the High Plains Aquifer will deplete to 69% by 50 years if current irrigation trends continue. Reducing water use could extend the aquifer's lifetime and increase net agricultural production until 2110.
Research suggests that reallocating croplands away from fuels and animal feed can boost food availability for people by 70 percent without clearing more land. The study found that growing food exclusively for human consumption could provide enough calories to feed a few billion more people.
A new study suggests that sustainable farming practices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving food security. By increasing crop yields using efficient methods, such as new varieties and precision farming, farmers can cut emissions by 12% per calorie produced.
New technology for creating pesticides and pest-resistant crops raises concerns about harm to desirable insects and ecological disruption. Researchers suggest designing chemicals that minimize impact on non-target species and evaluating real-life situations.
A meta-analysis of 71 studies found that agri-environment schemes, such as sowing wild-flowers and organic farming, enhance the diversity and abundance of wild bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The results suggest that increasing flower abundance in field margins and roadsides can boost pollinator populations, especially common species.
A global assessment of genetically modified crops reveals why some pests have adapted to Bt proteins in a few years, while others resisted for over 15 years. The study found conditions favoring sustained efficacy include rare resistance genes and abundant refuges.
An interdisciplinary team will analyze soil, crop, and climate conditions at 75 Midwestern corn farms to identify factors influencing farmers' decisions about environmentally friendly practices. The study aims to reduce water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from corn farming, with results expected to inform policy approaches.
A new study published in Significance magazine assesses how precision agriculture can improve the farming economy and crop quality, ensuring food security. Geostatistics is used to map and predict soil properties, allowing farmers to apply inputs like fertilizers and pesticides more efficiently.
The NASA Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) satellite uses its Thermal Infrared Sensor to measure the temperature of the Salton Sea, detecting cooler areas as dark and warm areas as bright.
Nepal and India experience widespread agricultural fires, burning in the April 13, 2013 image from NASA's MODIS satellite. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) detected actively burning areas, which are outlined in red.
Dozens of agricultural fires have been set in India and Nepal, with the NASA MODIS satellite capturing their extent. The fires are outlined in red on this natural-color image from April 06, 2013.
Fires in Southeast Asia are ongoing, with crop burning identified as a primary cause. NASA images capture the extent of these fires, which can have devastating environmental impacts.
A new study by University of Arizona entomologists reveals that the pyramid strategy for genetically modified crops may not be as durable as previously assumed. The research found that critical assumptions underlying the strategy do not always apply, and that some degree of cross-resistance between toxins can reduce its effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Illinois suggest reforming regulatory lists using a science-based process and assessing potential invasiveness. This could lead to better protection for natural areas against invasive species, but may not threaten the development of new biofuels crops.
A large-scale study found that wild insects consistently enhance fruit set for a broad range of crops and agricultural practices on all continents. The researchers concluded that losses of wild insects from agricultural landscapes will likely impact both natural heritage and harvests.
A recent study found that managed honey bees are less successful at pollinating crops than wild insects, highlighting the negative consequences of losing wild insect populations. The research emphasizes the need for integrated management practices to promote long-term agricultural production and enhance global crop yields.
The EU directive on GMOs must be amended to allow the production of plant-made pharmaceuticals, which could lead to cheaper vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and organic plastics. The new regulations should provide tight oversight to encourage investment while maintaining trust.
A food science expert argues that genetically modified foods pose no special risks to consumers or the environment. The overregulation of GM crops wastes resources and diverts attention from real food safety issues.
The symposium aims to find solutions to the increasing gap between food production and water availability. Experts will discuss ways to optimize water use in crop production, protect freshwater resources, and reuse gray water to ensure both adequate food and abundant water supplies for future generations.
A research project in Malawi has led to significant increases in crop yields, with corn production rising by 200% through crop rotation. Meanwhile, children's weight and height have improved, meeting international norms for healthy children. The program's success is attributed to the adoption of bushy legumes and diverse crop rotations.
The domestication of wild plants for biofuel use can increase virus pressure in crop areas unless mitigated. Perennial plants in nature grow slower but are better equipped to fight off viruses, whereas annual plants can serve as 'amplifiers' producing lots of viruses and insects.
Researchers found that wild plants with multiple viral infections remained healthy, suggesting a cooperative role for the microbe. The viruses were passed from plants to their offspring through seeds and may play a beneficial role in plant life, making them more resilient to extreme temperatures and drought.
A new discovery allows for expanded use of a mainstay biological pest control method, the sterile insect technique (SIT), which avoids health and environmental concerns. The approach involves mass release of radiation-sterilized insects that mate but produce no offspring, reducing pest populations.