Articles tagged with Crops
A GLBRC study links agricultural landscape simplification to crop pest abundance and increased insecticide use. Perennial bioenergy crops, such as switchgrass and mixed prairie, may mitigate negative effects.
Researchers found that virus-tested foundation seed increases yield, but quality declines when integrated into commercial farms. Seed productivity and quality vary from year to year and location to location.
Researchers have developed a model to predict the amount of carbon contained in agroforestry systems using detailed web-available data. The model provides a tool for farmers to assess the impact of windbreaks on their operations, capturing substantial amounts of carbon while providing production and conservation benefits.
Researchers at University of Edinburgh discovered tiny seawater algae's survival strategies, which can aid in developing sustainable crops for biofuels and adapting to changing climates. The alga recycles nitrogen from its own body and absorbs alternative nutrients when food sources are scarce.
A new, non-destructive method for estimating leaf area index (LAI) in vegetables has been developed using a commercial camera and free software. The study produced accurate and inexpensive results comparable to more expensive indirect methods.
A new study shows that globally, animal-pollinated crops contain a majority of dietary lipids, vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like calcium and iron. Without pollinators, up to 40% of essential nutrients could be lost.
USDA scientists used GPS-equipped conductivity meters to map manure distribution on feedlot surfaces, estimating manure amounts and quality. They also developed a computer program to associate high soil conductivity levels with manure solids and chloride content.
Researchers found that combined exposure to the three chemicals increases the risk of Parkinson's disease threefold. People who live and work near fields sprayed with these pesticides experience the greatest increase in risk.
The University of Southampton is part of a £4.57 million project to evaluate biomass as a sustainable energy source in the UK. The research aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a cost-effective energy system by 2050.
Comparing the genomes of plant parasites has provided insights into their invasion strategies and sabotaged plant immune responses. This knowledge can be used to develop new tools for diagnosis and disease forecasting, as well as breeding crops with stronger disease resistance genes.
Researchers have uncovered patterns of ancient croplands in Hawaii, providing clues to individual household farming decisions. The findings suggest that these decisions were later adopted by the ruling class, leading to a more complex agricultural system. This study offers insights into the structure of Hawaiian society during this tim...
A study by USDA scientists found that spinach leaves exposed to continuous light during storage were more nutritionally dense than those in dark conditions. The researchers discovered a significant increase in levels of carotenoids and vitamins C, E, K, and B9, or folate, in the continuously lit spinach.
Algae crop failures cost millions in the emerging green industry, so researchers are seeking solutions. A recent $1 million grant from the USDA will help develop a Best Management Practices Plan (BMPP) to prevent zooplankton contamination and promote sustainable algal cultivation.
Agricultural companies have shown a stable and profitable performance over the past several years, outperforming the S&P 500 index with an 8.6% market value increase from 2007 to 2011. The top-performing sectors were fertilizer, equipment, and seed and genetic companies.
USDA scientists found bacterial strains producing the enzyme urease survive longer when fed to caterpillars, making them more effective at controlling pests. Researchers tested 50 strains and found that urease-producing phenotypes survived better when repeatedly fed to gypsy moths.
Removing manure solids through a low-cost two-stage lagoon system increases nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, reducing environmental damage. This results in higher crop yields and greater nitrogen recovery compared to using whole manure.
Researchers tested corn gluten meal on direct-seeded squash and found that banded applications increased crop safety and yields. The study suggests that CGM can be a safe alternative to traditional herbicides for organic vegetable production.
A new method for recycling perlite developed by Louisiana State University researcher Hanna Y. Hanna can save tomato growers a significant amount of money without reducing crop yield. The method, which uses hot water treatment and minimal labor input, reduces recycling cost by up to 50%.
Researchers have identified a gene responsible for seedlessness in the sugar apple and its close relation, the cherimoya. This discovery could pave the way for producing seedless varieties of these fruits and potentially other fruit crops.
Researchers identify resistance to cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) in exotic melon varieties, with potential applications for the southwestern United States. Whitefly populations and high temperatures exacerbate CYSDV infection, highlighting the need for integrated management strategies.
A team of researchers has found that residual distillation water from certain plant species can increase the yields and essential oil content of peppermint and spearmint crops. The study suggests using wastewater as a foliar spray can boost biomass production, with increased essential oil content observed in some cases.
Research provides valuable data on optimal thinning times for commercial peach and nectarine production, with mechanical string blossom thinners showing significant benefits across stages of bloom development. The study found that thinning at the right stage increased fruit size and market value, while reducing follow-up hand-thinning ...
Researchers found that perennial bioenergy crops can significantly impact regional climate, with local cooling effects and altered water balance. The study suggests a broader perspective on the impacts of bioenergy conversion, beyond just carbon emissions.
Researchers found that Texas leafcutter ants can maintain winter gardens thanks to cold-tolerant fungus crops, but the fungus limits their ability to spread farther north. The ant's symbiotic relationship with the fungus constrains their ecological niches.
Climate change is affecting the world's food supply by altering temperature patterns and causing extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rains. As a result, crops are being wiped out, leading to higher prices and health issues.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University are leading a project to develop robots that can selectively pick high-value crops like greenhouse peppers and premium wine grapes. The robots will be equipped with advanced sensing and manipulation algorithms to detect ripe fruit and avoid unripe ones.
Scientists have genetically modified a trial crop of banana plants to survive Tropical Race Four, a fungus that has wiped out plantations in the Northern Territory. The modified plants have been inserted with a gene that starves the fungus, preventing it from attacking the plant.
A study analyzed five long-term experiments to predict effects of no tillage management on soil organic carbon. Harvesting substantial crop residues without added carbon would deplete soil organic carbon and increase pollution risks.
Scientists report that red mud's high alkalinity and salt content are the main threats to crop growth, not toxic metals or radioactivity. Adding gypsum can reduce alkalinity and accelerate salt removal, recommending long-term monitoring of metal levels in crops.
A study by North Carolina State University aims to evaluate the role of legume cover crops in sucking carbon out of the air and sequestering it in the soil. The research will also examine different methods of killing cover crops before planting cash crops and their effect on soil carbon levels.
The US lettuce industry faces significant economic losses due to dieback disease, caused by two soil-borne viruses affecting romaine and leaf-type lettuce. New romaine breeding lines SM09A and SM09B offer complete resistance to the disease and improved shelf life.
The University of California, Riverside has developed a seedless mandarin variety called Tango, which is virtually free from seeds and diseases. The fruit, created through an induced mutation process, boasts a deep orange color and tangy-sweet flavor.
Researchers at Rothamsted Research and ICARDA developed a method to account for spatial trend in single crop field trials, improving accuracy on line performance estimates. The new approach can significantly enhance precision in estimating crop yield and characteristics.
Research suggests that developing biofuel from native perennials instead of corn in the Midwest's rolling grasslands would better protect threatened bird populations. The study found that bugs and birds thrive more in mixed prairie grasses than in corn, with twice as many species making their homes in grasses.
A new hybrid string blossom thinner prototype has shown promising results in increasing crop value and reducing labor costs in four U.S. growing regions. Trials demonstrated reduced labor costs, increased fruit size distribution, and improved yield, resulting in gross income ranging from $4,267 to $12,288 per acre.
A study investigated willow cut-stem producers' profiles, production practices and market value. Most growers sought to expand acreage and extend seasonal markets, with some citing limited scientific knowledge of the crop.
Purdue researchers found that pre-plant bulb dips in paclobutrazol solutions can produce compact, commercially acceptable Easter lilies. The study showed that dipping bulbs resulted in 15-26% shorter plant height at flowering compared to untreated bulbs.
Researchers at Oregon State University have sequenced the genome of a wild strawberry, identifying genes that could lead to improved crops. The study's findings may result in fruits with enhanced flavor, aroma, nutritional value, and resistance to disease.
The University of Illinois has received a $662,836 NSF grant to establish a program mentoring Latino undergraduate students in quantitative biology and informatics. Four cohorts of students will participate in one-year research experiences, receiving fellowships for their work.
Scientists develop a new DNA technique to screen for natural resistance in crops affected by the honey fungus, a devastating disease of trees and shrubs. The technique allows for easy identification, measurement, and study of the fungus in a lab setting.
Researchers at NC State University have discovered a cost-effective method to deter deer from damaging Christmas trees. By using inexpensive, inedible food byproducts like dried blood and egg powder, farmers can protect their crops with significant savings.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a single P450 enzyme responsible for producing two common plant volatiles that defend against insect attacks. The discovery provides new insights into the biosynthesis of these compounds and offers potential applications in improving crop pest controls.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have identified a mutant gene that links powdery mildew resistance to plant fertility. Plants with this gene are resistant to powdery mildew but infertile, highlighting a crucial trade-off in plant defense mechanisms.
The new system will provide more accurate loss adjustment, better policy service, and lower costs to taxpayers. It will consider multiple factors such as weather, location, elevation, and other issues for precise analysis.
Virginia Tech receives a $2.7 million grant to study integrated management of zoosporic pathogens and irrigation water quality for a more sustainable green industry. The project aims to develop biologically based control methods and best management practices to recycle irrigation water safely.
Researchers investigated how GMO gene flow impacts sorghum-shattercane wild-crop hybrids. The study found that the hybrids outperformed their parents in terms of growth and competitiveness, but produced fewer seeds.
The University of Maryland is leading a $5 million NSF-funded research partnership to develop drought-tolerant canola crops. The project will analyze guard cells in the canola plant to understand how plants respond to drought and improve water use efficiency.
A new study finds that Bt corn provides significant economic benefits to neighboring farmers by reducing pest management costs and improving grain quality. The researchers estimate cumulative economic benefits of nearly $7 billion between 1996-2009, with benefits of over $4 billion for non-Bt corn farmers.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that expanding bioenergy crops in the Upper Midwest could decrease bird species by 7-65% due to monoculture farming. In contrast, perennial cultures of prairie plants and grasses could increase biodiversity by 25-100%.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute have identified synthetic compounds that can mimic the effects of plant hormone abscisic acid, helping plants retain water during drought. These findings could lead to sprays that use a plant's natural defenses to improve drought tolerance and combat global food shortages.
A study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals that streams in the Midwest are contaminated with insecticidal proteins from genetically modified corn, which can persist in the landscape. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the effects of agricultural practices on freshwater ecosystems.
Researchers identify key genes that allow fruit flies to differentiate between smells, enabling the development of more effective insect repellents. By understanding how these genes are regulated, scientists can target similar genes in other insects to create substances that repel pests.
Researchers found that winter drought stress can delay orange flowering by 2-4 weeks, allowing for safer mechanical harvesting and reducing young fruit loss. The technique, tested on 'Valencia' sweet oranges, improves late-season harvests without negative impacts on yield or fruit quality.
The USDA has sequenced the cacao genome, accelerating genetic improvement of the crop to resist pests and diseases, improve yields, and support sustainable agriculture. This achievement will benefit the $17 billion US chocolate industry and millions of small farmers worldwide.
Scientists at the University of Toronto have discovered chemicals and genes that may break Striga's stranglehold on crops in sub-Saharan Africa. By manipulating strigolactone production, they aim to reduce the parasite's ability to kill crops.
Researchers will use genome sequencing and equipment to profile small RNA expression in plants, aiming to improve biomass yields and quality for bioenergy production. The project focuses on Miscanthus and other grasses with high potential biomass yields.
Researchers discovered a gene called Spatula that limits plant growth in cool temperatures, potentially helping develop crops for cold climates. By manipulating the gene, scientists aim to improve crop yields and food security in temperate regions.
Afla-Guard, a biological control developed for peanut cultivation, has shown promise in reducing aflatoxin levels on corn crops. In a two-year study, the product demonstrated an overall reduction of 85% in aflatoxin levels compared to control fields.
Researchers have successfully transferred green pepper genes into African bananas, giving them resistance to the deadly Banana Xanthomonas Wilt disease. The banana varieties exhibit strong resistance to the disease and could potentially save millions of farmers' livelihoods.
A GM insect-resistant cotton crop in India significantly increased employment opportunities for female laborers, with average income gains of 40 US dollars per hectare. The research found that the use of Bt cotton reduced manual work and reallocated labor to other household activities, improving women's quality of life.