Articles tagged with Crops
The global biofuel drive poses a significant risk of eviction for African farmers as their lands are allocated for crop cultivation. Research highlights the need to consider the impact on food security, particularly in countries where food is scarce already.
A new calculator program helps farmers estimate crop yields and irrigation needs in semi-arid regions. The MultiCalculator CD uses three simple Excel spreadsheets to predict non-irrigated crop yields and estimate irrigation water needs, considering factors such as soil type, precipitation, and crop selection.
Researchers found that switchgrass can provide a suitable substrate for short-production-cycle woody crops, with fine-milled switchgrass being more consistent with normal nursery container substrates. The study showed that roses grown in switchgrass substrate had low to moderate levels of calcium and iron but were of high quality.
A recent study found that the Texas Pecan Promotion Program effectively increased demand for Texas pecans and total pecan sales over an 8-year period. The program generated a net revenue of $35 per checkoff dollar spent, benefiting mainly improved pecan varieties.
Growing energy crops like warm season grasses and short-rotation woody crops can promote long-term carbon sequestration and provide biofuel feedstock. Removing crop residues from fields, however, can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, and reduced nutrient cycling.
Research found that spray gun technique and application rate significantly affect the effectiveness of pesticide deposition on ivy pot plants. The study suggests using a disc-core nozzle with high-pressure equipment to improve performance.
Researchers are studying plant stress response mechanisms to improve crop productivity and survival under drought and extreme weather conditions. By understanding how plants respond to different types of stress, scientists hope to develop new breeding approaches that enhance crop resilience without sacrificing yields.
Scientists found that prior herbicide use, rather than irrigation, is crucial to a herbicide's effectiveness and environmental impact. The study revealed that herbicides like atrazine degrade faster in fields with previous applications, leading to reduced weed control and deeper soil penetration.
This study investigates the impact of landscape position on biomass crop yield, finding that summit positions produce higher yields than flat areas. Corn stover yield is positively influenced by terrain slope, nitrogen, and soil darkness profile.
The US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service has released new geospatial data products, including satellite images of agricultural land cover across most of the nation. These cropland data layers can be used to monitor crop rotation patterns, land use changes, and water resources.
Researchers have found a yeast called Pichia anomala that can compete with unwanted mold Aspergillus flavus for nutrients and space, reducing aflatoxin contamination in tree nuts by up to 97%. The versatile yeast may also protect other crops from various microorganisms.
Scientists at the University of York have created a genetic map for Artemisia annua, which will enable rapid improvement of the species and development of high-yielding crops. The project aims to meet soaring demand for effective malaria treatments by 2012, when production is expected to double.
A new miscanthus rhizome root harvester and planter will be unveiled at the Bioenergy Feedstocks Symposium, reducing harvesting and planting costs by 50%. The Rizomgen Harvester/Planter package has shown a 200% increase in rhizome collection over manual systems.
A study by Oregon State University economists found that countries like France and the US fare well due to competitive crop production and few trade barriers. In contrast, low-income countries suffer from higher trade restrictions and below-average productivity.
A new study analyzes data from five continents to conclude that existing strategies can be used to predict, monitor and manage insect resistance. By understanding what accelerates and delays resistance, farmers can more effectively thwart pest resistance using tactics like refuge strategy and pyramided crops.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences from two inbred corn strains and discovered significant differences, including the presence of unique stretches of genetic material. This diversity is believed to be behind hybrid vigor, which can improve crop traits such as protein content or biomass production.
A team of scientists, led by UCR professor Sean Cutler, has made significant discoveries on how plants survive drought using the stress hormone abscisic acid. Recent studies have built upon Cutler's initial findings, shedding light on the signaling pathway that enables plants to adapt to water scarcity.
A team of researchers completed the first draft of the cassava genome, which contains an estimated 95% of cassava genes. The availability of this sequence enables the development of a genome variation database to aid farmers in improving cassava resistance to CBSD.
Researchers developed a dynamic tool, Trellis Tension Monitor (TTM), to estimate grape yields in trellised crops. The system detects weight change on trellised grapevines, enabling growers to create more efficient timetables for grape-picking operations.
The K-State team is developing tools that can predict the consequences of water policy decisions on communities. The interdisciplinary study examines how changes in policy and water use practices affect everything from land use practices to population shifts.
A new report by NIST demonstrates that iris recognition algorithms can maintain their accuracy and interoperability with compact images, affirming their potential for large-scale identity management applications. The study's results show that two compression standards, JPEG2000 and PNG format, performed well in preserving image quality.
Mechanical fruit thinning improves pecan yield and nut quality, leading to increased profit potential. The study found that thinned trees had a higher return crop value in the off-year, offsetting any loss in yield, resulting in overall increased profitability for 'Cape Fear' and 'Sumner' pecan varieties.
Applying reflective films to orchard floors increases fruit size and color, leading to increased profits for apple growers. The use of these films can result in a 26% increase in fruit picked at first harvest, meeting European Union grade standards.
Researchers find that removing fruit from 'Pixie' mandarin trees reduces floral intensity of return bloom by inhibiting budbreak. Growers can investigate degrees of fruit thinning or pruning to mitigate alternate bearing, which is exacerbated by holding fruit on the tree to extend commercial harvest period.
A new pest, the Spotted Wing Drosophila fly, has been identified in Oregon's Willamette Valley wine grapes, causing significant losses to cherry and peach crops. The fly's larvae are small and shapeless, but culture methods can confirm its identity.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified a gene in cowpea that confers resistance to Striga, a parasitic flowering plant that attacks the roots of host plants. The discovery is significant as it could help develop strategies for improving resistance to Striga in other affected crops.
The study found that winter chill in California will decline by up to 80% by the end of the century, making many tree crops unsuitable for growing. Growers may need to develop new tree cultivars and management strategies to mitigate the impact of reduced winter chill.
Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that an ancient form of barley could survive water stress better than modern varieties. The study found that a mutation in six-rowed barley led to its transformation into two-rowed barley, which was cultivated for over three millennia.
Dr. G. V. P. Reddy's research aims to eliminate toxic insecticides by introducing a predatory mite and applying biopesticides, improving eggplant farming in Guam. The study will inform growers of the risks associated with conventional methods and promote ecologically sound IPM practices.
The updated TAIR9 genome release includes detailed information on all 33,518 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, including 114 newly discovered genes and 168 new pseudogenes. The new features promise to accelerate research on designing new crops for food, biofuels, industrial materials, and medicines.
Research found that DOC losses from tile drains were not affected by crop management practices, but drainage hydrology and manure application played a role. The study highlighted the importance of understanding DOC contributions to surface waters in agricultural watersheds.
A University of Colorado at Boulder team discovered a large manioc field in the ancient village of Ceren in El Salvador, which was buried under volcanic ash around A.D. 600. The cultivation system is believed to be the first evidence of intensive manioc farming at any New World archaeology site.
A new study published in The Plant Genome suggests that acquiring cheap genome sequence data can improve the quality of feedstocks used to create biofuels, potentially reducing carbon footprint. This could lead to more sustainable high-yield production with minimal inputs.
Researchers warn that unregulated biofuel crop planting poses a significant threat to Hawaii's environment due to their high invasiveness. The study identifies high-risk biofuel crops that could be grown with implemented measures to reduce their risk of spreading out of control.
A new study reveals that farmers' overreliance on Roundup Ready crops and glyphosate-based herbicides is leading to the development of resistant weeds. Rotating crops and using different herbicides can slow down this process, extending the life of the technology.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that growing duckweed on hog wastewater produces starch for ethanol, outperforming corn by five to six times per acre. The process generates clean water and turns pollutants into a fuel production system.
Researchers found that leaf-cutting ants and their fungal gardens actively combat invading fungi, ensuring mutualism health. The garden itself can also compete with incoming microbes, strengthening the ants' hygiene practices.
A new study published in Crop Science found that the root structure of corn crops plays a key role in the historical yield increases in the US Corn Belt. The research revealed that changes in root systems allow for more efficient water capture and sustain biomass accumulation.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a corn variety with increased biomass, which can be used as an energy crop and as feed for livestock. The modified plants produce larger stalks and more leaves, leading to increased sugar content in the stalks.
A study published in HortScience found that foliar particle film can increase the weight of red-skinned wine grapes by 7% and soluble solids concentration by 11%. However, it did not prevent sunburn on exposed fruit when vines were under stressful growing conditions. The results support anisohydric classification for these grapes.
Researchers found that digital images can effectively characterize canopy coverage and light interception in tomato crops using free software and commercial cameras. The study demonstrated practical advantages over traditional methods, including the ability to measure at any time of day and without bright sunlight.
Researchers found that mechanical thinning increased fruit size by 9% compared to conventional hand-thinning or non-thinned control trees. The technology also reduced labor time by 50% while maintaining average fruit sizes within the desired range, offering economic benefits for growers.
A recent study in Crop Science proposes data-driven methods to group breeding programs compatible for germplasm exchange. The researchers identified three mega-targets of selection among barley breeding programs, which could produce adapted genotypes with high yields.
Researchers found that converting Conservation Reserve Program grasslands to bioenergy grain crops does not result in significant loss of sequestered soil organic carbon. No-till farming practices can conserve and even enhance soil carbon sequestration in these areas.
Research shows that putting a price on carbon dioxide emitted by different land use practices can significantly change how land is used. The study found that addressing the land-based carbon is essential for stabilizing greenhouse gases at low levels.
Researchers found that high crop biodiversity leads to less dissolved nitrogen in surrounding watersheds, suggesting a buffer effect from grasslands and woodlands. This could indicate a reversible impact if policy changes prioritize farming practices like crop rotation, smaller fields, and native perennial grasses.
Researchers found that diverse croplands lead to lower dissolved nitrogen levels in surrounding watersheds, reducing aquatic pollution. The study suggests that policy changes can mitigate the negative impacts of agriculture on water quality through crop rotation and buffer zone implementation.
Scientists have developed a method to produce biodegradable plastics from plants, which can be used to replace petroleum-based plastics. The new plastic, called polyhdroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyvalerate (PHBV), is flexible and moldable, and can be naturally degraded into water and carbon dioxide by bacteria in the soil.
Research suggests that US public funding for specialty crops is inadequate, with production value growth not matched by research spending. Increasing funding could lead to lower fruit and vegetable prices, promoting healthier diets among Americans.
This issue of BioScience explores strategies for managing biological resources, including optimizing forest responses to climate change. The journal also examines the ecological roles of mesocarnivores and the impact of mercury contamination on sport fish in the Northeastern United States.
Researchers suggest using 30% of global crop residues to sequester 600 megatons of carbon in the deep ocean, reducing atmospheric CO2 by up to 15%. The process would be 92% efficient and minimize environmental damage if done correctly.
The UK has launched a £27M bioenergy research centre to develop sustainable fuels and reduce carbon emissions. The centre will focus on improving crop yields, changing plant cell walls, and analyzing the economic life cycle of bioenergy sources.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that greenhouse gas emissions from biofuel production can be mitigated with sustainable land use practices. Effective crop management techniques, such as no-till farming and planting cover crops, can reduce the time it takes for biofuels to overcome their carbon debt.
A new Purdue University study suggests that warming temperatures could lead to an increase in corn pests, resulting in decreased yields and increased costs for farmers. The research found that warmer weather could allow these insects to expand their territory and produce an extra generation of offspring each year.
Stanford researchers predict more frequent heat waves, higher temperatures, and increased crop losses in California. Average temperatures are expected to rise 4-9 degrees Fahrenheit over the next 50-100 years, with potential impacts on crops like cherries, peaches, and grapes.
Archaeologists discovered starch grains on ancient human teeth in Peru, revealing the earliest consumption of beans and pacay. The findings suggest that New World people were committed farmers earlier than thought, dating back over 2,000 years.
A team of scientists developed a model to measure soil quality and predict long-term changes in soil organic carbon and organic matter. The CQESTR model simulates the effects of various management practices on soil dynamics, providing insights for sustainable crop and soil management.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing automated farming systems using sensors, autonomous vehicles, and data analysis to monitor tree health and crop status. The systems aim to provide growers with early warnings of diseases and insect infestations, as well as continuous updates on crop status.
A new study published in Agronomy Journal reveals that reduced tillage can increase peanut crop yields, but the effects of crop rotation and tillage on pest development are more complex. The research found an independent relationship between tillage and rotation practices with respect to peanut yield and pest development.
The Soil Science Society of America has recognized 2008 SSSA Fellows, Thomas W. Bruulsema, Seth M. Dabney, Steve R. Evett, Yan Jin, Thomas C. Kaspar, Newell R. Kitchen, David A. Laird, and R. Richard Lowrance, for their professional achievements and meritorious service to the Society.