Articles tagged with Crops
A group of internationally recognized scientists urges the U.S. to adopt sustainable standards and practices for cellulosic biofuel production to minimize environmental harm. The experts emphasize the need for incentives to promote environmentally friendly growing practices among farmers.
A new book from the American Society of Agronomy provides detailed information on the importance of sulfur in agriculture. The book examines the central role that sulfur plays as a nutrient affecting crop yield and quality, animal feed value and human diet.
Sustainable farming with shade trees improves resistance to climate-related stressors, particularly in marginal growing areas. Traditional agroforestry techniques can help protect farmers' livelihoods threatened by climate change.
This issue of BioScience features studies on fungal community ecology, extreme precipitation regimes, and the developing Drosophila brain. Researchers also explore the consequences of climate change for terrestrial ecosystems and discuss the potential benefits of restoration and sustainable agriculture.
A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Warwick suggests that plant agriculture began much earlier than previously thought, around 23,000 years ago. The study found that useful gene types took thousands of years to become stable and that crop development was a slow process.
Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to analyze pea plant leaves under drought stress, revealing key metabolites that increase in response. The findings could lead to the development of pea varieties more resistant to water scarcity, affecting global food production.
A study estimates the economic value of insect pollination worldwide at €153 billion in 2005, which represented 9.5% of global agricultural production. The loss of pollinators would result in a consumer surplus loss of €190-310 billion due to price elasticity of demand.
A new study by scientists from Brazil, France, and the US reveals that no-till management combined with winter cover crops is the most effective way to retain nutrients in tropical soils. The research found that this approach can maintain soil organic carbon stocks and mimic natural forested conditions.
Researchers use remote sensors to determine canopy cover in major horticultural crops, finding a strong correlation between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values and measured fractional canopy cover. The study suggests that NDVI can be an efficient way to monitor growth stage and irrigation water demand for these crops.
Swine waste fertilizer can be improved by altering phosphorus levels in the diet, resulting in slower phosphorus accumulation in soil. This approach reduces excess nutrients that can pollute the environment.
A recent review article provides a detailed overview of the available genomics tools and resources for the Rosaceae scientific community. The article highlights recent developments in Rosaceae genomics, including emerging technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and novel phenotyping platforms.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism in plants that regulates circadian rhythms, which are integral to responses to light, temperature, and other environmental cues. The PRR gene family plays a crucial role in these mechanisms, with its members transcribed and translated at different times of day.
A study by the University of Georgia found that southern highbush blueberries have a viable and profitable industry in Georgia. The research estimated total costs of cultivating the crop over four years, showing that 92% of farmers can expect to see positive returns.
Scientists have engineered fortified cassava to provide a complete day's worth of nutrition in a single meal, overcoming its carbohydrates-only composition and cyanide toxicity. The BioCassava Plus project aims to translate this innovation into field-tested products for malnourished populations in Africa.
The RevGenUK project aims to improve crop growth in adverse conditions and reduce nitrogen fertilizers. Researchers can access thousands of mutated plants with defective genes, enabling them to study gene function and develop sustainable crops.
Researchers confirm ancient sunflower domestication in Mexico dating back 4,000 years, contrary to previously believed eastern North American origin. This discovery highlights the importance of sunflower as a major oil seed crop and its potential for modern crop-breeding purposes.
Australian researchers have achieved a major advance by accumulating 30% of an unusual fatty acid (UFA) in the model plant Arabidopsis. This breakthrough could lead to the production of biofactories capable of producing oils for replacing petrochemicals used in plastics, paints, and cosmetics.
Biologists call for making detailed maps of biotech crops available to researchers, allowing them to analyze the effects on wildlife and water quality. The government's current data collection system is limited in spatial resolution, making it difficult to answer key questions about genetically engineered crops.
New Bt corn varieties have shown reduced levels of aflatoxin and lower rates of fungal infection, offering a potential solution to the global threat of this deadly toxin. The developments come as part of Monsanto's efforts to engineer better corn crops resistant to insect pests and environmental stressors.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America recognize 36 outstanding undergraduate seniors for their academic achievements, leadership, and participation. The students receive a plaque and become eligible for the Frank D. Keim Fellowship.
Scientists integrated remote sensing products with soil science data to quantify soil carbon changes over large regions. The study results in a spatially-explicit carbon accounting framework that can predict future land use and inform enhanced land management data sets.
In a study published in the Agronomy Journal, Chris Kucharik found that earlier planting dates have contributed significantly to yield gains in the northern Corn Belt states. The study suggests that this land management change has played a major role in increasing production, accounting for 20-50% of the gains since 1979.
Researchers have created a genetic reference collection of mutant Pisum sativum plants, enabling the investigation of essential genes using TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) technique. This new tool has major benefits for crop breeders worldwide, providing an alternative to Agrobacterium-based techniques.
Farmers perceive genetically modified (GM) crops as a means to reconcile high-quality food production with environmentally sensitive farming. They are more interested in the practical applications and potential benefits of GM crops rather than any moral or ethical concerns.
A £500,000 project will use biotechnology to develop pest-resistant plantains to combat losses of up to half of the crop due to nematode worms. The initiative will also provide a reliable source of nutritious crops for impoverished communities.
A bollworm species has evolved resistance to biotech cotton's Bt toxin in the US, contradicting predictions of rapid pest resistance. The findings confirm the effectiveness of refuge strategies to delay resistance evolution.
Scientific reports predict that global agriculture may decline in some regions due to unconsidered complications from climate change. The authors suggest that temperature rises may lead to crop losses, disease outbreaks, and decreased livestock productivity.
A recent study by the University of Georgia found that southern highbush blueberries have a viable and profitable industry potential. With a 92% chance of profit margin, farmers can expect positive returns on investment, leading to increased production and job creation.
A Chinese-Australian research team studied the whitefly Bemisia tabaci's invasive behavior, discovering that it breeds more when interacting with native populations and suppresses their reproduction rates. This asymmetrical mating interaction drives the widespread invasion and displacement of native species.
UC Riverside scientists will use genomic technology to develop new and improved cowpea cultivars with drought tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases. The goal is to benefit resource-poor African farmers by increasing yields and income generation.
A recent MIT study warns that increasing levels of human-generated ozone will damage global vegetation, particularly crops, resulting in significant economic costs. By 2100, crop production is projected to decline by 10-12 percent, with the most affected regions being northern temperate areas.
A low-fat vegetarian diet is efficient in terms of land use, but adding some dairy products and limited meat may increase efficiency. The study found that a high-fat diet with a lot of meat requires more land (2.11 acres) than some higher fat vegetarian diets.
The Great Plains' stability is threatened by demographic shifts, environmental degradation, and economic pressures. Despite increased crop productivity, the region faces challenges such as soil erosion, high nitrate runoff, and declining aquifers.
Researchers developed a simplified protocol to teach growers how to convert complex yield and soil data into pertinent information, enabling site-specific management decisions. By using this protocol, Australian growers improved their field management, including implementing site-specific nutrient and pest management treatments.
A study funded by Cargill Crop Nutrition found that varying nitrogen application rates can increase corn yield with similar or higher nitrogen rates, but may not improve grain quality. Researchers also discovered that one hybrid performed better than the other under both uniform and varied nitrogen applications.
University of Illinois researchers warn that higher corn prices are causing some farmers to ignore integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which could undermine the effectiveness of technologies that sustain them. IPM is a set of principles developed to minimize ecological impacts of pesticides and transgenic crops.
A new study predicts that Americans' 401(k) plans will be substantially wealthier in real terms by 2040, even if stock market returns are lower than historical values. The research found that future retirees will likely have more assets due to longer working careers and the shift towards 401(k) plans.
A four-year study found that sunn hemp cover crop significantly reduces contamination levels of atrazine and its products in groundwater. The use of sunn hemp can help mitigate the risk of groundwater contamination in Southern Florida, where soil and water conditions indicate potential for leaching from atrazine-based herbicides.
A NASA researcher has created a new method to anticipate food shortages brought on by drought using satellite remote sensing of crop growth and food prices. The model can help humanitarian aid organizations and decision makers predict how much food will be available and its cost, taking climate variables into account.
Scientists propose new cropping strategies for a variable climate, exploring crop sequencing decisions based on weather patterns and management goals. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding short-term crop sequencing effects on agronomic and environmental attributes.
A NASA researcher has developed a new method to anticipate food shortages brought on by drought using satellite remote sensing of crop growth and food prices. The model can help government and humanitarian aid officials plan and respond to drought-induced food price increases, reducing the risk of famine.
A new Illinois-based study has found that Miscanthus is more productive than switchgrass in terms of biomass production, with Miscanthus gaining 33% more carbon and having a greater leaf area. This research has implications for the development of sustainable bioenergy crops.
A Cornell University research project has found that on-farm trials have shown farmers can successfully reduce fertilizer applications without impacting yield and quality. By monitoring soil nitrogen levels, corn growers can optimize their application rates, resulting in cost savings of up to $10-$12 per acre.
A new study published in Science analyzed the environmental impact of genetically modified (GM) crops and found that they can have benefits for sustainable agriculture. The research used data from field experiments worldwide and found that Bt-crops, which produce an insecticide internally, can reduce the need for chemical spraying.
Researchers found that alternative soil fertility management and reduced tillage increased sorghum crop yield in eastern Uganda. Local farmers participated in on-farm trials to evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost alternatives, including mucuna fallow, cowpea rotation, and manure application.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new corn variety that can break down cellulose in leaves and stalks into simple sugars for ethanol production. This innovation allows for more cost-effective and efficient production of ethanol, enabling the sale of waste products as an economically viable commodity.
US crops are susceptible to attack by terrorists, who could use devastating plant pathogens as weapons. The need for prevention and preparedness strategies is crucial, including border inspections, crop surveillance, and rapid pathogen identification.
Red squirrels have figured out a way to predict spruce tree seed crops months in advance and bet on the most abundant harvests. By producing second litters before bumper crop seasons, they increase their chances of survival and reproductive success.
In a study published in Science, researchers found that red squirrels are able to predict the timing of tree seed production and produce a second litter of babies to take advantage of the abundant food. This strategy allows them to maximize their reproductive success, outsmarting the trees' 'swamp and starve' tactic.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a system to harvest corn stover, the stalks and leaves of corn plants, in a single pass using standard combines. The goal is to create a cost-effective method to produce plant fiber that feeds next-generation ethanol plants.
A new cost-benefit model measures the value of ecosystem services benefiting humans, such as flood control and crop pollination. This approach fosters win-win solutions between wilderness advocates and landowners. The study analyzed six ecosystem services in the California Central Coast region, finding overlaps with biodiversity priori...
A new study suggests that earlier corn plantings in the US Corn Belt may lead to a decrease in crop yields in the future. Farmers have been planting seeds around two weeks earlier than they did 30 years ago, but this trend may not be sustainable due to seasonal limitations.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a way to halt damage caused by root-knot nematodes, devastating plant pathogens worldwide. By genetically modifying plants with RNA interference, they've created crops resistant to all four most economically important species, offering a sustainable solution for growers.
A study found that wild bees improve honeybee effectiveness in pollinating flowers and generating seeds, especially on farms with abundant natural habitats. This phenomenon contributes significantly to the sunflower industry, adding around $10 million in value annually.
Scientists have redefined the role of plant pores in defense against bacterial pathogens, discovering that stomata can sense danger and respond by shutting down. The study found that some bacteria produce a phytotoxin to reopen shut-down ports, highlighting a key step in the attack.
The DOE JGI has selected over 40 projects to sequence the genomes of switchgrass, cassava, and other organisms for biofuel production. The goal is to improve biomass productivity and feedstock quality for a more sustainable energy future.
A new DNA 'fingerprinting' technique separates hemp from marijuana by analyzing genetic markers. This method has the potential to distinguish marijuana varieties and aid in establishing origins of seized drugs, with implications for drug distribution networks and criminal defenses.
A team of researchers has successfully engineered a drought-resistant gene into tomato plants, resulting in stronger root systems that can better utilize limited water. The technology could be applied to all crops, addressing the global concern of water scarcity and potentially increasing food production.
A new DNA-based technique measures soil suitability for onion crops by detecting nematodes and fungus at the molecular level. This method surpasses traditional microscopic methods in accuracy and speed, enabling growers to make informed decisions about crop cultivation.
Wastewater can be safely reused for irrigation if pretreated, monitored, and using correct crops, say researchers. The study found that viruses in wastewater could linger in soil for up to a month, but were not detected on spinach leaves.