Articles tagged with Crops
Researchers developed a formula to accurately determine water-use efficiency in typical soils, showing that no-till techniques can improve crop yields while reducing runoff and drainage losses. Soils with higher clay content and greater capacity to retain water produce better results, highlighting the importance of soil type management.
A new program helps protect Asian elephants from crop-raiding by implementing a coordinated effort to deter them, reducing farmer risk and protecting the environment. The initiative uses trip wires, sirens, spotlights, and firecrackers to scare off aggressive elephants, promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife.
The project aims to improve and conserve local, traditional crops being overlooked by major international research programs. Farmers will be actively involved in selecting and multiplying varieties of neglected crops, with new technologies for better cultivation and use.
Genetic modified organism (GMO) crops can benefit from a 'refugia strategy' that preserves susceptible insect genes. This approach aims to counteract potential insect resistance by allowing certain pests to survive and breed in GMO-free areas.
A study found that genetic traits from crops can persist in weeds for generations, potentially leading to hardy and hard-to-kill weeds. This raises concerns about the long-term impact of transgenic crops on weed populations.
Researchers found that bacteria thrived in around a third of common pesticides, with Shigella, E. coli, and Salmonella growing best on chlorothalonil. The risk of food poisoning could increase one-thousandfold if contaminated water is used on crops.
Scientists have identified genetic resistance to aflatoxin production in over five major crops, with commercially usable resistant varieties expected to be available soon. Crop management practices such as irrigation and early harvesting can also significantly reduce aflatoxin content.
A new study in Science predicts that genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops may severely reduce bird populations on a small percentage of farms, particularly those with high seed densities. The consequences depend on which farmers adopt the new crop types, with intensive farms experiencing more significant declines.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that managed honey bees pollinate over 50 crops worth $14.6 billion per year, a 36.3% increase from 1989. The contribution of honey bees to US agriculture is crucial for food production and security.
A recent study by Ohio State University suggests that evergreen trees can collect two to four times more pesticide spray droplets than broadleaf plants. The researchers recommend planting a line of evergreen trees around crops to reduce the movement of pesticide sprays outside their fields.
Two prominent entomologists warn that recent studies on genetically engineered crops have distorted the debate, potentially having profound consequences for science and public policy. The experts question the methodology used in these studies, particularly one claiming Bt corn kills monarch butterfly larvae in laboratory tests.
New methods using video cameras, spectral sensing, and satellites enable precise chemical applications targeting individual plants. These strategies optimize pesticide use on smaller scales, reducing risks.
The discovery provides evidence of a thriving agricultural practice before the village was buried by volcanic ash 1,400 years ago. The remains of the first chili bushes ever discovered at a Mesoamerican archaeological site reveal the villagers used sophisticated techniques and had a high biodiversity of crops.