Articles tagged with Crops
Researchers emphasize global importance of tree crops for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, while promoting biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change. Tree crops provide stable habitats, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.
A new study from the University of Göttingen reveals that the identity of pollinators, pollen, and crop varieties significantly impact fruit quality. The research emphasizes the need to consider these factors to improve crop nutrient composition and consumer health.
A new study found that over half of weedy rice sampled in the southeastern US has become resistant to certain herbicides, including imidazolinone and a newer class of herbicides. The researchers also discovered that individual fields have distinct compositions of weedy rice strains, making management harder.
Researchers aim to develop resilient soybean plants resistant to southern root-knot nematodes, causing $160 billion in damages annually. The project will screen hundreds of genetically diverse soybean lines worldwide to identify potential new sources of resistance.
A new study reveals insights into leveraging allele dosages in sweetpotato breeding practices to improve key agricultural traits. Researchers found that differences in allele dosage significantly impact root weight, plant architecture, and flesh color.
A global analysis suggests that recycling human and livestock excreta can contribute substantially to meeting the nutrient supply for all crops worldwide. Recycling these nutrients could reduce global net imports of mineral fertilizers by 41% for nitrogen, 3% for phosphorus, and 36% for potassium.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a non-toxic pesticide using neem seed extract and nanotechnology. The new formulation shows improved targeting ability and reduces environmental pollution by up to 80-90% of sprayed pesticides missing their target entirely.
An international team of researchers warns that climate change could lead to widespread food shortages and famine if rapid changes are not made to develop climate-resilient crops. The group emphasizes the need for unprecedented collaboration between scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public to address this crisis.
A Curtin University study uses eDNA metabarcoding to track insect interactions with avocado flowers, detecting five times more unique pest species than digital video recordings. This method could help improve yields and make agricultural operations more efficient by identifying beneficial pollinators and pests.
Researchers developed a robot that identifies plants by measuring leaf properties with an electrode, achieving an average accuracy of 97.7% for ten different species. The device may revolutionize crop management and early disease detection, but its limitations need to be addressed.
Anu has received a $175,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the USDA to develop and commercialize its Pure Produce Container technology. The system utilizes Rotary Aeroponics, allowing for up to 3,920 plants in a 20-foot shipping container, reducing water use by 90% compared to traditional methods.
Frank Yin, a renowned agronomy researcher at UTIA, has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 American Society of Agronomy Fellowship. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to research and education in areas such as nutrient management, precision agriculture, and soil conservation.
Researchers found that plants have multiple enzymes for adding methyl groups to DNA, allowing them to override genetic instructions. The study reveals the evolutionary history of these enzymes and their unique structures, providing insights into plant resilience to environmental changes.
Scientists have identified a crucial gene, StCDF1, that regulates both tuberization and nitrogen assimilation in potatoes. The discovery offers new insights into enhancing nitrogen utilization, allowing for breeding of climate-smart potato varieties less dependent on chemical fertilizers.
The John Innes Centre, LMU Munich, and Leiden University have secured €8.3m in funding to study circadian rhythms in non-photosynthetic bacteria, which could have significant implications for human health and the environment. The project aims to understand the properties and ecology of biological clocks across a new kingdom of life.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have designed a system to improve soil health in hazelnut farms, reducing the impact of climate change. By partnering with 20 farms across the Willamette Valley, they aim to demonstrate the ecological and economic benefits of native wildflowers and basalt dust amendments.
A new chromosome-scale reference genome of grass pea has been published, improving on earlier draft assemblies and offering potential for climate-smart agriculture. The updated genome allows for improved breeding and gene editing to develop varieties with improved agronomic characteristics or low toxin content.
A recent study found that over 90% of Mexican consumers would be willing to pay a premium of up to 73% for non-genetically modified products, including chicken, eggs, and tortillas. The ban on genetically modified corn could have significant impacts on US farmers who rely heavily on Mexico as their second-largest importer.
Researchers confirm beehive fences as highly effective in reducing human-elephant conflict, deterring 76-86.3% of elephants from raiding crops during peak seasons. However, ongoing habitat degradation and droughts may compromise the long-term effectiveness of this nature-based solution.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered unique lipids in sorghum that have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. The study suggests that incorporating sorghum into diets could promote cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and enhance metabolic health.
A new study explores clauses in pollination contracts that could make them more appealing to beekeepers, including pesticide protection and cover crop options. Beekeepers valued these features, particularly those protecting against pesticide exposure, with discounts ranging from $6 to $8 per colony.
Induced resistance, a plant-based approach, prepares plants to fight pests and disease by activating their immune systems. This holistic strategy combines multiple methods for tailored protection, enhancing abilities beyond just one defense mechanism.
Research shows nanomaterials can blunt heavy metal contamination's effects while increasing crop yields and nutrient content. Nanonutrients reduce pollution's impact by 38%, enhancing soil fertility, leading to improved crops.
Researchers have identified a promising approach to addressing the challenge of balancing disease resistance and plant growth. By modifying cold-regulated genes, they were able to decouple the salicylic acid-growth trade-off, allowing plants to maintain normal growth even with elevated acid levels.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that increasing plant diversity through undersown species can improve soil health and carbon sequestration. The researchers discovered that even small improvements in carbon retention capacity can be significant, as much land has been harnessed for food production.
A recent study explores the feasibility of non-wood cellulose-based textiles, offering a promising direction for the industry. The research highlights the potential of agricultural residues and dedicated fiber crops as viable alternatives to wood-derived pulp.
The ASAP Global Center at the University of Illinois will integrate international teams and scientific disciplines to tackle global challenges like improving feedstock-crop performance and converting plant matter into fuel. The center aims to generate crucial knowledge, empower communities, and strengthen global cooperation.
A team of researchers found that the use of microbial biofertilisers and algae-based biostimulants can significantly enhance both the yield and quality of organic tomatoes. The treatments improved processes like nutrient absorption and stress tolerance, supporting overall crop performance.
Researchers developed ROSE, a soft robotic gripper that gently grasps objects using a unique 'wrinkling' phenomenon. The study demonstrates ROSE's effectiveness in picking up various crops, including strawberries and mushrooms, with high success rates.
Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.
Researchers found that stored human urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities, increasing nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizers. The study suggests that recycled urine could enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
A new study reveals that two specific genes in the RNA interference pathway play a crucial role in preventing virus transmission from parent to progeny in plants. This discovery could lead to healthier crops and potentially reduce the transmission of diseases like Zika from mothers to human children.
Researchers will focus on automating repetitive tasks to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labor. The goal is to increase automation adoption among nurseries, promoting sustainable growth in the rural communicates where the industry is predominantly located.
A new USDA-funded research grant supports the development of sustainable, biodegradable mulch films that can provide nutrients to crops while reducing plastic pollution. The project aims to create durable and effective films that can be used for years without harming the environment.
A new study finds nearly half of northern Central America is suitable for growing coca, a lucrative cash crop. The region's favorable climate and soil conditions make it an attractive location for criminal groups seeking to expand their operations.
The study predicts light transmission, absorption, and power generation of different PV materials, enabling the selection of optimal materials for agrivoltaics. By carefully tuning the 'colour' of light transmitted through semi-transparent PVs, researchers can enhance crop growth while generating solar power.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are testing a new genetic framework called the omnigenic model to improve crop breeding. The model divides genes into core and peripheral components, with peripheral genes influencing complex traits through cellular processes.
A growing global understanding of drought's impacts, but significant gaps remain in affected communities and developing countries. Long-lasting droughts heighten awareness, while economic factors influence responsiveness to the issue.
Researchers are working on a new approach to breeding corn that incorporates genomic selection and gene expression analysis to improve climate resilience. They aim to develop high-accuracy prediction models that can identify suitable genotypes for specific locations and future climates, reducing the need for trial-and-error approaches.
Researchers identify accessory genes linked to nitric oxide production that contribute to Foc TR4's virulence, offering potential treatments and strategies to slow its spread. Monocropping is also identified as a key factor in the disease's success, highlighting the importance of crop diversity.
Researchers have discovered that sunflowers wiggle to find patches of sunlight, forming a zig-zag pattern that maximizes access to light. This movement allows the plant to explore its surroundings and settle into configurations that provide maximum light exposure.
Researchers developed a tricot approach to collaborate with farmers in testing new crop varieties, increasing collaboration and community engagement. The approach has been shown to be cost-effective, equitable, externally valid, and scalable, benefiting national programs and improving data value.
A new study reveals that snap bean germplasm has a master switch controlling multiple stress tolerance genes, offering a potential solution to waterhemp and other herbicides. The genomic region responsible for this tolerance acts like an on-and-off switch, with higher expression of certain enzymes and antioxidants in tolerant plants.
The IBMCP team has identified a new volatile compound, alpha-terpineol, that effectively protects plants from Pseudomonas syringae, a pathogenic bacterium causing severe crop damage. This natural strategy could serve as a protective barrier against bacteria and even protect plants from drought.
A new study by Salk scientists reveals a key gene that enhances plants' zinc tolerance, allowing them to thrive in toxic conditions. The discovery enables the development of crops more resilient to soil contamination, a major goal of Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative.
Researchers have used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to improve groundcherry's growth habit and fruit characteristics. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields and reduce the need for pesticides. The study also highlights the potential of groundcherry as a model species for studying plant biology.
This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining AI and UAV imagery for precision agriculture, showcasing AlexNet's superior performance in crop classification. The research highlights the importance of early stopping techniques to prevent overfitting, suggesting further optimization for broader applications.
Venkatesan Sundaresan has been awarded the 2024 Wolf Prize in Agriculture for his groundbreaking research on plant reproductive biology. His work enables the production of clonal seeds from hybrid plants, simplifying crop breeding and increasing yields.
Researchers found optimal temperature and humidity levels to protect rice from aflatoxins, which are poisonous compounds linked to cancer and immune system suppression. Proper storage conditions include temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius and relative humidity below 75 percent.
MSU researchers developed a new cotton quality module as part of the GOSSYM application, simulating plant growth and yield. The tool can predict crop growth, yield, and fiber quality, providing valuable insights for farmers to maximize income and resiliency in the face of climate change.
The Xanthomonas cucurbitae pathogen that causes bacterial spot has remained genetically uniform across the Midwest, with most isolates sharing over 99% identical DNA sequences. This lack of diversification may hinder the pathogen's ability to evolve and could be leveraged for developing disease-resistant crops.
Researchers are developing solutions to reduce nitrogen fertilizer-related emissions and accelerate drought-resistant tea varieties. The trials will inform a new tea typology, enabling accurate carbon footprint calculation across the industry.
A new study reconstructs the global migration history of Phytophthora infestans, challenging the common theory of its Mexican origin. The research found that P. infestans likely originated in the South American Andes and then spread globally.
Researchers found that planting energy crops on existing agricultural land in Central Europe and China minimizes harm to biodiversity. This approach allows for restoration of natural habitats, maximizing biodiversity benefits.
A new study by RIKEN CSRS shows that biomass from purple photosynthetic marine bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum is an excellent nitrogen fertilizer, effective as inorganic synthetic fertilizers but with lower environmental side effects. The biomass boosts plant growth without altering soil pH or salinity.
A new study found that neonicotinoid-treated seeds led to an 8% drop in butterfly species diversity, with the pesticide also affecting monarch butterfly populations. The research calls for publicly available data on pesticide use to understand the causes of butterfly decline.
Researchers use laser scanning to generate 3D models of sugar beet plants, capturing essential characteristics for AI-assisted crop improvement. The 3D models are reproducible and freely available, enabling efficient and cost-effective plant breeding in resource-poor settings.
A genomic analysis of the tea grey geometrid has revealed a genetic variation atlas that may lead to more precise and effective pest control tactics. The study identified 627,569 SNPs and selected genes related to metabolic adaptations to tea plants.
A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.
Researchers have identified 31 effector genes from the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata, which causes devastating black rot in sweetpotatoes. This breakthrough provides a new approach to developing disease-resistant crops using effector-assisted breeding.