Articles tagged with Crops
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.
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 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.
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.
As industrial agriculture practices become unsustainable in extreme climates, smallholder farmers' landrace seeds are crucial for adapting crops to local conditions. By valuing and sharing seed diversity, researchers aim to promote benefit-sharing and center evolution and biodiversity in agricultural processes.
A new, high-yielding variety of camelina has been engineered with a gene that increases oil production by 21.4%. The modified seeds have lower levels of flavonoid compounds and mucilage, but higher levels of genes involved in oil synthesis.
Researchers use nanomedicine and digital twin technologies to develop Plant Nanobiotechnology, addressing agricultural challenges and increasing crop yield. Digital twins of plants enable the design of nanocarriers that target nutrient delivery to specific plant organs.
Researchers in Italy have successfully monitored invasive stink bugs using drones and AI, reducing disruption and improving data capture. The system achieved a 97% detection accuracy, enabling precise forecasting models for integrated pest management strategies.
Researchers developed a compact sensor system with infrared imaging capabilities that can be fitted to drones for remote crop monitoring. The system can rapidly switch between edge detection and detailed infrared imaging, allowing farmers to pinpoint specific crop needs and boost harvests.
Global greenhouse cultivation has increased rapidly, with Asia accounting for 60.4% of global coverage. The practice provides opportunities for local food security and poverty alleviation, but raises environmental concerns such as water pollution and energy consumption.
A team of international experts emphasizes the need for collaboration across borders and within countries to address the growing threat of invasive alien species. The paper, published in Nature, Ecology & Evolution, highlights the critical evaluation of existing knowledge on invasive alien species and their control.
A new study found that genetically engineered canola plants with pesticide resistance are persisting in roadside populations, but may be losing their engineered genes. Almost a quarter of the feral plants were found to not contain transgenes.
Researchers explore mechanisms of fruit abscission in woody species, highlighting critical roles of abscission zones and signaling pathways. Future studies aim to develop precise genetic interventions to enhance crop resilience and productivity.
Researchers used pea, carrot, and tomato plants to simulate Martian agriculture. Intercropping emerged as a promising method to optimize fresh food production in future colonies.
SMART researchers develop a nanosensor that selectively detects salicylic acid in live plants, vital for stress response. The sensor combines sensors for H₂O₂ and salicylic acid, enabling simultaneous monitoring of plant hormones and aiding in early diagnoses to improve crop resilience.
SlWRKY80 plays a crucial role in regulating tomato resistance to saline-alkali stress by positively modulating the JA metabolic pathway. The protein enhances spermidine synthesis and stabilizes Na+/K+ homeostasis, leading to reduced sensitivity to salt alkali stress.
A new international study reveals that fluctuating coffee prices have a significant negative effect on the mental well-being of Vietnamese farmers. The study found that price volatility leads to increased stress, anxiety, and reduced social capital among farmers.
A research team proposes a method to quantify the 'golden-hour water use efficiency' (GHW) trait, aiming to breed high-yielding and water-efficient crop varieties. The study focuses on the importance of balancing water conservation with biomass output in crops, offering a greener alternative for agricultural productivity.
Researchers found that adjusting crop loads to specific levels for different rootstock types can optimize tree growth and fruit quality. Chemical thinning agents like carbaryl and 6-BA were effective in managing crop load, with best practices involving specific concentrations and application timings.
Native wild bees are vital for pollination and have a significant impact on crop productivity. A recent study found that increasing wild pollinator habitat could provide additional nutrition for 30 million people annually and increase farmer income by up to $3 billion every year.
A recent study published in Phytobiomes Journal found that non-native crop viruses are infecting and harming wild desert plants. Infection rates with the virus CABYV reached as high as 88% in some populations, causing visible impacts on plant growth and root health.
Recent research connects biological domestication to early food globalization, proposing a new conceptual framework that challenges traditional narratives. Archaeological investigations have shown that plant and animal domestication entailed a more gradual transition spanning thousands of years across extensive geographies.
Research suggests that warmer fall seasons may lead to colony collapse in honey bees due to increased flying time. However, cold storage for colonies could help reduce the risk of colony collapse by allowing bees to cluster earlier and save workers.
Researchers identified traditional Polynesian and South American crops, such as breadfruit and yam, at early Rapa Nui settlements through starch analysis. These findings provide insight into the island's early agriculture and cultural exchange with South America.
Researchers found that daily cranberry extract consumption for 28 days improved running speeds by 1.5% and reduced post-exercise blood lactate levels. The study also showed increased muscle oxygenation rates and slower deoxygenation.
The US Department of Energy's Billion-Ton Report suggests that the country could produce over 1 billion tons of plant-based biomass per year for renewable fuels while meeting projected demands for food, feed, fiber, conventional forest products, and exports. This would triple the current bioeconomy capacity, enabling the production of ...
Researchers used hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to classify rapeseed maturity, achieving high accuracy rates. The study identified key wavelengths and preprocessing methods that improved model performance, offering a non-destructive solution for uniform seed maturity.
A study by PLOS reveals that climate change has significantly increased crop water demand in the San Joaquin Valley since 2011. The shift is substantial, with water usage equivalent to a major reservoir.
The study found that the fungus begins affecting the insect's behavior two days after spraying bioinsecticides, reducing its feeding activity and pathogen transmission. The fungus is a natural, wild species that does not pose a hazard to human or animal consumption, making it a potential alternative for organic crop control.
A study reveals that restoration strategies in the semi-arid region of Brazil have led to a return of native ecosystem services by improving soil microbial properties. The techniques, including removal of cattle and cultivation of cover crops, have resulted in higher biodiversity and crop yields.
Researchers utilized femtosecond X-ray crystallography to track structural alterations in PSII after laser flash illumination. The findings revealed intricate dynamics of electron transfer, proton release, and substrate water delivery, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying oxygenic photosynthesis.
A new disinfection technology uses low-temperature plasma to sterilize nutrient solutions in hydroponic farming, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This innovation promotes environmentally friendly crop cultivation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers in Canada develop a new method to control the pepper weevil using gamma irradiation. The study found that insects sterilized at 110 Gy are completely sterile and cannot reproduce, making it an effective strategy for managing this economically significant crop pest.
Researchers from Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf discovered a novel genetic regulator of flowering time in barley, enabling the plants to speed up development during short days. This mutation makes barley nearly immune to photoperiod limitations, allowing for cultivation in marginal environments with sub-optimal growing conditions.