A Brazilian research team has developed a novel method to sort specialty and standard coffee beans using multispectral imaging and machine learning. The technique, which does not require roasting or human intervention, uses images of the beans at different wavelengths to distinguish between quality levels.
New research from the University of Ottawa finds that climate change is waking bumblebees earlier from winter hibernation, putting the species at risk. The study found that this early emergence timing puts bees out of sync with their food sources, leading to smaller colonies and lower survival rates.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has revealed that PIF7 and auxin proteins accelerate plant growth when exposed to warm temperatures and canopy shade. This discovery will help scientists predict how plants respond to climate change and increase crop productivity, enabling the development of more resilient crops.
A recent study found that a single high-performing cover crop can effectively suppress weeds, even surpassing the benefits of mixtures containing multiple species. The research demonstrated that monoculture cover crops, such as buckwheat and oat, outperformed average mixtures in terms of productivity and weed suppression.
Researchers identified critical success factors for mitigating challenges in the food cold chain, including stakeholder pressure and sustainable investment. The study provides a detailed theoretical framework for developing sustainable business strategies in China.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control invasive fruit fly populations. The technology uses CRISPR editing to target key genes in female viability and male fertility, resulting in a fertility dead end for the species.
The study reveals that environmental conditions cause RNA structures to change, affecting plant flowering times and potentially leading to more desirable traits. This technology can also be applied to human cells, enabling the design of RNA-based therapies for diseases like SARS-COV-2.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge's CSER highlight the need for improved surveillance and public education to mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions. The risk of a magnitude seven explosion in the next 100 years is one-in-six, with potential consequences including abrupt climate change and collapse of civilizations.
Researchers developed a wireless system called Contactless Moisture Estimation (CoMEt) that estimates soil moisture in agricultural fields at multiple depths using radio signals. CoMEt can assess soil moisture without requiring in-ground sensors, making it more cost-effective and convenient for farmers.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals no-till farming boosts agricultural land values in the Midwest, with a 1% increase translating to a $7.86 per acre gain. This finding supports the economic and environmental benefits of adopting soil conservation practices like no-till farming.
Researchers analyzed four pesticides' effects on earthworms and springtails in Northern, Central, and Southern Europe. They found varying risks depending on soil compartment and pesticide characteristics. The study highlights the need to consider regional variability when regulating agricultural practices.
A fungus called Ustilago maydis manipulates the corn plant's auxin signaling pathway by binding to a protein called Topless, suppressing certain pathways while promoting growth and division. This precise control enables the fungus to thrive in infected plants.
A self-pollinating monkeyflower plant lost 13-24% of its genetic variation within nine generations when isolated from bumble bees. This rapid loss of genetic variation could have devastating impacts on the plant's ability to adapt to changing environments, highlighting the importance of pollinators for plant survival.
Researchers found that incorporating banana peel flour into sugar cookie batter makes the treats more healthful. The addition of banana peel flour resulted in cookies having less fat and protein, higher amounts of phenols, and better antioxidant activities compared to conventional cookies.
Research shows higher concentrations of pathogenic dust landing at lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, carrying fungi and bacteria that can cause crop failures and human respiratory disease. The study highlights the increasing threat of microbe-laden dust as the Earth dries out.
The new database offers improved estimations of Potential Evapotranspiration and Aridity Index for the entire world at a high spatial resolution. This allows for a finer description of water needs in different regions, enabling better resource management and land-use planning.
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
Researchers at ORNL developed a theory that thylakoids help plants tolerate harsh conditions, while a digital platform informs on hydropower development. AI-powered neutron scattering can also accelerate experiments, and e-waste recycling is being explored.
Researchers have discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can serve as a communication signal to indicate plant stress, which is critical for crop survival and can significantly decrease with multiple stressors. By monitoring ROS levels, farmers can identify plants under stress and take corrective measures to prevent crop loss.
A new study demonstrates that glyphosate successfully crosses the blood-brain barrier and enhances TNF-α levels in mice. The herbicide is linked to increased production of soluble beta amyloid and reduced neuron viability, suggesting potential hazards to neurological health.
A Dartmouth-led study found that urban gardens with rare plant species tend to attract rare bee and bird species. Women, older gardeners, and those living near the gardens are more likely to curate these rare plants, suggesting a cascading effect on biodiversity.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that larger organic farms use fewer sustainable practices than smaller ones. Larger farms are more likely to use efficiency-boosting agroecological practices, but less likely to adopt environmentally friendly methods.
Researchers have discovered the genetic basis of natural resistance in cassava to mosaic disease, which is transmitted by whiteflies and causes significant yield losses. The gene, known as CMD2, is a DNA polymerase that corrects errors during replication, making it essential for the virus's survival.
A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.
A new study reviewed progress made towards an eco-friendly insect pest management approach in subtropical agro-ecosystems in South Africa. The research highlights the need for integrated pest management strategies to reduce Maximum Residue Levels caused by pesticide use.
SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 19, 2022
Researchers found that farm management practices like crop diversification and native plant presence support wild bee conservation. Urban agriculture can benefit local bee populations if managed sustainably.
A team of researchers has identified a single nucleotide mutation that confers resistance to cassava mosaic disease, which causes significant yield losses worldwide. This discovery has implications for improving cassava yields and sustaining farmer income, and could also shed light on disease-resistance in other major crops.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
Researchers discovered that pocket gophers cultivate and harvest roots for food, constituting a rudimentary form of farming. This behavior allows them to generate enough energy to maintain their extensive tunnel networks.
Researchers identified peak emergence times for 15 problematic weed species in the Northeast, revealing that waiting till after June 1 can avoid common ragweed. Flexible crop rotations and weather-based predictions can help farmers plan ahead and control weeds more effectively.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that camelina, an ancient oilseed crop, may have been more important and widespread than previously thought, with origins in the Caucasus region near present-day Armenia. The study's findings support breeding programs to improve this crop for biofuels applications, highlighting i...
Recent advancements in non-destructive sensors enable real-time monitoring of plant health, allowing for prompt adjustment of environmental conditions to augment crop productivity. The sensors convert plant signals into digital signals, establishing direct communication between plants and growers.
A reference genome for the wild relative of cultivated tomatoes has been developed to improve crop yields and disease resistance. Researchers have also created online tools to facilitate gene discovery and analysis.
Herbicide companies are shifting their research focus to address growing resistance, using AI, X-ray crystallography, and computer simulations to predict target enzymes and inhibit herbicides. This could lead to new commercial products, but experts caution farmers to moderate use and consider additional crop protection tools.
A recent statewide census of California bumble bees found significant declines due to climate change, urbanization, and pesticide use. Despite finding most common species, researchers failed to locate several iconic species, including the Western bumble bee, highlighting urgent need for conservation efforts.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University discovered charcoal remnants from olive trees at the Chalcolithic site of Tel Zaf, indicating intentional cultivation around 7,000 years ago. This marks the earliest evidence of domestication of a fruit tree worldwide.
A new study suggests that sustainable irrigation can boost crop productivity to feed 1.4 billion more people, reducing environmental impacts and clearing natural land for agriculture. However, climate change may complicate this calculus, requiring additional research on water management strategies.
Researchers found that wetter pre-growing seasons reduced soil nitrogen through leaching, but applying more fertilizer can mitigate this effect. The model also showed that cold pre-growing season temperatures limited early growth in ways that affected yield potential, making extra fertilizer less effective.
A team from KAUST has developed a low-cost system for imaging plant growth dynamics noninvasively and at high throughput. The Mutiple XL ab system combines computer vision and pattern recognition technologies with machine learning to analyze and quantify root growth dynamics.
Global mismanagement of phosphorus is causing twin crises, with skyrocketing fertilizer prices and pollution damaging biodiversity. The '50, 50, 50' goal aims to reduce global phosphorus pollution by 50% and increase recycling by 50%, while adopting more efficient use in agriculture.
Researchers at Rutgers University have made a groundbreaking discovery about nitrogen-fixing bacteria in leaf cells, which can provide plants with essential nutrients. This breakthrough has the potential to transform crop cultivation methods, reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use and preserving soil health.
Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.
A team led by UMass Amherst food scientist Matthew Moore has received a $750,000 grant to develop portable biosensors for detecting noroviruses and mycotoxins in foods. The technology aims to provide quick, cheap, and effective detection without lab testing.
West Virginia University researchers are exploring the symbiotic relationship between Miscanthus x giganteus and its microbes to improve the crop's resilience in unpredictable climates. The goal is to determine the best way to manage the plant on marginal soil, which could help restore damaged soils and mitigate climate change.
Researchers have identified three new proteins that play a key role in plants' response to physical contact and touch, solving a scientific mystery that has eluded molecular biologists for 30 years. The study's findings could lead to higher yields and improved stress resistance in crops, which is crucial in the face of climate change.
A fungus, Moniliophthora perniciosa, causes witches' broom disease in cocoa trees by releasing cytokinin, altering plant hormone balance. The fungus then consumes lignin produced by the tree's vascular tissue after its death.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
Researchers discovered hundreds of new gene functions in algae, which have counterparts in plants, enabling better understanding of photosynthesis, DNA repair, and stress responses. The findings can improve biofuel production and develop heat-tolerant crops.
Researchers have finally solved the structure of the plant protein NPR1, a key regulator of plant immunity. The new findings reveal that NPR1 forms a shape resembling a gliding bird and binds to molecules in the cell's nucleus to turn on immune genes. This breakthrough could lead to better crops with improved disease resistance.
A new study predicts that agricultural water scarcity will worsen in up to 84% of croplands globally by 2050, with green water availability changing under climate change. Effective solutions include conserving agricultural water through mulching, no-till farming, and improving irrigation infrastructure.
A remote Irish community endured a millennium of climate change and ecological shifts without significant disruption, thanks to its adaptable social practices. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed peat core data to infer environmental and human occupation changes over 1,000 years.
A recent study found that native vegetation green roofs in New York City are more effective at managing stormwater runoff compared to conventional succulent-planted green roofs. The research used the Ranaqua green roof as a case study, which was constructed and monitored by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.
A new study by University of Warwick researchers finds that the adoption of cereal crops is the key factor in the emergence of complex hierarchies and states. Contrary to conventional theory, high land productivity does not lead to the development of tax-levying states.
Researchers propose that wildlife can return phosphorus to the land by restoring interconnected animal communities, revitalizing ancient pathways of natural fertilization. This approach aims to generate sources of fertilizer for farmers and increase ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.
Researchers examine the value of studying underutilized crops and identify specific genes that underpin their adaptive traits. The review advocates for extensive genome sequencing to breed favorable varieties with mainstream potential.
A team of researchers collaborated with small farmers in Egypt to identify the most nutritious and climate-adapted pumpkin varieties. The study found significant variation in nutritional value among different samples, allowing for accurate identification using genetic analysis.
Studies comparing cultivated apples to their primary wild progenitor, Malus sieversii, found that modern apples are larger and less acidic. They also exhibit improved storage capabilities, suggesting a significant difference in phenotypic traits between the two species.
Researchers used single cell RNA-sequencing to identify specific cells and genes in maize roots responsible for nitrate uptake. The study provides valuable insights into optimizing root nutrient uptake ability in crops.
The John Innes Centre researchers identified the role of the signaling protein CaM2, which regulates calcium channels and shapes calcium signals. This led to accelerated calcium frequency, earlier signaling with bacteria, and enhanced root nodule symbiosis in engineered legume roots.
Researchers at the University of Seville conducted a study on deficit irrigation for Sunchocola tomatoes, finding no significant changes in commercial quality but increased carotenoids and phenolic compounds. The results have significant nutritional importance and potential for global irrigation water savings.