Articles tagged with Grasses
Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed a new genetic map of switchgrass, which is expected to speed up the search for genes that make the perennial plant more viable as a biofuel source. The genetic map divides the switchgrass genome into 18 distinct groups of genes linked together on the same strand of DNA.
A new study found that excess nitrogen in estuaries can alter the composition of plant species, favoring grasses over sedges that respond poorly to rising CO2 levels. This shift can impact ecosystem capacity to store carbon and adapt to climate change.
Research from Queen's University Belfast suggests that Irish hare populations are declining due to changes in farming practices. Hares require a specific patchwork of grassland and tall vegetation for feeding and hiding, but silage fields are mistakenly identified as suitable habitats, leading to traps and population declines.
A team of researchers, led by Naomi Levin of Johns Hopkins University, reexamined data from a 2009 study on the early human ancestor Ardi and found that its environment was likely a savanna, not a forest. This conclusion contradicts the 'savanna hypothesis', which proposes that the expansion of grasslands prompted humans to walk upright.
Scientists argue that Ardipithecus ramidus, a human ancestor, lived in tree or bush savannas with 5-25% tree cover, not dense woodlands. The claim challenges the savanna hypothesis, which suggests that the expansion of savannas prompted the evolution of bipedalism.
A new study suggests using herbicides to sterilize weedy grasses instead of killing them may be a more economical and environmentally sound strategy. Growth regulator herbicides, when applied at the right growth stage, can reduce weed seed production without harming desirable perennial grasses.
Agricultural Research Service scientists studied cattle grazing patterns to understand its effect on sagebrush communities and grouse habitats. They found that monitoring the rate of interspace tussock consumption can help preserve grouse habitat by allowing ranchers to move their grazing lands when 40% of these tussocks are consumed.
Scientists investigated the evolution of grasses by sequencing the chloroplast DNA of Anomochloa, a small genus diverging from other grasses. The study found unique and mixed features in its chloroplast genome, questioning the classification of Anomochloa as a grass.
Research found that grass and tree buffer strips decrease surface water runoff while increasing subsurface infiltration, resulting in an overall loss of herbicides before reaching bodies of water. Total export of herbicides was reduced through the use of these barriers.
Agricultural Research Service scientists found that plant species diversity and composition are crucial for potential energy yield per acre from biomass harvested from CRP land. The study suggests that CRP lands in the northeastern US with a high proportion of tall native prairie grasses have the potential to produce over 600 gallons o...
A six-year study by ecologists at Rice University and Indiana University found that a symbiotic fungus living inside fescue can have far-reaching effects on plant, animal, and insect communities. The research suggests that cooperative microorganisms play a significant role in ecological diversity.
The new genome sequence will aid in the development of improved varieties of wheat, oats, and barley, as well as switchgrass for biofuel production. The genome information is freely available to researchers worldwide, providing a valuable model for studying grasses.
The USDA has completed sequencing the genome of Brachypodium distachyon, a wild grass similar to switchgrass, which will aid in developing more resilient and efficient biofuel crops. The study's findings may lead to improved disease resistance, drought tolerance, and cell wall composition for better ethanol production.
The International Brachypodium Initiative has sequenced the genome of the wild grass Brachypodium distachyon, which shares features with major grass genomes. This provides a genomic navigation system for studying agronomic traits in wheat and barley genomes.
The complete genome sequence of Brachypodium distachyon has been analyzed, providing insights into how grass genomes evolve and expand. The compact genome is being used to navigate the larger and more complex genomes of wheat and barley.
Researchers compiled database of 1.1 million grass species and found 18 out of 21 transition nodes between C3 and C4 grasses were linked to changes in precipitation. This discovery challenges previous understanding that warmer temperatures were the primary driver of C4 grasses' evolution.
Researchers found that the natural grass/cleat combination placed a statistically lower maximum strain on the leg compared to other shoe-surface interactions. The Astroturf shoe was 80.2% greater, while modern playing turf/turf shoes were 47.5% and 45.1% greater than the natural/grass cleat combination.
The western corn rootworm beetle can survive on Miscanthus x giganteus, a potential biofuels crop grown alongside corn. This finding could impact corn production and lead to devastating consequences if the plant becomes a vast reservoir of rootworm beetles.
Researchers found that organic fertilizer had a neutral or negative effect on plant growth, while mineral fertilizer showed mixed results. Dune grass performed well with the addition of fertilizer, but beach pea was negatively impacted. ATVs continue to be a major obstacle to revegetation efforts in the area.
A USDOE and USDA study found switchgrass to produce more dry biomass per dollar cost than the other three species, making it the optimal choice for a field. The study recommends fertilizing with 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year and harvesting once per year after senescence.
Researchers tested 'Thermal Blue' and 'Dura Blue' hybrids for optimal seeding rates, seed timing, and mowing height requirements. Both hybrids showed promise in the transition zone, with 'Thermal Blue' performing well in seeding trials and requiring frequent mowing.
Researchers used GPS tracking collars and analyzed carbon isotopes in elephant tail hair to monitor the elephants' movements and diet. The study found that when rains begin, satellite measurements show increasing greenness as grasses grow, indicating peak levels of high-protein grass in the elephants' diet.
Researchers are racing against time to find ways to combat the wheat curl mite, a nemesis of the region's wheat crop. The mites are vectored by three viruses: wheat streak mosaic virus, wheat mosaic virus, and Triticum mosaic virus, with Texas being the hot spot for all three.
A 10-year study on orchard ground cover management systems found substantial differences in root growth, turnover, and distribution among different GMS treatments. Hardwood bark mulch and post-emergence herbicide treatments produced more tree growth and higher yields than others.
Researchers found that translocation to climatically-suitable areas can help butterflies survive beyond their northern ranges. The study showed that assisted colonisation can play a vital role in wildlife conservation, especially for rare species and those with limited mobility.
Researchers found that perennial grasses like switchgrass and Miscanthus increase soil organic carbon, reducing the need for land conversion and promoting a more sustainable biofuel production. This study suggests using perennial crops on existing agricultural lands can help offset carbon emissions from traditional row crops.
Scientists discovered bacteria in Vetiver grass roots that enhance essential oil production while altering molecular structure. The bacteria change the oil's properties to include insecticidal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant characteristics.
A Cornell University study is exploring the potential of field grasses in the Northeast as a source for biofuels. The project has identified switchgrass, big bluestem and other native wild grasses with great potential for producing biomass needed for conversion to alternative energy.
A team of international scientists urges more comprehensive research on cellulosic biofuels to avoid environmental pitfalls. The study highlights the need to consider water use, nutrient runoff, greenhouse gas emissions and soil degradation when producing these fuels.
A long-term study of mammal fossils in northern Pakistan reveals a significant decline in diversity after climate change precipitated a shift in vegetation. The research, spanning 5 million years, shows that mammals that relied on fruit and browse disappeared early, while those that ate grass adapted or went extinct.
Research in Etosha National Park found periodic fires play a key role in regeneration, breaking up the old grass layer to create opportunities for regrowth. This discovery is significant for managing semi-arid nature reserves where fires are essential for renewing the grass canopy.
Scientists discovered that a specific protein allows Miscanthus x giganteus to photosynthesize at low temperatures, whereas corn struggles. The study suggests expressing this gene in corn could make it more tolerant of cold weather events.
A new technique has successfully revealed a hidden portrait of a woman behind Vincent van Gogh's 'Patch of Grass'. The method, using synchrotron radiation induced X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, allowed researchers to reconstruct the concealed painting in unparalleled detail.
Three studies demonstrate that soils in different regions respond similarly to management practices to increase soil carbon storage. Soil organic C increases with higher C input, but gains are often confined to labile fractions and larger aggregates.
A team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island is working on developing a new variety of salt-tolerant grass that can thrive in roadside environments. The project focuses on identifying a salt tolerance limit for native and ornamental turf grasses, with the ultimate goal of improving highway maintenance.
The study reveals that three RAMOSA genes (RA1-3) control maize inflorescence branching, leading to changes in grain yield. The genes regulate the architecture of maize ears through a complex network, influencing plant development and adaptation.
Using native grasses in golf course roughs can improve biodiversity and reduce costs on pesticides and labor. The research found that blue grama and Cody buffalo grass were the most effective options for coverage, with rates of 20 pounds per acre recommended for best results.
A daily dose of probiotic can modify the immune system's response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever. This change was observed in a pilot study with small numbers of patients, but it may not have an immediate effect on symptoms.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a gene that guards all grass species against a devastating fungus, which can destroy crops vital for human food supplies. The naturally occurring disease resistance has allowed grasses to thrive for 60 million years.
A CU-Boulder study calls for a new approach to conservation, focusing on nurturing novel ecosystems and developing strategies to enhance their health. The researchers argue that current management practices often overlook the interconnectedness of ecosystem components, leading to ineffective solutions.
A recent study suggests that changes in global carbon dioxide levels likely influenced the emergence of C4 grasses, a group of plants crucial for food and biofuels. The researchers found a correlation between the drop in CO2 levels 30 million years ago and the evolution of these grasses.
Cornell researchers identified a natural amino acid called meta-tyrosine in fescue lawn grass that inhibits weed growth and suppresses plant development. The discovery may lead to the development of new varieties of fescue grasses with improved weed-suppressing properties.
Historical viral RNA sequences found in native and invasive grasses provide insights into the complex picture of species interactions and implications for modern agriculture. The study suggests that ancient viruses may have contributed to the takeover of California's native grasslands by invasive annual plants.
New research shows that anticipating future choices can cause consumers to selectively focus on information suggesting alternative options, leading them to disregard their current choice's advantages. This phenomenon was replicated even when the chosen store was less expensive than others.
The invasive grass Microstegium vimineum can impede the regeneration of woody species in southern US forests by blocking sunlight and seeds. Researchers found that M. vimineum biomass increased significantly after forest canopy disturbances, leading to a decline in native species richness.
A team of astronomers has assembled the most complete picture yet of a pair of asteroids orbiting each other, thanks to combined observations from professionals and amateurs. The asteroid 90 Antiope is depicted as two slightly egg-shaped rubble piles locked in orbit, with uncertainties remaining from previous studies.
A team of UBC researchers has re-classified an ancient line of aquatic plants as closely related to water lilies, challenging long-held botanical assumptions. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of flowering plants, dating back at least 135 million years.
A new study reveals that a plant pathogen played a key role in allowing non-native grasses to invade California, dramatically changing the state's vast grassland ecosystem. The research suggests that diseases can facilitate the invasion of exotic species, which threatens biodiversity and ecological function.
Waste products like grass clippings and wood chips can be converted into ethanol using gene-tweaked bacteria. The discovery reveals how a bacterium selects enzymes to break down specific biomasses, enabling more efficient ethanol production.
A UVM study reveals that reed canarygrass's invasive power comes from its history of multiple introductions and interbreeding with European strains, allowing it to adapt quickly to new conditions. This phenomenon has significant implications for the potential invasiveness of other horticultural and agricultural plants.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers reveals that mixtures of native perennial grasses and other flowering plants provide more usable energy per acre than corn grain ethanol or soybean biodiesel. This approach can reduce global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, producing a 'carbon negative' fuel.
Scientists found that global warming accelerates springtime flowering, but CO2 and nitrogen deposition have opposing effects on wildflowers and grasses. The overall timing of plant growth is delayed under elevated CO2.
Researchers have developed a method to reconstruct historic climate and vegetation changes in the Great Plains using ancient bison teeth. The study found that bison teeth can provide information on grassland productivity, temperature patterns, and carbon dioxide levels, shedding light on past climate fluctuations.
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.
Park Grass study demonstrates the value of long-term experiments in ecological studies, revealing new insights into plant biodiversity, competition between plants, and climate change effects. The experiment has inspired new ecological theory and has helped ecologists recognize its importance.
A massive marsh planting project is set to begin in coastal Alabama and Mississippi, aiming to restore salt marshes and their ecosystem services. The project, led by Dr. Cebrian, will focus on restoring black needlerush and other plant species, and will involve the coordinated efforts of researchers, resource managers, and volunteers.
Researchers discovered that a novel role for reactive oxygen species in regulating the fungus-grass symbiotic relationship can help engineer resistance to crop pathogens. A single gene mutation in the E. festucae noxA gene triggered the switch, resulting in increased fungal growth and stunted plant growth.
Scientists have identified a key gene, ramosa2, that regulates inflorescence architecture in maize and other grasses. The ra2 gene's expression pattern is conserved across multiple species, suggesting its critical role in shaping the initial steps of inflorescence development.
Researchers found that periwinkle snails, normally harmless, played a significant role in killing off thousands of acres of salt marsh in the Southeast during intense droughts. The study reveals that extreme climatic events can trigger formation of grazer fronts, leading to habitat die-off in stable ecosystems.
Research reveals that drought-stressed soils create an environment conducive to the spread of fungal disease by predatory periwinkles, which graze on cordgrass. This top-down approach to salt marsh ecology challenges long-held assumptions about the main causes of marsh die-off.