Articles tagged with Horticulture
Researchers have discovered a rich genetic diversity of avocado varieties in Central America, including those grown in Nicaragua, which could help boost sustainable agriculture and commercial varieties. By analyzing DNA from local farmers and examining leaf samples, the team found evidence of ancient migration from South America thousa...
Research highlights impact of cannabis cultivation and drying methods on VOCs and human perception, identifying optimal storage conditions to preserve aroma profiles. Human assessors associated monoterpenes with bright notes and sesquiterpene clusters with woody scents.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which microbes boost plants' ability to survive in salty conditions. Pseudomonad bacteria stimulate the production of lignin, a tough substance found in plant cell walls, helping plants withstand environmental stress.
A €6 million EU Horizon project is building Europe's first platform to coordinate a response to devastating agricultural and forest pest invasions. Plant health authorities will be able to model and optimise pest control strategies across the entire agri-value chain.
Researchers aim to accelerate public spinach breeding by identifying genetic variation and developing genomic tools for Pythium tolerance. They are evaluating 480 diverse spinach genotypes to identify over 30 Pythium-tolerant lines.
The study sequenced and decoded the complete genetic information of rose plants, producing the first rose pangenome. This reveals a complex evolutionary history shaped by gene transfer and environmental adaptations.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a soft robot gripper that can detect the ripeness of strawberries by touch, then gently twist them off their branch or vine. The technology has potential for more resilient and ecological food production.
Researchers discovered a combination of Ty-1/Ty-3 and Ty-6 resistance genes in tomato plants provides highly robust protection against begomoviruses. Integration of fewer resistance genes than expected can enhance resistance, offering a promising approach for improving tomato varieties while balancing productivity and fruit quality.
Researchers discovered autopolyploid origin for tetraploids in the genus Orychophragmus taibaiensis, with higher loads of deleterious mutations and broad shifts in gene expression. Tetraploids showed relaxed purifying selection and distinct genomic and transcriptional consequences after genome doubling.
Using new genetic markers, fruit breeders can predict flower sex type and seedlessness in muscadines and other grapes with high accuracy. The approach will save time and resources in developing new grape varieties, including the major challenge of creating flavorful seedless muscadines on self-pollinating vines.
Research in New Phytologist reveals that plants can obtain essential nutrients like phosphorus and iron from atmospheric dust settling on their leaves. In a Mediterranean field study, dust application increased plant macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations through mildly acidic leaves.
A new study reveals that biochar nanoparticles directly enter plant tissues and enhance flowering by reshaping carbon allocation and regulating key genes. This discovery provides a new explanation for how biochar improves crop performance beyond its effects on soil fertility.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified four Fusarium species causing potato dry rot in the San Luis Valley, including one not previously found in the US. This study will help improve disease diagnosis and monitoring, as well as guide cultivar selection and breeding for disease resistance.
Researchers used aeroponic technology to grow pea shoots fortified with Vitamin B12, delivering the recommended daily allowance in a single serving. The fortified crop maintained shelf-life and persisted through cold storage, offering a commercially viable approach to dietary supplementation.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.
University of Delaware researchers have discovered a novel strain of Bacillus subtilis that helps plants resist soil-borne diseases and retain moisture. The microbe, UD1022, is effective in controlling dollar spot fungus but only when applied directly to leaves, not through soil treatment.
The survey found that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability in floriculture, with each sector having unique needs and goals. Healthy majorities of respondents already recycle containers and use LED lighting, while sectors differ in their interest for future sustainable practices.
A new treatment developed by EMBRAPA uses modulated UV-C light to combat anthracnose in guavas. The technique increases the fruit's natural resistance to microorganisms, preserving quality and shelf life.
The John Innes Centre has been awarded £21.5m in funding to support four precision breeding projects, aiming to reduce emissions and strengthen crop resilience. These projects will help protect two major agricultural crops from diseases, enhance the nutritional content of tomatoes, and develop sustainable sources of rubber.
A recent study by RIKEN researchers analyzed the effects of pesticides and fertilizers on mandarin oranges in real-world farms across Japan. The findings showed that reducing chemical pesticides led to more fruit diseases, while also enhancing soil microbial diversity and improving carbon content. This trade-off highlights the need for...
A new study from the University of Illinois examines how apple growers might respond to a potential ban on antibiotics, finding that proactive growers will benefit if the ban is enforced, but may struggle if it doesn't materialize. The study also shows that crop value can mitigate the negative impact of regulatory uncertainty.
Researchers analyzed stone tools from 14 archaeological sites and found starch granules from the Four Corners Potato, supporting early domestication. The study reveals that Indigenous people intentionally cultivated and transported the tuber across the Colorado Plateau.
Plants deploy a faster communication system, using jasmonate-dependent immune signals to initiate systemic immunity within hours of infection. This discovery opens new possibilities for engineering crops that respond more quickly to infection, limiting disease spread and yield loss.
A new study published by the University of Cambridge reveals that medieval Augustinian saints performed 'green-fingered' miracles, such as restoring swampy areas to fertility and healing diseased livestock. The research challenges major assumptions about the Catholic Church's forgotten early history.
University of Houston engineers have discovered that melatonin helps plants grow by adjusting biological processes to coincide with daily cycles. The hormone also enhances photosynthesis and improves stress tolerance in crops.
Researchers found that myosin XI-1 modulates salt tolerance, leading to lower Na⁺ accumulation and higher chlorophyll levels. The study suggests functional diversification among myosin XI members, offering a new strategy for improving crop resilience to salinity.
A study found that overexpressing the poplar sex-determining gene FERR improves drought tolerance by enhancing stomatal closure, increasing root biomass, and boosting antioxidant activities. The findings suggest that FERR plays a critical role in regulating the ABA signaling pathway to boost plant resilience against water scarcity.
The book explores how CEH can enhance yield, quality, and resource efficiency through technological innovation. It also highlights the role of biotechnology in ensuring global food security.
This book provides an in-depth overview of 120 wild vegetable species from India's Western Ghats biodiversity region, covering their morphology, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and nutritional composition. It connects indigenous knowledge with modern plant science to promote the sustainable use of underutilized edible plants.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers used genomic technology to decode the DNA of non-flowering seed plants, including gymnosperms, to identify genes involved in seed development. The study, published in Nature Communications, may aid scientists in improving crop production and conserving these ancient endangered seed plants.
Plant biologists developed a method to grow transgenic plants in weeks instead of months by hijacking a plant's natural regeneration abilities. The technique uses bacteria carrying genetic instructions for wound healing and regeneration to trigger plant growth.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth has found that traditional meadowland in the South Downs has declined by up to 99.9% since the mid-19th century, with significant losses of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The University of Tennessee AgResearch has received a $50-million investment to modernize its West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. The new facilities, precision agriculture equipment, and laboratory renovations will enhance on-site research and improve data quality.
Researchers at IIT and UniBz developed a biodegradable hydrogel that retains water and supports plant growth in drought conditions, enabling minimal water usage. The material also exhibits potential for real-time monitoring of plant health and soil conditions.
Researchers used IoT technology to track plant health in real-time, discovering that adding biochar to potting mix can significantly improve basil growth. Biochar was found to retain water and nutrients, improve soil health, and lock away carbon for decades, making it a sustainable alternative.
Bionema's innovative bio-based pellets use Loline alkaloids to deliver a safe, sustainable solution for controlling slugs and snails in crops. The project is expected to generate £50 million in the UK and £100 million globally by 2035.
Researchers successfully grew large and cherry tomatoes using LED-based controlled agricultural methods, matching greenhouse performance in some ways. The study demonstrates the feasibility of this method for urban environments and potential food security in climate change scenarios.
A new study published in PLOS One identifies unexpected 'danger zones' when the risk of going hungry is highest among Utah refugees, highlighting the need for timely interventions and improved information to reduce food insecurity. Researchers propose increasing access to gardens and empowering refugees with resources to thrive.
Researchers have created glow-in-the-dark succulents using light-emitting compounds that absorb and release light slowly. The plants can shine in various colors and stay lit for up to two hours after exposure to sunlight or indoor LED light.
The inaugural AI in Agriculture Symposium will bring together experts from academia and industry to discuss the latest research and real-world applications for agriculture. The symposium will feature a roundtable discussion on multidisciplinary collaborations in agriculture.
Researchers identify two distinct gene transcripts, SiMYB2-Long and SiMYB2-Short, that regulate anthocyanin accumulation and pigment pattern formation in Saintpaulia flowers. The study reveals the genetic basis of flower patterning, potentially enabling more deliberate breeding of patterned flowers.
A recent study published in New Phytologist reveals a crucial gene necessary for plant reproductive structures. The gene, named SHOT GLASS, is found to regulate the development of air chambers and sexual organs in liverworts, a model organism for studying plant reproduction.
Researchers found biochar improved soil's ability to hold nutrients and moisture, giving cotton plants better growth conditions. Biochar also helps improve water quality by keeping nitrates in the soil and out of groundwater.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that soybeans employ differential transpiration as a natural defense strategy to cool reproductive tissues under extreme weather conditions. This adaptation allows plants to save significant amounts of water while protecting their flowers and seed pods.
A new study by Texas A&M University is tracking the health effects of living in an agrihood community, where residents have access to a working farm and green spaces. The study aims to measure changes in physical activity, nutrition, and social connectedness among participants.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University have found that dipping mangoes in ozonated water can extend storage life by up to two weeks, while significantly lowering chilling injury. This technology has the potential to reduce post-harvest losses and increase market opportunities for growers.
Half of Brazil's high-potential areas for discovering new angiosperm species are located within protected indigenous lands. The study highlights the need for conservation priorities in these areas.
Researchers found that a single synonymous mutation in a gene drives cucumber elongation by altering RNA structure and function. This breakthrough has significant implications for crop breeding programs and may lead to the development of precision-crop improvement techniques.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and UK identified a set of flower mixtures that attract both pollinators and delight the human eye. The study found that seed mixes containing species like yarrow, cornflower, and purple viper's bugloss establish themselves better in soil and bloom for longer.
A new study found that warmer areas within fields have more blooms and bees, with flower density being the primary driver of foraging behavior. The research suggests that precision agriculture approaches could be used to inform conservation efforts by identifying low-performing sites.
Researchers identify key hormones and genes involved in tomato resistance to dodder, a devastating agricultural parasite. The study reveals a linear model of defense mechanism, providing new possibilities for controlling dodder and other parasitic species.
Researchers mapped 62 trait-associated genomic regions in bananas, offering a detailed genetic roadmap for breeding improvement. The study's Kc model overcame limitations posed by chromosomal rearrangements, revealing key QTLs for yield, plant structure, and fruit quality.
Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated the reversal of embolism in a type of wild grass, which can recover from extended drought within 24 hours. This finding has significant implications for improving agricultural productivity and food security, as it could potentially be bred into crops to make them more resilient...
A new article published in Crop Science journal provides comprehensive information on the disease's pathology, progression, and management of large patch, a fungal disease that can compromise turfgrass health. Effective management strategies include proper mowing, fertilizing, and watering practices.
Rajeev Varshney, a Murdoch University professor, has been elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. He is recognized for his groundbreaking work in genomics, genetics, and pre-breeding, helping to secure food production in the face of climate change.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new avenue to combat the Cucumber mosaic virus by directing the plant's natural defences. The RNA-based active agents have shown high efficacy in laboratory experiments, protecting 80-100% of treated plants from infection.
A new analysis reveals that nearly half of the genus Heliconia, a group of tropical plants related to birds-of-paradise and bananas, are threatened with extinction. Many imperiled plants are not found within protected areas or botanical gardens, making additional conservation action crucial.
The International Workshop on Space Agriculture and Horticulture 2025 will take place from March 9-11, 2025, at Chiba University. Researchers and postgraduate students can register for free via a Google form, with a registration deadline of March 7, 2025.
Botanic gardens have reached peak capacity, hindering efforts to gather plant diversity for study and protection. Despite accelerated rates of extinction risk, institutions struggle to conserve threatened plants within collections globally.
Climate change may lead to increased production of legumes such as chickpeas and soybeans, while oranges and okra become more widely grown. This could support shifts towards a more balanced diet and lower carbon footprint, but also poses economic and environmental risks.