Articles tagged with Plant Breeding
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.
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.
Tomato plant varieties resistant to bacterial wilt have the ability to restrict bacterial movement in the plant. Researchers discovered that these plants synthesize reinforcement coatings containing ligno-suberin and related phenolic compounds, providing a physico-chemical barrier against pathogen colonization.
A study by New York University researchers found that plants make a trade-off between regeneration and defense responses after injury. The researchers used drugs typically used in neurobiology research to study the plant's responses to injury and found that targeting glutamate receptors can boost regeneration.
Researchers confirm that Chevalier barley came from a single plant, analyzing seed samples older than 150 years. The study reveals how the single plant's genetic signature was preserved and used to create modern malting barley varieties.
Researchers developed a new method to complete genetic data gaps using haplotype blocks, improving breeding efficiency in plants. The approach has shown comparable quality to collecting more information from DNA strands, reducing costs in animal and plant breeding.
A new study reveals that Xanthomonas euvesicatoria has evolved to evade the immune system of tomato plants by changing a single amino acid in its flagellin proteins. This finding poses significant challenges for breeding disease-resistant tomato varieties, forcing farmers to rely on fungicides and copper treatments.
Researchers have developed a method to identify 'highly recombinogenic' individuals in natural populations, which can be used to breed new plant varieties with increased recombination. This approach allows for the efficient design of breeding selection programs and can predict recombination rate variation with accuracy.
The study provides insights into the genetic evolution and migration of chickpeas, offering a roadmap for improving the crop's nutritional value and climate resilience. Chickpeas are a main protein source for hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world.
A recent study has revealed that Fusarium wilt of cotton is more aggressive and diverse than previously understood, affecting Pima and Upland varieties. The researchers identified a population shift towards FOV4, a fourth race of the fungus, which has overcome some resistance in commercial Pima varieties.
Researchers have assessed climate factors affecting tea growth and quality at nine locations in Kenya and Malawi, predicting substantial increases in heatwave days but declines in cold nights. The study suggests tailored interventions and plant breeding programs can help producers adapt to future climates.
A new analysis platform developed by Ohio State University scientists combines genetics and phytochemical data to improve the health benefits of apples. The platform has potential to reduce breeding time and enable data-driven assessments of how to boost apple nutrition.
Scientists have developed a new live analysis system for plant stomata, allowing for rapid and affordable identification of desirable traits. This innovation has the potential to accelerate crop development for climate-resistance, addressing future food shortages.
A team of researchers from IPK used large-scale data to develop predictive models for yield stability in hybrid varieties of wheat. By analyzing over 13,000 genotypes and 125,000 yield plots, they were able to double the accuracy of their predictions.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new method for plant breeding that considers the internal 'calculator' of plant seeds, allowing for more efficient crop improvement. The approach uses NIRS to analyze the chemical composition of grains and identify optimal genetic traits.
Researchers are using digital imaging technology to measure seed traits, enabling faster development of new crop varieties. Plant breeders aim to create seeds with more calories, improved nutrition and resilience to stress, ultimately ensuring sustainable food production.
US public plant breeding programs are facing significant declines in personnel hours, budget shortfalls, and retirements of program leaders. This erosion of capacity poses a risk to US food security, natural resource resilience, and public health if not addressed with stable funding and expertise.
A decline in public plant breeding programs is threatening food security in the US, with a 21.4% reduction in full-time employee time over five years. The programs' focus on disease tolerance, production, and drought resistance will be lost if funding does not increase.
Researchers found that hybrids become more productive as genetic distance between parents increases, contradicting previous contradictory studies. The team's study provides clarity to the issue, enabling rational selection of crossing partners for breeding new hybrid varieties.
Scientists have uncovered the mechanism behind chromosome elimination in plants, which could enable removal of harmful genes for medical purposes. The process involves impaired transport of B chromosomes, resulting in their degradation and sparing of root cells from potentially toxic genes.
A recent study by the University of Göttingen suggests that new plant breeding technologies, such as genetic engineering and gene editing, can help increase food production whilst being more environmentally friendly. This approach has been evaluated over 50 years of research from around the world.
ORNL's Dan Jacobson and team designed algorithms to improve crop resilience to climate change. The AI technology enhances crop yields under variable weather conditions.
Researchers have discovered that desert plants like the colocynth use a special wax to prevent their leaves from drying out in extreme heat. This wax reduces water permeability, enabling plants to conserve water and survive. In contrast, date palms have a different type of wax that helps them thrive in hot conditions.
Researchers have discovered that inactivating the RECQ4 gene can treble recombination frequency, leading to increased chromosome shuffling and greater genetic diversity. This discovery is expected to improve crop breeding operations by allowing breeders to combine more genes in a single generation.
Researchers recommend developing best practices for revenue sharing, increasing funding for public programs, and establishing professional standards for sharing plant breeding materials. This can support the development of low-return, high-value crops that benefit both farmers and society as a whole.
A new study by Jacob Weiner found that less competitive wheat varieties produce higher yields when grown in groups, challenging traditional plant breeding methods. This finding could lead to a shift towards group selection and the development of more efficient agricultural practices.
A new tool called Phenocart captures essential plant health data, allowing for faster measurements and larger experiments. The portable device uses a repurposed bicycle wheel and handles to collect data on growth rate, color, and other vital signs.
VIB and UGent scientists developed a new method to predict plant size by analyzing RNA molecules. This approach allows breeders to select disease-resistant plants earlier and accelerate breeding programs. The study's findings have the potential to improve agricultural productivity and address global food security challenges.
A team of scientists has discovered the genetic mechanism behind sex determination in a species of persimmon. The OGI-MeGI system involves an unusual gene that codes for a small piece of RNA acting as molecular scissors, cutting down expression of another gene, and regulating pollen formation.
Scientists at the University of York have developed hemp plants with dramatically increased oleic acid content, making them attractive for cooking oil production. The new oil profile has a longer shelf life and greater heat tolerance, opening up industrial applications.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute find that Alpine rock cress measures age based on miR156 concentration, which decreases over time. This allows the plant to synchronize growth and flowering with environmental cues like vernalisation.
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) have presented 2012 scholarships and fellowships to support undergraduate students in agriculture, including the Hank Beachell Future Leader Scholarship and the J. Fielding Reed Scholarship.
A new plant breeding approach developed at the University of California, Davis, could significantly improve crop yields and disease resistance for staple foods like cassava and banana. The method allows breeders to create hybrid seeds that carry DNA from only one parent, dramatically reducing the time required to develop new crops.
A new molecular tool helps researchers understand the mechanism of RF genes, leading to rapid advancements in plant breeding. This unified nomenclature allows for easy comparison of unknown gene functions to known ones, improving hybrid technology.
Flemish researchers develop a groundbreaking technology for plant breeding by leveraging epigenetics to optimize energy metabolism. This method has shown significant improvements in rapeseed yields, with potential applications in various crops and reduced water and fertilizer requirements.
The symposium will explore various funding sources, including public-private partnerships, commercialization strategies, and foundations. Presenters will share their experiences with targeted support for cultivar development and national/global programs to build capacity and provide public support.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America will present scholarships to recognize outstanding students' achievements in agronomy, soil science, and crop science. The awards will be presented at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh.
Global Crop Diversity Trust awards grants to explore millions of seed samples worldwide in search of drought, heat tolerance and other critical traits. The effort aims to support farmers in developing countries by increasing crop production amidst climate change.
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.
Researchers discovered a specific Mlo gene fragment in the genome of mutant barley, which enables plants to resist powdery mildew. The mutation is believed to have occurred less than 10,000 years ago in Ethiopia, highlighting the importance of preserving crop diversity.
Researchers discovered how day length and light quality affect stability of floral-promoting protein constans in Arabidopsis thaliana. This finding helps explain seasonal, day-length dependent flowering behavior in many plant species.
Thirty individuals have been recognized for their professional achievements and meritorious service in the field of agronomy. The American Society of Agronomy has chosen these outstanding members as Fellows, based on their contributions to advancing the disciplines and practices of agronomy, crop and soil sciences.
Eleven individuals were chosen by the Crop Science Society of America for their outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the field of crop science. The honorees are from various institutions, including the USDA-ARS and universities across the US.
Barbara McClintock and Rosalind Franklin's careers have been misinterpreted due to flawed media reports and biographies, says Lee Kass. Archived records have revealed that McClintock was not denied tenure at Cornell or the University of Missouri, contrary to popular claims.
Researchers have found that migratory birds' winter habitats influence their breeding success by affecting arrival time and physical condition. American redstarts in wetter environments maintained better body mass and robust condition, while those in drier environments lost mass and showed signs of deteriorating condition.
Two new 'cool climate' grape varieties, Traminette and Marquis, have been bred for their excellent fruit quality and cold-hardiness, making them suitable for the Northeast's short growing seasons. These hybrid grapes have shown promise in trials across several regions.