Researchers found a correlation between leaf width and above-ground biomass across diverse germplasm and environmental conditions. The study's findings have the potential to improve breeding programs for cowpea biomass in Nigerian fields, enhancing grain and fodder production.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalLegume Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022
Researchers have developed a simple, biodegradable ground cover that keeps soil wet longer and increases crop yields. The wax-coated sand barrier decreased soil moisture loss by up to 50-80% and improved plant growth, including increased fruit and grain production.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateMar 16, 2022
Researchers developed tiny sensor-carrying devices inspired by dandelion seeds to monitor environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. The devices can travel up to 100 meters on a breeze, share data wirelessly up to 60 meters away, and power themselves using solar panels.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A new visual leaf library, developed by a Penn State-led team, provides a resource to help scientists recognize and classify plant leaves. The library contains 30,252 high-resolution images of cleared and fossilized leaves, allowing for rapid searching and comparison.
Researchers have discovered a new plant species, Castela senticosa, in the Martín García mountain range of the Dominican Republic. The species was found to be rare and endangered due to its limited geographic distribution.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalSystematic Botany·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2022
Researchers found 155,000 individuals of the rare Serapias neglecta orchid in a military base in Corsica, showcasing its high concentration and rarity. The area's unique conditions, including low vegetation and poor fertilization, contributed to the plant's thriving population.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateFeb 24, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers identified eight new microorganisms that cleave ether bonds in the lignin-based compound-2-phenoxyacetophenone. These discoveries could enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle and facilitate biotechnological applications for lignin commercialization.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022
Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that plants defend themselves against herbivores by redirecting their defenses to younger leaves, using substances like glucosinolates found in wasabi and mustard. This self-adjustment helps ensure the survival of future generations.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2022
Local communities worldwide report a significant decrease in wild edible plant and mushroom abundance, impacting their nutrition and food security. The study highlights the importance of considering local geographic and socio-cultural contexts to develop strategies for counteracting these changes.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 22, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a hybrid device that combines living organisms with bio batteries to produce stored energy under light conditions. The technology, known as microbial electro photosynthesis, has the potential to power a wide range of products, including transportation fuels and cosmetics.
SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2022
A recent study found that nutrient levels in broccoli and kale microgreens differ significantly depending on the growing environment. Researchers measured polyphenols and glucosinolates in microgreens grown under different conditions, revealing varying levels of antioxidant- and anticancer-related compounds.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateFeb 16, 2022
A new study examines the 'skunk' smell and other emissions from cannabis production, finding they can be equivalent to livestock operations. The review highlights gaps in knowledge about cannabis emissions and their impact on air quality.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 15, 2022
A recent study revealed that current tomato cultivars are vulnerable to the emerging ToBRFV, a damaging virus affecting tomatoes and other crops. The research also developed a molecular detection tool to identify infectious virus particles carried on contaminated seeds.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022
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.
SourceNew York University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 10, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers at TUM explore the use of living trees in architecture, using photogrammetry and skeleton extraction to design structures that adapt to tree growth. They demonstrate a pavilion with a roof structure optimized to follow the shape of supporting branches.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2022
Researchers found that soil pH and total cadmium are key factors controlling cadmium uptake in cacao beans. Liming soils can increase yield while reducing cadmium content, but access to lime may be limited for smallholder farmers.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 2, 2022
Ammonium toxicity triggers reactive oxygen species formation in plant roots, causing inhibited root elongation. A newly identified gene, PDX1.1, plays a crucial role in vitamin B6 biosynthesis, which neutralizes oxidative stress and protects roots from ammonium-induced damage.
SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalMolecular Plant·DateFeb 2, 2022
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.
SourceLinköping University·JournalCrop Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers at the University of Malaga found that conifers are tolerant to excessive amounts of ammonium, which can cause toxicity in other plants. The study used state-of-the-art techniques to identify molecular mechanisms involved in ammonium's effects on pine roots.
SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022
Researchers found that half of Pseudomonas syringae strains benefited from the presence of aphids, but only the honeydew itself boosted bacterial populations. The study suggests using this phenomenon to develop alternative pest control methods.
SourceCornell University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateJan 13, 2022
The FUN-BioCROP model predicts effects of plant choice and agricultural management on soil carbon storage, slowing climate change. By using bioenergy from plants, less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, resulting in a more sustainable energy source.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Plant cells use RNA signals to coordinate growth, but these signals require a special escort protein to reach the right cells. Without this protein, plants fail to develop properly, highlights a crucial step in understanding how information is exchanged between cells.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2022
A comprehensive diagnostic guide for Volutella blight has been published by the American Phytopathological Society. The guide provides a detailed review of the three fungal pathogens causing Volutella blight and compares its diagnostic traits with other boxwood fungal diseases.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022
Researchers used new technology to study Grapevine Pinot gris virus propagation in a specific vineyard in France. The study found that over 75% of tested plants became infected between 2014 and 2015, with only a marginal number of grapevines testing positive during the remaining five years.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers found that local gravitational tides modulate the cyclical behavior of organisms, even in the absence of other rhythmic influences. The study questions the validity of free-run experiments and highlights the importance of considering gravitational oscillations in biological research.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJan 4, 2022
Scientists have analyzed the lychee genome to uncover its ancient history and identify genetic markers for breeding programs. The study found that lychees were domesticated independently in two regions of China, Yunnan and Hainan, leading to early- and late-maturing varieties.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 3, 2022
The newly discovered Begonia giganticaulis, a type of plant genus Begonia, has been found to be the tallest species in Asia, reaching heights of up to 3.6 meters. Its conservation status is currently listed as Endangered due to its fragmentary distribution in southern Tibet.
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A new inoculation method can identify resistance against one of the CLB pathogens, allowing breeders to select candidates for genetic material against the disease. This method uses detached leaflets for inoculation and offers an advantage in small experimental designs, enabling screening of soybean genetic materials.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytoFrontiers™·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021
High temperatures inhibit flavonoid accumulation in plants by suppressing the expression of flavone synthase (FNS) via the transcription factor CmMYB012. This regulates ROS production and affects plant fitness and flower color formation.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateDec 21, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateDec 20, 2021
Despite over 200 restored wetlands in Denmark, botanical diversity remains low, with only 9.5 species per four square meters found in the studied areas. High nutrient input from agriculture continues to affect plant species dispersal and immigration, making it a significant barrier to increased biodiversity.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateDec 20, 2021
Banana Blood disease has arrived in mainland Malaysia, spreading rapidly across the country and potentially threatening food security. The disease, first reported in Indonesia in 1905, has already devastated banana plantations in many parts of Southeast Asia.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers use dual-camera setup to enhance UAV efficiency and accuracy in plant phenotyping and precision agriculture. This approach reduces images required, flight time, and processing time while improving georeferencing and point cloud quality.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·DateDec 17, 2021
Research reveals a lag of 5-10 years between reduced fungicide use and decrease in fungicide-resistant pathogens. The study's findings provide insights into the impact of fungicide resistance on global distributions of pathogens.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a healthier form of tapioca starch by suppressing multiple genes that increase its resistance to digestion. The resulting starch is composed of longer chains with fewer branches, making it harder to digest and potentially improving intestinal function and blood sugar control.
A new study reveals that balancing iron and phosphorus levels is crucial to prevent chlorosis, a condition associated with yellowing leaves. The research team found that removing phosphorus can help restore photosynthesis, highlighting the need for more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021
Researchers found that many beneficial fungi in plant roots retain ancestral pathogenic capabilities, with some strains causing detrimental effects. A key gene family encoding enzymes that degrade plant cell walls was identified as a driver of these negative effects.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 10, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Scientists found a 12% increase in global photosynthesis from 1982 to 2020, capturing 14 petagrams of additional carbon removed from the atmosphere each year. While this helps slow climate change, it's not enough to stop it, according to Berkeley Lab researchers.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2021
A recent study uses machine learning to rapidly discover bacterial isolates with antifungal properties, identifying promising new compounds for crop protection. The approach analyzes thousands of microbial genomes at once, allowing researchers to identify novel beneficial microbes and bypass traditional screening tactics.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021
Plant scientists can now image above and below-ground structures with unprecedented clarity, revealing new insights into biological processes. The development of three-dimensional X-ray microscopy enables the observation of microscopic molecular and cellular processes driving plant phenotypes.
SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateDec 7, 2021
Research at IPK Leibniz Institute reveals that grain number in barley is influenced by different factors depending on the row-type, with maximum spikelet number being key for two-rowed varieties and spikelet fertility for six-rowed ones.
SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A freely available protist culture collection supports a deeper understanding of the plant microbiome, with key findings indicating that beneficial microorganisms feed on bacteria and fungi.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021
A complex microbial community comprising bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes is beneficial for plant growth. Inactivation of the plant innate immune system shifts this balance, making the fungal load a primary cause of disease. Bacterial partners residing in roots provide an additional layer of protection.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2021
Researchers discovered a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the characteristic skunky smell of cannabis. The findings suggest these compounds could have medicinal properties and are being investigated further.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateDec 1, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new study by Graz University of Technology reveals that domesticated apple crops have inherited microbiomes similar to their wild ancestors, providing a basis for developing more resilient and healthy crops. The research also suggests that targeted introduction of microorganisms could increase plant resistance to climate change.
SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 29, 2021
A team of researchers from UC Riverside has discovered how a small molecule called auxin triggers the growth process in plants. By analyzing cell walls, they found that auxin lowers pH levels, causing cells to become acidic and soften, allowing them to expand and grow.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2021
Researchers use edible fungus to convert fruit waste into wild strawberry aroma. The fungus produces compounds geraniol and 2-aminobenzaldehyde, contributing to the scent. The team's innovative method could provide a natural flavoring agent for foods.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 17, 2021
The 74th APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Annual Meeting featured presentations on COVID-proofing daily life, kimchi physics, and extreme heat waves. Researchers also discussed advancements in fire-fighting trees and the science behind jellyfish engineers.
Researchers found that bacteria living inside plant roots trigger sulfur metabolism to produce antioxidants that detoxify the plant from salt-induced damage. This discovery could lead to breakthrough technologies for saline agriculture and improve food production in arid lands.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A new diagnostic guide for pythium damping-off and root and stem rot of cucurbits has been published, providing a concise resource for growers, diagnosticians, and plant pathologists. The guide summarizes techniques for isolating, identifying, and testing Pythium isolates to combat these diseases.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2021
Plant pathologists have developed a set of Nursery Phytophthora Best Management Practices to eradicate the harmful organisms from nursery stock. Through testing and accreditation programs, nurseries that comply with the guidelines have shown no detectable Phytophthora infection in their stock, enabling habitat restoration plantings.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021
To combat basil downy mildew, researchers recommend using resistant basil varieties, as well as environmental modifications like keeping leaves dry and dehumidifying the air. Fungicides are also effective in controlling the disease, but their use must be alternated to prevent resistance development.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021
Plants redirect resources from root growth to stem development when shaded, limiting yields and biomass. Researchers discovered key genes involved in this process, including WRKY proteins and ethylene signaling.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateOct 27, 2021
The study suggests that unsustainable wood harvesting by the Ancestral Puebloans occurred around 2000 years ago in Chaco Canyon, USA. This practice had significant ecosystem impacts, which are still being felt today.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A large-scale study characterized 585 strains of the Xanthomonas perforans bacterium in Florida commercial tomato fields, finding associations between farms and transplant facilities as key points of pathogen spread. This research provides insights into the diversity of the pathogen population and potential control strategies for farmers.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
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.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
Researchers at Swansea University and international partners use aerial scanning to detect infectious plant diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa before symptoms appear. The method achieves up to 92% accuracy in detecting the pathogen and could help reduce global economic losses and environmental damage.
SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A new study reveals that incorporating lateral groundwater processes into forest models can significantly impact predictions of tree survival in drought conditions. By accounting for the sideways flow of water through soil, scientists can better understand how riparian forests will respond to future climate change.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 19, 2021
A new onion species, Allium negianum, has been discovered in the western Himalayas, characterized by its unique growth habits and distribution. The species is currently under threat due to indiscriminate harvest for seasoning, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.