Articles tagged with Plants
The Seed Box programme at Linköping University is allocating grants to researchers worldwide to investigate environmental issues through interdisciplinary and artistic methods. Projects such as Herbarium 3.0 aim to increase awareness of plant-human interactions and create new pathways forward for sustainable practices.
Flowers use physical tricks such as creating colour and manipulating gravity to attract pollinators. They may also alter their electrical fields to influence visitation rates.
French researchers have discovered that Streptomyces bacteria can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides. The bacteria promotes plant growth and controls pests in the soil. This study could lead to sustainable agricultural practices and reduce harm to human health and the environment.
A team of researchers has developed a new type of quantum heat engine photocell that can regulate solar power conversion without active feedback or adaptive control mechanisms. This design is inspired by the natural regulation of energy flow in photosynthetic green plants, and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.
Cycads' seed storage tissue contains 70% carbohydrates, including starch and sugars, which aid in embryo health during arduous oceanic journeys. The study highlights the importance of published research for informing plant conservation decisions.
Microorganisms like fungi and bacteria produce volatile compounds that boost plant growth, flowering, and reserve substance accumulation. This discovery could lead to eco-friendly alternatives to conventional agrochemicals.
A new study by Michigan State University scientists reveals that certain virulent bacteria can directly inject a protein into plant cells, increasing water content and disease prevalence. This discovery highlights the critical role of humidity in plant-disease outbreaks, particularly under conditions of prolonged high humidity.
Researchers developed a synthetic pathway to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds more quickly than plants. This breakthrough has potential applications in enhancing plant photosynthesis and creating new carbon-based feed for cattle or chemical products.
Researchers found that soy flour, a plant-derived biostimulant, improves broccoli plant growth and nutrient uptake when used as a seed coating. The study showed enhanced biomass, plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content in soy flour-coated seeds compared to non-coated controls.
Researchers created a bioquality map to measure global rarity and identify critical plant species hotspots in tropical Africa. The Horn of Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and other regions were found to be 'hottest' for plant biodiversity.
A new study by the University of Oxford has created a plant-species hotspot map for tropical Africa, identifying critical areas for global biodiversity conservation. The map reveals regions with high concentrations of globally rare plants, such as the Horn of Africa and south-east Democratic Republic of Congo.
Scientists discover that rising CO2 levels have boosted terrestrial carbon uptake, slowing the growth rate of atmospheric CO2. The increase in carbon absorption is attributed to enhanced photosynthesis and plant respiration, particularly in tropical and high-latitude ecosystems.
The PheNode, a solar-powered environmental sensor and phenotyping station, continuously monitors field crops for growth rate, stem diameter, height, and more. It provides crucial information for crop improvement and precision agriculture, helping growers make better decisions to manage their crops and reduce environmental footprint.
Scientists use fossilized pollen to forecast profound changes in plant abundance and composition globally by the middle of this century. One third of North American plants and more than half of European plants may face increased threat status due to climate change.
Researchers can now gather broad-scale ecological data using micro-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, eliminating traditional pitfalls. Drones amass vegetation data for monitoring habitat restoration efforts, rare plant populations, and agriculture, providing large amounts of information with minimal effort.
Scientists have discovered that plant light sensors also respond to temperature, allowing plants to detect changes in growth conditions. Mutant plants revealed a previously unknown conversion process where thermal reversion occurs without light, affecting the plant's response to temperature and light intensity.
Indirect effects of rising CO2 levels, such as changes in soil moisture and plant structure, have a bigger impact on ecosystems than previously thought. These effects can explain up to 28% of total plant productivity response and are almost equal to the size of direct effects on evapotranspiration.
A team of scientists has identified three new enzymes responsible for terpene production in corn, which attracts parasitic wasps that consume caterpillars. This discovery could lead to the development of more caterpillar-resistant corn varieties.
New triploid flowering pear cultivars show substantial reduction in fertility, making them suitable for infertile options and reducing naturalization concerns. The study demonstrates that selection of highly infertile triploid cultivars can be an effective way to control self-sowing and plant invasions.
Researchers have discovered that plants can direct their seeds towards suitable sites by wind or water, contrary to previous findings for animal-dispersed plant species. This 'directed dispersal' allows wetland plants to optimize seed transportation and reach new areas for growth.
Research on grafting tomatoes in high tunnels found that grafted plants yielded significantly more than nongrafted controls, with yield increases ranging from 18% to 126%. The effect of scion shoot removal was not as consistent, but some trends suggest that rootstock vigor plays a role.
Despite major advances in molecular biology, genomics and CRISPR gene-editing technology, many details of plant stress signaling pathways remain a mystery. The Zhu lab has made significant contributions to understanding SOS, the first abiotic stress signaling pathway identified in plants, but identifying similar drought response pathwa...
Researchers found grafting increases watermelon yield by 2.4-2.6 times compared to nongrafted plants, with higher fruit quality including thicker rind and more soluble solids. The technique appears highly recommendable for Chilean growers despite initial costs.
A 1,000-kilometre-long geological boundary in Amazonia constrains plant species occurrences more effectively than large rivers. Laboratory analyses confirm soil differences on both sides of the boundary.
The National Science Foundation is funding a project to develop non-destructive analysis of plant leaves in breeding lines, enabling rapid screening of breeding materials. The goal is to produce higher-indicin yielding breeders seed stock, increasing the cost-competitiveness of plant-derived indigo dye.
A study published in Nature reveals that global plant photosynthesis will increase by about one-third when carbon dioxide doubles, affecting climate change. This increase is attributed to the seasonal cycle in carbon dioxide concentrations and its impact on photosynthesis.
A new study found that plants regulate their leaf temperature independently of surrounding air temperatures, increasing carbon uptake through photosynthesis. This decoupling weakens the link between climate and plant functions.
Researchers found that end-of-day far-red and blue light treatment alleviate intumescence injury in tomato seedlings. High blue photon flux ratio during the photoperiod also mitigates intumescence injury, with a synergistic effect observed when combined with EOD-FR light.
A team of researchers has identified an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the formation of compounds giving aged wines their distinct aroma. The discovery, published in New Phytologist, sheds light on how common plant molecules are transformed into specific odorants in wine.
Researchers found that plants from high-CO2 springs had differences in gene expression, leading to increased growth and photosynthesis, and potentially paving the way for 'planetary greening'. Stomatal pores on leaves also increased in number after exposure to future CO2 levels.
Researchers found that certain house plants are effective at removing specific compounds from the air, including benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde. The study suggests that surrounding oneself with these plants can help combat the negative effects of indoor air pollution.
Researchers have discovered the DNA of a fungus that causes black Sigatoka disease in bananas, which could lead to more effective disease control methods. The findings provide insights into the interaction between the fungus and banana plants, offering opportunities for developing resistant banana crops.
Plant scientists found that the cucumber mosaic virus alters gene expression in tomato plants, changing their scent to attract bumblebees. This indirect manipulation may help the virus spread pollen of susceptible plants, benefiting both the plant and the virus.
A Purdue University undergraduate class uncovered a mutation in the Sunspot sunflower that leads to its small stature, revealing a crucial role for DELLA proteins. The discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of plant height and has potential applications for modifying ornamental horticultural plants.
Researchers identified FHY3's role as a transcriptional repressor in flower development, promoting FM determinacy. FHY3 regulates WUSCHEL and CLAVATA3 expression, and interacts with photomorphogenesis genes.
A new study calls for collaboration between modelers and soil scientists to improve understanding of soil carbon turnover and its potential impact on climate feedbacks. The researchers aim to increase confidence in climate projections by representing a range of ideas about how the world works in models.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop new method to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, a reactant for making methanol fuel. The process is efficient and uses minimal energy, with the catalyst lasting over 100 hours.
Researchers found that tomatoes can detect a parasitic vine's peptide, triggering an immune response and increased resistance. This discovery could lead to new strategies for mitigating crop losses caused by parasitic plants worldwide.
Scientists found that butterflies have an innate preference for specific leaf shapes and can learn to overcome this preference through experience. This learning ability promotes the evolution of plant biodiversity by favoring rare leaf shapes.
The newly discovered Telipogon diabolicus orchid species has a distinctive devil-like appearance, with a 'devil's head' at its center. Found in a critically endangered habitat in southern Colombia, the plant's unique features make it easily distinguishable from other species.
Michigan State University's DEPI technology allows for real-world condition testing, enabling scientists to make better plants and understand complex processes like photosynthesis. By monitoring hundreds of plants at once, researchers can study varying behaviors under dynamic environmental conditions.
A study found that pea plants choose to grow more roots in a pot with variable nutrient levels when the average level is low, accepting more risk. This decision-making ability allows them to adapt and respond to their environment much like humans or other animals.
In a groundbreaking study, pea plants were found to make choices that take into account environmental variance, similar to animal behavior. The plants grew more roots in pots with variable nutrient levels when conditions were poor and more roots in constant pots when conditions were good.
Researchers argue that ancient grains like einkorn, emmer, and spelt can be reintroduced to modern markets by creating 'farm to fork' supply chains. These varieties offer unique nutritional profiles and taste experiences, making them attractive to consumers seeking healthier ingredients.
A new study recommends using residual fertilizer to give plants staying power and add value for consumers. Controlled-release fertilizers proved to be more effective in maintaining plant performance beyond the production phase.
Researchers at KIT replicated the structure of rose petal epidermal cells to improve light-harvesting and generate more power. The transparent replica integrated into an organic solar cell resulted in a 12% efficiency gain, making it a promising approach for future solar cells.
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.
A new study found that an ebb and flow subirrigation system can control plant height and alleviate salt stress in poinsettia. The method, known as partial-saturation ebb and flow watering, achieves partial saturation of the root medium, reducing water uptake and sodium accumulation.
Adding torrefied biomass to poor soil from Botswana increased water retention and promoted plant growth. The treated soil showed higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur, as well as thicker stems, longer roots, and heavier plants.
Researchers have discovered essential proteins controlling cellulose assembly, enabling improved biomass production and guiding plant breeding for wood and ethanol applications. The findings aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to fossil fuel sources, providing a sustainable alternative for the industry.
A high-resolution structure of spinach PSII-LHCII supercomplex reveals the arrangement of individual subunits and their interactions. The study clarifies energy-transfer pathways between LHCII and the core complex, shedding light on the light-harvesting process in plants.
Researchers study plant perception through mycorrhizal networks and 'social' interactions with other plants. A new special issue offers a holistic view of plant biology, providing insights into their behavior and ecological understanding.
Researchers mapped changes in plant cell wall composition over space and time using Arabidopsis as a model organism, revealing key roles in plant developmental pathways. The study identifies essential genes involved in cellulose production and suggests selective breeding to enhance plant properties.
Researchers from Bonn University discovered calcium phosphate as a structural biomineral in rock nettle plants, providing them with a hardened defense mechanism against herbivores. The unique material, structurally similar to reinforced concrete, is used instead of silica or calcium carbonate in most plants.
A study by researchers found that continuous spectrum LED lamps, specifically designed for horticultural use, outperform conventional white LEDs in terms of plant response and energy efficiency. The results showed a 26% increase in energy efficiency and significant increases in vegetative growth when light intensity was increased.
A biofeedback system has been developed to control photosynthetic lighting in controlled environment agriculture, allowing for efficient use of light by plants. The system successfully adjusted light levels based on the physiological performance of plants, achieving a wide range of energy conversion rates and reducing energy costs.
Researchers found that snails choose seedlings based on dislike for naturally-omitted scents rather than taste. This discovery suggests harnessing these chemicals could provide an eco-friendly solution to protect crop seedlings from pests.
A study by Stephen Smith found that intellectual property protection encourages crop improvement, benefiting both breeders and society. The research linked optimal genetic innovation with increased economic welfare, health, and nutrition for consumers.
Researchers have reproduced the reaction behind plant withering, revealing a mechanism involving reactive oxygen species during photosynthesis. This discovery could help ensure stable food supplies by cultivating plants resistant to global warming.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that plants deliberately choose which fungal partners to provide with more nutrients, effectively forcing the less cooperative partner to supply more phosphates. This market-based process allows for optimal resource allocation and increased plant productivity.