Articles tagged with Plants
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers assess impact of past land use change on current biodiversity by analyzing woodlands planted over 160 years. The project provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of historical land use on modern ecosystems.
Field studies show that automated thinners increase plant size and uniformity, leading to larger plant and heart weight compared to hand-thinning methods. The technology optimizes in-row spacing, allowing growers to increase crop yields.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a method to break down plant biomass using sunlight, potentially producing biofuels and biochemicals. The process, known as reverse photosynthesis, uses enzymes and chlorophyll to accelerate chemical reactions, reducing pollution and increasing production speed.
Researchers used NASA satellite data to predict mule deer birth rates by tracking vegetation growth patterns. This tool, called the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), measures vegetation health and helps forecast when does will give birth to fawns.
Scientists studied over 15,000 sites across the US, finding nitrogen deposition exceeded critical loads for loss of plant species richness in 24 percent. The study highlights the impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on ecosystems, with effects more pronounced in acidic soils and dry climates.
Researchers studied Agave species' response to saline soils and found two species, A. parryi and A. weberi, to be relatively tolerant to high levels of salinity. These findings suggest that cultivating these species in semiarid regions could increase production and address dwindling water reserves.
A US study has found that nearly one-quarter of sites across the US are threatened by high levels of atmospheric nitrogen pollution, leading to a loss of plant species richness. The research highlights the vulnerability of grassland ecosystems to nitrogen pollution, particularly those with acidic soil.
Researchers from the University of Vienna have successfully characterised aurone synthase, a catechol oxidase with hydroxylase activity. The study provides insights into the mechanism of plant polyphenol oxidases and has potential applications in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a tissue culture procedure to propagate the rare and threatened woodland agrimony, multiplying its numbers by 1013. The study aimed to understand why this species is in decline, with results suggesting grazing deer as an important factor.
Researchers at Kobe University discovered a gene that neutralizes toxic byproducts of photosynthesis, enabling plants to 'breathe' and grow under stress. The AOR gene protects nighttime respiration, allowing plants to reach normal size and weight in stressful conditions.
Researchers found that modern corn hybrids maintain per-plant yield in environments with low nitrogen, can recover from mid-season stress, and take up nitrogen after silking. This suggests reserving a portion of nitrogen fertilizer for later application could be beneficial for growers.
Researchers found that asparagus rhizome traits, specifically water content and metabolite levels, are key indicators of freezing tolerance. The study tested three cultivars, with Guelph Millennium proving to be the most tolerant, suggesting that adapting to colder climates may depend on optimizing rhizome characteristics.
Researchers have identified blueberry cultivars with genetic resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a soilborne pathogen causing root rot. The most resistant cultivars include 'Aurora', 'Legacy', and 'Reka', while susceptible ones are 'Bluetta' and 'Bluecrop'.
Researchers developed a software framework called plant to investigate how plant species coexist with varying traits. The tool examines physiological rules and functional trade-offs in vegetation structure and diversity.
Soilless farming proposed as a solution to Qatar's food shortage, increasing crop yield by 100 times compared to conventional farming. The system uses nutrient-enriched water and advanced hydroponics to provide reliable quantity and quality of crops, while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Plant breeders have discovered that the best time to infect trees with citrus greening disease is during 'flush,' a stage in growth from leaf emergence to full size. This knowledge can help growers improve pesticide applications and protect their citrus crops.
Wild tomato varieties exhibit dual resistance against whiteflies, which damages plants by extracting sap, creating honeydew, and transmitting viruses. Breeding these traits into commercial tomatoes could offer a sustainable solution for controlling the pest.
Early-flowering plants face trade-offs between enhanced pollination and increased frost susceptibility. Delayed blooming time reduces plant reproduction due to reduced pollination. Climate change constraints early plant reproduction primarily through direct environmental impacts.
The global checklist of hornworts and liverworts is a crucial component of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, aiming to halt plant diversity loss. The initiative has been developed by an international team of researchers, who have utilized existing datasets and centralised nomenclature, taxonomy, and geography on a global scale.
Scientists have successfully reproduced hybrid plants using natural cloning methods, allowing them to retain increased efficiency across multiple generations. This breakthrough could provide more affordable and productive crop options for small-scale farmers in developing countries.
The discovery of Calathea galdamesiana highlights the importance of botanical research and conservation efforts in Panama. The new species is distinguished by its unique leaf shape and ground-dwelling inflorescences, and was discovered during a biological diversity inventory organized by the Panamanian Ministry of the Environment.
A new orchid species has been discovered in the Pacific slope of Oaxaca state, Mexico, exhibiting distinct features such as shape, size, and colors. The study led by Dr. Leopardi-Verde refutes a long-held hypothesis about hybridization that contributed to its taxonomic placement.
Researchers have evaluated the potential of ancient grains in modern agriculture, finding that they require reduced fertilization to prevent lodging. While they contain high amounts of protein, the quality is lower than in modern crops. However, these grains can enrich biodiversity and offer premium products through traditional methods.