Articles tagged with Plants
Researchers have uncovered how beneficial bacteria form a waterproof coating on plant roots to shield them from microbes that cause disease. This protective film incorporates proteins with shape-changing properties, enabling it to repel water and potentially harmful molecules.
Researchers found a negative relation between atmospheric nitrogen emissions and plant diversity in Switzerland, with a 19% loss in phylogenetic diversity. High nitrogen deposition favors few highly competitive species, leading to decreased overall plant diversity.
Researchers found that controlled water deficit can effectively regulate stem elongation in poinsettias, reducing the need for plant growth retardants. The study also showed that prolonged water deficit application reduced bract area, highlighting the importance of avoiding this practice during periods of bract elongation.
A study by American Society for Horticultural Science researchers recommends specific water content thresholds for improved irrigation management in Gardenia jasminoides. The results show that applying water only when needed leads to efficient irrigation with minimal leaching, resulting in better plant growth and root establishment.
New research reveals that non-native plants are less widespread and do not outcompete native species, suggesting alternative causes for vegetation change. High diversities of native and non-native plant species coexist in locations with high native species diversity.
A recent Carnegie Institution study has identified three SWEET family proteins essential for delivering sugars from plant leaves to embryonic plants inside seeds. The research found that eliminating these transporters retards embryonic development and reduces seed quality, with potential applications in crop yield enhancement.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that the hermaphrodite version of the papaya plant, essential for commercial fruit production, arose from human selection by the ancient Maya around 4,000 years ago. This genetic study could lead to the development of a new, more efficient papaya variety.
Researchers have developed genetic tools to pre-adapt crops to future drier climates, improving water efficiency and reducing the need for irrigation. By altering plant stomata, crop yields can be maintained or increased with less water, supporting regions facing water scarcity.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which plants regulate their vitamin C levels in response to environmental factors. This finding may help improve plant breeding programs and prevent iron deficiency anaemia worldwide.
Researchers mapped the African continent using satellite data, discovering regions that have received drastically different amounts of rainfall over the past decade. The study found that areas such as the Congo, Nigeria, and Madagascar have become drier, while others like the Sahel zone have become greener due to increased rainfall.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that tropical plants like Heliconia tortuosa recognize specific hummingbird species by their nectar-sipping behavior. The plants respond by allowing high-quality pollen germination, increasing the chances of successful seed formation.
Researchers at Nanjing University have developed a standard operation procedure to detect dietetically absorbed plant miRNAs in human plasma. The study identified six plant miRNAs with dynamic physiological patterns and kinetic absorption curves, suggesting they can exert physiological functions.
A study from San Francisco State University found that native bees can provide sufficient pollination for tomatoes in urban gardens, with floral resource density being the key factor. This research challenges conventional wisdom and offers good news for farmers in space-starved cities.
Researchers will evaluate recent excavation sites and previous finds from 79 archaeological sites, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Nok Culture. The study aims to shed light on the societal development, economy, and role of iron metallurgy in this ancient culture.
A new non-destructive device called the mini-Horhizotron measures plant root growth in greenhouse production, allowing for effective study of treatment and substrate effects. The device provides valuable insight into root growth and development, enabling researchers to investigate factors influencing root growth in container production.
A study published in HortScience confirms that sweet potato leaves are a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin B6. The research found that young leaves contained the highest levels of ascorbic acid, while mature leaves provided significant amounts of vitamin B6.
Younger basil plants (2-3 weeks old) are more susceptible to downy mildew than older plants. Applying a fungicide like acibenzolar-S-methyl before pathogen infection can significantly reduce disease severity in older plants.
Research found that abscisic acid (ABA) treatments can increase calcium concentrations in tomato fruit, reducing the risk of blossom-end rot. ABA applications were effective in early stages of plant development, but additional treatments may be needed for later stages.
University of Pittsburgh researchers Matthew Koski and Tia-Lynn Ashman proved that Gloger's rule exists among flowers, where larger bull's-eye centers are associated with higher levels of ultraviolet light near the equator. This finding expands our understanding of biological responses to global climate change.
Researchers at UNH have successfully grown bulbing onions planted in fall using low tunnels, allowing for a spring harvest. The study found that cultivar selection plays a critical role in successful overwintering of onion production systems in cold climates.
Researchers have found that green walls are suitable for absorbing environmental noise and acting as acoustic insulation, improving life quality and reducing pollution. The study also shows that green walls can be effective in high and low frequencies, making them a potential solution for acoustic insulation.
A study found unheated high tunnels to be an effective method for finishing cold-tolerant annuals, reducing plant mortality and delays in days to flower. The use of high tunnels also led to improvements in measures of plant quality, such as shorter, more compact plants.
Researchers identify nine genes involved in making cucurbitacin, a compound with anti-cancer and diabetes properties. Domestication tweaked cucumber genetics to make fruit more edible, but the same compounds have potential therapeutic applications.
A study found that 'Tete-a-Tete', 'Dutch Master', and 'Ice Follies' daffodils can tolerate high levels of salt without compromising their visual quality. The cultivars demonstrated ability to maintain K+:Na+ ratio above 1, helping them resist negative effects of Na+, making them suitable for cut flower production and landscapes.
The study using Google Analytics found that online plant databases are visited by users in over 100 countries, with mobile traffic growing steadily. This highlights the democratization of botanical information, equal access for researchers worldwide, and reduced wear on biodiversity objects.
A new study by UCLA scientists found that plants have limited wiggle room to survive drought due to their plasticity. Most plant species accumulate salts in their cell sap to fine-tune their tolerance, but this adjustment only provides a relatively narrow degree of additional drought tolerance.
The FITOVID project aims to reduce fungal disease treatment in vineyards by applying less product and using new technologies for early detection. Researchers test alternative strategies, including 'zero waste' products, to boost sustainable management of pests and diseases.
Scientists at LSU have made a breakthrough in understanding photosynthesis by analyzing two critical plant proteins, PsbP and PsbQ. The study reveals how these proteins interact to facilitate oxygen production, providing new insights into the process.
UC Riverside researchers have identified a new molecular mechanism for resistance and susceptibility to Fusarium oxysporum, a common fungus causing wilt in tomato plants. The study reveals that microRNAs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with specific targets contributing to resistance.
Researchers found that plants compartmentalize repair processes in specialized photosynthetic membranes, allowing for efficient energy conversion and protein repair. This insight could lead to the development of crops with improved repair mechanisms for hot and bright climates.
Researchers identify two microRNAs that suppress NB domain genes in resistant tomato cultivar Motelle, allowing it to fight off the wilting fungus. The findings shed light on the molecular basis of plant immunity and suggest a new approach for breeding disease-resistant crops.
Scientists have discovered that wild tomato species like Solanum habrochaites and Solanum peruvianum contain higher levels of antioxidants, which can help improve the health-related characteristics of cultivated tomatoes. The study provides valuable insights for breeding programs aiming to enhance antioxidant traits in elite tomato lines.
Researchers found that plant seeds can be pre-colonized with beneficial bacteria, providing enhanced microbial protection. This discovery has significant implications for creating food-safe antimicrobials and understanding the importance of early colonization in establishing a healthy microbiome.
Researchers found that environmental filtering is the main driver of plant diversity variation along resource gradients in ancient dunes. The study used a chronosequence of soils to test alternative theories and provided new insights into biodiversity.
Researchers discovered that a unique twist in the nectar spur of a bird-pollinated flower allows for more efficient pollen placement on sunbirds' heads and bills. This adaptation increases the likelihood of successful pollination and reduces competition among plant species.
Researchers found that mowing and prescribed burns increased plant density and flowering percentage of gentian species, a rare find due to human suppression of wildfires. Northern pine snakes struggle to cross roads, with only small patches of habitat left to support populations.
The discovery of the plant phytochrome's three-dimensional structure may enable the development of technologies to grow plants at higher densities, increasing crop yields and reducing resource usage. By manipulating the light sensor, researchers can alter the conditions under which plants grow and develop.
The researchers identified two transcription factors, NAC045 and NAC086, which are expressed in sieve element cells before enucleation. They also found a family of genes, dubbed NEN1-4, which act downstream of these factors. Additionally, the study revealed that control of choline transport is essential for phloem development.
A new study recommends a tailored approach to seed collections, collecting from a wide area and about 25 maternal plants per population to capture genetic diversity. This method can preserve more rare genes than traditional one-size-fits-all approaches, potentially saving rare plant species from extinction.
Researchers discovered a way to increase polysaccharides in barley plants, blocking fungal penetration and creating more resistant lines available for growers. Powdery mildew is a significant problem worldwide, causing up to 25% yield reductions and market value losses.
A new study shows that LED lighting can produce favorable results in greenhouse grown annual bedding plant seedlings. The optimal LED red:blue light ratio was found to be between 70:30 and 100:0, resulting in higher stem caliper and root dry mass compared to high-pressure sodium lamps.
Katerina Alba's research at the University of Huddersfield investigates the benefits of carbohydrates extracted from okra pods for improving food emulsion quality. Her work has garnered international interest and recognition, with presentations at a global hydrocolloids conference and publications in reputable scientific journals.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a novel method for studying plant growth using LEGO bricks, creating controlled micro-environments that can be easily replicated worldwide. The innovative approach allows for the simultaneous testing of various environmental factors, such as nutrients, water, and oxygen gradients.
Researchers analyzed ancient Neanderthal fecal matter, revealing significant plant intake alongside meat consumption. The study provides new insights into the role of vegetables in the Neanderthal diet.
A study by researchers at the University of Georgia compared 19 tomato varieties under organic production practices. The results showed that F1 hybrid varieties outperformed open-pollinated varieties in terms of yield and fruit uniformity.
Researchers found that specific LED treatments were more effective than high-pressure sodium lighting for greenhouse tomatoes, increasing fruit and biomass production. The study's results show that LEDs can be customized to target specific wavelengths used by plants, leading to improved plant growth.
A study led by Anna-Liisa Laine found that proximity to other meadows increases disease resistance in wild meadow plants. The research surveyed over 4,000 Plantago lanceolata meadows and their infection status with a fungal pathogen, revealing less disease in areas with dense meadow networks.
The New York Botanical Garden is launching a two-phase project to inform future conservation efforts in Myanmar. The first phase will establish collaborations with national institutions, provide training for young botanists, and collect preliminary data on the country's flora.
Researchers at KU Leuven found that the Pyrenean rocket, a plant from southern Europe, genetically adapted rapidly to its new environment in Belgium, allowing it to spread quickly. This study provides evidence that rapid evolution can aid the spread of non-native plant species.
Researchers at the NH Agricultural Experiment Station will investigate plant-soil interactions to reduce environmental nitrogen losses. By understanding how plants coordinate microbial priming to coincide with plant demand for nitrogen, they aim to create more efficient agricultural systems.
Researchers found that crop domestication took much longer than expected, with cultural and historical factors playing a key role. Domesticated crops like corn showed traits such as seed resistance and shortened flowering times, but their adaptation was slower than genetic changes.
A violent tornado in Arkansas on April 27, 2014, left a distinct trail of damage visible from space. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of the area before and after the storm, showing pale brown trails where trees were uprooted.
Researchers found that basal wire coiling, a simple and effective method, increased sugar concentration in tomato fruit juice. The technique results in lower shoot moisture content and reduced competition for photosynthates, leading to higher sugar concentrations.
A study by researchers from Mississippi State and Louisiana State Universities reveals that early planting and delaying harvest can increase yield and economic benefits for sweetpotato producers. The results showed that marketable yield of the sweetpotato cultivars was consistently greater in early plantings than late plantings.
An international team of researchers, led by a plant scientist at the University of California, Davis, reports that the domesticated chili pepper originated in central-east Mexico. The region, extending from southern Puebla and northern Oaxaca to southeastern Veracruz, was previously thought to be less suitable for the crop's origins.
A new orchid species, Lophiaris silverarum, has been named after UC Riverside researcher Katia Silvera. The species was discovered in central Panama and is currently growing only in that region. Its slow growth rate makes it rare and difficult to cultivate.
Researchers identify E. coli O157:H7's mechanism of binding to plant cells using flagella structures, allowing it to anchor and multiply on vegetable surfaces. This understanding aims to reduce the risk of food contamination by targeting bacterial attachment.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution have developed a new method to measure abscisic acid levels in individual plant cells, shedding light on the hormone's role in plant stress responses. This breakthrough tool has the potential to improve crop yields and inform strategies for mitigating the impacts of drought and climate change.
A new study by David W. Taylor and Gregory J. Anderson found that consumers are willing to pay more for culturally significant crops, highlighting the importance of 'Culinary Cultural Conservation.' The research also identified key food groups, such as viandas, which are essential to recreating a sense of home.
A new study from the University of Warwick found that plant cells send specific signals to developing embryos to direct their growth and development. This discovery opens up possibilities for breeding more robust plant varieties with higher yields.