Articles tagged with Plants
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.
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.
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.
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.
Data from satellite sensors reveal the Midwest region of the United States boasts more photosynthetic activity than any other spot on Earth, according to NASA and university scientists. The magnitude of fluorescent glow emitted by plants is an excellent indicator of gross productivity.
A new Capsicum annuum pepper germplasm has been released by researchers, providing a rich source of non-pungent capsinoids with antioxidant activity, enhanced adrenal function, and metabolism promotion. The high concentrations of capsaicinoids in the fruit facilitate its potential use in foods, pharmaceuticals, and research.
Scientists at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are producing isobutene from sugar using a microbial conversion process. The pilot plant, set to start in 2014, will have the potential to produce up to 100 tons of isobutene per year.
Researchers have developed a new approach to measuring photosynthetic activity using satellite technology, providing direct observations of photosynthesis on a large scale for the first time. The study reveals that previous model-based estimates are too low and provides a tool to assess production in various regions.
A study by researchers from the University of Miami and University of Pittsburgh finds that high deer populations facilitate garlic mustard population explosion while suppressing native trillium plants. Deer exclusion reversed invasive species growth, supporting an ecological theory where native plants exert biotic resistance.
The American Journal of Botany celebrates its centennial anniversary, tracing the journal's founding to socio-politics, personalities, and institutions. The journal has remained at the forefront of botanical research, with F.C. Newcombe playing a crucial role in its establishment.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that plant food supplements are widely used in Europe, with Italy and Spain showing the highest diversity of products. In the UK, evening primrose oil was the most commonly used botanical ingredient.
The study provides a detailed picture of biological events like flower blooming, animal emergence, and leaf fall, showing a more complex pattern than previously thought. Over 39 years, the flowering season expanded by more than a month due to earlier snowmelt and warming climate.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Susan Kalisz found that high deer densities are the primary reason for garlic mustard's takeover in native plant species, such as trillium. By excluding deer, native plants can repel invaders and increase their populations.
Researchers have identified two new species of desert poppies in California and Arizona, challenging the notion that deserts are devoid of vibrant flowers. The newly described plants belong to the Eschscholzia genus and possess unique characteristics, including vibrant yellow-colored inflorescences.
Recent research on serpentine ecosystems sheds light on the mechanisms of adaptation, natural selection, and endemism. Kruckeberg's seminal paper (1951) has influenced subsequent research on local adaptation, evolutionary pathways, and climate-soil relationships.
Research at Umeå University and University of Antwerp found that alien plants successfully penetrate alpine vegetation in subarctic mountain areas. Human transportation on roads and walking tracks facilitates their invasion. Climate warming also contributes to the success of introduced species.
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London developed a novel method to quantify plant tolerance to high light intensity. The study found that plants grown without quick responses to high light had reduced capacity to protect themselves from damage.
Researchers developed a compact and inexpensive system to produce smoke solutions for seed germination studies. The new apparatus increases the concentration of smoke compounds and allows for greater control over variables, enabling researchers to distinguish the effects of smoke compounds from other additives.
Researchers found that feeding plant extracts to weanling pigs challenged with PRRS and E. coli reduced the frequency of diarrhea, improved feed efficiency, and altered gut morphology. The study suggests that these extracts may be used to alleviate disease symptoms in pigs.
Researchers found that flurprimidol preplant bulb soaks effectively controlled stem elongation of 'Orange Tiger' tiger lily, making it suitable for retail sales. The study also showed that residual carryover effects of flurprimidol were not significant a year after application.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered a method to increase broccoli's anti-cancer properties while prolonging its shelf life. The combined application of methyl jasmonate and 1-methylcyclopropene increased the presence of cancer-fighting agents in broccoli, while reducing ethylene levels that cause decay.
Researchers find new type of P. acnes bacterium adapting to grapevines, with evidence suggesting human origin and loss of DNA repair function. The emergence of P. Zappae around 7,000 years ago is linked to human intensive practices in grape domestication.
An interdisciplinary team proposes a thought-provoking answer to how plants and animals evolved different forms in response to the same mathematical and physical principles. By applying a famous mathematical formula, the team explains decades worth of real-world observations, revealing why plants and animals have similar energy efficie...
The study reveals that enzymes involved in breaking down fatty acids evolved independently in both plants and animals, mirroring each other's development. This finding suggests that both groups faced similar challenges when dealing with ingested fatty acids from plants.
Three native Mediterranean plant species were found suitable for use in extensive green roof design. Locally produced grape marc compost promoted drought resistance without compromising plant growth. Substrate depth and irrigation frequency had varying effects on the plants' growth, but shallow compost-amended substrate with sparse irr...
A study found that reducing nitrogen levels and using selected cultivars minimizes environmental impact in greenhouse pepper production. The research demonstrates how the environmental impact of intensive agriculture can be minimized without harming fruit yield or quality.
Infants prefer fruits from plants over man-made objects after an adult demonstrates edibility. Younger infants also exhibit plant-based bias due to social learning mechanisms.
Researchers reveal how auxins activate developmental genes in plants through specific transcription factors, unlocking key to understanding plant growth and development. The discovery sheds light on the complex mechanisms behind plant hormone regulation.
A team of researchers led by Professor Michael Holdsworth has identified the central mechanism for detecting nitric oxide (NO) in plants, which regulates growth and response to environmental stress. The 'master regulators' control NO detection and have been found to regulate important aspects of plant development.
A study comparing human aging to that of 45 other species found that mortality rates increase with age for some species like humans and birds, while others decline. This challenges the traditional view of aging based on life span alone.
Two Canadian teens, Adamo Young and Kiri Daust, published their research on wasps and leaf disease, revealing an efficient killer of an agricultural pest and a little-known fungus hurting Highbush Cranberries. Their studies help farmers combat the moth pest without pesticides.
Researchers at the University of Otago and Plant & Food Research have identified the genetic mechanism controlling onion bulb formation in response to changing daylight hours. This discovery will help breed new onion cultivars that can thrive in different environments, increasing crop yields and export revenue.
Researchers found that a mixture of blue and red LEDs enhances lettuce growth rate, biomass accumulation, and antioxidant compound production. Red LED alone stimulates biomass but induces abnormal leaf shape and negative effects on antioxidants.
A new study classifies urban residential desert landscapes into nine common types, providing recommendations for planning and integrating lower water-use plants. The research also reveals differences in front and backyard environments, with low-maintenance landscapes prevalent in front yards.
A rainforest microbe, Enterobacter lignolyticus SCF1, breaks down lignin by breathing it, potentially improving biofuel production. The microbe's enzymes degrade 56% of lignin in 48 hours, opening up new possibilities for efficient and sustainable biofuels.
Researchers develop method to transmit plant viruses using whiteflies, providing a means of interfering with plant-contamination and cultivating resistant plants. This technique has been published in JoVE's video format due to its difficulty in describing complex details through traditional text-only journals.
Researchers found that biomass pellets released lower levels of mercury when burned, reducing environmental concerns. The study suggests that switching to biomass pellets could be an effective way to decrease mercury emissions in China.
The supposedly widespread liverwort species was found to be a complex of geographically restricted species, with implications for biogeography studies. The study's results also highlight the importance of accurately identifying plant species, as it can lead to the discovery of new bioactive compounds.