Articles tagged with 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.
Researchers found that thicker leaves have larger cells in all tissues except vascular tissue, and cell walls are proportionally thicker. The team developed new mathematical equations to predict internal anatomy from leaf thickness, providing insights into leaf function and design.
A unique South African plant, Lithops, has been found to adapt to extreme conditions by optimizing its photosynthesis and water loss. Researchers discovered local differences in surface adaptations and physiological mechanisms that allow the plant to thrive in dry environments.
A comprehensive botanical data set reveals that stable climates and small habitat areas are key factors in the distribution of rare plant species. The study highlights the importance of preserving these regions from human-induced climate changes, which could threaten the survival of many unique species.
The root microbiome plays a vital role in plant functions and ecosystem well-being, influencing genetic structure, health, and interactions with other plants. Microbial organisms associated with plant roots have far-flung global influences, from regulating plant performance to facilitating crop production in harsh climates.
Researchers are studying the effects of urban climates on crop yields to develop new crops adapted to urban gardens and provide recommendations for urban farmers. The benefits of urban agriculture include increased food production, community engagement, and access to healthy fresh produce.
A recent study under realistic field conditions found reassuringly low levels of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in crops grown with treated wastewater for irrigation. Leafy vegetables absorbed the highest amounts of PPCPs, including a medication for epilepsy; triclosan, an anti-bacterial ingredient; and caffeine.
Researchers watched genes move together in response to environmental changes, a discovery that could improve understanding of gene expression and its impact on nature. The technique allows scientists to monitor a gene in whole, living organisms, opening up new avenues for research.
A new study reveals that only 17% of Earth's land needs to be protected to satisfy the Convention on Biological Diversity's goals, but this area must contain 67% of all plant species. Protecting these hotspots could slow biodiversity loss and meet international targets
Researchers at the University of York found that small chemical changes to dietary flavonoids significantly impact the production of inflammatory mediators. The study demonstrates the importance of a molecule's shape in its recognition by immune cells, paving the way for designing new drugs and immunomodulators.
Researchers created ring-shaped complexes of protein and pigments that absorb more sunlight than natural ones. The designs use a combination of synthetic and natural pigments to capture a broader spectrum of light, allowing for efficient energy harvesting.
A fungal-bacterial consortium converts tough plant materials into isobutanol, producing 1.88 grams per liter of fluid, with 62% energy conversion rate. The system reduces capital investment and operating cost, making biofuel production economically viable.
A team of researchers from Dartmouth College has identified a protein called ESB1 that plays a vital role in how plant roots use water and nutrients. This discovery could ultimately boost crop and biofuels production by improving the plants' ability to tolerate stresses such as salinity, drought and flooding.
A new series of articles in the American Journal of Botany explores how plants respond to climate change, providing insights into plant biology, ecology, and evolution. The studies reveal complex relationships between plants and wide-scale biological changes.
A Penn State University team wins the US Department of Energy poster competition using only 1000 commonly used words, explaining how energy from sunlight is captured by plants and stored in plant cell walls. The team's creative approach helped them win first prize out of 31 submissions.
Research found that during extreme heat, plants' ozone absorption is curtailed, leading to increased air pollution and up to 20 days of ozone levels above safety threshold. This can result in thousands of premature deaths, mostly among people with respiratory diseases.
A new study reveals that changing crop species massively alters the content of microbes in the soil, helping plants acquire nutrients and regulate growth. Soil grown with peas was highly enriched for fungi, while oat and pea cultivation shifted the balance towards protozoa and nematode worms.
Researchers have developed a novel protocol for detecting basil downy mildew, enabling early identification and facilitating timely disease control. The method uses Visikol, a proprietary solution that replaces chloral hydrate, allowing for quick detection using a hand magnifying glass.
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified a set of genes in female Heliconius butterflies that allow them to detect toxic chemicals and choose healthy host plants. This unique behavior is vital for the survival of the species, as it ensures their larvae receive the necessary nutrients to thrive.
Researchers have found that increased carbon dioxide levels are causing an 11% increase in foliage cover across parts of the world's arid regions. This 'CO2 fertilization' effect enables plants to extract more carbon from the air or lose less water, leading to changes in leaf cover detected by satellite.
A new study developed a robust model for predicting corn yields using easily obtained measurements, such as plant morphology and precipitation. The model was tested across multiple environments and found accurate results, providing valuable insights for farmers and biofuel industries.
Plants perform accurate arithmetic division to adjust their rate of starch consumption, using internal clocks and molecular signals. This calculation helps them prevent starvation and make efficient use of food, with the goal of boosting crop yield.
A recent genome study identified genetic markers that can lead to higher yielding cocoa plants with better taste. Researchers sequenced the genome of the most commonly cultivated cacao plant and found a gene involved in pod color variation, which can help improve the quality of cocoa beans.
A new regulator for plant hormone signaling, the KISS ME DEADLY family of proteins (KMDs), has been identified by Dartmouth researchers. This discovery may lead to improved agricultural productivity and increased crop yields.
Researchers at TUM discovered that auxin hormone plays a crucial role in plant growth towards light. By understanding the auxin transport mechanism, they were able to prove its involvement in phototropism for the first time. The study highlights the importance of auxin in regulating plant cell elongation and responding to light signals.
Researchers discovered that woody plant matter is almost completely digested by bacteria living in the Amazon River, fueling its breath and playing a major role in the global carbon cycle. The finding suggests that rivers are more like metabolic hotspots than passive pipes, with only 5% of the rainforest's carbon ever reaching the ocean.
A study found that rotating nematode-resistant wheat with tomato plants reduces nematode numbers in soil and protects the next crop. The resistant wheat was bred with a gene that makes it less susceptible to root-knot nematodes, which cause significant damage to crops worldwide.
Research found that earthworms increase nitrogen content of plants and reduce slug damage by 60% due to improved plant defenses. High plant diversity also results in lower slug damage, suggesting a complex interaction between the two species.
Research by Monica Gagliano and Michael Renton found that plants can positively influence seed growth via unknown mechanisms. Chilli seeds germinated better when grown with basil plants, even when other signals were blocked.
The Springs Fire has reached the beach in Ventura County and is pushing toward the upscale city of Malibu due to howling Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation. As of early Friday morning, the fire had grown to 10,000 acres and was 10% contained, with over 2,000 homes under threat.
Plant scientists are exploring membrane transporters to enhance nutrient uptake and water retention in crops, reducing the need for fertilizers and promoting sustainable agriculture. This research aims to create crops that can thrive in challenging conditions, such as saline soils, to meet the world's growing food demands.
Xuemei Chen, a professor of plant cell and molecular biology at UCR, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for her excellence in original scientific research. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on plant meristem development and micro RNA molecules.
Researchers at University of Arizona's Tumamoc Hill have digitized 106 years of growth data on individual plants, offering new insights into how ecosystems behave. The permanent research plots represent the world's longest-running study monitoring individual plants.
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology is launching a research project to study the impact of climate change on plant range shifts and ecosystem stability. The team aims to understand how plants interact with their 'ecological partners' in new ranges, and how this affects biodiversity.
A new species of leaf miner from the Gracillariidae family has been discovered in Brazil, exhibiting a unique life cycle. The species, Spinivalva gaucha, does not have a sap-feeding instar and instead feeds on upper leaf tissue from hatching.
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has successfully transformed cellulose into starch, a process that could provide a previously untapped nutrient source from plants not traditionally thought of as food crops. This breakthrough opens the door to creating food from any plant, reducing land use and water consumption.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that fat leaves evolved a three-dimensional vein structure to store water and sustain efficient photosynthesis. This evolution allowed leaves to become thicker without compromising hydraulic performance, enabling plants like succulents to thrive in arid conditions.
A University of Toronto-led study reveals how carotenoid pigments capture blue/green light and pass the energy to chlorophylls, absorbing red light. The research sheds light on a previously unknown 'dark state' in carotenoids that acts as a mediator to efficiently transfer energy.
Researchers at UGA have created a microorganism that can absorb CO2 and generate useful industrial products, including fuel. This discovery could lead to the creation of carbon-neutral fuels from atmospheric CO2, a cleaner alternative to gasoline, coal, and oil.
Researchers explore naturally occurring egg-hatching factors to control G. pallida, a non-native species causing economic hardship in US potato fields. Using these chemicals to stimulate eggs to hatch when no potato plants are present could be an effective defense against the pest.
Researchers have discovered the original host of ancient pigmy moths was a rainforest plant in the myrtle family. The moths' evolution reveals unique adaptations for courtship and mating.
Researchers from the University of Montreal studied how hypergravity and microgravity affect plant reproduction, brain diseases, and cancer. They found that changes in gravity impact cellular traffic flow and construction of the cellular envelope, leading to compromised cell functioning and potential implications for human health.
A new checklist of Cucurbitaceae from India brings up-to-date information on the family's evolution, diversity, and distribution. The list includes 94 species, 79% of which have DNA sequences available in GenBank.
Students aged 15-17 from Norfolk will participate in a project to study resistance to Take-all, a major wheat disease. They will collect data on plant lines collected from across Europe and the Near East, which will be used to develop new wheat varieties with greater resistance.
Researchers found that wild plants with multiple viral infections remained healthy, suggesting a cooperative role for the microbe. The viruses were passed from plants to their offspring through seeds and may play a beneficial role in plant life, making them more resilient to extreme temperatures and drought.
A team of scientists from Duke University and the University of Padova found that marsh plants actively tune their elevations by producing organic soil and accumulating sediments. This complex interplay with the environment helps species stabilize the soil within favorable states, allowing for greater long-term stability.
Scientists used X-ray beams to trace the uptake of zinc and cerium nanoparticles by soya bean plants. Zinc was found to dissolve and accumulate in the plants, while cerium did not biotransform and reached the plant pods.