Articles tagged with Plants
A study of 50 plant studies across four continents found that experimentally induced shifts in plant timing are underestimated by at least fourfold compared to long-term records. Long-term historical records consistently show a 5-6 day advance per degree Celsius, with potential consequences for species diversity and ecosystem services.
Recent research suggests that plant-derived biofuels could meet 30% of the global demand for liquid transportation fuels without affecting food production. Scientists have identified non-edible plants as a promising area of research to produce biofuels sustainably.
A new study has found that experiments underestimate plant responses to climate change, with shifts in flowering and leafing timing being much greater than estimated. Long-term historical records show that many plant species have shifted their leafing and flowering earlier, in step with warming temperatures over recent decades.
A plant disease normally found in subarctic climates has been identified for the first time in the UK in buttercups as far south as Herefordshire. The fungus, Sclerotinia subarctica, affects both crops and wild plants, with severe effects on carrots but minimal impact on meadow buttercups.
A pan-European study reveals that mountain plants are shifting to higher altitudes, but also experiencing reduced species richness. Climate warming and drought stress are threatening alpine plant diversity worldwide.
A recent study found that plant species living in urban backyards are closer related to each other and live shorter than those in rural areas. The study, conducted by Jeannine Cavender-Bares and Sonja Knapp, analyzed the diversity of plant species in private yards in Minneapolis and compared it to nearby natural ecosystems.
Researchers at University of Nottingham use math to study gibberellin hormone affecting plant growth, identifying key interactions between feedback loops. This work aims to improve crop varieties and address global food security concerns.
Researchers at VIB discovered a new transport mechanism for auxin, allowing plants to direct their growth towards the light and absorb sunlight efficiently. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient crop growth and higher yields by regulating auxin levels in specific areas.
Researchers identified the genetic basis of a mutation in sunflowers that results in double-flowered varieties depicted by Van Gogh. The study found a single dominant gene responsible for creating the mutation, which disrupts the production of ray florets.
Researchers reveal a genetic mutation behind the distinctive double-flowered sunflowers depicted in Van Gogh's paintings, which has been hidden for over a century. The study identifies a disrupted gene responsible for creating the mutated trait.
Researchers have successfully diagnosed a new species of plant using DNA barcoding, a method that relies on short DNA sequences for identification. The study marks a significant shift towards English-language diagnoses, which will enable scientists to more easily share and verify findings.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a novel procedure to assess plant species diversity in an area by analyzing vegetation information collected by satellites over time. This allows resource managers to evaluate biodiversity without collecting regionwide field data.
A team of Australian scientists has bred salt tolerance into a variety of durum wheat, showing improved grain yield by 25% on salty soils. The research uses non-GM crop breeding techniques and introduces a salt-tolerant gene that works by excluding sodium from the leaves.
A 15-year study found that artificial wetlands can take up more carbon from the atmosphere than natural ones, but may release methane. Both types of wetlands removed large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus from river water. The study suggests long-term ecological research is useful for determining human intervention's success.
Plant steroid hormones brassinosteroids play a crucial role in regulating the number and distribution of stomata on leaves. Research found that brassinosteroids inhibit the protein BIN2, allowing stomata formation when present and inhibiting it when absent.
A recent study by Mehmet Isleyen and colleagues found that grafted watermelon plants accumulate pesticide levels up to 140 times higher than non-grafted watermelons. The researchers advise commercial farmers to exercise caution when using this grafting practice to minimize exposure to pesticides.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that greenhouse bedding plant growers can increase profits by providing cuttings with sufficient light. The study showed that plants rooted faster and were of higher quality when exposed to more light.
A study by U of I associate professor Marty Williams found that increasing plant populations can affect crop growth and development, with varying effects among different hybrids. The average optimal plant population for maximizing yield differed by over 9,000 plants per acre among the six tested hybrids.
A new species, Solanum baretiae, has been named in honor of Jeanne Baret, a Frenchwoman who disguised herself as a man to work on a historic botany expedition. The species is endemic to southern Ecuador and northern Peru, reflecting Baret's adventurous spirit.
A molecular 'maturation clock' has been identified that regulates the number of branches in tomato plants, leading to increased flower and fruit production. Manipulating this clock could provide agricultural benefits by slowing down branching, resulting in more fruits.
Research on Trichoderma highlights its use as biocontrol agents to reduce chemical pesticide use, improving food security. The fungus also forms symbiotic associations with plants, altering gene expression to increase plant growth and productivity.
A new technology called RootChip enables scientists to analyze root tissue in intact live plants, revolutionizing the field of root studies. The device monitors real-time responses to environmental changes, revealing key insights into nutrient acquisition and carbon sequestration.
Researchers developed an all-natural foliar spray that enhances plants' innate 'anti-freeze' properties, reducing cold damage and mortality by up to 1 USDA hardiness zone. The non-toxic spray is friendly to both plants and the environment.
Researchers found that chrysanthemum plants adapted to irregular light periods, promoting rapid leaf development. The study's results suggest that these changes can be induced by low average light intensity, potentially reducing supplemental lighting costs in greenhouses.
Researchers have introduced a new variety of caladium, 'UF-172', boasting large attractive pink blotches and red petioles, ideal for use in large containers and landscapes. The new variety outperforms existing cultivars in terms of tuber yield potential and container forcing.
Raising seedlings with blue light increases crop yield and quality by boosting phenolic compounds. Studies found that blue light-treated seedlings had higher leaf areas, shoot fresh weight, and antioxidant activity compared to those grown under red or white fluorescent light.
A study reveals that plant cells use sugar to control the size of plasmodesmata, regulating the passage of signaling molecules. This spatial and temporal control influences root formation during plant development.
Researchers have identified a critical component of a molecular pump system that transports sugars throughout plants, which could lead to increased crop yields and improve food security. The discovery also provides new insights into plant pathology and offers potential solutions for protecting crops from pests.
Researchers found vermicompost amendments in organic substrates significantly enhanced tomato growth and yield. The addition of vermicompost resulted in lower incidence of defective fruit, further increasing the benefits for organic production.
A new species of gall maker was discovered in the aphid genus Aleurodaphis in China's Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. The species, Aleurodaphis sinojackiae, forms leaf galls on Jack trees and has distinctive wax gland arrangements, shedding light on the unique characteristics of this plant lice.
A US Department of Agriculture scientist identified a rare grass-like sedge as blue sedge, native to Asia and Australia, found growing near the gravesites of a royal Gypsy family in Mississippi. The plant's restricted distribution and invasive traits suggest it could cause problems in US lawn and turf systems.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered how a barley plant recognizes an invader within five minutes of an attack, triggering its defenses. This breakthrough could lead to new ways to battle crop diseases, potentially defeating evolving threats like Ug99.
New research reveals that birds pollinate Babiana plants with specialized perches, and these perches can be smaller or larger depending on geographical location. This unique adaptation allows the plant to adopt different mating strategies depending on the availability of sunbird pollinators.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a crucial gene, DET1, that regulates the plant circadian clock. This finding could lead to engineering plants that can thrive in different seasons and locations. By understanding the circadian rhythm, farmers may be able to grow crops year-round, reducing seasonal limitations.
Researchers have discovered a method to overcome the chemical intractability of cellulose, allowing its efficient conversion into bioethanol. This breakthrough represents a major step towards industrial production of fuels and chemicals from renewable cellulose in waste plant matter.
USDA scientists have developed a new biorefinery yeast that can ferment plant sugars into cellulosic ethanol despite the presence of toxic compounds. The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain NRRL Y-50049, has shown remarkable tolerance to furfural and HMF, two compounds that inhibit yeast growth and reduce ethanol yields.
Researchers at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture have completed two drought simulators designed to mimic real-world conditions. The simulators, measuring 50 feet by 100 feet, will enable in-depth testing under varying environmental conditions and improve food security for farmers.
Scientists applied theoretical morphology techniques to study terpenes in plants, discovering a disparity between predicted and actual abundances. They found that nature favors rarer, harder-to-synthesize forms of these chemicals, which could lead to new effective drugs.
An international team led by a visiting researcher at IU has formally named a new class of fungi, Archaeorhizomyces, previously only known through DNA sequencing. The discovery estimates up to 250 species within the class and sheds light on their ecological roles in terrestrial ecosystems.
A new analysis of plants in grassland ecosystems worldwide reveals that most species are crucial for ecosystem functioning. Researchers found that 84% of grassland species promote ecosystem functioning at some point, contradicting previous assumptions about the importance of diversity.
Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that enables viruses to infect plants, causing diseases. By targeting the CHL1 gene, CMV and its satellite virus cause yellowing symptoms in plants by preventing chlorophyll production. This breakthrough allows for the development of altered plant varieties with resistant genes.
Researchers at the University of Miami have developed a technique to track urban atmospheric plumes using ethanol's isotopic signature, which can indicate the presence of manmade biofuels. The discovery has significant implications for understanding air pollution in urban areas and mitigating its effects on human health.
A rainforest vine has evolved a dish-shaped leaf with strong echoes to attract bat pollinators. The researchers found that the leaf reduces search times by 50% when presented above a feeder, indicating its effectiveness as an echo beacon.
Researchers found that fully photosynthetic orchids associate with specific fungal clades, not shared with other sympatric orchids, and depend on their symbionts for nutrition. The study used stable isotope analysis to assess how much of the organic carbon and nitrogen in orchid tissue was acquired from their fungal partners.
A study found that female plants can control which pollen grains reach their ovules by delaying stigma receptivity, resulting in increased paternal diversity and seed production. This mechanism enhances offspring fitness in the annual herb Collinsia.
A new, non-destructive method for estimating leaf area index (LAI) in vegetables has been developed using a commercial camera and free software. The study produced accurate and inexpensive results comparable to more expensive indirect methods.
The study investigated the relationship between epidermal vacuolar pH and factors affecting color, finding that corals have the highest pH suitable for producing blue hues. This data suggests targeting corals for transformation to create new blue flowers.
Xuemei Chen, a leading plant scientist at UC Riverside, has been awarded an HHMI-GBMF Investigator grant for her groundbreaking research on small RNA and microRNA. The grant will support high-risk projects aimed at uncovering fundamental mechanisms in biology with potential applications to agriculture and medicine.
Researchers found that Hessian flies can trigger strong defenses in wheat plants, causing them to release essential nutrients to the insects. However, avirulent larvae can sometimes survive by reversing these defenses, potentially extending the durability of resistance.
Researchers have identified a wood-digesting enzyme in bacteria that could make sustainable biofuels more economically viable. The discovery could unlock currently unattainable sources of biofuels, particularly from fast-growing woody plants and crop byproducts.
Mycorrhizal fungi can increase plant growth with less phosphate fertilizer, solving a pressing challenge for global food production. Researchers have discovered that using mycorrhizal fungus gel can produce the same yield as traditional farming with up to half less phosphate fertilizer.
A global analysis of invasive plant impacts found that 135 species cause a 40% reduction in native plant abundance and a 50% decrease in species diversity. This study highlights the context-dependent nature of invasions, with impacts varying by species traits, ecosystem type, and duration.
The USDA has safeguarded a diverse collection of blueberries, including wild relatives and lesser-known species, to ensure their preservation for future generations. The genebank will provide plant breeders with access to these plants as parents for new and improved blueberry varieties.
Louis Santiago, a UC Riverside botanist, has received the USDA E. Kika de la Garza Fellowship to support his work in encouraging Hispanic students to pursue research. He aims to establish grants and partnerships that will provide opportunities for students like Fortino Morales and Jeffrey Ambriz to work on state and federal levels.
Researchers at ISU have discovered a new pathway that allows plants to activate a response to environmental stress, leading to reduced yields. Understanding this pathway could lead to the development of crops that can tolerate stress and maintain high productivity.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham's Malaysia campus are working on a new method to improve the commercial production of vanilla plants through tissue culture. The research aims to overcome issues with genetic instability in micropropagated sub-clones, which can lead to reduced quality and yield.
A Finnish study suggests that urban children have weaker connections to nature than their rural counterparts. Horticultural interventions can help bridge this gap, particularly for girls who show greater interest in plants. The research also highlights the importance of outdoor learning environments.
A study found that contaminated fungi attached to ryegrass roots help plants absorb toxic contaminants like acenaphthene. This process affects not only plant health but also poses risks to human health through environmental exposure.
The study highlights plants' ability to adapt to changing environments without requiring evolutionary changes, enabling them to survive in diverse ecosystems. The researchers suggest that species from more heterogeneous environments exhibit greater plasticity, which can aid in projecting plant ranges under climate change scenarios.
A University of Missouri researcher is leading a $6.6 million study to understand the genes that regulate carbohydrate transport in corn plants, aiming to improve yield, drought resistance and biofuel production.