Articles tagged with Plants
A study found that agave fructans can boost calcium absorption, potentially preventing osteoporosis. Fructans also have anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
The researchers suggest establishing specific risk zones in urban areas to focus resources on preventing exotic pest invasions. Plant pests like the red imported fire ant cost the US $37.1 billion annually, with coastal states at greatest risk for invasion.
Researchers found that goldenrod plants with nodding stems resist gall-inducing flies and are more resistant to egg-laying, while straightened stems offer no advantage. The 'ducking' behavior is a gradual growth response that confers resistance against insect attacks.
Researchers at the University of Leicester are investigating the ancestry of saffron-producing crocus flowers to improve crop sustainability and quality. By analyzing genetic diversity, they aim to recreate rare varieties using wild plant crosses.
Research by USDA scientists found that cows can efficiently graze pastures with easily accessible leaves, reducing the need for time and land. This approach enables ranchers to better estimate how long to leave cattle in a pasture and how large to make it.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discover two genetic master switches that determine a plant's polar axis, with one group promoting root development and the other shoot growth. The study reveals an antagonistic relationship between these switches, which are regulated by multiple mechanisms to ensure proper spatial distribution.
Researchers identify progesterone in leaves of Common Walnut tree using advanced laboratory techniques, challenging conventional wisdom that only animals can produce the hormone. The discovery may change scientific understanding of progesterone's evolution and function in living things.
A new theory explains why some plants produce large seeds, while others produce small seeds in abundance. Helene Muller-Landau's tolerance-fecundity model reveals that plant species can coexist under different environmental stresses.
A recent study found that introducing new genes from distant populations to damaged ecosystems can have negative consequences on native populations. However, the introduction of genes from nearby, contrasting environments can lead to poorer seedling performance and reduced fitness over time.
Researchers found that corn plants in no-till fields experience intense competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to reduced yields. The leftover corn residue creates patches of soil with lower temperatures and different nutrient content, resulting in significant height differences among plants.
Researchers discovered that soil clings to precipitation after a dry summer and holds it tightly, preventing it from mixing with other water. This challenges conventional thinking on watershed function and has implications for understanding pollutant movement and nutrient transport.
Researchers discovered a single gene, SIMYB12, that regulates the production of yellow pigments and other substances in tomatoes. The mutation affects flavonoid levels, leading to less lycopene and altered cuticle composition.
A group of US plant pathologists came together in Boston in 1909 to discuss plant problems and establish a new field of science. Their efforts led to significant progress in diagnosing and controlling plant diseases, benefiting the US agriculture industry.
A recent study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that vermicompost derived from pig manure can produce healthy hibiscus plants. The treatment resulted in improved plant growth and flower production, with an average increase of 58% in plant dry weight and 93% more flowers compared to conventional nursery crop inputs.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute determine molecular structure of plant hormone receptors, paving the way for engineer crops that thrive in harsh environments. The discovery also has implications for stress disorders in humans.
Researchers at Purdue University found that the recovery of understory plants from logging depends on a forest's history and climate. The study, published in Forest Ecology and Management, suggests that forests with similar climate conditions can recover differently from logging due to their past disturbances.
A rare woodland plant, Monotropsis odorata, has evolved 'cryptic coloration' as a defense mechanism to avoid herbivores. The plant's bracts function as camouflage, making it blend in with its surroundings, which increases its fitness and survival rate.
Researchers found that certain wild flax plants growing in poor soils can balance stress and reduce the risk of infection from a fungal pathogen. This suggests that stressful environments may be attractive to plants, providing a refuge from pathogens, but requiring adaptation to survive.
Research by Nick Fulcher and Robert Sablowski found that plant stem cells are sensitive to DNA damage and can detect defects, triggering cell death to prevent them from being passed on. This mechanism helps protect plants against genetic damage caused by environmental stresses such as drought, high salinity, and hazardous chemicals.
Researchers found that Impatiens pallida, also known as yellow jewelweed, can recognize its relatives and adjust its resource allocation accordingly. The plant responds differently to aboveground cues depending on whether it's competing with a relative or a stranger.
Researchers found that manipulating light quality using photoselective films reduces plant height and conserves plant quality in poinsettias. The study suggests a viable alternative to chemical plant growth regulators for commercial growers, promoting sustainable production methods.
Research reveals that broccoli contains abundant levels of the carotenoid lutein, an antioxidant linked to improved eye health and reduced risk of cancer. Lutein levels are influenced by genetics, not environment, making it a promising target for breeding programs aimed at producing higher-lutein broccoli varieties.
Researchers found that scheduling irrigation according to daily water use (DWU) substantially reduced irrigation application compared to control methods, while maintaining or improving plant growth. The study categorized woody ornamental plants into low, moderate, and high water users, allowing for more efficient watering strategies.
Research found that handling African violets with gloved hands resulted in lower damage ratings and better plant quality. In contrast, plants brushed with bare hands to which lotion had been applied showed decreased plant size and quality. The study suggests that 'hands off' is the best approach for healthier African violet care.
The University of Oklahoma is leading a $6 million NSF-funded project to develop cyberCommons, an information commons for real-time ecological data and forecasts. This will enable ecologists to predict changes in weather's impact on plant carbon use and nitrogen storage.
Researchers at Scripps Research and UC San Diego have solved the structure of a critical molecule that helps plants survive during droughts. The study provides important clues about how hormones regulate crucial physiological responses in humans, potentially improving crop yields worldwide.
The report highlights a significant phytonutrient gap in the US, with 88% of Americans falling short in the blue/purple category. To close this gap, experts recommend consuming two servings from each of the five color categories per day, providing potential health benefits from promoting eye, bone and heart health.
Africanized bee invasion of Mexico's Yucatan led to a shift in pollination patterns, with native bees benefiting from increased availability of certain plant species. However, native populations in less diverse areas may be more vulnerable to invasions.
Plant scientists at the University of Montreal have discovered a key mechanism that enables plants to prevent dangerous gene alterations, ensuring their survival. This finding has implications for understanding gene repair mechanisms in humans and preventing devastating diseases.
Scientists have identified powerful antiviral compounds in the roots of Ferula assa-foetida, a plant used during the Spanish influenza pandemic. The sesquiterpene coumarins found in the plant showed greater potency against H1N1 flu virus than a prescription antiviral drug.
Researchers evaluate composted dairy manure as a substitute for peat in container plant propagation, showing promising results. The study demonstrates that cowpeat-based substrates have physical and chemical properties similar to commercial peat substrates and support healthy root growth.
A recent study published by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that conventional methods for measuring nitrate concentrations in plant tissue are often time-consuming, expensive, and impractical. The researchers developed a new method using rapid potentiometric and colorimetric techniques to measure nitrate concentrat...
A new cotton variety engineered to reduce toxic gossypol in seeds shows promising results, meeting WHO and FDA standards for human consumption. The crop could provide a sustainable protein source for millions of malnourished people worldwide.
A new and emerging disease, Watermelon Vine Decline (WVD), has caused devastating economic losses for watermelon producers in Florida. The disease, caused by the whitefly-transmitted squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV), can lead to rapid vine collapse and marketable fruit loss.
A unique study has successfully isolated long DNA fragments from dried, pressed plant material collected in the 1700s by Linnaeus. The findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution of plant species and may allow for the creation of a living herbarium.
A Michigan State University researcher suggests that nitrates and nitrites in plant-based foods may provide health benefits, contradicting current regulations. The study's findings support the idea that consuming a diet rich in nitrate-containing vegetables can help lower blood pressure.
A study published in PNAS reveals that a period of global warming from 53-47 million years ago led to a biodiversity boom in western North America, with many new species of mammals appearing. However, as temperatures declined, diversity decreased and many mammalian groups went extinct.
Research reveals that plant crystals play a crucial role in deterring herbivory and protecting against calcium oxalate poisoning. Different types of crystals perform distinct functions, such as creating a sensation of chewing sand or expelling microscopic darts from the plant tissue.
A new study found that inhaling linalool, a key ingredient in aromatherapy, can alter gene activity and blood chemistry to reduce stress levels. The study also showed that linalool returned stress-elevated levels of immune cells to near-normal levels.
Researchers found that prairie dogs prefer plants with low levels of selenium, suggesting that high levels act as a deterrent. This suggests that plants may use metal hyperaccumulation to defend against herbivores, including prairie dogs.
Researchers found that sagebrush plants can communicate danger to their clones by emitting volatile cues, allowing them to avoid being eaten by herbivores. This complex behavior suggests that plants are capable of more sophisticated behavior than previously thought.
Scientists discovered 'snow roots' in Corydalis conorhiza plants, which extend through layers of snow to take up nitrogen. This unique adaptation allows the plant to feed on nutrients before the growing season begins.
Michigan State University researchers identify two new genes and two new enzymes in tomato plants that produce monoterpenes, a compound responsible for the plant's distinctive smell. The discovery challenges traditional understanding of how plants make monoterpenes, opening up new avenues for protecting plants from pests.
Scientists have successfully converted cellulose from plants directly into the building block HMF in one step, bypassing an earlier sugar-forming step. The single-step process generates a high yield of HMF and allows the use of raw cellulose as feed material.
Plant physiologists use UV LEDs to create darker, redder lettuce rich in antioxidants, potentially improving human health. The effect is most noticeable at specific wavelengths and increases with light intensity.
Researchers have dated mountain-building events in the eastern Andes range of Colombia to 25 million years ago, contradicting previous estimates of 10-15 million years. This new finding sheds light on the geological history of the region and its importance for understanding ancient animal migration patterns and oil-gas exploration.
A photoselective polyethylene greenhouse covering film has been proven effective in controlling the height of potted gardenia plants. The study showed that this technology can reduce the need for chemical growth retardants, decreasing production costs and environmental pollution. However, further research is needed to optimize its use.
The Lignocellulose Center aims to increase knowledge of plant cell walls and improve fuel conversion methods. Researchers will explore the physical structure of lignocellulose and its role in producing biorenewable energy.
Research finds that atmospheric pollution has enhanced global plant productivity by up to a quarter since 1960, leading to a 10% increase in carbon stored by the land. This unexpected effect occurs due to increased diffuse radiation reaching the Earth's surface under hazy conditions.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified a process called sumoylation that regulates gene activity involved in seed germination and seedling development. The study found that sumoylation is essential for controlling significant plant characteristics, including freeze tolerance and phosphate absorption.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a corn variety with increased biomass, which can be used as an energy crop and as feed for livestock. The modified plants produce larger stalks and more leaves, leading to increased sugar content in the stalks.
Researchers in a study published in HortTechnology identified two high-quality banana cultivars suitable for commercial production in southern Georgia: 'Manzano' and '1780'. These cultivars can produce over six suckers per plant, generating a potential income of over $60 per plant.
A new red raspberry cultivar, 'Moutere', has been developed in a planned breeding program at The New Zealand Institute of Plant and Food Research Limited. This variety is characterized by high yields of large, uniform size, bright red berries suitable for early season consumption.
A Purdue University researcher has discovered a way to increase access to cellulose in plant cell walls by shredding corn stover instead of chopping. This results in better access to the main component needed for making ethanol. Shredding corn stalks also increases the surface area of the material and reduces energy consumption.
The new blackberry 'Natchez', developed by the University of Arkansas, produces large fruit with an exceptional glossy finish. It has exceeded postharvest performance in most years and is recommended for commercial shipping production.
Researchers at Michigan State University are using high-throughput genetic screening to identify genes affecting chloroplast structure and function, which could lead to plants bred for biofuel or high-nutrient content. This advanced technology gives scientists a broader perspective on plant metabolism than traditional methods.
A study by ASHS researchers found no correlation between pepper heat levels and resistance to Phytophthora blight. Instead, genetic differences, cuticle thickness, and other factors may play a role in fruit response to the disease.
Purdue University researchers identified a role for small-interfering RNAs in regulating and shutting down primary cell wall growth, which may enhance total plant biomass. This discovery could lead to increased cellulose production for plant-based biofuels.
Researchers found that plant roots have a mechanism to detect UV-B light levels, thanks to the RUS1 gene. This discovery sheds light on how plants respond to UV-B radiation, and may lead to better understanding of plant development.
Researchers at Washington University found that corridors improve species diversity in fragmented landscapes, with birds and wind-dispersed plants responding positively to connectivity. Surprisingly, unassisted plant species also benefited from corridor presence, suggesting possible assistance from mammals.