Crop scientist targeting fungus threatening pumpkins, peppers
Illinois growers face significant economic losses due to Phytophthora capsici, a disease affecting pumpkins, peppers, and other crops. A crop can be lost in a week without intervention.
Plants
Articles tagged with Plants
Examining the healing mystery of Aloe
Researchers at Texas A&M University are investigating the healing properties of Aloe vera, particularly its polysaccharide, which binds growth factors in wounds and speeds up the healing process. The study aims to improve wound healing for elderly patients with bedsores, diabetic ulcers, and vascular ulcers.
Mooney to receive 2002 Blue Planet Prize in recognition of pioneering ecological research
Mooney recognized for his work in plant physiological ecology and conservation efforts, including creating new methods to quantify environmental impact on plants. He also established the Global Invasive Species Program to raise awareness of human activities' effects on ecosystems through species introductions.
Large volcanic eruptions affect the 'greener greenhouse'
Researchers found that large volcanic eruptions, like the 1991 Pinatubo eruption, can temporarily cool the Earth and reduce plant growth due to increased aerosols in the atmosphere. This 'greener greenhouse' effect is partly caused by reduced sunlight and carbon dioxide emissions.
UMass science project enables schoolchildren to learn about plants grown in space
A UMass project allows students to study plant growth in space, simulating micro-gravity conditions and evaluating plant-growth chambers. The project uses closed-loop systems and computer software to teach students about biology, engineering, and ecology.
Argonne chemist wins national award for studies of plant energy
Argonne chemist Thurnauer has made a laboratory version of an energy 'pump' that keeps negatively charged electrons away from positively charged holes. This technology could be used to chemically neutralize toxic compounds, such as hazardous waste, through controlled electron movement.
Pollen production—and allergies—may rise significantly over next 50 years
A recent study suggests that higher carbon dioxide levels could lead to an increase in pollen production, resulting in more severe allergies. This shift may also alter competitive relationships among plants and favor the growth of weedy species.
Researchers discover mechanism of plant resistance to pathogens
Plant cells employ a sophisticated immune system with a thick cell wall and Leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase that detects bacterial flagellin, triggering gene expression and immune response. The discovery sheds light on plant resistance to pathogens and paves the way for engineering pathogen-resistant crops.
Tea and chocolate beneficial for heart health
A review published in Current Opinion in Lipidology suggests that flavonoid-rich foods like tea and chocolate may be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Moderate consumption of these foods, especially in combination with other fruits and vegetables, could lead to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Study shows how plant cells spin cotton
Researchers at UC Davis have identified a crucial role for sitosterol in starting the process of making cellulose. The study reveals how plant cells spin cotton fibers, providing valuable insights into the textile industry's most valuable crop.
Large volcanic eruptions help plants absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Large volcanic eruptions, such as Mount Pinatubo's 1992 eruption, trigger a response in plant ecosystems where they become more efficient at drawing carbon dioxide out of the air. This process is thought to be triggered by reduced direct sunlight allowing plants to photosynthesize more efficiently.
Common native plant of great plains may be threatened by climate change
A study by Julie Etterson found that native prairie plants like the partridge pea may not adapt quickly enough to changing climate conditions. The plants' evolutionary responses to drought and heat are unlikely to keep pace with the predicted rate of climate change, threatening their survival.
Picky plants: Do they 'choose' the best fungal partner?
A study by University of Michigan doctoral student Miroslav Kummel found that plants associate with different fungi depending on light conditions, suggesting a choice-based mechanism for nutrient exchange. This discovery could have implications for the timber industry and our understanding of plant-fungus interactions.
Vegetable 'immune systems' protect better against food spoilage
Researchers found that vegetable recipes from around the world are less spicy than their meat-based counterparts, thanks to plants' inherent defenses against bacterial and fungal infections. The study suggests that spices were originally used to protect against foodborne pathogens in hot climates before refrigeration.
Cynical employees created by bad management, study finds
A recent study by Ohio State University found that highly cynical workers are more likely to file grievances, show lower commitment, and believe good work won't be rewarded by management. Effective management can reduce worker cynicism by clearly publicizing successful changes, according to co-author John Wanous.
ASPP publishes major plant biology textbook
The American Society of Plant Physiologists has self-published a comprehensive 1400-page textbook on biochemistry & molecular biology of plants, featuring original drawings and photographs. The book is designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses, and was introduced to sell well over 600 copies at the ASPP Annual Meeting.
Potted plants aren't the answer to sick building syndrome
Research by Australian scientist Peter Dingle found that potted plants have a limited effect on reducing formaldehyde levels, a toxic chemical linked to sick building syndrome. While plants can improve the aesthetic environment, they do not significantly clean the air of pollutants.
Spraying milk on cucumbers kills mildew
Researchers have discovered that spraying milk on cucumbers can effectively kill powdery mildew, a major problem for organic farmers. The solution, which involves mixing one part cow's milk with nine parts water and spraying it on the plants twice a week, has been shown to be faster and more effective than chemical fungicides.
Where The Air We Breath Comes From
Scientists have identified a close evolutionary connection between the photosynthetic reaction centre of bacteria and that of higher plants. Photosystem II in plants is a multi-enzyme complex comprising over 25 different proteins, which work together to convert sunlight into biochemical energy.
Can The Economic Promise Of Drug Discovery Continue To Preserve The Suriname Forest?
The Virginia Tech researchers have identified 30 unique extracts with activity and isolated 20 chemical compounds with bioactivity. The ethnobotanical approach has shown a slight benefit, yielding 3.8% of plants that were bioactive in yeast assays compared to 2.8% of randomly collected plants.
Pea Plant Stem Growth Gene Cloned
Researchers have successfully cloned a key gene responsible for pea stem growth, which codes for an enzyme that converts gibberellic acid into the compound promoting stem elongation. This discovery sheds light on why some plants are tall and others short, illustrating fundamental principles of genetics.
The American Phytopathological Society Announces 1997 Awards
The American Phytopathological Society recognizes distinguished members with the Fellows designation for their contributions to plant pathology. The Society also presents several awards, including the Excellence in Extension Award and the Ruth Allen Award, to honor outstanding research and teaching achievements in the field.
Fruits And Vegetables Contain Plant Chemicals That Lower Cholesterol, Says American Heart Association
The American Heart Association recommends consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products to lower cholesterol. Phytochemicals like sterols, flavonoids, and sulfur-containing compounds inhibit cholesterol absorption.
Plant's Defenses Used Against Them
A Penn State scientist has created a method to stimulate plants to produce valuable chemicals by mimicking their natural defense mechanisms. By using dead fungal cell fragments, the technique can increase production of desired compounds up to 500 times.
Researchers Find How Disease-resistant Plants Recognize Bacteria
Scientists at Purdue University have uncovered the mechanism by which disease-resistant plants recognize disease-causing microbes. The discovery reveals that a protein-protein interaction between an enzyme called Pto kinase and a protein produced by the bacterium alerts the plant's defense mechanisms, leading to effective resistance.