Articles tagged with Seeds
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.
Scientists have launched a major push against Striga, a parasitic weed causing up to $1.2 billion in damage to maize and cowpea crops in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to introduce proven technologies for fighting the weed, resulting in 50% higher yields for farmers.
Researchers tracked six bird species to estimate seed dispersal distances and found that only one species ingested seeds. The study suggests that long-distance dispersal is critical for plants to establish new populations, and humans may need to create stepping-stone vegetation or forest corridors between fragmented habitats.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a complex genetic mechanism controlling plant germination and flowering. The study reveals genes responsible for stress response are also involved in seed germination, offering insights into adapting crops to extreme environmental conditions.
Researchers warn that seed mixtures could increase the risk of pest resistance and reduce choices for growers, highlighting concerns over integrated pest management. The use of biotechnology in seed mixtures may lead to increased pressure on the soil insecticide market as resistance develops.
The introduction of Aldabra tortoises on the island of Mauritius has successfully dispersed ebony seeds, aiding the recovery of a critically endangered tree species. This rewilding experiment demonstrates the potential for restoring extinct interactions in ecosystems.
The new citrus variety KinnowLS developed at UC Riverside is extremely sweet, juicy, and visually appealing, with only 2-3 seeds per fruit. This breakthrough variety has the potential to revolutionize citrus production in India and Pakistan, where it can be grown in hot climates.
Researchers found that seedlings grow best with distant relatives in field soils but struggle with close relatives. This contradicts Darwin's idea that competition will be strongest between close relatives.
Researchers have identified a gene responsible for seedlessness in the sugar apple and its close relation, the cherimoya. This discovery could pave the way for producing seedless varieties of these fruits and potentially other fruit crops.
Researchers have discovered a new role for Tonoplast Intrinsic Proteins (TIPs) in regulating water uptake during seed germination, contradicting previous focus on Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Proteins (PIP). The study provides the first complete map of TIP expression in maturing and germinating seeds.
To solve the world's food problems, agriculture needs to use resources more efficiently by integrating various sectors and adopting innovative methods. Researchers are exploring ways to grow crops in areas that were previously unused, such as using wastewater to irrigate and fertilize fruit and vegetables.
Researchers have successfully cloned plants as seeds, paving the way for hybrid crop plants that can breed true. The breakthrough uses a process called apomixis, where eggs and sperm are haploid, allowing diploid eggs to be produced without sexual recombination.
Hundreds of 'moon trees,' planted by Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa in 1971, are living out their lives across the US. As some die or succumb to disease, NASA's Dave Williams is racing against time to find and record the remaining trees' locations.
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis anthropologist Glenn Stone suggests that genetically modified Bt cotton seeds may have overemphasized crop yield gains, potentially harming sustainable farm management. The research found a modest rise in crop yields despite decreased pesticide sprayings.
Researchers at the USDA's Vegetable and Forage Crops Research Laboratory in Prosser, Wash., have found promising alternatives to traditional crops for bioenergy production. These include canola, camelina, soybeans, mustard, and switchgrass, which could help supply Washington State with renewable fuels.
Researchers discovered that filaree seeds have a spring mechanism that stores energy in their dry awns, which act as springs to launch the seeds by up to 0.5m. This unique mechanism allows the seeds to drill into the ground and germinate, contributing to the plant's success.
A recent study by Dr. William Cox found that soybeans grown in 7.5-inch rows have a 15% greater yield than those planted in 30-inch rows, even in the Northeast's shorter growing season. The difference is attributed to lower biomass and fewer seeds, due to reduced seeding rates with corn planters.
The Chile Pepper Institute has introduced a new jumbo jalapeño pepper called NuMex Jalmundo, which is perfect for making poppers. It has a heat level of 17,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and will be available for sale from the institute's website.
Researchers have discovered new triploid plants of Miscanthus species in Japan, which could improve the biofuel industry by providing alternative feedstocks. The new hybrids are expected to exhibit phenotypic traits similar to that of the high-yielding Miscanthus x giganteus.
Scientists at Umeå Plant Science Center and Syngenta have discovered a previously unknown gene in sugar beets that inhibits blooming. This discovery enables the control of flowering time in biennial sugar beets, allowing for increased yields and extended harvesting periods.
A boom in developing chemical coatings is protecting seeds from destructive insects and diseases, with the worldwide market growing at 10-12 percent annually. These new seed treatments, also known as biologic seed defenders, use microorganisms to promote earlier and more vigorous growth.
A new study found that plants that can self-pollinate have higher extinction rates than those relying on external pollinators. This is because they often lack the genetic diversity needed to adapt to changing environments, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
Researchers studied the mechanical properties of explosive seed dispersal in Cardamine parviflora, finding that the catapulting mechanism can transfer up to 20% of stored energy to kinetic energy. However, the process is unreliable, with most seeds falling to the ground.
Researchers investigated how GMO gene flow impacts sorghum-shattercane wild-crop hybrids. The study found that the hybrids outperformed their parents in terms of growth and competitiveness, but produced fewer seeds.
Researchers found that 10 out of 17 Veronica species in New Zealand's alpine environment exhibit hygrochasy, a type of seed dispersal mechanism that combines plant movement with moisture response. The study challenges the traditional view of plant movement and highlights the diversity of plant adaptations to environmental conditions.
Research by Dr. Carlos Herrera found that withered petals form a protective barrier around seeds, preventing insect damage and increasing seed ripening rates in lavender. However, the role of petals in plant fertility is complex and requires further study.
A study found that Florida college students have a generally low awareness of native wildflowers but express high interest in learning more about their identification, cultivation, and use. The research team recommends incorporating native wildflowers into plant-related courses, field activities, and elective courses to promote their c...
Research by Penn State scientists found that certain polyphenols, such as grape seed extract and EGCG in green tea, inhibit iron absorption. The polyphenols bind to iron in intestinal cells, forming a complex that cannot be transported into the bloodstream.
Invasive European beachgrass provides cover for deer mice to feed on Tidestrom's lupine fruits without being detected by birds. A mathematical model of lupine populations predicts that all three populations will go extinct, but if mice eat fewer seeds, the largest population will remain stable.
A new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research journal reveals that cashew seed extract can improve the body's response to insulin, potentially treating diabetes. The investigation found that only cashew seed extract significantly stimulated blood sugar absorption by muscle cells.
A recent study on Cycas micronecia, a critically endangered ancient plant species, reveals moderate genetic variation within local populations and dynamic gene flow between regions. The research provides valuable insights into the conservation of this species, which is threatened by invasive pests and habitat loss.
A QTL mapping study reveals that only modest genetic modifications are needed to convert a wild plant to a crop, with some major transitions achievable by a single change. The genetic evidence supports the archeological view of gradual and dispersed domestication.
Six new corn inbred lines with resistance to aflatoxin contamination have been found free of foreign seed-borne diseases. Seeds are now available in the United States for further evaluation and breeding towards commercialization. Data from these lines will provide insight into their value in reducing food safety risks.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a novel, high-quality oil produced by the burning bush enzyme, which boasts lower viscosity and calorie content. This unique oil could be used as a direct-use biofuel for diesel engines and as a reduced-calorie food oil substitute.
The Bunya soybean variety is gaining popularity in Japan due to its enhanced suitability as an ingredient in traditional Japanese dishes. Its unique gelation properties make it ideal for producing a range of soy-based foods like tofu and custard.
The US Department of Agriculture's ARS is conducting long-term studies to examine growing camelina as a bioenergy crop. Camelina has high oil content, making it a promising candidate for producing biofuels.
The US Department of Agriculture has developed a new lentil variety called Essex, which boasts high seed yields and nitrogen-fixing properties. This development is expected to enhance the nutritional value of lentils for consumers while also improving soil fertility for subsequent wheat crops.
The US Department of Agriculture's ARS has sent its third seed shipment to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, including a wild Russian strawberry collected from bear territory. The vault aims to store over 500,000 plant accessions for long-term preservation.
Researchers may be able to induce apomixis in sexually reproducing plants, a process that produces genetically identical seeds without meiosis. This breakthrough has significant implications for crop improvement and could reduce the need for expensive seed purchases.
A low-cost water purification technique using Moringa oleifera seeds can reduce bacterial contamination by 90-99.99% in untreated water. This technique has the potential to improve access to clean drinking water for millions of people in developing countries.
Purple loosestrife, a destructive invasive plant, may face a reproductive penalty in northern climates. Northern populations have adapted by flowering earlier but suffer reduced seed production and smaller size.
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.
Helene Muller-Landau's tolerance-fecundity model reveals why different species make strikingly different reproductive choices. The model suggests that varying levels of stress favor different strategies.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis study how mosses adapt to dehydration, revealing the role of ABA and ABI3 signaling pathways. They identify 22 genes that are upregulated during dehydration and discover that these genes are also expressed during rehydration, but only in wild-type moss.
Scientists have developed a rapid, non-invasive method to diagnose seed quality in real time using infrared temperature measurement. This breakthrough method can distinguish between viable and dead seeds in under two hours, reducing the need for destructive germination tests.
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.
Research has identified plant growth promoters and inhibitors in smoke following fires. The discovery of a plant growth inhibitor in smoke may block the action of the stimulator, preventing seed germination.
Researchers discovered that pomegranate seed extract's beta-sitosterol increases calcium levels in uterine muscle cells, stimulating contractions. This finding could lead to new ways of treating dysfunctional labour and improve pregnancy outcomes worldwide.
Research by Washington University in St. Louis shows that Thai hill farmers' traditional agriculture, including seed selection and exchange, influences the genetic diversity of their ancestral rice varieties. These local landraces provide a pool of traits that can improve crops worldwide.
A recent study identifies stable and variable traits in garlic cultivars, providing guidelines for farmers and new options for consumers. The research suggests that bulb size, color, and elemental composition are site-dependent and highly variable, offering promise for savvy consumers seeking locally grown garlic varieties.
A team of researchers aims to create a new papaya variety with only hermaphrodite offspring, eliminating the need for costly and labor-intensive seed selection. This breakthrough could significantly improve papaya health while reducing fertilizer and water usage.
Researchers have discovered that carbon nanotubes can accelerate seed germination and increase seedling weight, suggesting potential benefits for agriculture and biofuel production. The study's findings could lead to improved crop yields and more efficient biomass production.
A decade-long effort by international partners has resulted in the collection and freezing of thousands of seeds from nearly 25,000 native plant species. The Millennium Seed Bank project aims to conserve an additional 15% of world's plant species by 2020.
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.
Researchers from the Fat Institute and University of Seville found that six wild lupin species have a protein content similar to other legumes, ranging from 23.8% to 33.6%. The study also showed high protein digestibility and a balanced amino acid composition, making them potential sources of quality proteins.
Researchers find that field mice base their diet on holm oak and pine seeds, leading to habitat deterioration and the expansion of scrubland. The study reveals a consistent pattern of seed predation by rodents across different habitats.
A Texas researcher is making strides in controlling the rice-craving insect, the rice water weevil, by integrating various treatments to manage pests efficiently and economically. The study found that planting during the optimum time and using seed treatment with rynaxypyr can reduce yield losses and improve grain quality.
The University of California, Riverside has released a new mandarin citrus variety called DaisySL, which is sweet to eat and bears very few seeds. Developed by Mikeal Roose and Timothy Williams, the fruit is finely textured and juicy with a rich flavor, making it a promising addition to commercial production.
A Duke University-led research team found that pine trees grown in air with one-and-a-half times the current carbon dioxide level produced twice as many high-quality seeds as those growing under normal conditions. This suggests some woody tree species could outcompete herbaceous plants in the future.
A Purdue University study found that rotating herbicides with glyphosate can significantly reduce resistant marestail weeds, leading to a 95% decrease in viable seeds. This diversification strategy also increases crop yield potential by reducing weed populations.