Articles tagged with Seeds
Researchers have discovered that maple seeds generate lift by creating a vortex, similar to insects and animals, which allows them to be carried aloft by the wind. The study suggests that plants and animals have converged on this aerodynamic solution for improving flight performance.
Researchers have developed a method to prevent pod shattering in oilseed rape, reducing seed loss by up to 70% and improving harvest efficiency. By controlling hormone production, scientists can seal seeds inside pods, addressing a major issue in farming this high-value crop.
The Global Crop Diversity Trust is rapidly reviving ailing seed samples from 46 countries to preserve genetic traits vital to maintaining global food security. The effort, which includes 100,000 different crop varieties, aims to prevent extinction of staple crops like rice, maize, and wheat.
A recent study found that early soybean planting from April to May consistently resulted in higher yields. However, oil concentration was higher at early plantings, while protein concentration was better when planted later in the season.
A new study suggests that betraying trust early on can be devastating and plant seeds of doubt, making it harder to rebuild. In experiments, students who experienced immediate trust breaches showed less cooperation and more negative evaluations of their partners compared to those whose partner defected later.
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that rooted plants can mysteriously move down greenways, contradicting expectations based on physical forces. The study found that plants with no obvious mechanism for dispersal colonize corridors more quickly and at farther distances than isolated habitats.
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.
Researchers have discovered that only two genes are necessary for converting annuals into perennials, allowing plants to store energy in specialized cells and continue growing for a long time. This breakthrough has significant implications for agriculture and the evolution of plant life strategies.
Using genetically diverse seed sources can improve revegetation outcomes for native flora, as local seed may be inbred and lead to poor results. The review recommends focusing on capturing high-quality seed to ensure restored populations have ample genetic diversity.
The Iowa State University Research Foundation will receive a grant from the Grow Iowa Values Fund to support the development of a cheaper and better way to make a titanium alloy powder for artificial joints. The project aims to reduce corrosion and save patients from additional surgeries.
A new type of seed bank is proposed to gather wild species, capturing evolutionary responses to future changes in climate. This approach will allow detection of the results of calamitous changes and testing of evolutionary predictions.
Researchers found that mustard seed meal (MSM) effectively controls common weeds in container-grown ornamentals, reducing weed populations by up to 98%. MSM also provides essential nutrients to crops, making it a promising alternative to traditional herbicides.
Researchers found that site-specific nitrogen and seed density management strategies did not consistently increase profit, but may benefit in certain situations with high maize to nitrogen fertilizer price ratios. Fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency was high across all site-years.
Scientists in Montana found that an introduced fly may worsen the effects of a widely invasive plant. The fly's larvae induce the plant to grow tissue around them, reducing its energy for seed production. Deer mice prey on the larvae, further boosting mouse population size and negatively impacting native plants.
Researchers found that capsaicin slows microbial growth and protects the fruit from Fusarium fungus, allowing seeds to be dispersed. The production of capsaicin comes at a cost for chili plants, with thin seed coats being a consequence of prioritizing chemical protection.
A new study reveals that chili peppers' spiciness is a defense mechanism against microbial fungus that destroys seeds. The pungency acts as a unique defense, slowing down microbial growth and protecting the plant's progeny.
Researchers found that nearly 60% of tree species in Guam rely on native birds for seed dispersal, which could have significant impacts on forest ecosystems. The study suggests that the loss of native bird species due to invasive brown tree snakes may lead to reduced tree populations and altered ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers found that when females capture more pollen, female-determining pollen tubes out-compete male-determining ones. The team's study on Rumex nivalis in the Swiss Alps shows how demographic aspects can influence plant sex ratios.
Using native grasses in golf course roughs can improve biodiversity and reduce costs on pesticides and labor. The research found that blue grama and Cody buffalo grass were the most effective options for coverage, with rates of 20 pounds per acre recommended for best results.
The American Society for Horticultural Science has introduced a new variety of pumpkin called 'Orange Bulldog', which is resistant to viruses and suitable for Halloween carving. Developed by researchers at the University of Georgia, this new breed offers bright orange color and an open cavity making it ideal for ornamental fall displays.
Researchers found that a mixture of 70%-80% Kentucky bluegrass and 30%-20% perennial ryegrass provides the best results for football fields. Planting in late summer also yields superior turf quality compared to spring plantings.
A study by University of Reading scientists reveals that parasitic wasps may help stabilize the mutually beneficial relationship between tropical figs and pollinator wasps. The wasps' offspring are more likely to be attacked by parasitic wasps in outer ovules, prompting them to avoid laying eggs there.
Researchers found chemical traces of caffeine and theobromine in ancient pottery shards dating back to 1100 B.C., indicating that cacao was consumed as a fermented drink before being used for chocolate. The discovery offers new insights into the earliest consumption of cacao, challenging previous assumptions about its history.
A University of Virginia study shows that plant offspring from maternal plants in the same environment outperform those raised differently, indicating a temporary mechanism of adaptation to local conditions. The findings highlight the significance of maternal effects in plant biology.
Researchers have identified Bhut Jolokia as the world's hottest chile pepper, boasting an impressive 1 million Scoville heat units. This variant of chile pepper from Assam, India, outperforms the previous record holder, Red Savina, with its intense heat concentration.
Mother of thousands plant reproduces by dropping off complete miniature plants that grow independently, unlike most plants which rely on seeds. The plant's ability to make plantlets has been linked to the expression of specific genes STM and LEC.
Researchers found that 97.9% of white rice is derived from a single gene mutation in the Japonica subspecies, while the remaining 2.1% comes from independent mutations in other subspecies. The mutation affects grain color by activating the molecular pathway for rice seed development.
A new NASA mission will carry a suite of University of Colorado at Boulder experiments to the International Space Station, involving over 15,000 K-12 students from around the world. The experiments focus on plant growth, yeast cell genes, and crystal formations in space.
Researchers have developed a procedure using chitosan to create surgical materials with antimicrobial and healing properties, which remained unmodified after sterilization. Additionally, chitosan was found to be a natural bio-stimulant that boosts tomato seed germination and plant growth.
Researchers have identified a key gene, PUB8, that regulates the expression of SRK and SCR genes, crucial for self-incompatibility in plants like Arabidopsis. This finding may enable the development of hybrid seeds and improve crop yields.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a technique to convert unsaturated oils in temperate plants to tropical-like oils with higher saturated fatty acid levels. This can lead to the production of renewable feedstocks for industrial processes and more healthful nutrition.
A new study in Current Anthropology examines the effect of genetically modified crops on farmers in Warangal District, India. The research reveals a pattern of 'agricultural deskilling' and reliance on social learning, exacerbated by the spread of Bt cotton seeds.
A Brown University study finds that a single protein plays a major role in the spread of deadly prion diseases by fragmenting clusters of infectious proteins. This process could be slowed or inhibited with a drug, potentially slowing progression of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well.
Researchers have successfully produced proteins that resemble antibodies in plant seeds, demonstrating their potential for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The antibody variants are just as active as whole antibodies and can be used in medical applications, with advantages including high production capacity and timely processing.
Researchers discovered that quick-growing plants like weeds can adapt in just a few years to climate change, whereas slower-growing plants struggle. This finding suggests that annual plants may thrive better in warmer conditions, leading to potential changes in Earth's plant life.
In a study published in Science, researchers found that red squirrels are able to predict the timing of tree seed production and produce a second litter of babies to take advantage of the abundant food. This strategy allows them to maximize their reproductive success, outsmarting the trees' 'swamp and starve' tactic.
The production of frankincense is declining in the Horn of Africa due to intensive tapping, which diverts carbohydrates from reproductive organs. The study suggests that less intensive tapping procedures and rest periods are needed to ensure sustainable production.
BioServe is launching two space station experiments involving K-12 students worldwide, tracking seed germination and nematode population dynamics in microgravity. The projects aim to engage students in space research while exploring biological processes that support NASA's human exploration of space.
The study found that different seed dispersal methods, such as gravity and wind, result in distinct patterns of tree clustering in tropical forests. Trees with ballistic dispersal tend to cluster tightly, while those with wind-dispersed seeds have surprisingly tight clusters due to the dense forest canopy.
Cottonseed with reduced gossypol levels has been developed by Texas researchers, meeting World Health Organization and FDA standards for food consumption. This breakthrough could provide a new high-protein food source for 500 million people annually.
Researchers discovered how and where plant seeds store iron, a valuable finding to address global iron deficiency and malnutrition. Iron is stored in the vacuole of Arabidopsis seeds, with protein VIT1 playing a key role in its localization.
A Dartmouth study found that iron is stored in the developing vascular system of plant seeds, particularly in the vacuole, a central storage site. The researchers' discovery suggests that targeting iron storage in the vacuole could increase the iron content of seeds, benefiting both human health and agricultural productivity.
A new study suggests that earlier corn plantings in the US Corn Belt may lead to a decrease in crop yields in the future. Farmers have been planting seeds around two weeks earlier than they did 30 years ago, but this trend may not be sustainable due to seasonal limitations.
Scientists used holotomography to study arabidopsis seed's internal structures, discovering a network of voids that may store oxygen for efficient germination. The technique reveals the seed's three-dimensional organization and circulation system, opening new research avenues.
A study of Chinese farmers found that Bt cotton's pesticide savings are offset by increased spraying needs, threatening its long-term viability. The GM crop is being reevaluated for remedial actions to address secondary pest problems.
Researchers have identified the genes CO and FT responsible for tree flowering and reproduction, which could lead to faster breeding programs and strategies. This breakthrough may also help predict how trees will respond to climate change.
Two unique soybean lines (PI 567476 and PI 603570A) have been identified that do not contain the leading allergy-causing P34 protein. These naturally occurring genetic mutations eliminate the protein's potential to trigger allergies, offering hope for reducing soy allergies.
Two invasive vines, pale swallow-wort and black swallow-wort, are spreading rapidly in forests and fields, threatening local ecosystems. Researchers at Cornell University and the USDA-ARS are working together to identify biological controls to stem their growth.
DePaoli asparagus offers a higher yield of spears than other varieties, reducing labor costs and making the vegetable more profitable. The new variety boasts an excellent spear quality, with a high percentage of marketable spears.
Sesame seed and wheat germ topped the list as effective in lowering cholesterol levels, while Brazil nuts and walnuts ranked lowest in phytosterols. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining good health, the researchers stress.
A new gene mutation in a plant has been found to reduce seed production by up to 70%, potentially allowing crops to conserve resources during stressful environments. This discovery may lead to improved crop yields and more resilient plants.
A team of scientists, led by Henry Howe from the University of Illinois Chicago, will conduct a multi-year test to restore diversity to agricultural landscapes in Veracruz, Mexico. They aim to demonstrate that bird- and bat-dispersed seeds can connect isolated tree species, promoting species diversity.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a way to reduce phytate levels in animal feed, making it more nutritious. By understanding the biochemical pathway of phytate synthesis in plants, they were able to create low-phytate strains of feed grains that could improve nutrition and reduce environmental pollution.
A two-year study by researchers from Ohio State University and Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Ecologia found no evidence of genetically modified maize in southern Mexico. The study analyzed over 153,000 seeds from 870 maize plants in Oaxaca and found no transgenic material.
Researchers will generate 10,000 lines of maize with disrupted genes to study their effects on plant systems and develop plants with enhanced properties for agriculture and industry.
Dr. Leonard Pike aims to breed a carrot containing lutein, carotene, anthocyanin, and lycopene, which have been shown to ward off various diseases and improve health. The goal is to create a healthier snack option for Americans who consume over 5 pounds of carrots annually.
In strongly fragmented areas, Lychnis caterpillars consumed more white campion seeds due to increased egg laying. This was found by Jelmer Elzinga, contradicting the initial hypothesis that decreased ichneumon fly populations would lead to reduced consumption.
Dwarf mistletoe has an extreme water-pump seed ejection system that fires seeds up to 20 meters. This discovery could aid disease control by targeting the unique characteristics of dwarf mistletoe reproduction.
A new study from Michigan State University has found that canola seeds use an unconventional biochemical reaction to produce energy-rich oil, increasing efficiency by 20% and reducing carbon dioxide loss by 40%. The discovery sheds light on the role of the enzyme Rubisco in plant metabolism.
The study reveals that a gene called phytochrome-interacting factor 1 (PIF1) regulates the production of protochlorophyll, a precursor to chlorophyll. Plants with mutated PIF1 genes accumulate too much protochlorophyll, leading to photo-oxidative stress and bleaching on leaves.