Articles tagged with Seeds
Rapid seed dispersal by hornets is essential for the short-lived seeds of Aquilaria sinensis due to their vulnerability to desiccation. The hornets consume fruit elaiosomes and deposit seeds in damp shade, allowing germination.
Researchers find that microplastics impede internal activity of seeds during germination, leading to stunted growth. The study used a novel technique called biospeckle optical coherence tomography (bOCT) to demonstrate the effects of polyethylene microplastics on lentil seedlings.
A 30-year study by INRAE and ONF identified 34 oak populations with good combinations of traits as seed sources for plantings in France. Seed sources from regions with a long tradition of forestry have the best ecological and silvicultural traits, enabling the species to adapt to climate change.
A team from KAUST has developed a low-cost system for imaging plant growth dynamics noninvasively and at high throughput. The Mutiple XL ab system combines computer vision and pattern recognition technologies with machine learning to analyze and quantify root growth dynamics.
Great Salt Lake wetland plants can accumulate hazardous metal pollution, which can be passed up the food chain to herbivorous insects. This study found high concentrations of lead, mercury, and other metals in plant tissues, threatening terrestrial ecosystems.
Researchers found that trees in tropical forests produce significantly more seeds than those in boreal regions, challenging the assumption that larger seeds mean fewer offspring. The studies also reveal that seed production is not constrained by seed size and provide new guidance for forest management and replanting.
A study found that large mammals and birds essential for seed dispersal in the Atlantic Rainforest are disappearing due to deforestation. In contrast, smaller animals have lower interaction levels with plants.
A new study at the University of Bath found that a key ingredient is missing from all sunscreens, leaving skin vulnerable to damage. The researchers identified iron-trapping extracts that can improve protection against UV rays and oxidative stress, reducing the risk of aging and cancer.
Researchers used camera traps to monitor interactions between Panama's epiphytic Zamia pseudoparasitica and animals, revealing that a nocturnal tree-dwelling mammal called northern olingos may be responsible for seed dispersal. The study sheds light on the plant's persistence in the forest canopy.
Researchers used single cell RNA-sequencing to identify specific cells and genes in maize roots responsible for nitrate uptake. The study provides valuable insights into optimizing root nutrient uptake ability in crops.
Researchers from Skoltech identified four genetic markers that can predict tocopherol composition in sunflower lines, which is crucial for producing high-quality dressing and cooking oils. This breakthrough discovery will help facilitate faster breeding of new varieties.
Researchers found that soybean plants adjacent to pollinator habitats produce larger seeds due to increased bee visitation. The presence of pollinators also influences the bee communities in soybean fields, with bees leaving for outside flowers less likely.
A study by Newcastle University found that a 1.5°C increase in temperature reduces food resources for pollinating insects, causing them to visit a wider range of plants and altering seed production in some wildflowers. This change leads to more complex food web dynamics.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that plants defend themselves against herbivores by redirecting their defenses to younger leaves, using substances like glucosinolates found in wasabi and mustard. This self-adjustment helps ensure the survival of future generations.
Seed dispersal rates by Central American agoutis are lower in ocelot habitats with high scent presence. This change allows bruchid beetles to attack seeds for longer periods, promoting forest diversification. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ecology of fear and its effects on ecosystems.
Researchers discovered a bZIP23-PER1A module that regulates rice seed vigor, improving crop quality. They found two cultivars with huge phenotypic differences, Kasalath and Jigeng88, and identified a novel detoxification pathway to enhance seed vigor.
A recent study found that nutrient levels in broccoli and kale microgreens differ significantly depending on the growing environment. Researchers measured polyphenols and glucosinolates in microgreens grown under different conditions, revealing varying levels of antioxidant- and anticancer-related compounds.
A recent study revealed that current tomato cultivars are vulnerable to the emerging ToBRFV, a damaging virus affecting tomatoes and other crops. The research also developed a molecular detection tool to identify infectious virus particles carried on contaminated seeds.
Researchers discovered a protein called PHR regulates arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis based on phosphate availability. AM promotes phosphate uptake and other nutrient absorption, enhancing plant resistance to stressors.
Researchers from Goethe University and the University of Bristol analyzed prehistoric pots and found complex distributions of plant lipids, indicating the processing of various plant species. The study reveals that leafy greens were first used in West African cuisine around 3,500 years ago.
Researchers confirm that Chevalier barley came from a single plant, analyzing seed samples older than 150 years. The study reveals how the single plant's genetic signature was preserved and used to create modern malting barley varieties.
A novel spontaneous chromosomal translocation on chromosome 6 in watermelon leads to meiotic abnormalities and reduced seed production. This study identifies the causal relationship between the translocation and gamete semi-sterility, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying diploid less-seeded watermelon formation.
Researchers found that seed microorganisms have more staying power than soil microorganisms when colonizing plants. The study suggests that modifying the seed microbiome could lead to more sustainable agriculture and increased crop yields and quality.
Plant scientists can now image above and below-ground structures with unprecedented clarity, revealing new insights into biological processes. The development of three-dimensional X-ray microscopy enables the observation of microscopic molecular and cellular processes driving plant phenotypes.
A new tool, Diversity for Restoration (D4R), helps nations tailor tree species selection to local environmental conditions and objectives. This is crucial for successful landscape restoration projects that benefit biodiversity, food security, and livelihoods while drawing carbon out of the atmosphere.
Restoring 47.5 million hectares by 2030 demands high-quality seeds and seedlings. The study highlights the need for effective seed control and local community participation to ensure successful restoration projects.
A new diagnostic guide for pythium damping-off and root and stem rot of cucurbits has been published, providing a concise resource for growers, diagnosticians, and plant pathologists. The guide summarizes techniques for isolating, identifying, and testing Pythium isolates to combat these diseases.
A new study has catalogued all possible genetic variations in over 3,000 chickpea plants to improve the crop's yield and resilience to climate change. The research proposes a breeding model using genomics-assisted breeding to enhance agriculturally valuable traits.
A high intake of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils, is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and diseases of the heart and blood vessels. However, further studies are needed to confirm the association with cancer mortality.
A new chemical discovered by a UC Riverside team helps dormant seeds germinate, increasing crop yields and food supply. The compound, Antabactin, blocks ABA hormone receptors, allowing seeds to sprout in response to environmental stressors.
Land plants underwent major diversification in two dramatic bursts, driven by the development of seeds and flowering plants. The second burst was more dramatic, giving rise to intricate reproductive structures like those found in passionflowers.
A recent study has identified a nematode attractant in flax seeds, which can be used to develop sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture methods. The attractant, consisting of cell wall polysaccharides, is found to contain L-galactose sidechains that are critical for nematode attraction.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science discovered endophytic bacteria that can survive extreme conditions within passion fruit seeds. The bacteria were isolated from seedlings grown from cut seeds and found to possess biocatalytic activities related to the metabolism of secondary metabolites, such as resveratrol and piceatannol.
A study at the University of São Paulo found that bird species interacting with more plant species have higher evolutionary stability. This is because they occupy central positions in seed dispersal networks, leading to longer lifespans and increased species accumulation.
Researchers found that pepper plant fruit scents contain complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, including alpha-caryophyllene and 2-heptanol, which attract specific bat species. The study suggests bats use these chemical signals to select ripe fruits and find the specific Piper species they eat most.
Researchers at MIT have developed a simple and inexpensive two-layer coating that protects seeds from drying out and provides them with extra nutrition, enabling agriculture on marginal arid lands. The coating, which is engineered to hold onto moisture and contain preserved microorganisms, has shown encouraging results in early tests.
Researchers found a protein called FLOE1 that allows seeds to directly perceive their hydration state and act upon it. This discovery has major implications for understanding plant ecology and designing drought-resistant crops to combat climate change.
China's community seedbanks are conserving agricultural biodiversity by protecting crop varieties, improving farmer livelihoods, and increasing food security. These seedbanks also promote climate resilience through their focus on local environmental conditions.
A study published in Nature Plants found that mixed cultures of crops can produce higher yields than monocultures due to the biodiversity effect. This approach involves sowing multiple species or varieties alongside each other, resulting in increased plant productivity and effective natural pest control without pesticides.
A Curtin study reveals that aspirin, a naturally occurring compound found in willow trees, can improve the survival of grass species important for ecological restoration and sustainable pasture. Low concentrations of salicylic acid applied to seeds can boost plant growth and resistance to stress.
A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that cows can ingest hypoglycin A toxin from sycamore maple trees through their pasture, which is then transferred to their milk. Low concentrations of the toxin were detected in raw milk samples from northern Germany.
Researchers found that genetically identical seeds can have varying germination times due to the ABA-GA network, which allows for a 'bistable switch' behavior. This variability in germination time can be beneficial for plants growing in unpredictable environments, such as agriculture and natural areas.
Fossil seed-bearing structures from China's Early Cretaceous period show a recurved cupule with two seeds, suggesting a link to extinct non-angiosperm plants. The discovery supports an earlier idea about the origin of flowering plants' distinctive outer seed covering.
Researchers at University of Basel analyze archaeological seeds to show Swiss farmers domesticated opium poppy around 5500 BCE. The method used involves measuring seed cells and shape to distinguish between wild and domestic variants.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have successfully sequenced the genome of previously extinct date palm varieties that lived over 2,000 years ago. The study reveals how these plants evolved over time, including increasing levels of genes from another species due to hybridization.
Researchers discovered a mutant corn line with enhanced sugar levels due to the Maize ufo1 gene. The finding has implications for breeding crops that can thrive in a warming world, with potential benefits including improved stress tolerance, seed development, and biomass production.
Researchers successfully germinated seven ancient Judean date palm seeds from archaeological sites, gaining genetic insights into the evolution of crops. The study suggests that hybridization between date palms and wild Cretan palms occurred over 2,200 years ago, influencing agricultural practices.
Researchers highlight Minnesota's success in eradicating Palmer amaranth, a hard-to-control noxious weed that can significantly reduce crop yields. The state's coordinated approach, including broad cooperation among stakeholders and swift action, led to the eradication of infestations at multiple sites across the state.
Researchers have developed a QR code-based digitization workflow to streamline specimen collection, reduce errors, and make data more accessible. The workflow uses unique object identifiers, citizen science platforms, and QR codes to automate data entry and analysis, allowing for the creation of large-scale phylogenetic studies.
A study examined how seed microbiomes of canola are assembled, finding that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. The researchers discovered a core microbiome in all seed samples with potentially beneficial microbes like Pseudomonas spp., which promote plant growth.
Researchers at the University of Münster studied the impact of plant seed provenance on pollinator diversity and frequency. They found that plants from different regions influenced pollinators' visits to flowers, with some regions offering more frequent interactions.
Two independent studies on apples and oil pumpkins reveal that beneficial microorganisms are passed down to future generations, influencing plant traits. The global 'core' microbiome is shared among apples worldwide, with regional variations indicating adaptation to local environments.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that human noise pollution has a lasting impact on plant communities, with decreased seedlings and saplings years after noise removal. The effects persist even after noise is removed from the landscape.
A new genetic test has been developed by U of M researchers to identify Palmer Amaranth, which can cause significant yield loss in corn, soybean, and cotton crops. The test, which shows 99.9% accuracy, could be commercially available by the end of 2021.
Research shows investing in tree diversity leads to greater long-term benefits and lower costs. High genetic diversity is crucial for tropical forests' resilience to climate change and pests, producing more seeds and fruit. This approach may increase initial costs but offers significant ecological and socioeconomic benefits.
Researchers developed a non-invasive methodology using artificial intelligence to analyze crop seed quality. The technique uses light-based technology and machine learning to identify immature or poor-quality seeds, avoiding the need for destructive germination tests and providing more accurate results in less time.
A study in Burkina Faso found that assisted natural regeneration, combined with tree planting and participatory approaches, is effective in restoring degraded landscapes. However, local communities, particularly women, face limited land-access rights, hindering their involvement in decision-making.
Researchers have confirmed Noeggerathiales had fern-like spore propagation and seed plant vascular tissue, revealing a closer relationship to seed plants than previously thought. The study also shows that the ancestral lineage of seed plants diversified during the Devonian-Carboniferous-Permian periods.
A 13-year study in Florida found that biological controls significantly reduced the size of new paperbark tree populations after wildfires. The treatments helped to slow growth and inhibit reproduction, allowing land managers to prioritize removing large trees.
A fossil plant with complete anatomical preservation from a 298-million-year-old ash deposit has enabled evolutionary classification of the Noeggerathiales order. Paratingia wuhaia, a small woody tree, belongs to the progymnosperm lineage and produces spores.