Articles tagged with Seeds
A new study has uncovered a pivotal moment in the evolution of seed-bearing plants, revealing they outcompeted other fern groups 300 million years ago. The fossils found in China have provided crucial evidence that Noeggerathiales, an ancient plant lineage, were more closely related to seed plants than previously thought.
The I-Seed project aims to develop intelligent, biodegradable soft robots that mimic plant seeds' behavior to monitor soil and climate parameters. These innovative robots will be used for detecting pollutants, humidity, CO2 levels, temperature, and water quality.
Researchers have identified chickpea varieties with natural resistance to Pythium ultimum, a soil-born water mold threatening the crop's production. These resistant varieties will be used to breed new kabuli chickpea varieties with improved disease resistance.
Researchers found that environmental conditions and agronomic factors influence seed production and shattering patterns in four major weeds of the Pacific Northwest. Feral rye showed the greatest potential for harvest-time control due to slower shattering rates, while rattail fescue was a poor candidate.
A Brazilian study reveals that human activities have caused biodiversity and biomass losses in over 80% of the remaining Atlantic Rainforest fragments. The destruction corresponds to the loss of 70,000 km² of forest, worth $2.3-2.6 billion in carbon credits.
Researchers are using digital imaging technology to measure seed traits, enabling faster development of new crop varieties. Plant breeders aim to create seeds with more calories, improved nutrition and resilience to stress, ultimately ensuring sustainable food production.
A tiny amphipod has been found to snap its claw shut 10,000 times faster than the blink of an eye, thanks to its small size and aquatic environment. This unique movement is repeatable, making it a significant challenge for engineering.
Researchers have developed a new biocontrol method to protect rice seeds against the devastating fungal infection bakanae disease, which affects up to half of all rice crops worldwide. The non-pathogenic fungus outcompetes the disease-causing fungus on rice seeds.
Researchers uncover the reason behind reduced oil production in genetically modified plants producing specialty fatty acids. They found that feeding these plants additional endogenous fatty acids triggers a shutdown mechanism, slowing down oil synthesis.
Researchers found that two types of fungi can effectively reduce aphid infestations by increasing plant defenses, leading to fewer aphids and less damage to crops. The fungi work by establishing themselves in plant roots and tissues, causing plants to produce more natural defense substances.
Researchers at Stockholm University found that oak acorn microbes are inherited by seedlings, promoting growth and protecting against diseases. This discovery opens up new possibilities for breeding super plants with improved genes and microbial communities.
A study found that nonnative birds in Oahu, Hawaii, dominate seed dispersal networks, with most seeds coming from nonnative plants. This shift has significant implications for the island's ecosystems and biodiversity.
A University of Missouri researcher has found a way to increase triacylglycerol production in plant leaves using CRISPR gene editing, which could lead to greater and cheaper vegetable oil production. This breakthrough technique enables the harvesting of oil from large, leafy plants with multiple uses, such as sorghum.
Researchers discovered that seeds of garden peas contain amyloid-like aggregates of storage proteins, which could lead to less allergenic legume varieties. The formation of these amyloids may also reduce the nutritional value of plant seeds.
Researchers at Nagoya University have identified a new compound responsible for the synthesis of anthocyanin pigment in black soybeans, shedding light on the biosynthetic pathway and potential applications for treating metabolic diseases. The study aims to clarify the full steps of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside synthesis in black soybeans.
Researchers have identified small-seeded native plants that may have fed as many Indigenous people as maize, thanks to the presence of bison. By following bison trails and paths in tallgrass prairies, scientists were able to harvest seeds from continuous stands of these crops, including little barley, sumpweed, and maygrass.
A new study found that in-kind payments successfully encouraged farmers to cultivate and conserve rare crops and varieties. The innovative payment scheme, known as Payment for Agrobiodiversity Conservation Services (PACS), has been well-received by farmers and policymakers in four Latin American countries.
Researchers are harnessing the genetic potential of old crop varieties, known as landraces, to develop improved climate-adapted hybrid varieties. By analyzing gene variations, they have identified traits such as early plant development, wind resistance, and growth form that can be beneficial in breeding climate-resilient crops.
A team of international chemists identified valuable fatty acids in seeds of two popular medicinal plants. The study found that these plant oils contain unsaturated conjugated fatty acids with anti-tumor properties and help combat obesity and inflammation.
Two distinct maternal lineages have been identified in rice through a study of over 3000 genotypes. This discovery sheds light on how rice adapted to its environment and could help improve breeding for climate change adaptation and food security.
Researchers are racing to collect and conserve wild banana species critical to helping bananas adapt to climate change, pests, and diseases. In a recent expedition, scientists gathered over 31 bunches of eight different species, highlighting the importance of conserving genetic diversity.
Researchers found that trehalose 6-phosphate activates auxin biosynthesis, leading to increased embryo growth and reserve starch accumulation. The study used pea seeds, where a reduction in embryonic T6P content resulted in wrinkled seeds with impaired storage product accumulation.
Researchers found that infertile spikelets collect and transfer photosynthetic carbon to seed-bearing ones, increasing yield. Removing infertile spikelets reduced seed weight by 9%.
A study on the eradication of black rats from Palmyra Atoll found a 14-fold increase in seedling biomass, mostly composed of juvenile coconut palms. The removal of rats allowed native species to thrive, but also led to an invasion of coconut palms, which can alter island ecology and deprive native birds of nutrients.
Researchers used leaf reflectance spectra to illuminate the evolution of seed plants over 350 million years, revealing phylogenetic diversity and constraints on spectral variation. The study's findings have significant implications for monitoring plant biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Research demonstrates that a stable bacterial microbiome exists within surface-sterilized perennial ryegrass seeds, which almost disappears as the plant matures but returns in a new generation of seed. The microbiome is influenced by soil type and can be used to track the movement of bacteria from parent to seed.
A long-term monitoring study shows seagrass restoration has substantial increases in fish and invertebrate abundance, water clarity, and carbon and nitrogen trapping. The project demonstrates a blueprint for restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems to safeguard multiple benefits.
Recent experiments by Alexander Volkov have shown that plasma delivery improves seed surface properties, accelerating germination and water uptake. The study suggests that plasma could increase yields in countries with harsh winters, particularly for unusual or high-value crops.
Researchers from KAUST analyzed fonio millet genomes to identify genes that could lead to higher yields and larger grains. The study found two genes, DeGs5-3A and DeSh1-9A, which were artificially selected for their larger grain size.
Scientists combine farmers' knowledge of resilient crops with elite varieties identified by scientists to improve crop yields and adaptability. Traditional varieties have shown better performance in Ethiopian trials, outperforming elite ones.
A recent study found that nonnative plant invasions can occur through hitchhiking seeds on shipping containers, with potential risks to agriculture and native ecosystems. The researchers propose strategies such as liquid pre-emergent herbicide application and inspection for exterior seeds to reduce risk of invasion.
Researchers have identified a uniform genetic mechanism controlling seed position in plant pods, regardless of environmental factors. The study found that a specific peptide pair coordinates ovule initiation patterns with seed number and fruit size, leading to even spacing and optimal growth.
Researchers discovered a complex chemical system in the neotropical shrub Piper sancti-felicis that helps it balance attraction and repulsion from wildlife. The plant produces alkenylphenol compounds with antifungal properties, which protect its fruit from harmful fungi but also make it less appealing to seed dispersers like bats.
Researchers used UAVs to collect NDVI data at the seed increase stage of a CIMMYT wheat breeding program, showing heritable correlations with grain yield. Selection based on NDVI outperformed visual selection, suggesting improved resource-use efficiency and genetic gain.
A new study suggests that climate change may increase rice yields in Japan and other tropical areas due to longer growing seasons. Researchers found that combining a normal harvest time with a high cutting height can lead to higher yields in rice ratooning, a farming practice where the crop is cut and regrown.
Researchers have discovered that younger cycad seeds contain higher levels of neurotoxins, increasing the risk of exposure. The study provides new models for estimating seed age, adding clarity to future research and shedding light on the origins of a neurological disease prevalent on Guam.
Researchers at UMD have identified a critical role for the molecule ACC in plant reproduction and pollination, activating proteins similar to those involved in nervous system responses in humans and animals. This finding could rewrite textbooks and lead to new research on improving plant health and crop yield.
A new study by John Innes Centre researchers sheds light on the evolution and function of diverse shapes in nature, using Capsella seed pods as a model. The discovery reveals a post-translational effect beyond gene expression, controlling organ-shape formation through protein modification.
Researchers found that adjusting planter depth and downforce according to environmental conditions can improve crop emergence and yield. Studies showed that larger seeds produce a slight increase in emergence, while hill-drop planting overcomes inadequate field conditions.
A study published in PNAS reveals a significant economic downturn in the Byzantine Empire's arid Negev desert during a pandemic in the mid-6th century CE. The research analyzed seeds found in ancient trash mounds, including grape pips, which show a high frequency, suggesting an increase in viticulture and wine export.
Researchers discovered that garden peas can form highly stable amyloid protein aggregates, which may aid in seed longevity. Vicilin and its domains were found to co-localize with amyloid-specific dye in pea seeds.
A new variety of pinto bean has been developed with a slow-darkening trait, which improves agronomic performance and cooking time. The beans show higher yields compared to regular varieties, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
The study of Jurassic fossils from northeastern China provides evidence that ancient catkin-yew species existed during the Middle-Late Jurassic period. The fossils, which bear a striking resemblance to modern catkin-yews, demonstrate morphological stasis and are among the most completely known fossil Taxaceae.
Researchers developed a one-step system combining CRISPR-mediated genome editing with other approaches to produce better seeds and shorten the production timeline. This new method can be applied to various crops, including maize, rice, millet, wheat, and sorghum.
The use of cover crops is increasing globally due to their environmental benefits, such as reducing erosion and improving water quality. However, planting millions of acres of cover crops will require huge extensions of land to produce cover crop seed, posing a limitation to its widespread adoption.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a micrografting device to facilitate the grafting of embryonic shoots onto tiny stalks, achieving a 48-88% success rate. The device shows potential for facilitating research into plant signalling and has been applied in tomato grafting.
New research reveals ancient human skeletons show transition from pre-maize hunter-gatherer diets to increasing reliance on corn. Maize made up less than 30% of people's diets by 4,700 years ago, rising to 70% 700 years later.
Researchers found that divergent flowering times caused nearly complete reproductive isolation between two wild rice species. The change of flowering time of the new species O. nivara is an adaptation to shifted environments.
Researchers assembled jojoba genome into 26 chromosomes with 23,490 protein-coding genes, revealing evolutionary history and agronomic properties. The plant's ability to store wax in its seeds makes it a promising source of sustainable liquid wax esters for pharmacy, cosmetics, and hair care products.
Researchers found heating poppy seeds at 392 F for 40 minutes degraded most opiates. Baking seeds in muffins didn't significantly change opiate concentrations due to uneven internal and external temperatures.
A recent study by Corteva Agriscience and universities across the US has determined the optimal seeding rate for soybean growers, providing help to reduce risk and optimize yield potential. The research found that farmers should increase seeding rates in areas of lower productivity and reduce them in areas of higher productivity.
Researchers from Kazan Federal University and the Institute of Cytology have detailed novel non-trivial intramolecular interactions for small heat shock protein (sHSP) from Acholeplasma laidlawii. This discovery could help uncover new strategies to combat mycoplasma infections in crops.
A team of scientists has developed a system utilizing image analysis and artificial intelligence to analyze the shape of large numbers of seeds from a single image. The trained model detected and segmented individual seeds with high accuracy and analyzed seeds of other crops, accelerating crop breeding and analysis.
Researchers at the University of Guelph used advanced cloning techniques to produce 1,000 plants from just two seeds, offering a new method for conserving endangered plant species. The CPR method preserves genetic material and can produce large quantities of plants in a controlled environment.
A recent study by UConn researchers found that mismanagement and inadequate infrastructure are the root causes of supply problems for Ugandan farmers. The study revealed discrepancies in the quality of agricultural supplies like seeds and fertilizers due to improper handling, not adulteration.
Bilaterally symmetrical flowers can restore their 'correct' orientation by moving individual flower stems or even the stalk that supports a cluster of flowers. This ability helps them attract pollinators and produce seeds. In contrast, radially symmetrical flowers lack this ability and rarely recover after an injury.
A two-year study found that 96% of bird feed mixes contained seeds from pigweed species weeds, which can represent a significant threat to agriculture. Researchers also discovered resistance to glyphosate in Palmer amaranth and waterhemp seeds in some mixes.
The study found that farmers know less about pesticides applied to their seeds than those applied in other ways, due to seed treatments being exempt from labeling requirements. This lack of knowledge can lead to overuse of pesticides, harming the environment and farmers' health. The researchers recommend improved labelling of pesticide...
Researchers found that machine-harvested edamame is more profitable at lower densities, with optimal rates ranging from 35,200 to 48,600 plants per acre. The new guidelines are specific to the unique aspects of the crop and aim to maximize profitability for US growers and processors.
Researchers examined spatial patterns of seeds and surviving seedlings to understand mechanisms creating these patterns and potential for plant species coexistence. The study suggests that host-specific natural enemies may inhibit seedling survival near parent trees, leading to regular spacing of plants.