Articles tagged with Seeds
A study published in Ecology tracked seed movement using electrical engineering and mathematical models, predicting colonization and establishment patterns for 50 prairie plant species. The researchers found their estimates accurately predicted the likelihood of colonization and spatial establishment patterns across abandoned fields.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have discovered a novel form of air bubble that enhances the drag on dandelion seeds, allowing them to travel great distances without power consumption. This breakthrough could inspire the development of small-scale drones for remote sensing or air pollution monitoring.
A multidisciplinary team led by MSU Extension Plant Pathologist Mary Burrows will investigate root rot and effective ways to prevent or overcome it. The project aims to develop resistant plants, study farm practices, and share findings with stakeholders.
Researchers found that tropical tree populations increase mainly in locations where the tree is rare, suggesting a 'negative feedback' mechanism that regulates population growth. This phenomenon could explain the high ecological diversity of tropical forests, with more species living in a smaller area than in North America combined.
A team of researchers has developed a new approach to improve crop resilience under changing climate conditions, using advanced imaging techniques and bioinformatics. The project aims to understand the molecular basis of pollen development and male fertility in key crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.
A species of seed-feeding fly is critically damaging orchid seeds, threatening their reproduction. The fly reduces seed production by over 95% in five species, putting already-endangered orchids at risk.
A study published in BioScience reveals that 61 percent of the world's 356 turtle species are threatened or extinct, which could have ecological consequences. Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy food webs and dispersing seeds, making their decline a concern for ecosystems around the globe.
The study highlights the critical ecological roles turtles play in maintaining healthy food webs, dispersing seeds, and creating habitats for other species. The decline of turtles could have far-reaching consequences on ecosystems and human populations.
IUPUI researchers identified a unique compound in the seed oil of the February orchid, which could lead to the development of environmentally friendly lubricants. The discovery provides clues as to what makes the seed oil a superior lubricant, demonstrating better friction and wear reduction.
A new study found that seed rain, canopy gaps, and soil disturbances contribute to the establishment of invasive plants. Proximity to seed sources was a significant predictor for wine raspberry, Japanese barberry, and Japanese stiltgrass.
Researchers found that plant's daily oscillatory clock interacts with the aging linear clock during their lifetime, influencing leaf yellowing timing. The study identified key genes, such as PRR9, involved in this interaction.
Researchers at UNH discovered that the wavy structure of seed coats can lead to strong and tough materials with flexibility. The design principles described offer a promising approach for creating functionally graded composites that could be used in protection, energy absorption and dissipation.
Researchers discovered a crucial gene that regulates seed germination based on light conditions, enhancing plant survival. The MFT gene helps seeds decide whether to germinate, allowing them to thrive in optimal environments.
Researchers at Université de Genève reveal the mechanism of seed germination, where proplastids differentiate into chloroplasts within 48 hours. The process is controlled by growth hormone gibberellic acid and protein TOC159, ensuring rapid transition to autonomous growth.
Research reveals that tropical pioneer tree species employ physical and chemical defenses to survive, with seeds relying on different strategies based on their persistence time. The study's findings have implications for crop production, weed management, and understanding natural plant community dynamics.
Professor Hua's five-year $1.09 million grant will focus on F-box-mediated protein degradation in seed development, aiming to develop precision agriculture through manipulating the ubiquitin-26S proteasome system. The project also aims to promote computational thinking skills among underrepresented students.
A study found that elephants are responsible for 37% of seeds produced viable seedlings, while smaller forest animals like deer have lower effectiveness. This suggests that declines in megafauna populations could impact the tree's reproductive success and forest ecosystem dynamics.
Research shows bears disperse seeds through their scat, benefiting small mammals like mice and voles. These animals feed on the seeds, sometimes further dispersing them, creating a network of seed-filled hoards.
Researchers discovered a self-sealing mechanism in the seed pods of Banksia plants, where special waxes melt at 45-55°C to seal small cracks. This adaptation protects seeds from environmental challenges, such as moisture and pathogens, and may have potential applications for dimensionally stable wood.
A study by University of Lincoln found that young turtle doves fed on seeds from non-cultivated arable plants outsurvived those relying on human-provided seeds. The research suggests conservation strategies should include providing anthropogenic seeds for adults early in the breeding season.
A new process using sand and plant materials from the Moringa oleifera tree could provide cheap and effective water filtration, eliminating bacteria and reducing turbidity. The key to its effectiveness lies in controlling the concentration of seed proteins, which can be reused after cleaning.
A team of researchers has found that plant dispersal ability is linked to their life cycles, with faster life histories resulting in greater seed dispersal distances. This understanding can inform our knowledge of global changes and landscape fragmentation's impact on biodiversity.
Researchers identified four varieties of high-protein corn that are also resistant or tolerant to the parasitic plant Striga, a major challenge for small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. These varieties will improve food security and nutrition by allowing farmers to continue growing corn in areas affected by Striga.
Plants use genetic memory systems to integrate seasonal signals and optimise key lifecycle stages, including flowering, seed dispersal, and dormancy. This study identifies the precise mechanism by which temperature information is passed from mother to seeds, enabling reproductive bet-hedging and diversity in offspring.
A recent study by University of Guam researcher Ann Marie Gawel suggests that feral pigs might be an unlikely forest ally in regenerating native plant species on the island. Pigs were found to have a positive impact on seed dispersal in limestone karst forests, whereas deer had negative effects.
Researchers developed a model to predict genomic variation in Eucalyptus melliodora, allowing for more resilient reforestation efforts. The study identified broadly sourced seeds as an effective strategy to combat climate change, promoting the recovery of critically endangered tree species.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered a way for plants to 'hedge their bets' by germinating seeds at different times, reducing variability in agriculture. By understanding this process, farmers may be able to increase potential yields and address agronomic challenges.
A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that consuming large amounts of meat protein increases cardiovascular disease risk by 60%, while nuts and seeds reduce CVD risk by 40%. The research suggests that proteins from these sources have distinct effects on heart health.
A new study from the University of Illinois has discovered that the Australian vine Glycine tomentella contains genetic resources that can substantially increase soybean yield. Yield increases of 3.5 to 7 bushels per acre have been recorded in soybean lines derived from crossing with Glycine tomentella.
Researchers at Takarkori site in Libya discovered over 200,000 seeds showing early form of agriculture by hunter-gatherers. Insects were not responsible for seed concentrations, confirming human activity in collection and storage.
A University of California study found native wildflowers stored up to 201% more seeds underground during a drought, compared to exotic grasses which decreased by 52%. This adaptive strategy helps them survive in variable climates.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory find a genetic mutation that increases grains in sorghum by tripling each plant's yield. By reducing hormone levels, they generate more flowers and seeds.
Washington State University researchers are working on developing resistant spinach varieties against Fusarium wilt, a devastating disease that has been crippling farmers' crops in the Pacific Northwest. The team is testing over 600 varieties of spinach and studying their DNA to find genetic markers that reveal natural resistance.
Researchers found that tree communities are reorganizing with saplings growing closer together, but long-term biodiversity and carbon storage implications unclear. The study challenges previous theories of devastating effects on plant communities and carbon storage.
New research reveals an extreme lack of genetic diversity in domestic chickpeas, threatening their adaptability to climate change. However, the study also identified wild relatives with promising traits such as drought-resistance and resistance to insect pests.
Higher temperatures accelerate seed dispersal in key culinary crops like oilseed rape and mustard plants, limiting reproductive success. Researchers suggest new strategies for preparing crops for global warming, including developing temperature-resilient varieties and using gene-editing tools to delay seed release.
Pine trees become temporarily sterile when exposed to intense UV radiation, similar to what scientists believe the Earth experienced 252 million years ago. The effect suggests caution in introducing chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.
In southeastern Alaska, brown and black bears are the primary seed dispersers of berry-producing shrubs. Bears disperse approximately 200,000 devil's club seeds per square kilometer per hour through their scat. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about bird involvement in seed dispersal.
The speed breeding platform enables rapid generation of wheat and other crops, increasing generations per year by threefold. This technology uses LED lights to create intensive growth regimes, reducing costs and heat, and has the potential to rank alongside the Green Revolution.
Researchers at University of Zurich discovered how pollen tubes interact with female plant tissue, using extracellular signals to regulate growth and respond to changes in the cell wall. This knowledge opens up potential applications for plant breeding, including influencing pollination and seed formation.
Research found that high nighttime temperatures have a significant negative impact on canola plant production, particularly during the flowering and seed-forming stages. Temperatures between 68-73°F cause a decrease in yield, grain number, and final grain weight.
A $500,000 USDA-funded project at the University of Nevada, Reno is using genetic studies and new seed stock to find compatible seeds for various zones in the Great Basin. The four-year study aims to improve restoration results, exploring the use of native seeds grown in local conditions.
Research by Stellenbosch University found that fynbos seeds can still be viable in soils where pines have grown for up to 30 years, enabling restoration. Clearing pine plantations within 40-50 years saves time and effort in rehabilitating sites.
Three non-photosynthetic plant species use camel crickets as their main seed disperser. The seeds are preserved unharmed in the excrement, allowing the plants to occupy a unique biological niche. This discovery highlights the dramatic changes that occur when photosynthesis is lost.
Researchers discovered key limitations to seagrass growth from seed to seedling stage, which could improve restoration efforts. The study found that exposure to waves and grazing animals significantly reduced seed survival rates.
A team of scientists discovered that tropical fungi form species-specific associations with seeds, influencing survival and germination rates. The study found that different fungi can aid or hinder seed development, depending on the seed species, providing new insights into the persistence of tropical forest diversity.
Researchers have created a low-cost, DIY kit for growing orchids from seed, which can lead to the preservation of endangered species and efficient seed conservation. The kit's high humidity levels and symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi facilitate germination and growth.
Researchers found that preemergence weed control in fall or early February is crucial to address kochia emergence and seed production. Effective methods include cover crops, tillage, and stale seedbed techniques.
A new study from the University of Illinois explains why herbicide rotation doesn't work against herbicide-resistant weeds like waterhemp. The researchers found that even with long rotations, the frequency of resistance alleles does not decrease significantly.
Red squirrels cache seeds in underground storage areas, which grizzly bears dig up and consume, conditioning them to seek grain on trains. This behavior can lead to increased train strikes and human-wildlife conflicts.
A team of researchers found that goldenrod plants can detect a specific chemical compound emitted by gall-inducing flies, triggering a defense response. The plants respond strongly to E,S-conophthorin, a blend of chemicals that attracts females and fertilizes eggs.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from six patches of Russian knapweed to understand its spread methods. The study found that seeds were the primary source of new patches, while local invasions were spreading from root growth.
Researchers discovered that cockroaches play a crucial role in seed dispersal for the azalea family plant Monotropastrum humile. The study found that adult cockroaches excrete viable seeds with minimal loss of viability, suggesting a legitimate seed disperser for the plant.
A study found that Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus) trees can produce up to 52 million seeds during their lifetime, making them a major invasive threat in US forests. The tree's ability to maintain seed viability over its lifetime is unique among species.
A researcher tracked Sahara mustard's spread through California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, finding it adapted to local conditions by shifting germination timing. The plant's rapid growth and self-fertilization enabled its successful invasion, but eradication may be possible with targeted efforts.
A recent field study found that neonicotinoid pesticides reduce honeybee colony survival and overwintering success in two European countries. Exposure to treated crops also decreases reproductive success in wild bee species, highlighting the need for further research on mitigation strategies.
A new study by York University researchers has found that exposure to field-realistic levels of neonicotinoids kills honeybee workers and queens earlier, reducing the overall health of the colony. The study also revealed that contaminated pollen comes from plants adjacent to treated crops, not directly from corn or soybeans.
A new assay developed by University of Illinois researchers can identify Palmer amaranth DNA in mixed seed samples, overcoming slow and unreliable testing methods. The low-cost technique uses quantitative PCR to detect genetic variations unique to Palmer, enabling farmers to certify their product as Palmer-free.
A new study reveals a group of cells acting as a 'brain' in plant embryos, assessing environmental conditions and dictating germination timing. The plant's decision on when to germinate is controlled by two types of cells promoting dormancy or germination, communicating through hormone signals.
A new study found that camelina seed yields were 54% lower at Hays than at Moccasin due to environmental conditions. However, seed protein content was significantly higher at Hays, and oil composition differed between the two test sites.