Articles tagged with Seeds
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
The Ecological Society of America honored Michael J.M. McTavish with the Murray F. Buell Award for his presentation on selective granivory of exotic earthworms, while Julienne E. NeSmith received the E. Lucy Braun Award for her poster on interactive effects of soil moisture and plant invasion.
Researchers discovered strong evidence for a general enlargement of seeds due to domestication across seven vegetable species. Domesticated maize seeds are 15 times bigger than the wild form, while soybean seeds are seven times bigger.
Scientists discovered that salicylic acid can improve a crop's ability to deal with drought by increasing the levels of three enzymes involved in the stress response. The treatment allows for more selective planting of drought-tolerant cowpea varieties, enabling them to grow in areas with limited water.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that interbreeding genetically engineered cotton with non-Bt cotton can delay and even reverse evolution of resistance by pests. This novel strategy involves planting a mix of Bt and non-Bt seeds, which generates a random mixture of plants within fields.
Seeds from plants like Pelargonium self-burrow into soil using a helically coiled awn that responds to humidity. The team developed mathematical models to understand the mechanism, which has direct applications to current and next-generation robotics.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that sunflower seeds are frequently contaminated with aflatoxin, producing severe health consequences. The toxin is produced by Aspergillus molds and can cause an estimated 25,000-155,000 deaths annually worldwide.
Researchers have identified ancient fava beans in Northern Israel, dating back 14,000 years, to understand the evolution of the crop and improve its biodiversity. The findings provide crucial clues about the time and place where wild faba plants grew naturally.
Scientists have developed a new oilseed crop that is more resistant to heat, drought, and diseases than oilseed rape. The breakthrough technology keeps bitter defense compounds out of the seeds while maintaining them in the rest of the plant, enabling cultivation in areas previously unsuitable for oilseed crops.
Washington State University researchers discovered a unique structure in plants that offloads nutrients from leaves to fruits, seeds, and branches. By targeting this structure, scientists can increase sink strength, drawing more nutrients to desired parts of the plant.
A four-year study of two congeneric lupines found that seed predation can shape plant communities, but the impact depends on habitat conditions. The removal of European beachgrass altered the ecosystem, leading to a rebound in the rare lupine population and suggesting that seed loss is not always detrimental.
Researchers from VIB-UGent discovered a gene named PLA1 that significantly increases plant growth and seed yield in maize. This discovery can boost crop production in extreme weather conditions and offer harvest security even in a changing climate.
Scientists have identified a distant relative of the living Ginkgo biloba plant through the discovery of well-preserved fossil plants in Mongolia. The fossils, dating back to the early Cretaceous Period, reveal unique seed-bearing structures that are unlike any other known plant, living or extinct.
Researchers found that letting cover crops grow longer produces the best results in suppressing weeds while also retaining soil moisture. The optimal timing is crucial, as over-flattening can lead to unwanted seed production, while under-flattening may regrow the cover crop.
Research reveals that secondary seed dispersal by predator animals is crucial for recolonizing plants in the wild. Thick-shelled seeds benefit from passing through multiple animal digestive systems, increasing their chances of germination.
Researchers explored growing cool season crops in California, finding canola achieved high yields and seed oil content, while camelina displayed greater cold and drought tolerance. The study recommends further research on more varieties of both crops for optimal growing conditions.
A study by Utrecht University reveals that wintering mallards play a crucial role in dispersing plant seeds between isolated wetlands. The daily movement patterns of these birds are highly predictable from the landscape they inhabit, and their foraging behavior helps maintain connections between otherwise disconnected plant populations.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that tropical tree species rely on bird dispersal for seed spread, but this process is limited to short distances. As a result, reforestation efforts may require active planting of these species to achieve successful restoration.
A new study identified a genetic mechanism in rice that provides resistance to devastating disease without compromising grain yield. Researchers discovered that co-expression of PigmS limits seed damage associated with PigmR, allowing for increased protection and yield.
A study of cocoa varieties grown in Bahia for over 200 years found that they are genetically similar and vulnerable to disease. Researchers identified resistant trees with greater genetic diversity, offering hope for combating witch's broom.
Researchers from Linköping University and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria analyzed prehistoric seeds to discover that barley was one of the main crops on the island of Gran Canaria over 1,000 years ago. The study suggests that the Canary Islands were colonized by tribes from northern Morocco nearly 2,000 years ago.
The project aims to increase hybrid wheat yield potential by 15-20 percent, making it climate resilient and attractive to producers. The team will develop tools and germplasm for efficient hybrid seed production and create hybrids to establish and confirm heterotic pools in wheat.
Common insecticides like neonicotinoids significantly reduce populations of predatory insects in North American and European farming systems, posing a threat to crop yields. The use of integrated pest management strategies is recommended to conserve beneficial insect species.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that pollinator habitat seed mixes sold by companies in the Midwest contain seeds of Palmer amaranth and other invasive weeds. The USDA does not license or inspect these seed companies, leading to the unintended introduction of these weeds to thousands of acres of land.
The Seed Box programme at Linköping University is allocating grants to researchers worldwide to investigate environmental issues through interdisciplinary and artistic methods. Projects such as Herbarium 3.0 aim to increase awareness of plant-human interactions and create new pathways forward for sustainable practices.
Cycads' seed storage tissue contains 70% carbohydrates, including starch and sugars, which aid in embryo health during arduous oceanic journeys. The study highlights the importance of published research for informing plant conservation decisions.
Modern soybean crops produce too many leaves, wasting resources like water and carbon. By reducing leaf area, researchers found an 8% increase in seed yield through increased photosynthesis and decreased respiration. The study aims to optimize crop structure for higher yields without compromising water efficiency.
Researchers developed a study to determine physical dormancy breaking mechanisms of uhaloa seeds, which can be achieved through manual and mechanical scarification, dry heat exposure, or hot water immersion. The optimal protocol is using an electric drum scarifier with 80-grit sandpaper for 15-30 seconds to achieve high germination rates.
A 5,310-year-old maize cob genome provides new insights into the early stages of maize domestication, showing key genes affected by human selection. The ancient sample is genetically intermediate between teosinte and modern maize.
Researchers found that soy flour, a plant-derived biostimulant, improves broccoli plant growth and nutrient uptake when used as a seed coating. The study showed enhanced biomass, plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content in soy flour-coated seeds compared to non-coated controls.
A low-dose application of nonionic surfactant applied directly to seed as a component of a seed treatment significantly increases seed germination rate and synchrony. Under deficit irrigation conditions, this coating promotes seedling emergence and plant growth, offering potential for water conservation in urban landscapes.
Researchers found specific hemp cultivars, such as Ferimon, Anka, and Jutta, consistently produced high yields of biomass and seeds in eastern Canada. The study provides valuable information on adapting industrial hemp to the region's wetter conditions.
Researchers have discovered that plants can direct their seeds towards suitable sites by wind or water, contrary to previous findings for animal-dispersed plant species. This 'directed dispersal' allows wetland plants to optimize seed transportation and reach new areas for growth.
Researchers from Iowa State University have developed effective propagation protocols for swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora) and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), a native Nyssa species. The study found that cold stratification enhances speed and uniformity of germination, while extracts of fruit pulp inhibit seed germination.
A team of researchers has discovered that wheat seeds also undergo photosynthesis, contrary to long-held assumptions. This finding could lead to the development of new, more efficient crop varieties better adapted to hotter, drier climates.
Researchers at University of Guam discovered that cycad roots can identify close relatives, leading to cooperative behaviors and improved management decisions. This finding has valuable implications for conservation settings, such as optimizing seed sowing practices and positioning plants in botanic gardens.
Researchers found that bumblebees are attracted to CMV-infected tomato and Arabidopsis plants, leading to increased seed production. Buzz pollination, a process where bees vibrate flowers to release pollen, enhances fertilization rates in infected plants.
A University of British Columbia study finds that evolution accelerates the speed of plant migration in response to climate change. Plants that undergo evolution disperse seeds and migrate farther than their non-evolving counterparts, even in challenging conditions.
Researchers discovered that coconut walls can dissipate energy via crack deflection, thanks to a distinct, ladder-like design of the vascular system. This structure could be applied to functionally graded concrete to enhance its energy dissipation capacity and protect buildings against earthquakes and other hazards.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable seed coating that functions like nature's defense system, protecting plant seeds from insects without impairing germination. The coating has been shown to be effective against various cereal pests, including mealworms and beetles, but not against wheat weevils.
A new public-private partnership aims to develop better potatoes for tropical and subtropical conditions in South Asia. CIP, HZPC, and SFSA will combine their expertise to breed and select potato varieties suitable for local markets.
Researchers found that Asiatic black bears disperse wild cherry tree seeds toward mountaintops, helping the species cope with projected temperature rises. The study suggests that seed dispersal direction can be asymmetric and highlights the importance of considering seed dispersal limitations in predicting future plant distributions.
Scientists found neonicotinoid seed treatments yield higher results in southern U.S. states, with economic benefits in four out of 10 years studied.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, found that corn grown in home and community gardens in Southern California has higher genetic diversity than commercial seeds. This discovery highlights the importance of preserving genetic resources through diverse farming practices.
A team of scientists has identified a mechanism responsible for delivering zinc into crop seeds, paving the way for breeding plants with enhanced zinc content. The discovery could lead to improved nutritional value in a large part of the human diet.
Researchers at UC Davis found that a gene blocking lettuce germination also regulates flowering time. Suppressing the DOG1 gene increases seed germination at higher temperatures and flowers earlier, suggesting a molecular genetic mechanism coordinating adaptation to environmental conditions.
A joint study by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that using locally sourced seed from the same region as the future grassland improves plant growth and flowering. The researchers tested seven common grassland plants across eight German regions, discovering a correlation between genetic differences and regional climate...
A new coordinated soybean variety evaluation program aims to provide African farmers with high-yielding and disease-resistant seed options. The program, in partnership with the Syngenta Foundation and the University of Illinois, tests 25 varieties at 12 locations across Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia.
Botanists in Hawai'i have discovered a new species of plant with heart-shaped fruits, which they named Coprosma cordicarpa. The new species is a member of the coffee family and is currently listed as vulnerable to extinction due to its limited range and rarity.
Researchers investigate how plants respond to environmental changes and geographical variation, shedding light on their potential for evolution and adaptability. The study aims to improve predictions of selective pressures and failures for wild plants through comparative studies and genetic analysis.
Scientists have successfully reproduced hybrid plants using natural cloning methods, allowing them to retain increased efficiency across multiple generations. This breakthrough could provide more affordable and productive crop options for small-scale farmers in developing countries.
New research reveals Palmer amaranth can cause significant soybean yield loss in Illinois, up to 30% in short periods, highlighting the need for early detection and management strategies.
African smallholder farmers purchase over half of their seeds annually through local markets and informal sources. Local legume markets are particularly important, accounting for 64% of seed transactions. The study highlights the need to expand high-quality seed delivery to smallholder farmers through formal and informal channels.