Articles tagged with Seeds
A team of scientists identified the AG1 gene, which helps seeds survive under flooded conditions by efficiently moving energy reserves. This finding has implications for direct seeding, a method that allows seeds to be sown directly into fields without pre-germination.
The New England Wild Flower Society and partners have launched a $2.3M project to collect native seeds for coastal habitat restoration from Maine to Virginia. This initiative will supply seeds sustainably collected from the local area, targeting 50 species common throughout the project range, plus regional and site-specific species.
Researchers have identified the 'wake-up protein' responsible for germination of Striga seeds using a fluorescent probe, accelerating research to control Striga growth and prevent crop losses worth billions of dollars annually. The study reveals that Striga detects host crops through strigolactone receptors, leading to a devastating im...
Researchers at Rutgers University have recreated a classic tomato variety thought to be lost to history, combining nostalgic flavor with modern durability. The new Rutgers tomato boasts improved flavor, earlier ripening, higher yield, and resistance to cracking, making it perfect for home gardeners and farmers alike.
A global study found that large animals consume a broader range of seed sizes than previously thought, posing a risk to smaller plant species. The research, led by UNSW Australia scientists, analyzed over 13,000 animal-seed interactions and showed that even small seeds are vulnerable if large animals disappear.
A single genetic mutation in the tga1 gene led to the formation of naked kernels, allowing for easier consumption. This discovery provides insights into the rapid evolution of corn traits through minor genetic alterations.
The study, published in International Journal of Plant Sciences, reveals that Guam's trade winds play a vital role in fadang tree pollination. This discovery contradicts existing knowledge that all cycad species rely solely on insects for pollination.
Purdue University researchers have identified a key gene that controls soybean seed coat permeability, which could lead to improved crop varieties for southern and tropical regions. The discovery also offers potential applications for enhancing the nutritional value of soybeans by modifying their calcium content.
Scientists discovered that acquiring a group of bacterial symbionts enabled firebugs to feed on plant seeds, previously inaccessible to them. This adaptation led to the diversification of firebug species within a new ecological niche.
A new study from NIMBioS suggests that considering a species' selfing rate, seed dispersal distances, and reproductive type can improve seed collection effectiveness. This approach can help conserve genetic diversity and rare species, such as the Trillium tennesseense.
Bamboo landscaping popularity could lead to increased spread of hantavirus, as deer mice thrive on plant's seeds and reproduce rapidly, posing a risk to human health. Experts recommend changing U.S. and Canadian plant quarantine policies to prevent non-native bamboo invasions.
A US research team has identified promising edamame lines for commercial production in the Midwest, with improvements needed to overcome challenges such as poor seed germination and emergence. The study suggests that edamame plants can grow quicker than grain-type soybean, but require shorter plant sizes for efficient mechanical harvest.
A new study from the University of Michigan and Texas A¼M reveals that pollen can break down into tiny particles that act as cloud condensation nuclei, forming clouds. This discovery has significant implications for climate science and public health.
A new hybrid plant used in anti-malarial drug production, developed by scientists at the University of York's Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), has been registered as a new variety in China. The plant is believed to be the first instance of Chinese registration for an Artemisia annua variety bred outside China.
The use of neonicotinoid insecticides increased dramatically in the US, primarily driven by corn and soybean seeds treated with the pesticides. Researchers found that at least a third of all soybean acres and over 79% of all corn acres were planted with neonicotinoid-coated seed by 2011.
Researchers found that plants aim to flower when the optimal temperature for seed set is approaching, allowing them to adapt to changing climates. This discovery suggests that many flowering plants have different flowering times due to narrow temperature sensitivity windows.
A recent Carnegie Institution study has identified three SWEET family proteins essential for delivering sugars from plant leaves to embryonic plants inside seeds. The research found that eliminating these transporters retards embryonic development and reduces seed quality, with potential applications in crop yield enhancement.
Researchers identified three genes that improve production by about 15 bushels per acre under both irrigated and dryland conditions. The study's results are promising, with potential benefits for Texas farmers who have struggled with low yields in recent years.
Researchers found that conifer species that independently evolved whirling, or autorotating, seeds settled on only one optimal single-winged design after millions of years of evolution. This design provides enhanced dispersal efficiency, especially during the Permian Period when seed dispersal by animals was virtually absent.
The New England Wild Flower Society honors Dr. Paul P. Smith, former head of the Millennium Seed Bank, for his leadership in conserving seeds from over 25,000 plant species. The organization recognizes his efforts to preserve biological diversity and raise awareness about native plants and conservation.
Small farmers, often women, are preserving traditional crop varieties and landraces, providing vital resources for their livelihoods. Peri-urban and marginal locations are key areas where this preservation is occurring, with urban markets driving demand for local foodstuffs.
An international team of scientists discovered a diverse range of seed beetles in Xinjiang, China, including four previously unknown species. The study found a total of 19 species, shedding light on the region's insect biodiversity.
Scientists created a new modeling framework to study the relationships between different stages of a plant's life cycle. The study found that changes in environmental factors can affect the duration of subsequent stages. This research has the potential to improve crop yields and conservation efforts amid climate change.
Scientists studied wild grasses in the Fertile Crescent to identify traits suitable for agriculture. They found that wild relatives of current crop plants have bigger seeds and less bushy stems, making them ideal for farming. This research could help shape the future of food production by understanding the past.
A team of scientists has found that seed dormancy, which prevents germination under non-favourable conditions, was present in the first seeds 360 million years ago. This phenomenon is essential for plant diversification and survival, as it allows seeds to germinate only at optimal moments.
A new study by Rice University researchers reveals lemurs play a crucial role in dispersing seeds for trees, increasing survival rates. The findings highlight the importance of preserving lemur populations to maintain the health of Madagascar's rainforests.
A new study recommends a tailored approach to seed collections, collecting from a wide area and about 25 maternal plants per population to capture genetic diversity. This method can preserve more rare genes than traditional one-size-fits-all approaches, potentially saving rare plant species from extinction.
A USGS study reveals neonicotinoid insecticides are commonly found in streams throughout the Midwest, with clothianidin detected in 75% of sites. The chemicals persist in water and groundwater bodies, posing risks to aquatic organisms.
A study by Eric Brennan and Jim Leap found that drilling is more effective than broadcasting for establishing uniform and dense cover crops on beds. Drilled cover crops had greater uniformity and faster emergence, leading to increased weed suppression.
A study by researchers at the University of Georgia compared 19 tomato varieties under organic production practices. The results showed that F1 hybrid varieties outperformed open-pollinated varieties in terms of yield and fruit uniformity.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a natural fungus that can kill poison ivy, offering an alternative to chemical treatments. The fungus, Colletotrichum fioriniae, is being explored as a potential biological control method for invasive plants.
A Purdue study reveals that reducing corn's growing conditions by 2 hours a day can lower its height by 9-10% and reduce stalk diameter by 8-9% while maintaining its seed yield. This technique could enable controlled environment agriculture in mines and caves for growing high-value transgenic crops.
A University of Illinois initiative, Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO), uses cellphones and local languages to educate farmers about efficient teff cultivation techniques. The project resulted in a massive reduction in teff seed waste, allowing for increased crop yields and food availability.
Researchers found that seed dormancy allows plants to adapt to their environment, resulting in increased species diversity. Plants with this ability are more likely to colonize new areas and thrive under changing conditions, a strategy that has been around since the earliest seeds.
A new instrument, called a greenhouse on a chip, is being developed to precisely assess the performance of plants in different environmental conditions. The instrument incorporates miniature greenhouses, microfluidic technologies, and big data tools to analyze plant traits.
A field study and computer simulations show that forest corridors increase seed dispersal and alter wind dynamics. The research found that corridors accelerate the wind and provide conditions for long-distance seed dispersal.
A recent study found that light pollution impedes fruit-eating bats from dispersing seeds, which is crucial for tropical forest regeneration. As a result, seed rain is reduced, threatening the natural succession of forests in illuminated habitats.
A burgeoning deer population alters forest progression by creating environmental havoc in the soil and disrupting seed banks. The study found that deer grazing stunts forest development, promoting invasive species like buckthorn and viburnum, which stall natural growth and reduce native plant diversity.
Researchers found that new varieties have higher yields and accelerated gains, with traits like shorter plants, later maturation, and increased oil concentration. This study provides insights for future breeding efforts to maintain yield increases and address demand for soybeans.
Researchers created 'habitat corridors' in South Carolina to test how wind moves seeds. They found that corridors increase seed movement and promote plant diversity when aligned with prevailing winds. The study has implications for conservation efforts in Midwestern ecosystems.
A new study finds that using seed-filled buoys can effectively restore genetically diverse sea meadows in San Francisco Bay. The technique, known as Buoy Deployed Seeding (BuDS), was tested on eelgrass seedpods and showed promising results in maintaining genetic diversity.
Heterotrimeric G proteins play significant roles in plant development, including fruit and seed size and production, defense against pests and pathogens, and response to abiotic stresses. Research by Sona Pandey and collaborators showed that elevated G protein quantities in Camelina sativa led to increased seed production and size.
Scientists have discovered that seed material from Moringa trees can bind to impurities in water, allowing for more efficient purification. The study found that clusters of material produced with the protein are more tightly packed than those formed with conventional flocculating agents, making it easier to separate and treat waste water.
A new study by Carole Gee integrates visualization techniques to examine ancient fossils, providing a nondestructive method for studying fossil conifer seed cones up to 150 million years old. The technique uses microCT and 3D image segmentation, allowing researchers to visualize internal structures without damaging the specimens.
Research finds that horse manure disperses non-native weed seeds, including 16 noxious weeds in Australia and 105 invasive species in North America. Habitat disturbance from trampling also facilitates seed germination.
A new study uses laser technology and chlorophyll fluorescence to sort Capsicum pepper seeds, increasing germination percentages and uniformity. The technique has been shown to improve seed quality in pepper lots, enhancing plant growth and development.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered two key genes required for oil production and accumulation in plant leaves. Overexpressing these genes resulted in a significant increase in leaf oil production, with the potential to boost energy content of biofuels and plant-based foods.
Researchers found that purple loosestrife rapidly adapted to local climate conditions, allowing it to thrive and increase seed production. This adaptation enabled the species to outcompete native plants for resources, facilitating its spread in northern Ontario.
A team of researchers found that a single gene controls the shift between repulsion and attraction in strawberry fruit, influencing ripening and pest defense. The enzyme anthocyanin reductase plays a crucial role in this process.
A University of Calgary-led research team has discovered a gene regulatory network that controls seed 'de-greening' in canola, a major cash crop in Alberta. The breakthrough offers a solution to a long-standing problem causing millions of dollars in annual losses.
Researchers have identified the ancient ancestor of the tulip tree line, which diverged from magnolias over 100 million years ago. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of this iconic Eastern North American species.
A new study suggests that ancient cycad lineage is pre-adapted to grow in groves, potentially relying on the extinct megafauna dispersal mechanism. Cycads are found in highly clumped, dense populations, with limited seed dispersal, suggesting they may be maladapted to current dispersers.
Seeds passed through small-billed Elaenia birds emerged with reduced fungal load and odor that attracts ants, increasing survival rates. The study found a prime example of the benefits of seed dispersal mutualism between plants and animals.
Researchers found that black locust, a short-rotation woody crop, has the highest yield and fastest harvest time among the crops evaluated. The crop's rapid growth allows for more frequent harvesting, making it an attractive option for biomass production in the Midwest.
Researchers at the University of York have identified a key regulator gene called SPATULA that controls the expression of five other genes affecting seed germination. The study, using the model plant Arabidopsis, reveals how different varieties respond to environmental stimuli, which could lead to the development of better quality seed...
The disappearance of large fruit-eating birds from Brazilian forests has led to smaller, less successful seeds in nearby palm trees. The study found that the absence of these birds triggered a rapid evolution of forest palms, resulting in smaller seeds.
A team of scientists has sequenced the genome of the sacred lotus, revealing its powerful genetic system that repairs genetic defects and may hold secrets about aging. The research could lead to a better understanding of anti-aging mechanisms and potential applications for human health.
Research by Monica Gagliano and Michael Renton found that plants can positively influence seed growth via unknown mechanisms. Chilli seeds germinated better when grown with basil plants, even when other signals were blocked.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that burning plants create chemical messages in soil that stimulate dormant seeds to grow, explaining a fundamental ecological mystery. The findings may aid in developing plant varieties that help restore ecosystems.
A team of researchers identified a lettuce gene and related enzyme that inhibits germination during hot weather, enabling seeds to germinate in warm temperatures. The discovery could lead to lettuces that can grow in high temperatures, improving crop yields.