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Crop Science Society of America presents the 2008 Fellows

The Crop Science Society of America has elected 2008 Fellows, recognizing individuals for their professional achievements and meritorious service. The selected members are Prakash R. Arelli, Patrick G. Hunt, James D. Kelly, Schuyler S. Korban, Nora L. Lapitan, Rajendra Malhotra, David S. Marshall, J. Paul Murphy, and Matt A. Sanderson.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

CSIRO enlisted to avert global wheat supply crisis

Researchers at CSIRO and the University of Sydney are working to develop new wheat varieties resistant to Ug99, a highly destructive fungus threatening global food security. By identifying multiple resistance gene combinations, they aim to protect wheat from this bio-security threat and ensure food availability for the future.

Worldwide mission to solve iron deficiency

A global mission to address iron deficiency is underway with a focus on increasing iron content in cereal grains like rice and wheat. Dr Alex Johnson's project aims to improve iron delivery from leaves to seeds, benefiting developing countries where iron deficiency affects 30% of the world's population.

Cornell University to lead broad global partnership to combat wheat rust disease

A broad-based global partnership will focus on developing improved rust-resistant wheat varieties to protect resource-poor farmers and consumers from catastrophic crop losses in vulnerable regions, particularly India and Africa. The project aims to combat the emergence of deadly new variants of stem rust that can spread quickly.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Are organic crops as productive as conventional?

Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that organic alfalfa and wheat can be as productive as conventional systems. Organic grain crops, such as corn and soybeans, also yielded 90% of their conventional counterparts in terms of dry matter production.

Simulated crop provides answer to irrigation issues

A study found that shifting to water-efficient crops like cotton and soybean can decrease irrigation water use by nearly 66% on rice fields. Implementing irrigation water pricing also improves environmental conditions, but its impact on farm income is modest.

Crops feel the heat as the world warms

A new study by Carnegie Institution and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory reveals that global warming has already affected global food supply, with average yield drops of 3-5% for every 1 degree F increase in temperature. The study estimates annual losses of $5 billion for major food crops.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Scientists find genes involved in the battle between Hessian flies and wheat

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered genes in wheat that neutralize toxic compounds produced by the Hessian fly larvae, making them vulnerable to attack. The study provides insight into the biochemical mechanisms involved in insect-plant interactions and may lead to novel strategies for enhancing wheat resistance.

Ancient genes used to produce salt-tolerant wheat

Researchers have identified two ancient genes, Nax1 and Nax2, that enable salt tolerance in wheat by excluding salt from roots and leaves. The discovery paves the way for developing more resilient crop varieties to stabilize soil and provide income for farmers affected by salinity.

Dangerous wheat disease jumps Red Sea

A new form of stem rust, Ug99, has jumped from eastern Africa to Yemen, infecting wheat in the Arabian Peninsula and spreading rapidly. The disease is predicted to reach vast wheat-growing areas of North Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, and India.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Wheat can fatally starve insect predators

A newly identified wheat gene produces proteins that bind to the stomach lining of Hessian fly larvae, causing them to starve. The gene's role in creating resistance to Hessian flies was a surprise to researchers, who found that it triggers a localized defense response that reduces energy costs for the plant.

Elusive rust resistance genes located

Researchers have identified a DNA marker that is 99% effective in flagging the presence of Lr34 and Yr18 rust resistance genes. This breakthrough enables breeders to quickly test seedlings for these genes, allowing them to incorporate durable rust resistance into new wheat varieties.

Wheat gene may boost foods' nutrient content

Researchers have cloned a wild wheat gene that increases protein, zinc, and iron content in grain by 10-15%, potentially addressing nutritional deficiencies affecting millions of children worldwide. The study confirms the gene's effect on matured grains showing higher nutrient levels without sacrificing size or quality.

Parasitic plants sniff out hosts

Researchers discovered that parasitic plants like Cuscuta pentagona sense and respond to volatile chemicals emitted by potential host plants. They found that dodder seedlings grew towards tomato plants in a specific direction, indicating a directed growth response.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Biologists discover new pathway into plant cells

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a protein that can cross plant cell membranes and function as a toxin, allowing for potential manipulation of plant behavior. The discovery bears similarity to mammalian cell function and may lead to new tools for delivering compounds inside plant cells.

K-State part of effort to completely sequence common wheat genome

Researchers at K-State are contributing to the effort to sequence the common wheat genome, a significant step towards understanding its genetic traits. The goal is to determine the exact sequence of DNA that controls wheat's characteristics, allowing for more efficient and sustainable food production.

Neural tube defects decrease with folic acid fortification

Researchers found a significant decrease in spina bifida and anencephaly rates in Chile between 2001-2002, following folic acid fortification. The study suggests that the fortification is responsible for the decline, as similar trends were observed in other countries with folic acid fortification.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Are rice and wheat behind China's population boom?

Recent archeological research discovered that rice was the prevalent food source in northern China, alongside millet and wheat. The sophisticated knowledge of growing rice demonstrated by ancient Chinese farmers helped explain China's huge population today. The findings shed new light on China's agricultural history.

Incentives for US farmers reduce water waste

A report by Cornell University's David Pimentel and his students highlights the need to conserve water in US agriculture. The study found that irrigation practices can require up to three times more fossil energy than rain-fed crops, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management.

Oats not safe for all patients with celiac disease

A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that oats can cause intolerance in some patients with celiac disease, triggering a similar molecular reaction as wheat, barley, or rye. This means that not all patients with celiac disease may be able to safely include oats in their diet.

Researchers find signs of grain milling, baking 23,000 years ago

Researchers at Harvard University have found evidence of ancient grain milling and baking 23,000 years ago in present-day Israel. The discovery provides insight into the transition from foraging to food production, revealing that humans first developed technologies to process wild grains around 20,000 years ago.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Newly cloned gene key to global adaptation of wheat

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have cloned the VRN2 gene in wheat, which controls vernalization and plays a crucial role in the crop's adaptation to different environments. The study provides valuable insights into breeding strategies for improving wheat varieties through manipulation of flowering times.

Study finds huge variability in vitamin E absorption

Researchers found that taking vitamin E supplements with food, especially those containing fat, increases its bioavailability. The study suggests that people may not be getting enough vitamin E from their low-fat diets.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Pasture grass fights wheat fungus danger to plants, animals, people

A western American pasture grass crossed with wheat has improved resistance to Fusarium head blight, a disease causing major wheat crop losses and producing toxins that can be fatal to humans and animals. The hybrid plant's new resistance gene can be combined with other genes to enhance protection against the fungus.

Amber waves of grain on a mission to Mars

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and NASA have developed a process to convert inedible wheat grass into activated carbon, absorbing nitrogen oxides and producing fertilizer. This technology could support a crew of six astronauts on a three-year Mars mission by recycling waste and conserving materials.

Fly bites plant, but plants can bite back, Purdue scientists find

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new gene, called H31, that can help wheat plants resist damage from the Hessian fly. By combining this gene with others, they aim to extend resistance time by up to six times, reducing the need for chemicals and preserving the environment.

Newly found gene resistant to economically crippling wheat disease

A newly discovered gene, Stb8, has been found in bread wheat species to be resistant to Septoria tritici leaf blotch, a fungus causing significant yield losses worldwide. The gene's longer duration of effectiveness compared to previous genes may make it a valuable addition to breeding programs.

Ozone may provide environmentally safe protection for grains

Researchers at Purdue University found that ozone can effectively kill insects in grain storage facilities without damaging food quality or the environment. The gas has a short half-life and low dosage is used to eliminate bugs, reducing the risk of mycotoxins and potential food-borne diseases.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Is remote sensing the answer to today's agriculture problems?

Scientists at North Carolina State University developed a remote sensing technique to accurately time nitrogen fertilizer applications in wheat, resulting in an 86% success rate across various environmental conditions. This technology allows growers to make informed decisions that balance profitability and environmental stewardship.

Canadian scientists develop first-ever Fusarium-tolerant pastry

Researchers have developed a new line of soft red winter wheat that exhibits significantly lower levels of mycotoxins when exposed to the fungus Fusarium. This breakthrough is expected to benefit the Canadian agri-food industry and improve food safety, with the new variety, Wonder, set to be in full commercial production by 2004.

Karnal bunt struggles to spread without large numbers

The Karnal bunt pathogen faces challenges in reproducing over long distances, leading to declining small populations instead of growth. Researchers found that a critical mass is needed for the population to function well and invade new areas.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

High CO2 levels hamper nitrate incorporation by plants

Researchers found that elevated carbon dioxide levels hinder nitrate assimilation in plants, leading to reduced protein content and increased risk of malnutrition. The study suggests a shift from nitrate to ammonium fertilizers may be necessary to maintain crop yields under high CO2 conditions.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Spaghetti gets protein boost from corn gluten meal

Researchers developed a new processing method to enhance protein content in spaghetti using corn gluten meal, increasing it from approximately 8g to 10g per two-ounce serving. The modified pasta has good flavor and texture, making it a potential market opportunity for food manufacturers.

Taming wild wheat

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a 'map' of the wild emmer wheat genome, revealing hundreds of unique DNA sequences on 14 chromosomes. This new understanding will aid in breeding better wheat crops and shed light on the evolution of wheat.

High-fiber diet keeps people from chewing the fat

Researchers found that men who ate two servings of high-fiber cereal per day made spontaneous changes to their diets, reducing fat intake and increasing fiber consumption. The study suggests that high-fiber cereal can be an easy way for Americans to improve their diet and reduce their risk of heart disease.

Cereal Lessens Colon Cancer Risk

Researchers found that extrusion-processed wheat bran in cereals can reduce the number of aberrant crypt cells in laboratory rats by up to 40%, compared to raw wheat bran and flaked cereals. The study suggests that processing wheat bran improves its health-promoting properties, making it a potential tool in reducing colon cancer risk.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.