Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Genetic hope in fight against devastating wheat disease

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a fundamental discovery that could help reduce the economic harm caused by Fusarium head blight, a fungal disease on the rise due to climate change. The study found that the TaHRC gene functions in wheat cells and can either increase or decrease susceptibility to FHB.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2024

Movement of crops, animals played a key role in domestication

Recent research connects biological domestication to early food globalization, proposing a new conceptual framework that challenges traditional narratives. Archaeological investigations have shown that plant and animal domestication entailed a more gradual transition spanning thousands of years across extensive geographies.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2024

Antibody reduces allergic reactions to multiple foods in NIH trial

A monoclonal antibody, omalizumab, increased the tolerance threshold for multiple food allergens, allowing children to consume larger amounts without a reaction. The treatment showed significant benefits in reducing allergic reactions, particularly for peanut and egg, with potential protection against accidental exposure.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2024

Spelt or common wheat? Their diversity of nutritional components prevents identification of one species as the healthiest

A recent study by the University of Córdoba analyzed the genetic variability of spelt and common wheat varieties, revealing their diverse nutritional components. While spelt generally has higher concentrations of micronutrients like iron and zinc, it also contains more phytic acid, which reduces assimilation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

Chemicals from maize roots influence wheat yield

Researchers from the University of Bern found that maize roots secrete chemicals that improve soil quality and increase wheat yields. The study demonstrates potential for using specialized plant compounds to enhance crop productivity through variety-specific rotations.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

De-code of the crop

A research group at Kyoto University has successfully developed a self-fertile buckwheat variety and a new type of the crop with a sticky texture. This breakthrough could contribute to the efficient breeding of less-common orphan crops, addressing the world's growing food demands.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Laboratory research finds gluten caused brain inflammation

Researchers at the University of Otago have found that gluten can cause brain inflammation in mice, a discovery that may have implications for human physiology. The study showed that gluten increased the number of immune cells in the brain, leading to hypothalamic inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2023

BRIDGEcereal: Self-teaching web app improves speed, accuracy of classifying DNA variations among cereal varieties

Researchers have developed a self-teaching web app called BRIDGEcereal that quickly and accurately analyzes genomic data for cereal crops, identifying patterns of DNA variations. This breakthrough tool is expected to revolutionize crop improvement by efficiently mining publicly accessible cereal pan-genomes.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Understanding the long-term impact of climate change on Indian crops

A new study reveals that Indian farmers have adapted to climate change by changing management practices and using hardier crop varieties. However, the impact of climate change on crop yields varies across crops and regions, with some areas experiencing greater benefits than others.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalAgricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Early grain development in bread wheat

Researchers found that TaMADS29 interacts with TaNF-YB1 to regulate early grain development in bread wheat. The complex helps prevent excessive ROS accumulation, promotes nutrient transport into the endosperm, and allows normal grain filling.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 12, 2023

How plants adapt to nitrogen deficiency

Scientists have identified specific genetic variants in wheat and barley that enable plants to adapt to nitrogen deficiency by increasing root growth and improving nitrogen content. These findings offer promising opportunities for plant breeding to develop varieties with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 30, 2023

How to climate-proof the Ethiopian breadbasket? Combine genomics and farmer knowledge

Researchers teamed with Ethiopian farmers to develop new wheat varieties using genomic analysis. Farmers' knowledge played a crucial role in predicting crop yields and selecting optimal traits. The project aims to preserve agrobiodiversity and promote cultural heritage.

Could AI-powered object recognition technology help solve wheat disease?

A University of Illinois project uses AI-powered object recognition to quantify kernel damage in wheat, enabling faster disease analysis and improved resistance. The technology has shown promising results, with potential for an online portal to automate scoring and support breeders in their efforts to eliminate fusarium head blight.

Wheat’s ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered

Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Mixture of crops provide ecological benefits for agricultural landscapes

A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated the effect of mixing wheat and faba beans on pollinating insects. They found that areas with mixed crops were visited equally often by foraging bees as those with single crops. The findings suggest that this mixture may counteract pollinator decline.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Beans IN toast could revolutionise British diet

Researchers at the University of Reading are working on a £2 million project to increase UK-grown faba beans in bread, improving nutritional quality and sustainability. The 'Raising the Pulse' project aims to encourage farmers to switch wheat-producing land to faba bean for human consumption.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutrition Bulletin·DateJan 20, 2023

Harmful fungal toxins in wheat: a growing threat

A new study found that nearly half of wheat crops in Europe are contaminated with harmful fungal toxins, including DON, which can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems. The researchers estimate that 75-million tonnes of wheat exceeded the limit allowed for human consumption between 2010 and 2019, resulting in a loss of aro...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Food·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 15, 2022

Increasing crop yields by breeding plants to cooperate

A simple breeding experiment identified genes that promote cooperation and higher yields in plant populations. Plants with specific alleles were found to produce 15% more biomass when grown in close proximity, while reducing root competition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

New genetic variation from old and exotic varieties for environmentally friendly wheat cultivation

Researchers discovered a new genetic variation in old wheat varieties that enhances yield potential and resistance to yellow rust, potentially replacing current elite varieties. The findings also reveal possible new gene variants for resistance to yellow rust infestation, paving the way for more sustainable farming practices.

A study from the University of Exeter reveals a master regulator controlling fungal infection of wheat

The University of Exeter team identified a 'master regulator' that controls the formation of invasive hyphae in the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. This discovery provides a crucial target for developing new control strategies against Septoria tritici blotch, a destructive fungal disease affecting wheat yields worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022