Articles tagged with Wheat
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
A recent letter to Science warns that a drastic reduction of Swedish wolf population could exacerbate inbreeding and genetic erosion. The authors advocate for increasing population size and securing connectivity with neighboring populations to improve conservation.
A new study published in Nature Food finds that ploughing and tilling soil on slopes is causing farm soils to thin, threatening future crop yields. The researchers predict significant declines in wheat and maize yields over the next 50 years if farmers continue to till hill slopes.
A new study highlights how global wheat trade affects food security, showing that a disruption in a few key countries can have far-reaching impacts. The research emphasizes the need for regionalized food systems to counter shortfalls and perturbations in the larger globalized food system.
A new wiring diagram illustrates complex interactions between wheat traits to inform breeding decisions and future research. The tool shows connections among traits that may not have been apparent, serving as a decision support tool for crop scientists.
A recent study reveals that climate change has driven shifts in European grain production, with Eastern Europe taking on a greater role. The shift is attributed to technological advancements and global climate change, which have increased crop yields in the region.
The oat genome has been fully sequenced, revealing key genes responsible for its health-promoting properties, including beta-glucans that reduce cholesterol and alleviate metabolic diseases. This breakthrough enables targeted breeding for more nutritious and sustainable oats.
A team of international researchers has identified a genetic driver that improves yield traits in wheat while increasing protein content by up to 25 per cent. This discovery has the potential to generate new wheat varieties with higher quality grain.
A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of traditional farmer crop varieties are already represented in genebanks, but conservation gaps persist for key crops like pearl millet and potatoes. The analysis highlights areas with high diversity in landraces, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have identified a stem rust resistance gene in Aegilops sharonensis and transferred it to common wheat. The new transgenic wheat lines show high levels of resistance to the stem rust pathogen, providing hope for mitigating the devastating effects of climate change.
Vertical farming enables crops to be grown in vertically stacked layers, conserving land and allowing for multiple harvests per year. This method can significantly reduce water requirements and chemical crop protection, while increasing yields through optimal growth conditions and technologies.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Research finds that declining snowpack due to climate change poses significant risks for winter wheat crops, increasing exposure to freeze and agricultural drought. The study's findings highlight the need for improved representation of snow processes in crop models to better understand climate change effects.
A team of researchers identified a stem rust resistance gene from wild goat grass species Aegilops sharonensis, which can be cross-bred into wheat for immunity against deadly crop pathogens. The genetic potential of this hardy relative has been largely unexplored and holds promise for reducing the threat of the stem rust disease.
Researchers have identified a key gene that confers stripe rust resistance in bread wheat, providing hope for improving crop yields and ensuring global food security. The discovery was made possible by the assembly of the highest-quality genome to date for bread wheat using advanced DNA sequencing techniques.
Researchers at Colorado State University are developing an RNA-based method for controlling herbicide-resistant weeds using gene-silencing technology. The goal is to create a non-genetically modified, shelf-stable spray that targets specific strands of RNA in weed cells, leaving crops untouched.
The Texas A&M AgriLife team will develop a data management system to process, analyze and deliver high-throughput phenotyping data gathered by drones and sensors. This centralized hub will enhance understanding of growth dynamics and genotype x environment interactions for wheat breeders.
Researchers develop a new wheat mutant with broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance, without growth or yield defects. They achieve this through multiplex genome editing, identifying the role of TaTMT3B in alleviating growth penalties associated with MLO disruption.
Scientists from Nagoya University investigate the formation of air channels in wetland plants, which help them survive floods and droughts. The study reveals that a phytohormone called auxin is required for normal root growth, and two factors lead to the induction of aerenchyma formation in response to flooding.
A study improved the pDSSAT model to analyze spatiotemporal patterns of winter wheat phenology and its drivers in China from 2000 to 2015. The results showed significant enhancements in simulation accuracy, particularly for anthesis and maturity dates.
Scientists have discovered a novel way to combine two species of grass-like plants using embryonic tissue from their seeds, offering disease resistance and stress tolerance. The breakthrough technique allows for the addition of beneficial traits to monocotyledonous crops without genetic modification or lengthy breeding programmes.
A Mediterranean region study predicts increased crop water demands due to worsening climate conditions, affecting staple crops like maize and wheat. The findings highlight the need for precision agriculture and water management strategies to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.
A NASA/PIK study found that new climate conditions will push crop yields outside of their normal range in more regions, particularly in breadbasket areas. This could lead to severe losses for farmers unless they adapt quickly by changing planting dates or using different crop varieties.
Researchers sequenced DNA from 242 accessions of Aegilops tauschii, a wild relative of bread wheat, and discovered a distinct lineage that contributed to the modern wheat genome. This ancient contribution has provided valuable genetic diversity for improving disease resistance, yield, and environmental resilience in modern wheat.
Researchers found that eating high-fibre whole grain rye products resulted in greater weight loss and body fat reduction compared to refined wheat alternatives. The study, involving 242 participants, suggests that rye's unique fibre content may contribute to its weight-loss benefits.
A new report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) suggests that accelerated adaptation can substantially reduce Egypt’s food production losses from climate change. Climate change-induced biophysical crop stress could lead to a 10% reduction in food crop yields by 2050, but investing in agricultural research and devel...
A new study introduces a wild-grass chromosome segment that inhibits nitrification, reducing fertilizer use and nitrous oxide emissions in wheat crops. The technology has the potential to increase yields and grain quality in both well-fertilized and nitrogen-poor soils.
Researchers developed a 'site-specific' strategy to improve cereal yields in Nepalese smallholder farms, outperforming traditional generalized approaches. The Nutrient Expert system uses machine learning to identify crop-specific nutrient requirements, optimizing yield and resource efficiency.
A new recipe combining chickpea flour and psyllium has resulted in a more nutritious and acceptable gluten-free bread. The product contains high amounts of fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and has been rated highly by consumers in qualitative surveys.
A team of researchers from IPK used large-scale data to develop predictive models for yield stability in hybrid varieties of wheat. By analyzing over 13,000 genotypes and 125,000 yield plots, they were able to double the accuracy of their predictions.
Researchers at Kanazawa University found that nicotinamide can activate plant immune systems, preventing or reducing fungal disease in wheat plants. The substance also increases the production of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds.
A new R-Gene Atlas would help identify genetic solutions to disease resistance in commercial wheat varieties, reducing global food security risks. The proposed platform would enable breeders to design gene stacks using computer modeling before starting breeding in the field, with a potential cost of £41 million.
A team of plant pathologists found a protein that naturally enhances wheat resistance to head scab, reducing mycotoxin production. The discovery opens new research avenues and highlights the need to better understand reactive oxygen species connection to disease.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre identified a key gene controlling grain elongation and glume characteristics in Polish wheat, which could lead to improved productivity and sustainability in wheat production. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding genetic control of agronomic traits for major crops like wheat.
Researchers from the University of Córdoba found that foliar application is an efficient strategy to increase zinc content in plants by up to 50%. This method was more effective than soil application and can be beneficial for growers in developing countries where diets are limited to vegetable products grown in low-nutrient soils.
Research reveals that root-dwelling bacteria can enhance plant heat tolerance, with SA187 showing promising results in lab and field tests. The bacteria trigger the plant's defense system by producing metabolites that prime its heat-resistance genes for action.
The University of Maryland has co-published the first full reference genome sequence for rye in Nature Genetics. This valuable resource will help improve grain yield, disease resistance, and temperature tolerance to increase climate resilience in grain crops.
Researchers studied the co-evolutionary relationship between wheat stripe rust fungus and its hosts, identifying evolutionarily conserved genes in barberry suggesting an earlier interaction. The work provides insights into the roles of barberry in wheat rust disease and sustainable control strategies.
Rye's complex genome has been fully sequenced, revealing a diverse wild gene pool that holds promise for breeding. The research team hopes to transfer beneficial traits from rye to wheat without affecting baking properties.
Researchers found that environmental conditions and agronomic factors influence seed production and shattering patterns in four major weeds of the Pacific Northwest. Feral rye showed the greatest potential for harvest-time control due to slower shattering rates, while rattail fescue was a poor candidate.
Scientists have identified a gene responsible for varying cereal spike forms, offering a possible solution to increasing grain yields. The research focuses on the INT-M/DUB1 gene's ability to regulate meristem activity and determine lateral spikelet formation.
A 13-year analysis of wheat rust outbreaks in Ethiopia reveals long-term trends and hotspots, potentially leading to improved surveillance and control efforts. The study found a 'boom-and-bust' outbreak cycle due to genetic resistance breakdowns, emphasizing the importance of sustained pest management for food security.
Researchers are using plant breeding and genetic engineering to develop less allergenic varieties of wheat and peanuts. They focus on reducing gluten content in wheat and one specific protein that regulates gluten production, aiming to increase food options for people with allergies.
Researchers found that two types of fungi can effectively reduce aphid infestations by increasing plant defenses, leading to fewer aphids and less damage to crops. The fungi work by establishing themselves in plant roots and tissues, causing plants to produce more natural defense substances.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have created a new, sustainable material by using wheat straw to manufacture polyurethane foams. The resulting foam exhibits desirable parameters, including high biodegradability and comparable performance to traditional materials.
A new study finds the Sr22 gene is conserved among grasses in the Triticeae and Poeae lineages, with significant expansion in barley and oat lineages. The research provides valuable insights into plant disease resistance gene function and evolution, potentially improving crop resilience to agriculturally important diseases.
Researchers at John Innes Centre develop a haplotype-led approach to improve wheat breeding precision. They identified three novel haplotypes associated with improved productivity traits in UK environments, which could be targeted for yield improvement in elite cultivars.
Researchers have sequenced multiple wheat and barley genomes, revealing hidden genetic variation that can be used to breed more productive and resilient crop varieties. The project aims to increase global wheat production by over 50% by 2050 to meet future food demands.
The study's results provide key insights into the genetic factors behind wheat's adaptability and diversity. The researchers found that chromosome fragments from wild grasses were cross-hybridized with wheat, leading to differences in immune receptors and enabling the crop to adapt to regional climate conditions.
Kansas State University researchers and international partners have completed the genome sequencing of 15 wheat varieties, representing breeding programs worldwide. This valuable resource will improve global wheat production by unlocking genetic potential for disease resistance and quality improvement.
Researchers at the University of York have created a new modified wheat variety that produces grains up to 12% bigger than conventional varieties without decreasing grain numbers. This breakthrough could help meet the increasing global food demand, especially considering the need for a 50% increase in production by 2030.
A USask-led international team has sequenced the genomes of 15 wheat varieties representing breeding programs worldwide, enabling scientists to quickly identify influential genes. The results provide a comprehensive atlas of wheat genome sequences, which will accelerate breeding efficiency and meet future food demands.
Researchers found that culinary traditions, such as boiling or steaming grains, influenced the adoption of novel crops like wheat and barley in central China. The north-south dietary distinction emerged around 8,000 years ago, with millet being a staple grain in the north and rice and other foods in the south.
Agricultural scientists at the University of Adelaide have identified a potential new tool for screening cereal crops for frost damage using terahertz imaging technology. The non-destructive method was found to successfully screen barley plants for frost damage, with individual grain positions along the spike also detectable.
A Cornell University scientist is leading a multi-institution team to develop value-added grains for staple foods, benefiting both humans and organic vegetable growers. Key findings include the development of new small grain varieties with improved nutritional quality and the creation of a supply chain for specialty markets.
Scientists combine farmers' knowledge of resilient crops with elite varieties identified by scientists to improve crop yields and adaptability. Traditional varieties have shown better performance in Ethiopian trials, outperforming elite ones.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan found breadfruit protein is easier to digest than wheat, promoting healthy growth rates and body composition in mice. The study supports the use of breadfruit as part of a balanced diet due to its gluten-free, low glycemic index and nutrient-dense profile.
A new study has identified 37 genes, including 10 new ones, that show resistance to stripe rust in spring wheat varieties. This discovery could lead to the development of more resistant varieties, reducing chemical application and damage to crops.
A massive-scale genotyping and diversity analysis of wheat has identified untapped valuable variation for breeding high-yielding, resilient and nutritious varieties. The study found that relatively little of the genetic diversity available in landraces has been used in modern breeding.
Researchers tested using wild crop relatives in breeding programs to improve crop resilience. The results showed that these relatives provided increased resistance to heat, drought, and some diseases, making them a promising approach to address climate change adaptation. However, breeders must also consider the potential impact on indu...