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New research accurately predicts Australian wheat yield months before harvest

A new study published in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology successfully predicts Australian wheat yield two months before the crop matures using a combination of climate and satellite data. The researchers achieved an accuracy rate of approximately 75% in their predictions, outperforming traditional statistical methods.

Simultaneous heatwaves caused by anthropogenic climate change

A recent study by ETH researchers suggests that anthropogenic climate change is causing simultaneous heatwaves across the Northern Hemisphere, affecting key agricultural regions and densely populated areas. The study found that such large-scale heatwaves first appeared in 2010 and have since become more frequent and widespread.

Mini-tornadoes of spores illuminated during raindrop impact

A recent study published in PNAS revealed that raindrop impact can transport rust spores using tornado-like air vortices, enabling long-distance pathogen spread. This discovery has significant implications for preventing disease spread in wheat crops and may inform new strategies for managing disease.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

Boost for Australian grain industry

Researchers at La Trobe University and CSIRO found that early sowing of winter wheats can increase Australian wheat crop yields and global food security. The approach could add $1.8 billion to the national economy, with potential yield increases of 20%.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 25, 2019

European wheat lacks climate resilience

Researchers at Aarhus University found that current breeding programs for European wheat do not provide sufficient climate resilience. This lack of response diversity can lead to reduced yields, increased yield variability, and market volatility.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2018

New insights in rust resistance in wheat

Researchers from Aarhus University have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the mechanisms of yellow rust resistance in wheat. The study found that Yr15 gene produces defence responses early in infection, providing a crucial piece of information for developing disease-resistant varieties.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

Space-inspired speed breeding for crop improvement

Scientists at John Innes Centre and University of Queensland have improved space-inspired speed breeding technique to breed disease-resistant, climate-resilient crops. By using enhanced LED lighting and day-long regimes, they can grow six generations of wheat per year, compared to two generations using traditional breeding methods.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Protocols·DateNov 16, 2018

Wheat that pumps iron, naturally

Researchers successfully biofortified wheat to naturally increase its iron content, a process that could help address global iron deficiency. The breeding lines showed no significant decrease in grain yield, making it a promising solution for improving nutrition without compromising farmers' profits.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateOct 3, 2018

Global warming: More insects, eating more crops

Rising global temperatures will lead to increased pest pressure and crop losses, especially in temperate regions, with wheat, rice, and maize facing substantial declines. Crop losses are projected to rise by 10-25% per degree of warming, with the most severe impacts expected in countries like France and China.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2018

Epic genetic: the hidden story of wheat

The study reveals geographical patterns in epigenetic changes between 100 landraces of wheat, suggesting that these changes have arisen due to environmental conditions. This discovery provides breeders with a new tool to improve how plants respond to local conditions, enabling farmers to grow the best possible crop for their environment.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 22, 2018

Plant virus alters competition between aphid species

A plant virus manipulates aphid species to its advantage by increasing the nutrients in host plants, making it easier for aphids to feed. This allows late-arriving aphids to outcompete early arriving ones, leading to boosted reproductive success and increased spread of the virus.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2018

One giant leap for wheat

Scientists have produced the most comprehensive map of a wheat genome, paving the way for more resilient and nutritious varieties. The detailed findings describe over 94% of the Chinese Spring wheat genome, with benefits expected to boost wheat improvement over the next decades.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Previously grainy wheat genome comes into focus

The complete wheat genome is now sequenced, enabling researchers to identify genes controlling traits such as drought resistance and breed plants with higher nutritional quality. This breakthrough accelerates innovation in breeding resilient and disease-resistant crops to meet global demand for wheat.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

First step to lasting wheat health

Rothamsted Research has developed a new approach to protecting wheat crops from the devastating take-all root fungus, by carefully selecting the first wheat variety in a cropping cycle. This reduces the disease's severity and increases yields in subsequent crop varieties.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2018

Whether wheat weathers heat waves

Researchers created computer models to understand how wheat responds to heat stress, including timing, intensity, and duration. The models predict the impact of heat waves on wheat yields and grain size, providing valuable insights for farmers to mitigate losses.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 20, 2018

In China, traits related to traditional rice or wheat farming affect modern behavior

Researchers found interdependent behaviors in customers from rice-growing regions and individualistic behaviors in those from wheat-growing regions. Historical farming legacies play a significant role in shaping everyday behavior, contradicting the idea that wealthier cultures become more individualistic.

Study examines energy and nutrient digestibility in wheat co-products fed to growing pigs

Research from the University of Illinois found that wheat middlings and red dog, two co-product feed ingredients for livestock, have different nutrient compositions. Red dog showed higher energy and nutrient digestibility compared to wheat middlings due to its particle size and starch content.