Articles tagged with Wheat
A new mathematical formula developed by Professor Grant Campbell could lead to increased yields of nutritious flour. By understanding the breakage characteristics of hard and soft wheats, plant breeders may be able to cross-breed new wheat strains with improved flour quality.
Researchers argue that ancient grains like einkorn, emmer, and spelt can be reintroduced to modern markets by creating 'farm to fork' supply chains. These varieties offer unique nutritional profiles and taste experiences, making them attractive to consumers seeking healthier ingredients.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that maize is more vulnerable to drought than previously thought, with a 39.3% yield reduction at 40% water reduction compared to wheat's 20.6%. Maize sensitivity varies by region and soil texture, but overall findings can inform model interactions, productivity gains, and irrigation scheduling.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable seed coating that functions like nature's defense system, protecting plant seeds from insects without impairing germination. The coating has been shown to be effective against various cereal pests, including mealworms and beetles, but not against wheat weevils.
A NASA study finds that elevated carbon dioxide concentrations can increase crop yields by boosting photosynthesis and reducing transpiration, but this effect varies regionally. Some crops like wheat and rice benefit from higher CO2 levels, while others like maize may experience yield losses.
Scientists have developed a new gene-detecting technology that accurately pinpoints the location of disease resistance genes in large plant genomes. This has reduced the time it takes to clone these genes in wheat from five years to just two, enabling the creation of elite varieties with durable resistance to disease.
A team of scientists from the UK and Bangladesh is making genetic data for the wheat blast pathogen publicly available in an effort to address the growing threat. The researchers hope that by sharing their findings, they can develop effective measures to manage the disease and ensure food security.
A new study suggests that increased carbon dioxide levels could help mitigate the negative impacts of rising temperatures on crop yields, particularly in regions with suitable conditions. The research projects a 10% increase in average yields of certain crops, while water consumption would decrease by a corresponding amount.
A joint project by universities in Mainz and Hohenheim aims to find better-tolerated wheat varieties. The researchers are studying the causes of non-celiac-non-allergy wheat sensitivity (NCWS) and its connection to wheat proteins called alpha-amylase-trypsin inhibitors.
Scientists studied wheat evolution from wild to emmer and durum wheat, finding initial domestication reduced unsaturated fatty acids. Secondary domestication changed amino acid content, suggesting yield-related traits may have prioritized adaptation over nutrition.
The Cornell University-led project will develop heat-tolerant wheat strains using modern tools of comparative genomics and big data. The four-year grant aims to improve wheat resistance to stem and yellow rust, increasing global yields for smallholder farmers in vulnerable regions.
A study by Alison Franklin and her team at Pennsylvania State University found that treated wastewater from pharmaceutical and personal care products shows scant presence in wheat crops irrigated with the effluent. The researchers discovered that most compounds were present on the outer surfaces of plants, but only trace amounts were d...
The study confirms 13,000 previously mapped SNPs and newly maps 2,190 unique SNPs to improve drought tolerance, greenbug and wheat curl mite resistance. The research aims to develop high-yielding wheat varieties with improved resilience to stressors across different climates.
Researchers at Kansas State University have successfully identified a resistance gene called 2NS and developed diagnostic tools to detect the disease. The team is working on finding new sources of resistance to overcome the constantly evolving fungus.
A team of plant scientists has identified two superior forms of a naturally occurring enzyme known as Rubisco, which could improve photosynthesis and increase wheat yields by up to 20%. The researchers found variation in the enzyme's catalytic properties among closely related genotypes, including wild relatives of bread wheat.
Researchers have evaluated the potential of ancient grains in modern agriculture, finding that they require reduced fertilization to prevent lodging. While they contain high amounts of protein, the quality is lower than in modern crops. However, these grains can enrich biodiversity and offer premium products through traditional methods.
A recent study reveals that a fungus has developed a way to infect triticale by combining DNA from wheat and rye mildew variants, compromising its natural resistance. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding evolutionary mechanisms in plant diseases.
Researchers have mapped the wheat epigenome, identifying patterns of DNA methylation that regulate gene activity. This discovery could lead to improved crop breeding technologies and a better understanding of genetic variation in wheat.
Kansas State University researchers developed a method to test endosperm purity in flour, enabling millers to optimize equipment settings and meet baker specifications. The test helps exclude inferior flour streams from final products, improving the yield of high-quality wheat flour.
The Genome Analysis Centre has achieved a major milestone in wheat research by assembling the genome into larger and more complete chunks. This breakthrough, made possible by improved sequencing technology, will enable researchers to develop new insights into wheat genes and breeding programmes.
A new paper in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management provides a comprehensive overview of greenbug control methods for wheat and sorghum. Growers can use the Glance n' Go system to monitor fields and determine when pesticides are necessary, reducing unnecessary treatments and costs.
A gene, Lr67, has been identified to prevent important wheat diseases such as rust and powdery mildew. The discovery holds potential to save over $1.5 billion annually in Australian wheat production.
The project aims to enhance wheat crop yields by understanding the genetic basis of more efficient photosynthesis. By combining diverse expertise and next-generation DNA sequencing, researchers will identify key genes responsible for improved crop performance.
Researchers identified key locations for sampling and managing insect and fungal problems along US and Australian rail routes. The analysis revealed that North Dakota, Illinois, Kansas, and Nebraska are critical hubs linking states together.
Researchers have identified three agronomically important genes in a wild wheat relative that can help breeders develop resistant varieties of wheat. The study provides a breakthrough in exploring wheat wild relatives for future crop improvement.
Researchers estimate that farmers in sub-Saharan Africa can obtain 20-30% of their potential yields with optimized management and resources. The Global Yield Gap and Water Productivity Atlas provides detailed information for major crops in countries such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and others.
A new report by the University of Minnesota-led team reveals that stripe rust poses a significant threat to the world's wheat supply due to inconsistent funding for research. The disease has expanded its range, affecting 26 states in the US and threatening 88% of global wheat production.
The discovery of the VRN-D4 gene and its three counterpart genes is crucial for understanding vernalization and developing wheat varieties adapted to different regions or changing environments. The study also shows how ancient wheat from Pakistan and India influenced the spring growth habit in some wheat varieties.
A new study led by King's College London found that preserving the natural structure of dietary fibre during food production can help slow blood sugar levels after a meal. This could lead to the development of 'diabetic-friendly' foods with slower energy release and prolonged fullness.
Researchers discovered the VRN-D4 gene, found in South Asian wheat lines, plays a crucial role in adaptation to regional climate and environment. This finding could help breeders design more resilient wheat varieties, reducing crop loss due to changing environments.
Scientists at Australian National University discovered three previously undiscovered fungi causing the disease, which affects Southern Queensland and South Australia's wheat crops. The finding provides growers with confidence in managing the disease, crucial for a $6 billion industry.
Researchers identified the earliest example of small-scale cultivation in the world at a 23,000-year-old site in the Galilee. The team found evidence of repeated sowing and harvesting of domesticated cereals, including wheat and barley, as well as proto-weeds that grew alongside them.
Scientists found that wheat pathogen causing yellow rust epidemics in Europe originated in the center of diversity in the Himalayan region. This can lead to significant impact on wheat production, especially organic farming in Denmark. Resistant crop varieties are crucial for disease management.
Researchers at Yamagata University have developed a high-quality rice flour that can overcome issues associated with previous rice flours. The new flour's improved properties enable better dough formation, increased elasticity, and more consistent texture, making it suitable for those with wheat intolerance.
Researchers found that commodity price bubbles were short-lived and not as frequent as thought. Bubbles in the grain markets occurred more often during periods of production problems rather than speculative activity. The study's findings suggest that the commodity market is doing a good job of accessing prices, with only minor hiccups.
In June, nearly three-quarters of all fires in the North China Plain occur, fueled by wheat residue burning. The practice, though prohibited, remains common due to its cost-effectiveness in clearing fields and fertilizing soil.
A devastating crop disease called Septoria tritici blotch is threatening European wheat production. The UK government has launched an international research initiative to understand the disease and develop sustainable control mechanisms.
Climate change led to the collapse of an ancient civilization on the Tibetan Plateau, researchers found. The shift from millet to wheat and barley agriculture was crucial for survival in the region's high altitudes.
A novel online tool, PolyMarker, has been developed to automate primer design for multiple genome species, significantly reducing turnaround time. This innovation enables the identification of genetic markers associated with desirable traits in crops, such as high yield or disease resistance.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a new mastrevirus, SgMaV-1, infecting switchgrass in North America. The virus is closely related to known pathogens in Australia and may be transmitted by leafhoppers, posing risks to staple food crops like corn and wheat.
A novel form of near infrared spectroscopy, known as NIR hyperspectral imaging (HSI), has been developed to detect peanut contamination in powdered foodstuffs. The technique produces images with spectral data at each pixel, allowing it to detect trace levels of peanut over a large area.
Scientists at Kansas State University have developed a haplotype map of wheat that provides a detailed description of genetic differences in worldwide wheat lines. This study enables the precise mapping of genes and increases the selection of best lines for breeding, leading to faster release times for new varieties.
A team of scientists successfully transferred a receptor gene from Arabidopsis to wheat, demonstrating that the signalling pathways are conserved between monocots and dicots. The resulting gene confers durable resistance to bacterial diseases, with potential applications in breeding wheat for improved disease resistance.
Researchers found that boiling pasta releases some gluten proteins, while others persist throughout cooking and digestion. This discovery could lead to new strategies for managing wheat allergies and celiac disease.
A Dartmouth-led team has identified the GIGANTEA gene as a key factor in enhancing crop plant resilience to harsh conditions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of hardier crops with improved yield, addressing global food security challenges.
Researchers sequenced Hessian fly genome, discovering rapidly evolving genes that hijack plant biochemistry. The study sheds light on the insect's ability to create growth-stunting galls in wheat by mimicking normal proteins in plant cells.
A new surveillance technique has revealed a diverse population of wheat rust fungus in the UK, with some strains being more aggressive and virulent than others. The findings highlight the threat posed to global food security due to climate change and increased globalization.
A recent study finds that climate change will lead to a significant decrease in wheat production, with yields projected to drop by 6% for each degree Celsius temperature rise. The resulting loss of nearly one-quarter of current wheat production could severely impact global food supplies.
Researchers at Durham University have found a genetic mechanism that could stop the spread of Septoria leaf blotch (STB) disease, caused by a fungus threatening wheat yields. By manipulating TaR1 protein levels in wheat, they demonstrated earlier activation of plant defenses, potentially allowing for more effective control of the disease.
Researchers have identified specialized cell walls in disease-resistant wheat varieties that could help produce stronger durum wheat for improved pasta production. The study found a new gene, WheatPME1, that can change the chemical structure of pectin, a key component of plant cell walls.
A new UF/IFAS study reveals that warming temperatures could lead to a decline in wheat production, with crop losses estimated at one fourth of the annual global wheat trade. The research used computer models to predict the impact of temperature increases on wheat yield and found that warmer temperatures are already slowing yield gains.
Weed control in conventional farming methods has a negative impact on the environment. Research from the University of Copenhagen reveals that crops like corn, grains, and beans can suppress weed growth when sown in tighter grid patterns. This results in up to 72% reduction in weed biomass and a 45% increase in grain yields.
Researchers found a storage rate discrepancy that caused the cash and futures prices to diverge. The storage rate was set too low, resulting in a $2 difference between the two prices.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that the immune systems of patients with celiac disease react to specific types of non-gluten protein in wheat. A group of molecules known as serpins, along with four other types of wheat protein, are identified as novel non-gluten immunogenic proteins.
Kansas State University professors C. Michael Smith and Christopher Sorensen were selected as AAAS fellows for their pioneering contributions to entomology and soft matter physics, respectively. Their research has been recognized for advancing science, education, and outreach.
Researchers at Washington State University identified summer fallow management practices that can help farmers conserve soil, prevent sky-darkening dust storms, and improve air quality. Undercutter-tillage or no-till fallow systems were found to be the most effective options for reducing wind erosion in the Horse Heaven Hills region.
The Arab Food Security Project aims to improve domestic productivity by investing in agricultural research, resulting in a 28% increase in wheat yield across 10 countries. The initiative will work towards reducing dependence on food imports and promoting better rural livelihoods through knowledge sharing and improved technologies.
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that wheat can be used as an alternative energy source for beef cattle, with optimal feeding levels determined to be above 50%, and increasing monensin supplementation improving feed efficiency, while proper grain processing is necessary.
Scientists at SUNY-ESF have successfully created blight-resistant American chestnut trees through genetic engineering, powered by a single gene from wheat. The trees, which can co-exist with the invasive fungus that devastated the species, are being prepared for potential reforestation efforts.
Scientists discover that people with celiac disease also react to non-gluten wheat proteins, which could lead to improved understanding and treatments of the disease. The study identifies five groups of non-gluten proteins causing immune reactions in patients, suggesting a broader range of potential triggers.