Biobased mulch spray curbs weeds in vegetable crops
Biobased sprayable mulch (BSM) films are a potential alternative to herbicides, polyethylene plastic mulch film, and hand weeding for specialty crops. Researchers at the American Society for Horticultural Science have developed a series of BSM films.....»»
Toyota curbs DEI policy after activist attack over LGBTQ support
Toyota Motor Corp. will refocus DEI programs and halt sponsorship of LGBTQ events......»»
Genetic database shows some fungal crops became completely reliant on ants 27 million years ago
When humans began farming crops thousands of years ago, agriculture had already been around for millions of years. In fact, several animal lineages have been growing their own food since long before humans evolved as a species......»»
Study reveals invasive Apple Snail could spread further in Africa
New research reveals that the invasive Apple Snail—which threatens rice crops—could spread further in Africa. The study is published in the journal CABI Agriculture and Bioscience......»»
Armyworms are invading North Texas: What are they?
They slither across lawns and pastures in a sort of formation, chewing grass, plants and even weeds. Only an inch or inch-and-a-half long, the caterpillars do not look particularly destructive......»»
Can music help plants grow? Study suggests sound may boost plant-promoting fungus
Playing a monotonous sound stimulates the activity of a fungus that promotes plant growth, according to a study released on Wednesday, raising the possibility that playing music could benefit crops and gardens......»»
New method achieves first-ever imaging of pathogens on lettuce leaves in real-time
As the global population surpasses 8 billion, the challenge of producing sufficient food becomes increasingly pressing. The Netherlands stands as the world's second-largest food exporter, efficiently cultivating a wide variety of crops. However, plan.....»»
Elucidating the mechanism of cell division during plant self-healing
When the stem of a plant is injured, the surrounding cells proliferate to repair and fuse the damaged tissue, eventually restoring function. This self-healing property is utilized in grafting techniques to propagate fruit and vegetable plants......»»
Team debunks research showing Facebook"s news-feed algorithm curbs election misinformation
An interdisciplinary team of researchers led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst have published work in the journal Science calling into question the conclusions of a widely reported study—published in Science in 2023—finding the social pl.....»»
Injecting manure into growing cover crops can cut pollution, support corn crops
Nitrogen in the soil, where plants can readily utilize it, benefits crop growth and health. However, nitrogen leaving the soil—whether through leaching into the groundwater table, flowing with surface runoff into streams or escaping into the air as.....»»
Researchers explore environmental impacts of genetically modified crops
Genetically modified (GM) crops are widely used around the world, but their effects on the environment need to be better understood......»»
Study shows treed borders around crops provide a base for pollinating, pest-eating hoverflies
Planting and maintaining a border of trees around agricultural fields will help a family of flies that, in turn, is important to crops, according to a recent University of Alberta study......»»
Increasing protein in staple crops could help alleviate global protein shortage
A Mississippi State biologist's research in improving global nutrition and sustainability is featured this week in New Phytologist......»»
Human urine could be used as eco-friendly crop fertilizer: Study
Bacterial communities in soil are as resilient to human urine as synthetic fertilizers—making recycling the bodily fluid as a fertilizer for agricultural crops a viable proposition, according to a new study......»»
Colombia"s Inirida flower: from "weed" to emblem for UN meeting
When Ruben Dario Carianil began cultivating the unusual, pointy Inirida flower in the Colombian Amazon ten years ago, his relatives made fun of him for growing "weeds.".....»»
Homeopathic company refuses to recall life-threatening nasal spray, FDA says
Consumers should stop using SnoreStop, FDA says. Enlarge (credit: Getty | Florian Gaertner) The maker of a homeopathic nasal spray with a history of contamination is refusing to recall its product after the Food and Drug.....»»
How plants keep viruses from passing to their progeny
Scientists have learned how plants keep viruses from being passed to their offspring, a finding that could ensure healthier crops. The discovery could also help reduce the transmission of diseases from mothers to human children......»»
Greenhouse gains: Cucumbers genetic upgrade through innovative pollen tech
Genetic modification in horticultural crops, particularly within the Cucurbitaceae family, is often hindered by complex tissue culture requirements and environmental pressures such as climate change. Traditional transformation techniques, like Agroba.....»»
An unexpected protein connection in maize growth and defense could enhance crop resilience
Maize (corn) is one of the most important staple crops in the world and has been extensively studied. Yet, many aspects of the genetic mechanisms regulating its growth and development remain unexplored......»»
Fungi to the rescue: South African scientists use innovative approach to protect apple trees
Gardeners the world over dread the appearance of aphids on their plants. There are around 4,000 species of these sap-sucking insects and about 250 are pests that can wreak havoc on crops in a garden or orchard......»»
Scientists discover nonstomatal control of water loss in critical crops
Scientists have discovered that certain plants can survive stressful, dry conditions by controlling water loss through their leaves without relying on their usual mechanism—tiny pores known as stomata......»»