Breeding a better chickpea
Chickpeas are an important crop and food in India. They are used almost every day in meals and snacks. India is the largest producer, consumer, and importer of chickpeas. And with good reason—they are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins and minera.....»»
Wearable sensors for advanced plant phenotyping
In response to increasing global food demands, improving crop yields through efficient phenotyping is imperative. Optical imaging-based phenotyping has markedly progressed plant breeding and crop management, yet encounters limitations in spatial reso.....»»
Research reveals the secret sites where America"s migrating songbirds stop to rest and refuel
Every year, billions of birds migrate thousands of miles from their summer breeding ranges to their warmer wintering ranges and back. However, the question of where these birds stop to rest and refuel along the way has long stumped ornithologists......»»
Singapore bids farewell to China-bound panda cub
Singaporeans bid farewell to a two-year-old panda cub on Wednesday as authorities prepared to send him to China where he will join the country's breeding program......»»
Avian supergene study explores the evolutionary paradox behind the unusual mating strategies of the ruff
In the colorful world of avian courtship, the ruff (Calidris pugnax) is in a league of its own. Breeding in marshes and wet meadows across Eurasia, the males of this medium-sized sandpiper species are well-known for their distinctive mating strategie.....»»
Securing the global food supply despite EU regulations
Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have compiled information to help political decision-makers better understand the individual options for a new EU-wide regulation of breeding technologies. The aim is to ensure the success of food producers i.....»»
Why purple-crowned fairy-wrens engage in cooperative breeding
A team of biologists at Monash University, working with a colleague from Wageningen University, has found an explanation for why purple-crowned fairy wrens engage in cooperative breeding. In their paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Sci.....»»
Revolutionizing kiwifruit cultivation: Cutting-edge breeding strategies for Actinidia
While major advances have been made through speed breeding and other technologies, woody perennial fruit tree species have lagged behind. Among these is the kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis), a crucial fresh fruit crop, which has limited genetic divers.....»»
Researchers hunt for hard-to-spot genetic links to improve crop and livestock breeding
When a hurricane-like derecho knocked down corn plants across Iowa in August 2020, it was devastating for farmers. But it also presented a natural experiment for an Iowa State University research team, which fanned out across flattened fields in the.....»»
Study finds plant populations in Cologne are adapted to their urban environments
A research team from the Universities of Cologne and Potsdam and the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research has found that the regional lines of the thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), a small ruderal plant which populates the streets of Co.....»»
Insights for plant breeding: Arming wheat plants against climate stress with microorganisms
Agriculture in Europe is increasingly affected by extreme weather conditions that lead to crop losses. In 2018, the damage in Germany alone amounted to around 770 million euros. Making wheat plants more resilient to these stresses could make a signif.....»»
Pair-bonded Java sparrows show enlarged eye rings to signal breeding readiness
Birds are known for their elaborate courtship rituals and romantic gestures that are replete with beautiful songs, complex dances, gift-giving practices, preening, and flamboyant plumage. While changes in colorful external attributes during this peri.....»»
Researchers find promising locus for molecular design breeding in legumes
In cereal and legume crops, the size of the plant organs, particularly seeds, is closely related to final yield. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying organ size control in legumes are still poorly understood......»»
New study with video shows how female frogs defend themselves against unwanted mating
Among many species, breeding preferences and tactics can differ among males and females. When aggressive behavior by males toward unreceptive females goes awry, it may result in failure to reproduce, and in some cases, fatality for the females involv.....»»
Insights for crop breeding in the face of climate change
With the aid of innovative statistical methods, researchers explore the complex interplay between life cycle, environmental factors and genetic information using wheat as an example......»»
Stress wrecks male big brown bat fertility during breeding season
Even on a good day the environment can be wildly unpredictable, from unexpected gusts of wind to food scarcity, and as humans continue to edge out the natural world, the stress on wild populations is increasing......»»
Forest polyploid breeding group analyzes the genetic regulatory network of poplar leaf development
As an important source organ, leaves are the main site of photosynthesis in plants, and analyzing the developmental process of leaves can help to improve the photosynthetic assimilation capacity of plants......»»
New research to improve production of high oleic sunflower oil
Researchers from Skoltech, Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops, OilGene—a startup launched in Skoltech—and other organizations have found new markers that will accelerate the breeding of high oleic sunflowers and improve the pro.....»»
Migratory birds can be taught to adjust to climate change, study shows
One result of climate change is that spring is arriving earlier. However, migratory birds are not keeping up with these developments and arrive too late for the peak in food availability when it is time for breeding. By getting the birds to fly a lit.....»»
Fifty-year study reveals climate change and avian flu impact on UK seabirds
A scientist who has dedicated his life to studying seabirds has revealed how climate change has led to mass mortality events, altered breeding times and how the population is now being devastated by bird flu, in one of the world's longest running stu.....»»
The cloning of the first genic dominant male sterility gene in rice may revolutionize breeding processes
Male sterility in plants provides valuable breeding tools in germplasm innovation and hybrid crop production. However, genetic resources for dominant genic male sterility, which holds great promise to facilitate breeding processes, are extremely rare.....»»