Shrub willow as a bioenergy crop
Renewable energy demand and consumption is at an all-time high in the United States......»»
Genetic mechanism unlocks a key secret behind disease infection in crops
Researchers have unraveled a key genetic mechanism behind the way pathogens infect crops, leading to new strategies for breeding resistant crop varieties against other pathogens carrying the same genetic mechanism......»»
Microplastic-free carrier system for pesticides shows potential for sustainable agriculture
Researchers from the University of Twente (Netherlands) and Bayreuth (Germany) have developed microplastic-free encapsulation for crop protection agents. They recently published their findings in Advanced Materials.....»»
Field study finds using biodiversity instead of pesticides can reduce crop damage from herbivores
Pesticides aren't always necessary. Researchers at the University of Zurich have conducted a comprehensive field study showing that damage from herbivores can be reduced by using biodiversity within a plant species. Different plant genotypes can coop.....»»
New research uncovers how climate and soil shape tree and shrub wood density across ecosystems
An article published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences has provided new insights into how wood density in trees and shrubs adapts to different climate and soil conditions. Led by Dr. Song Xiang from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chine.....»»
Microbial biofertilizers and algae-based biostimulants found to boost tomato crop yield and quality
A team of researchers in Italy have shown that use of microbial biofertilizers and algae-based biostimulants can significantly enhance both the yield and quality of organic tomatoes. Published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, th.....»»
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.....»»
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......»»
Plant pathogen battle: A tomato protein"s dual role in defense and susceptibility
Tomatoes, a staple crop worldwide, are increasingly threatened by biotic stressors such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria, with the effects worsening under climate change. These challenges lead to reduced yields and compromised nutritional quality, hig.....»»
Scientists seek a balance between crop production and protecting the environment
Scientists at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory (NPARL), in Sidney, Montana, completed a study that shows the use of continuous cropping systems can better sustain crop yields while reduc.....»»
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......»»
Rapid diagnostics tool deployed to monitor wheat rust in Nepal
The recent discovery of the Ug99 wheat stem rust strain in Nepal, published in the Plant Disease journal, has once again emphasized the need for vigilance to protect Nepal's third most important food crop from any large-scale outbreaks of this devast.....»»
Vietnam farmers lose their blooms as floods claim crops
Vietnamese farmer Do Hong Yen estimates she lost tens of thousands of dollars when her valuable peach blossom crop was swamped by muddy waters in Hanoi's worst flooding in two decades......»»
The legacy of corn nitrogen fertilizer: Study shows lengthy impact in tile drained systems
Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn't the only thing flowing through tile drains. Nitrogen moves along with soil water.....»»
Corn-shaped seed pellets to boost habitat for monarchs, bees
Crop fields are low in biodiversity, but farmers may soon be part of the solution thanks to a Cornell innovation that allows growers to use corn or other crop seed planting machines to plant strips of milkweed or wildflowers next to their fields......»»
Century-old experiment secures beer and whiskey"s future
Thanks to an experiment started before the Great Depression, researchers have pinpointed the genes behind the remarkable adaptability of barley, a key ingredient in beer and whiskey. These insights could ensure the crop's continued survival amidst ra.....»»
Breadfruit Is Here to Save the World
This calorie-rich, nutrient-dense, and climate-resilient crop has the power to step in for more common staples that can’t handle global warming......»»
A roadmap for using viruses to enhance crop performance
Humans, livestock and companion animals benefit from virus-based vaccines and gene therapies, but crops do not. This paradox is highlighted by an international research group led by the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Plants (IBMCP) wi.....»»
Strawberry disease could threaten Hampton Roads" spring harvest
In a few weeks, strawberry growers in southeast Virginia will plant their crop to be harvested in May. But many are concerned about a disease that could drastically reduce next year's yield......»»
Research team designs efficient bioenergy crops that need less water to grow
Drought stress has long been a limiting factor for crop production around the world, a challenge exacerbated by climate change......»»
Replacement crop treatment not safe for important pollinator, experts say
A novel pesticide thought to be a potential successor to banned neonicotinoids caused 100% mortality in mason bees in a recent test. The novel pesticide, flupyradifurone, is thought to pose less risk to pollinators and, consequently, has been license.....»»