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UrduWe have probably all seen a soybean plant, about 1 meter high with leaves and pods compactly arranged on a main stem with a few short side branches. The wild relative of the domesticated soybean is a long vine with pods widely distributed on many side branches. Plant breeding by farmers thousands of years ago is to thank for this dramatic change.
Tag: Agriculture
Discovery of a protein’s key role in RNA processes could improve disease treatment in humans and plants
Texas A&M AgriLife researchers uncovered a promising target for controlling gene expression and other cellular processes, which could lead to advancements in crop resilience and our understanding of certain human diseases.
Tackling farm nutrient pollution with sustainable, affordable designer biochar pellets
What if farmers could not only prevent excess phosphorus from polluting downstream waterways, but also recycle that nutrient as a slow-release fertilizer, all without spending a lot of money? In a first-of-its-kind field study, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers show it’s possible and economical.
Mesophyll conductance doubles in soybean domestication
RIPE researchers found that modern soybean plants have increased mesophyll conductance compared to ancestral soybean plants. Their work was recently published in Plant, Cell and Environment.
Thermal imaging may help fruits, veggies stay fresher longer
A recent University of Georgia review suggests new temperature measuring technologies could make that process much simpler, amid growing agricultural challenges fueled by fluctuating climates.
Blooming revelations: the complete carnation genome assembled
Carnations, prized for their diverse colors and long vase life, have had their genomes completely sequenced, marking a significant advancement in floral biology. This study offers detailed insights into the genetic underpinnings of this popular flower, crucial for guiding breeding programs aimed at enhancing its aesthetic and practical qualities. The comprehensive genome map provides a foundation for exploring the complex interplay between gene expression and the carnation’s rich phenotypic variation.
Green leaf volatiles: a natural ally in plant stress resistance
Scientists have identified a natural compound, (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate (HB), that can induce stomatal closure in plants, a defense mechanism to conserve water and protect against pathogens. This discovery could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing crop resilience to environmental stresses without the need for synthetic pesticides.
Gardens prevent pollinators from starving when farmland nectar is scarce, new study finds
Gardens offer a steady and reliable source of nectar all year round, helping to keep pollinators fed when farmland sources are limited, researchers have discovered.
New EPA compliance with Endangered Species Act to impact herbicide labels, farm decisions
In August, the EPA released the final Herbicide Strategy to identify and mitigate potential herbicide runoff/erosion/drift to avoid harming ESA-listed species. Updates to herbicide labels will require applicators to reference the EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two website to determine whether the fields are within listed…
Boron shortage: the silent inhibitor of tomato yield and quality
Boron, a crucial nutrient for plants, is essential for tomato growth and development. Yet, how tomatoes respond to boron deficiency has remained largely unclear. This study sheds light on the physiological and molecular changes tomatoes undergo when faced with boron scarcity. The findings reveal critical mechanisms that could lead to new strategies for boosting crop resilience and improving productivity in agriculture.
Red light, big impact: phytochromes in strawberry development unveiled
A new study has revealed how light regulates the growth and pigmentation of woodland strawberries. Researchers identified the FvePhyB gene, a red/far-red light photoreceptor, as a key player in controlling plant height and anthocyanin production. These findings could reshape strawberry farming by optimizing light conditions to improve crop quality and yield.
Unlocking the secrets of tomato photosynthesis with genetic editing
In the ongoing effort to enhance crop efficiency, researchers have uncovered key genetic components of photosynthesis in tomatoes. A new study highlights the PetM domain-containing protein, crucial for the electron transport chain in chloroplasts, and its role in plant growth under different light conditions. By knocking out the PetM gene, scientists observed significant effects on photosynthesis, providing fresh insights into how plants adapt to varying light environments. This discovery could pave the way for improving crop resilience and productivity.
Strawberry’s silent war: unveiling the early defense against gray mold
A pivotal study has illuminated how woodland strawberries launch rapid defense mechanisms against Botrytis cinerea, the fungus responsible for devastating gray mold. Using high-resolution RNA sequencing, researchers mapped the strawberry’s swift systemic response and the pathogen’s persistent gene activity during early infection stages. These findings are key to advancing strategies aimed at enhancing plant immunity, offering promising directions for safeguarding strawberry crops from this widespread disease.
Honey bees in demand: New contract strategies to support pollination services
As the world’s native bee populations are declining, crop production requiring pollinators increasingly relies on commercial pollination services. A study from the University of Illinois looks at pollination contracts between beekeepers and California almond growers, exploring clauses that make the agreements more appealing for both parties.
Multi-state center provides mental health support for farmers, agricultural workers
Agricultural producers and farm workers experience stressful working conditions that result in anxiety and depression at higher rates than the general population. At the same time, access to mental health care is often lacking in rural areas. In response, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded four regional farm and ranch stress assistance networks in 2019.
Study explores stress, social support, and mental health for men and women farmers
Agriculture is a stressful occupation, and farmers struggle with anxiety and depression at higher levels than the general population. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines differences in mental health challenges for men and women farmers, focusing on the role of social support in mitigating stress.
Cows and Solar Panels? In a New Jersey First, Project Melds Farming With Electricity Generation
Federal, state and university officials are inaugurating a research and demonstration project at Rutgers University-New Brunswick with the purpose of advancing a technology that could produce renewable energy while making farms more sustainable.
As Temperatures Rise, Researchers Identify Mechanisms Behind Plant Response to Warming
Plants widen microscopic pores on their leaves in response to heat. But scientists lacked an understanding of the mechanisms behind this “sweating” function. Now, biologists have unlocked the details behind these processes and identified two paths that plants use to handle rising temperatures.
New MSU research shows how some agriculture practices impact food safety, health
Agriculture is the world’s largest industry. It employs more than one billion people and generates over $1.3 trillion dollars’ worth of food annually, but some farm practices have serious negative impacts on the environment, which is why sustainable agricultural practices have been championed.
Climate-smart grazing: U. of I. study shows how weather mitigates nitrogen runoff
A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines the combined influence of grazing and climate on the outflow of nitrogen from pastures into water resources under different grazing schemes.
The pink ring phenomenon: key to tea plants’ disease resistance discovered
Scientists have discovered a novel defense mechanism in tea plants where the synthesis of anthocyanin-3-O-galactosides is triggered by infections, particularly anthracnose. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of the plant’s immune response and could lead to the development of more resilient tea varieties, offering a potential transformation in tea cultivation.
Greenhouse gains: cucumbers get a genetic upgrade through innovative pollen tech
Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in plant biotechnology by using a magnetofected pollen gene delivery system to genetically transform cucumbers. This cutting-edge method uses DNA-coated magnetic nanoparticles to introduce foreign genes into pollen, producing genetically modified seeds without the need for traditional tissue culture or regeneration steps. This technique significantly streamlines and accelerates crop genetic modification, opening up new avenues to boost agricultural productivity and resilience.
Central America could play troubling new role in cocaine trade
For many decades, the coca plant – the main ingredient in cocaine – has been grown almost exclusively in South America. But a new study shows that nearly half of northern Central America appears to be highly suitable for cultivating this lucrative cash crop.
Unlocking plant defense: bacterial hijacking exposed
A recent study has uncovered how the pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum disrupts plant defenses through its type III effector RipAF1. The research shows that RipAF1 modifies a critical plant protein, FBN1, via ADP-ribosylation, which alters the plant’s hormonal signaling balance, suppressing jasmonic acid (JA) and enhancing salicylic acid (SA) pathways.
UAlbany, Cornell Partner to Bring Advanced Weather Data to Farmers Across New York
A new partnership between the New York State Mesonet at the University at Albany and New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) at Cornell University is helping farmers and agricultural producers across the state optimize crop management.
Unlocking peach growth mysteries: a new gene analysis method
In a notable advancement, scientists have developed an efficient gene functional analysis method for peach seedlings, overcoming longstanding hurdles in genetic transformation. Utilizing a TRV-based vector system, this innovative approach induces high-frequency gene silencing across diverse plant tissues, enabling in-depth analysis of genes essential for growth and development. The streamlined process notably shortens the transformation and analysis timeline to just 1.5 months, accelerating advancements in horticultural research.
Double the DNA, double the oil: unraveling the impact of genome duplication on oil crops
Scientists have uncovered a crucial evolutionary mechanism that could revolutionize oil production in crops. The study reveals that whole genome duplications (WGDs) significantly boost oil content in oil crops, offering a strategic pathway to increase vegetable oil yields to meet rising global demand. This discovery promises to transform agricultural practices, ensuring a sustainable supply of this vital resource for both dietary and industrial use.
From wild relatives to super tomatoes: unearthing new genetic potential
Advancing the frontiers of agricultural genetics, a newly developed eight-way tomato Multiparental advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population serves as a rich genetic resource that unlocks diverse traits from wild tomato species.
Delivery of Luminescent Particles to Plants for Information Encoding and Storage
In the era of smart agriculture, the precise labeling and recording of growth information in plants pose challenges for modern agricultural production. This study introduces strontium aluminate particles based microneedles (MNs) patches as diverse luminescent labels for information encoding and storage during plant growth
Green gold: poplar’s genetic makeover for saline soils
Researchers have discovered that miR319a, a microRNA, significantly enhances poplar trees’ resilience to salt stress, potentially revolutionizing tree cultivation in saline environments. This discovery sheds light on how trees maintain essential ion balance under salty conditions, paving the way for developing salt-tolerant varieties.
Quantum dot-enabled infrared hyperspectral imaging with single-pixel detection
This study suggests single-pixel detection as a cost-effective alternative to expensive InGaAs focal plane arrays (FPAs) for near infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging.
Expert Available: USDA Releases Updated Guidelines to Strengthen Meat and Poultry Guidelines
GW study helped lead to USDA action; Experts available for comment …
Getting the stink out of smoke-tainted wine
Wildfires can damage crops, even if flames come nowhere near the plants. One outcome can be an unpleasant flavor and smell of wine that is made from grapes exposed to smoke. But researchers report in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that they have developed a way to lessen this smoke taint to improve the palatability of the wine.
Lychee’s dormant dance: genetic maestro LcSVP2 controls the rhythm of rest
A pioneering study has uncovered the genetic basis of dormancy in lychee trees, a tropical evergreen perennial. The research identifies LcSVP2 as a critical gene in the regulation of terminal bud dormancy.
AIC Chula Saraburi Expo 2024: International Food and Low Carbon in Agriculture and Livestock — Enhancing AIC Networks, Boosting Innovation
Agritech and Innovation Center (AIC), Chulalongkorn University, in Saraburi, with its network, organized the “AIC Chula Saraburi Expo 2024” on June 25-26, 2024, under the concept “International Food and Low Carbon in Agriculture and Livestock.” The event aimed to expand the target attendees to students and young people to create a network of agriculturalists, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and public and private organizations. The goal is to apply knowledge to create beneficial innovations for the advancement of the country.
New UAV-Compatible Fertilizers Enhance Rice Yield and Economic Efficiency for a Sustainable Future in Agriculture
A research team developed two types of granular compound fertilizers, Hcf-P and Hcf-G, specifically designed suitable for unmanned air vehicle (UAV) spraying.
The future of space food touches down at Ohio State
In space, fine dining can be an alien experience.
Breaking boundaries: the unexpected routes of minerals in crop growth
Imagine plants not just sipping nutrients dissolved in water, but actually munching on tiny mineral particles straight from the soil! This groundbreaking study sheds light on how wheat and lettuce aren’t just passive feeders—they actively grab, transport, and utilize solid minerals from their roots all the way to their shoots.
Illinois scientists to revamp corn breeding with focus on climate resilience
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is investing in University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research that could expedite the development of climate-resilient corn.
Why do plants wiggle? New study provides answers
Decades after his voyage on the HMS Beagle, Charles Darwin became fascinated by why plants move as they grow—spinning and twisting into corkscrews. Now, more than 150 years later, a new study may have solved the riddle.
Transforming satellite imagery: innovative fusion method for precision agriculture
Researchers have introduced StarFusion, a cutting-edge spatiotemporal fusion method that significantly improves the temporal resolution and fusion accuracy of high-resolution satellite imagery in agriculture. By fusing data from China’s Gaofen-1 and Europe’s Sentinel-2 satellites, StarFusion addresses the common problem of infrequent imaging due to long revisit periods and cloud cover interference from high-resolution satellites, which often hinders the effectiveness of high-resolution remote sensing in dynamic agricultural environments. By integrating deep learning with traditional regression models, the method enhances both spatial detail and temporal resolution, making it an invaluable tool for more effective crop monitoring and management.
The molecular shield: how tea plants combat drought through protein phosphorylation
A pivotal study has discovered a protein phosphorylation mechanism that plays a critical role in the negative regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in tea plants (Camellia sinensis) during drought stress.
Blueprint for blueberry improvement: genetic and epigenetic discoveries
Recent research has uncovered significant genetic and epigenetic variations in blueberry cultivars, particularly between northern highbush (NHB) and southern highbush (SHB) blueberries. The study highlights gene introgression’s role in SHB’s adaptation to subtropical climates and identifies key genes, such as VcTBL44, associated with fruit firmness.
Las investigaciones demuestran que la contaminación por pesticidas traspasa la cáscara de la manzana
Un grupo de investigadores que publican en la revista Nano Letters de ACS ha desarrollado un método de creación de imágenes de alta tecnología para detectar la contaminación por pesticidas en niveles inferiores, y su aplicación en la fruta revela que las prácticas actuales de seguridad alimentaria podrían ser insuficientes.
Researchers show pesticide contamination is more than apple skin deep
Researchers reporting in ACS’ Nano Letters have developed a high-tech imaging method to detect pesticide contamination at low levels, and its application on fruits reveals that current food safety practices may be insufficient.
FAU Lands $1.3M NSF Grant to Boost Dryland Soil Quality Amid Climate Stressors
Drylands, found across every continent, cover about 45% of the Earth’s land surface and support 38% of the human population. The NSF grant will enable scientists to enhance understanding of climate resistance of individual microbes and to improve microbial remediations to reduce soil degradation under climate change.
Chula hosted “The Second Chulalongkorn University President’s Distinguished Speakers” a Special Lecture on “Revolutionizing the Future: An Exclusive Talk with “Andrew Ng” on Opportunities and Business Preparedness” by the World’s Influential AI Exper
Chulalongkorn University together with the Technopreneurship and Innovation Program (CUTIP), Graduate School Chula presented “The Second Chulalongkorn University President’s Distinguished Speakers” on July 19, 2024, from 5:30pm – 9:00pm at the 20th floor of Chaloem Rajakumari 60 Building (Chamchuri 10) Building with Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwant, acting President of Chulalongkorn University delivering the opening remarks.
Bubbling with benefits: hydrogen nanobubbles boost tomato antioxidants
A pioneering study has unlocked the potential of hydrogen nanobubbles to significantly augment the antioxidant content in tomatoes. This innovative irrigation technique not only fortifies the fruit with higher concentrations of health-boosting compounds but also opens new avenues for enhancing the nutritional value of agricultural produce.
Unlocking the genetic keys to cucumber perfection: a new player in flower and fruit development
Scientists have illuminated the role of heterotrimeric G protein α-subunits in cucumber’s development, a breakthrough in our comprehension of plant organ formation. This insight into the CLAVATA (CLV) signaling cascade may lead to innovative approaches in crop cultivation, promising advancements in both nutritional value and agricultural output.
Pineapple peel’s red secret: scientists uncover the molecular mechanism behind its color
A pivotal study has identified AcMYB266 as a crucial transcription factor that governs the red coloration in pineapple peels, a genetically complex trait. This discovery is set to revolutionize pineapple breeding, offering a pathway to enhance fruit quality and appearance by manipulating anthocyanin levels, thereby unlocking both commercial and nutritional potentials.