A type of extinct kangaroo that lived during the Pleistocene around two and a half million to ten thousand years ago, known as the ‘giant wallaby’, was a poor hopper, a study by scientists at the University of Bristol have found.
A research team has developed LGNet, a dual-branch network that combines convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and visual transformers (VTs) for plant disease identification.
A research team has developed a novel method combining computer vision and deep learning to phenotype drought-stressed poplar saplings, achieving 99% accuracy in variety identification and 76% accuracy in stress-level classification.
A research team used synchrotron-based X-ray microcomputed tomography (SR-μCT) to non-invasively obtain high-quality 3D images of fresh soybean root nodules, quantifying the volumes of the central infected zone (CIZ) and vascular bundles (VBs).
In a significant advancement for agricultural biotechnology, researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that enhances the cold tolerance of tomatoes. This breakthrough is pivotal for cultivating crops in cooler climates, ensuring stable yields and bolstering global food security.
Tomato fruit ripening, a process initiated by key gene demethylation, is significantly influenced by postharvest handling practices. These practices, while extending shelf life, can alter ripening dynamics and affect fruit quality.
Summer heat can take a toll on lawns and plants, especially when rain isn’t in the forecast. Virginia Tech turfgrass experts Mike Goatley and Dan Sandor share tips for keeping a healthy lawn during a drought. What time of day should you water your lawn during extreme sun and heat? “Irrigate early in the morning whenever possible,” Goatley said.
A cutting-edge study has uncovered the pivotal role of the APETALA3–3 ortholog in shaping the diverse morphologies of petals in Delphinium anthriscifolium. This gene, previously known for its function in petal identity, is now revealed to be a key player in the intricate process of petal differentiation, offering a profound understanding of floral evolution and opening avenues for future botanical research and breeding innovations.
Agricultural heritage systems, the custodians of ancient farming practices, face unprecedented challenges from climate change and urbanization. This study presents a detailed geographical analysis coupled with strategic management approaches to conserve these invaluable systems.
In a recent discovery poised to enhance agricultural resilience, scientists have demystified the elaborate cold resistance mechanisms of the white water lily—a plant that flourishes in the frigid climes of Xinjiang's lofty terrains. A thorough investigation into the lily's morphological adaptations, strategic resource distribution, and metabolic reactions has unveiled an intricate regulatory framework encompassing phytohormone signaling, amino acid metabolism, and circadian rhythms. This revelation provides invaluable insights for bolstering the cold resistance of crops.
A pioneering study has shed light on the biosynthesis of glucomannan in Bletilla striata, a plant known as BaiJi with profound medicinal properties. The research meticulously maps the conversion process from sucrose to bioactive glucomannan polysaccharides, pinpointing key genes that orchestrate this transformation.
A pivotal study illuminates the genetic dynamics in tissue-specific interactions between apple trees and Valsa mali, a fungus causing severe disease. By examining the adaptive regulation of miRNAs and milRNAs, researchers uncover distinct expression profiles crucial for understanding and potentially manipulating the plant's defense mechanisms against pathogens.
A research team used hyperspectral data and deep convolution generative adversarial networks (DCGANs) to improve the accuracy of rice grain protein content (GPC) estimation. By generating simulated data, they enhanced the model's performance, achieving an R² of 0.58 and RRMSE of 6.70%.
A research team developed the Point-Line Net, a deep learning method based on the Mask R-CNN framework, to automatically recognize maize field images and determine the number and growth trajectory of leaves and stalks.
As the world’s largest unfrozen freshwater resource, groundwater is crucial for life on Earth. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have investigated how global warming is affecting groundwater temperatures and what that means for humanity and the environment.
Controlling the timing of flowering in crops is crucial for optimizing yields and adapting to climate changes. A recent study has identified a specific gene in tomatoes that regulates this critical phase, providing a significant step forward in the ability to fine-tune agricultural practices and enhance productivity.
A pivotal study has shed light on a critical genetic mechanism that boosts plants' ability to withstand drought. The research uncovers the role of the transcription factor PbERF3, native to wild pears, which works in concert with the protein PbHsfC1a to regulate genes key to drought tolerance.
Researchers from the National University of Singapore conducted smell tests with caterpillars and discovered that caterpillars’ preferences for certain types of plants are determined by factors, or substances, present in their blood.