CBS Evening News aired a segment on the Rutgers Beginner Farmer Training Program “RU Ready to Farm” as an installment of its program “Eye on America.” The segment aired nationally and focused on the aging of today's farmers and the need for future farmers.
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.
Strawberries, treasured for their flavor and health benefits, have been at the forefront of breeding programs targeting enhanced sensory and nutritional profiles. Despite advances, the intricate genetic makeup of these fruits has complicated efforts to improve them. This new study offers a breakthrough by identifying key genetic markers and candidate genes that control quality traits, enabling more precise and successful breeding strategies to cultivate strawberries that are juicier, more vibrant, and longer-lasting.
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.
In a transformative advance for agriculture, scientists have utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to develop a male-sterile line in rapeseed. This innovation simplifies the hybrid seed production process, overcoming traditional limitations and enhancing the crop's yield and sustainability.
Scientists have discovered the gene responsible for prickles in eggplants, a trait that complicates farming. Using advanced genetic techniques, they identified the Prickly Eggplant (PE) gene on chromosome 6 and pinpointed SmLOG1 as the key factor. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing confirmed that disabling SmLOG1 eliminates prickles, paving the way for prickle-free eggplant varieties. This breakthrough not only sheds light on prickle development but also promises to streamline eggplant cultivation and harvesting, benefiting the agricultural industry.
A recent study investigates the intricate mechanisms of sugar import in developing seeds of Camellia oleifera. By identifying key sugar transporters and analyzing their roles, the research provides significant insights into the molecular regulation of seed development. The findings highlight how these transporters, working alongside sucrose-metabolizing enzymes, facilitate efficient sugar import and partitioning. This study not only advances our understanding of seed development in Camellia oleifera but also suggests potential strategies to enhance seed yield and quality in this important oil-producing plant.
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in agricultural biotechnology by using CRISPR/Cas9 to edit the potato genome, resulting in plants with increased resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. This innovation could lead to a new era of sustainable farming, where crops are naturally fortified against diseases and harsh environmental conditions, ensuring a stable food supply in the face of climate change and other global challenges.
Sweetpotato, a staple in combating global hunger, faces significant threats from pests like whiteflies and weevils, impacting plant growth and yields. A new study harnesses the power of genomic and metagenomic data to predict pest abundance and identify key genes that could fortify the plant's defense mechanisms.
Digital technologies on the farm improve efficiency, productivity, and profits, but few farmers are taking full advantage of available tools. According to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers, communication channels play an important role in farmers’ decision-making process around technology adoption.
Recent advancements in grape genomics have significantly enhanced our understanding of grapevine biology and breeding. By sequencing over 44 grape genomes, researchers have identified key genes related to disease resistance, berry quality, and stress tolerance.
The study provides significant insights into cucumber centromeres by identifying key centromeric satellite sequences and retrotransposons. Researchers found notable differences in centromeric DNA between wild and cultivated cucumbers, highlighting the impact of domestication.
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 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.
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced today that Nadia Shakoor, PhD, has joined as Assistant Member. She is an expert in sorghum genetics, a versatile and drought-resistant cereal grain vital for food, feed and fuel in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world.
Crystal Gregory, an associate professor in the College of Fine Arts School of Art and Visual Studies, and Shari Dutton, a staff horticulturalist in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, are both fiber artists. Gregory, who is the Arturo Alonzo Sandoval Endowed Professor in Fiber, practices fiber art as a teacher and working artist. Dutton has practiced as a hobbyist for more than 30 years.
Waterhemp is a nuisance for any crop producer, but in snap bean fields, the weed’s stem segments can break off during harvest, contaminating the crop with inedible look-alike “pods.” Vexingly, snap bean is harmed by many of the herbicides registered for waterhemp, leaving producers with few chemical solutions.
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.
A pivotal study sheds light on the evolutionary conservation of stem cell homeostasis in Solanaceae, revealing how receptor compensation mechanisms ensure the continuous and orderly formation of plant organs. This research uncovers the genetic interplay that maintains stem cell balance, offering new perspectives for crop improvement and resilience enhancement.
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