New funding will help Berkeley Lab and partners improve how the diverse agricultural waste in California’s Northern San Joaquin Valley can be used to make sustainable bioproducts and biofuels.
Although there is a large body of research on pests evolving tolerances for the pesticides meant to destroy them, there have been considerably fewer studies on how non-target animals in these ecosystems may do the same.
A new University of Georgia study reveals that one in five U.S. farmers report binge drinking when they experience high levels of stress. The paper underlines the link between farmers using alcohol to cope with stress. Farming is a uniquely stressful vocation. Farmers work long hours performing labor-intensive, repetitive and often dangerous tasks.
Raw poultry is one of the main causes of Salmonella poisoning, which affects thousands of people in the U.S. every year. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows that few products with high levels of very virulent Salmonella strains are responsible for most of the illnesses from raw chicken parts.
The pathogen that causes bacterial spot is very good at what it does. Forming small lesions on the rinds of pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits, it mars the fruits’ appearance and ushers in secondary pathogens that lead to rot and severe yield loss. The bacterium, Xanthomonas cucurbitae, is so successful that it has had no reason to evolve through time or space.
A trove of ancient plant remains excavated in Kenya helps explain the history of plant farming in equatorial eastern Africa, a region long thought to be important for early farming but where scant evidence from actual physical crops has been previously uncovered.
This pivotal study explores the genetic orchestration of bud dormancy in woody perennials, a survival strategy crucial for enduring harsh climates. It focuses on the PmDAM6 gene, revealing its regulatory effects on lipid metabolism and phytohormone dynamics within dormant meristems, which dictate the plant's seasonal transition from rest to growth.
A recent study has identified a crucial regulatory mechanism in Chinese kale, potentially revolutionizing its nutritional profile. By manipulating the BoaBZR1.1 transcription factor, researchers significantly enhanced carotenoid levels, crucial antioxidants for human health. This advancement opens pathways for improving vegetable nutrition through genetic engineering.
The HortGenome Search Engine (HSE) introduces a groundbreaking tool that transforms the exploration of horticultural crops' genetics. Enabling swift access and analysis of data from over 500 plant species, HSE enhances our ability to decode complex genetic networks.
Scientists have unlocked the genetic secrets behind the biosynthesis of flavonoid glycosides in citrus, a breakthrough that could fortify the nutritional potency and disease resistance of these fruits. This discovery refines our grasp of the genetic orchestration of these beneficial compounds, setting the stage for an upgrade in citrus nutrition and health.
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.
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.