Feature Channels: Agriculture

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Released: 18-Feb-2010 3:50 PM EST
Agronomy, Crops, Soils Societies Offer Scholarships, Fellowships
American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

The Agronomy, Crop Science and Soil Science Societies are accepting applications for several scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students studying in these or related fields.

Released: 16-Feb-2010 3:20 PM EST
A Review of Vegetated Buffer Efficacy
American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

Scientists analyze the literature to establish relationships between pollutant removal efficacy and key buffer design features.

Released: 11-Feb-2010 4:00 PM EST
Hands-On: From Classroom to Employment
American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

A pilot program for employment in sustainable agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture Scholars (SAS) Program, is used to expand on routine undergraduate lab work. The program includes hands on and experiential learning opporunties, designed to increase excitement, interest and understand of careers in sustainable agriculture.

8-Feb-2010 3:00 PM EST
Radical New Directions Needed in Food Production to Deal with Climate Change
University of Washington

An international panel of scientists is urging dramatically changed ideas about sustainable agriculture to prevent a major starvation catastrophe by the end of this century among more than 3 billion people who live in the tropics.

Released: 10-Feb-2010 4:50 PM EST
Restored Prairies Resist Non-Native Grasses
Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)

Presence of non-native turfgrasses in restored prairies likely due to previous site cultivations rather than post-restoration invasions as reported in Crop Science.

Released: 10-Feb-2010 2:00 PM EST
Scientists Sequence Genome of Grass That Can be a Biofuel Model Crop
USDA, Office of Research, Education, and Economics

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists and their colleagues at the Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Genome Institute today announced that they have completed sequencing the genome of a kind of wild grass that will enable researchers to develop hardier varieties of wheat and improved varieties of biofuel crops.

Released: 4-Feb-2010 10:30 AM EST
Scientists Turn to a Wild Oat to Combat Crown Rust
USDA, Office of Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are tapping into the DNA of a wild oat, considered by some to be a noxious weed, to see if it can help combat crown rust, the most damaging fungal disease of oats worldwide.

Released: 4-Feb-2010 9:00 AM EST
New Data Offers In-Depth Look at Organic Farming
USDA, Office of Research, Education, and Economics

The nation’s organic farms and ranches have higher average sales and higher average production expenses than U.S. farms overall, according to results of the 2008 Organic Production Survey released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Released: 3-Feb-2010 8:00 PM EST
SDSU Provides Web Tool for Plant Breeders
South Dakota State University

A new Web-based tool at South Dakota State University helps plant breeders & researchers worldwide analyze molecular data to select best grapes & other plant stock to breed better plants.

Released: 1-Feb-2010 10:30 AM EST
Studies Provide Insight into Key Oat Chemical
USDA, Office of Research, Education, and Economics

Studies conducted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are helping to increase understanding about the environmental factors that regulate production of avenanthramides (Avns), metabolites with potent antioxidant properties, in oat grain.

Released: 29-Jan-2010 9:00 AM EST
ARS Genetic Analysis Helps Spot Sugarcane Rusts
USDA, Office of Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have analyzed rust fungi from more than 160 sugarcane samples from 25 countries to provide a valuable resource for plant breeders and pathologists who are searching for genetic resistance to the deadly orange and brown rusts.

Released: 28-Jan-2010 8:45 PM EST
$30M Super Greenhouse to Help Sustain Global Agriculture
University of Adelaide

One of the world’s most sophisticated plant research facilities, set to make huge advances in international agricultural sustainability and deliver significant benefits to Australia’s agriculture and horticulture industries, was opened in Adelaide, South Australia.

Released: 28-Jan-2010 3:00 PM EST
NASS Releases New Geospatial Data Products
USDA, Office of Research, Education, and Economics

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) today announced the release of new satellite images depicting agricultural land cover across most of the nation for the 2009 crop year. The images, referred to as cropland data layers (CDL), are a useful tool for monitoring crop rotation patterns, land use changes, water resources and carbon emissions.

Released: 27-Jan-2010 9:00 AM EST
Helpful Yeast Battles Food-Contaminating Aflatoxin
USDA, Office of Research, Education, and Economics

Pistachios, almonds and other popular tree nuts might someday be routinely sprayed with a yeast called Pichia anomala to prevent contamination with aflatoxins, according to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) plant physiologist.

Released: 27-Jan-2010 5:00 AM EST
Pollen Tube Growth on Camera Illuminates Fertilization
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Studying pollen tubes, plant physiologist Peter Hepler has captured some of the fastest growing tissues known, on camera for the first time, advancing understanding of fertilization that’s critical to development of all fruits, nuts, grains, rice, corn, wheat and other crops we depend on for food.

Released: 26-Jan-2010 12:00 PM EST
The Secret Life of Bees: Researcher Explores Honey Bees' "Waggle Dancing" and Other Mysterious Behaviors
Wellesley College

Wellesley's Heather Mattila studies honey bee hives to find out how colonies work together to find food. Her research, recently featured in Discover Magazine, has gained importance as honey bee populations have declined dramatically — and mysteriously — in recent years.

Released: 24-Jan-2010 11:00 AM EST
Kibbutz Transformation Continues
University of Haifa

Israel's kibbutz movement continues to shift from the "collective" model to differential wages.

Released: 11-Jan-2010 4:00 PM EST
Scientists Ask Farm Bureau to Recognize Climate Change
University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Climate specialist Jeff Gaffney explains Union of Concern Scientists' call for dialogue with American Farm Bureau, which recently said there is no generally agreed scientific assesment on the impact of carbon emissions from human activities.

Released: 11-Dec-2009 10:45 AM EST
Eastern Opportunities: Student Examines Russian Market Ops for Ethanol Co-Product DDGS
Western Illinois University

A Soon-to-be graduate of Western Illinois University is one of lead researchers in market research project to foster new Russian market possibilities for Illinois ethanol producers. Ethanol co-product DDGS (distiller's dried grains with solubles) can provide high-protein feed product for Russian livestock.

Released: 25-Nov-2009 10:00 AM EST
It’s Not Just Dirt!
American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

A collaborative project by soil science and earth science teachers explored the development and dissemination of soil e-lessons. By harnessing technology, the instructors created learning tools that could reach beyond their classroom walls to teach other students and public audiences about soils as well.

Released: 23-Nov-2009 11:15 AM EST
After Landslides, Soil Carbon Storage Recovers Rapidly
Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have investigated carbon and nitrogen accumulation in soils formed on debris flows in a coniferous forest in southern California. Soil formation was studied using a space-for-time substitution, in which debris flows of various ages were used to approximate soil formation over time.

Released: 23-Nov-2009 11:00 AM EST
Switchgrass Produces Biomass Efficiently
American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

A recent study concluded that 50 million U.S. acres of cropland and pasture could be used for the production of perennial grasses, such as switchgrass, for biofuel feedstock. Economically viable production of a perennial grass monoculture from which substantial quantities of biomass are removed annually is expected to require nitrogen fertilizer.

Released: 19-Nov-2009 4:20 PM EST
New Map of Variation in Maize Genetics Holds Promise for Developing New Varieties
Cornell University

A new study of maize has identified thousands of diverse genes in genetically inaccessible portions of the genome. New techniques may allow breeders and researchers to use this genetic variation to identify desirable traits and create new varieties that were not easily possible before.

Released: 19-Nov-2009 2:40 PM EST
Researchers Pioneer New Approach to Assist Scientists, Farmers
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Sustainable farming, initially adopted to preserve soil quality for future generations, may also play a role in maintaining a healthy climate, according to researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge and Los Alamos national laboratories.

16-Nov-2009 2:00 PM EST
Like Humans, Ants Use Bacteria to Make Their Gardens Grow
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Leaf-cutter ants, which cultivate fungus for food, have many remarkable qualities.

16-Nov-2009 11:40 AM EST
Amaizing: Corn Genome Decoded
Washington University in St. Louis

In recent years, scientists have decoded the DNA of humans and a menagerie of creatures but none with genes as complex as a stalk of corn, the latest genome to be unraveled. A team of scientists led by The Genome Center at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis published the completed corn genome in the Nov. 20 journal Science, an accomplishment that will speed efforts to develop better crop varieties to meet the world’s growing demands for food, livestock feed and fuel.

Released: 19-Nov-2009 9:00 AM EST
Why Israeli Rodents Are More Cautious than Jordanian Ones
University of Haifa

A series of studies carried out at the University of Haifa have found that rodent, reptile and ant lion species behave differently on either side of the Israel-Jordan border.

Released: 17-Nov-2009 3:00 PM EST
Horticulture Professor Develops Sustainable Landscaping Website; Uses Internet Instead of Textbook
Western Illinois University

New website on sustainable landscaping developed by WIU horticulture professor addresses a rapidly evolving area responding to environmental issues, including global climate change. This new instructional tool and content-rich website helps deliver the information people need to make informed choices.

Released: 16-Nov-2009 5:00 PM EST
Soil Experts to Discuss Terroir, the Link between Earth and Wine on Nov. 19 in DC
American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

A Congressional educational briefing and wine tasting Nov. 19 in Washington, DC, will shed light on how the balance of vineyard management and site selection blend together to provide distinctive grapes which can allow for unique wine characteristics.

Released: 10-Nov-2009 10:40 AM EST
Additive Copper-Zinc Interaction Affects Toxic Response in Soybean
American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

Agricultural soils accumulate trace metals from waste and fungicide application. Regulations for soil concentrations of these potentially plant-toxic elements consider the individual elements, but not their interactions. This study evaluates whether the copper-zinc interaction in soils is additive as defined by the toxicity response in crops.

5-Nov-2009 9:00 AM EST
Airborne Nitrogen Shifts Nutrient Limitation in Pristine Lakes
Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The impact of airborne nitrogen released from the burning of fossil fuels and wide-spread use of fertilizers in agriculture is much greater that previously recognized and even extends to remote alpine lakes, according to a study published Nov. 6 in the journal Science.

29-Oct-2009 2:00 PM EDT
Cultural Beliefs About Pesticides Put Mexican Farmworkers at Risk
Health Behavior News Service

Pesticides, unfortunately, are not without risk to those who labor in the fields and orchards, planting, tending and harvesting crops -- and this risk increases for Mexican farmworkers.

27-Oct-2009 1:00 PM EDT
Great Wines Come From Great Soils
Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

The world's greatest wines are the result of synergy among grape variety, human input, and terroir -- a term defined as the vineyard site, soil, and climate. Experts will discuss terroir with an emphasis on soil science on Nov. 4 in Pittsburgh, PA at the Annual Meeting of the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.

27-Oct-2009 1:00 PM EDT
Ecology in Organic Ag: Combining Farming, Science
American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

The new book, “Organic Farming: The Ecological System,” combines farmer experience with the latest scientific research to better understand the role of organics in modern agriculture.

Released: 2-Nov-2009 9:00 PM EST
Green Is Cool, But U.S. Land Changes Generally Are Not
University of Maryland, College Park

Most land-use changes occurring in the continental United States reduce vegetative cover and raise regional surface temperatures, says a new study by scientists at the University of Maryland, Purdue University, and the University of Colorado in Boulder.

Released: 28-Oct-2009 3:30 PM EDT
Nanotubes Fast Forward Seed Germination
University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Nanotechnologists and Biologists advance germination of seeds by adding carbon nanotubes in the growing medium, an enhancement with implications for plant-based biofuel production.

Released: 27-Oct-2009 1:00 PM EDT
How Do We Fund Plant Breeding?
Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)

Plant breeding industry stakeholders discuss public-private partnerships; commercialization strategies now driving public programs; the impact of foundations in targeted support for cultivar development; and national and global programs that may help build industry capacity and public support in a Nov. 5 symposium in Pittsburgh.

Released: 27-Oct-2009 1:00 PM EDT
Expert to Discuss Phosphorus’ Impact on ‘Dead Zone’ off Gulf of Mexico
Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

A lecture on Nov. 3 in Pittsburgh will highlight the role of phosphorus in wetlands, including the Gulf of Mexico’s hypoxia zone/dead zone in the Mississippi River basin. In addition to an overview of current research, suggestions for realistic management techniques that balance wetland ecosystems and landscape functions will also be discussed.

Released: 27-Oct-2009 1:00 PM EDT
Plenary Lecturers Share Science and Policy Perspectives
American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

A distinguished group of international experts in agricultural research, science policy, and soil science will present daily lectures under the common theme of sustainability during the 2009 ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings, Nov. 1-5 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Released: 26-Oct-2009 3:40 PM EDT
Can Bumble Bees Fill Pollination Void?
Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)

A recent study at Oregon State University has shown that native bumble bee species have high pollination and seed production levels in red clover. These findings offer promise for alternative crop pollinators, as the population of European honey bee in the US declines

Released: 21-Oct-2009 12:30 PM EDT
Carrots in Space: Fresh Food for Astronauts on Its Way
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

New research indicates that astronauts will soon have their own gardens aboard the International Space Station with the ability to grow vitamin A-rich carrots in space, according to a study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists.

Released: 14-Oct-2009 3:00 PM EDT
Plants Can Recognize Their Siblings, and Researchers Have Discovered How
University of Delaware

Plants may not have eyes and ears, but they can recognize their siblings, and researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered how.The ID system lies in the roots and the chemical cues they secrete.



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