Agriculture News
2nd September, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Natural Fertilizers and Algae Boost Organic Tomato Yield and Quality
Researchers in Italy found that microbial biofertilizers and algae-based biostimulants significantly boost tomato growth and yield on organic farms. The study highlights the potential of these eco-friendly treatments to enhance sustainable agriculture practices.
31st August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Benefits of Various Fermented Organic Composts Made from Plant Waste
A study by the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro explored using local, cost-effective materials for composting. While these alternatives can reduce costs, they may need extra nitrogen to match traditional composts' nutrient levels, enhancing soil health and productivity.
29th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Toxic Metals in Farmland: Impact on Tomato Growth and Human Health
A study by Woldia University reveals that heavy metals in soil, water, and tomatoes at the Abuarie site in Ethiopia pose significant health risks when combined. The findings stress the need for comprehensive measures to mitigate exposure and protect local communities.
28th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Gene Swapping Helped Domesticate a Major Vegetable Family
Polyploidy, involving genome duplication, is crucial in plant evolution. A study on Brassica napus reveals that DNA segment exchanges between subgenomes (HE) significantly influence crop domestication, highlighting HE's role in generating beneficial genetic variations.
27th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Genetic Factors Behind Root-Knot Nematode Resistance in Sweetpotatoes
Researchers at Korea National University identified key genetic markers in sweetpotato that provide resistance to root-knot nematodes. This discovery can help develop nematode-resistant sweetpotato cultivars with better traits, enhancing crop sustainability and food security.
27th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Using Smart Sensors to Measure Quality in Tomatoes and Mandarins Without Damage
Recent advancements in non-destructive methods using image processing, spectral indices, and machine learning can now accurately assess fruit quality and ripeness, promising to revolutionize large-scale fruit evaluation and reduce waste in the agricultural industry.
26th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Understanding and Mapping Cold-Induced Seedless Fruit Development in Cucumbers
Researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University identified a gene, CsAGL11, crucial for cold-induced parthenocarpy in cucumbers. This discovery could help breed cold-resistant varieties, ensuring stable fruit yields under cold stress, thus benefiting farmers economically.
26th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How Changes in Rainfall Affect Food Security
A study by Fujian Police College reveals China's agricultural inefficiency, urging tailored regional approaches to enhance food security. Recommendations include boosting infrastructure, supporting green agriculture, and diversifying production to tackle nutritional disparities.
26th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
New Bacteria Boosts Growth of Plants Even in Salty Conditions
Recent research from Ghent University reveals that Microbacterium strain SRS2 can boost plant growth and salt stress resistance in crops like Arabidopsis and MicroTom tomato via the ABA pathway, offering a promising solution to soil salinity and enhancing sustainable agriculture.
25th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How a Rice Protein Helps Plants Survive Drought
Researchers at Seoul National University discovered that the small protein OsS1Fa1 in rice enhances drought tolerance by localizing to cell membranes and undergoing sumoylation. This finding could lead to the development of more resilient crops for water-scarce regions.
24th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Found in Spinach and Soil After Zinc Treatment
Antimicrobial resistance in food production is a concern, with bacteria in soil and spinach showing resistance to antibiotics. A study found that zinc in soil did not affect this resistance, but genes for zinc and multidrug resistance were present. Continued research is crucial.
24th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Biochar and Steel Slag Help Tomatoes Cope with Lithium Stress
Researchers at Amity University found that using coconut shell biochar and steel slag can significantly reduce lithium toxicity in tomato plants, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and promoting sustainable agriculture by turning waste into valuable resources.
24th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Synergy Unlocks Sweet Potato Starch Yield Potential
Researchers at China Agricultural University have identified key genes, IbPMA1 and IbbHLH49, that boost starch yield in sweet potatoes without reducing fresh yield. This breakthrough offers new strategies for breeding high-starch varieties, benefiting food and industrial sectors.
24th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Extending Tomato Shelf Life with a Special Natural Coating
Researchers at GITAM developed biodegradable films using CMC, pectin, PHB, and thymol, achieving strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Film F5 excelled in mechanical strength and extended tomato shelf life, offering a sustainable alternative for food packaging.
24th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Smart Tech to Spot and Diagnose Banana Leaf Diseases
Researchers at Prince Sultan University have developed a deep learning model using various imaging techniques to detect banana leaf diseases with high accuracy. This innovative approach could revolutionize smart farming, enabling early disease detection and improving crop yields.
23rd August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Creating Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Films Using Corn Starch and Carbon Nanodots
Researchers at Korea University developed innovative corn starch films with carbon nanodots from ginkgo leaves, enhancing food packaging by improving toughness, oxygen barriers, and UV protection, thereby extending shelf life and reducing waste.
23rd August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Natural Herbicide from Fungus Extract Shows Promise Against Water Hyacinth
Recent research suggests that a crude extract from Fusarium equiseti, isolated from Tridax procumbens, shows promise as a natural herbicide against invasive water hyacinth, offering an eco-friendly and effective alternative to traditional methods.
23rd August, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Sweet Cherry Flower Buds Avoid Freezing by Supercooling
Researchers at UBC found that sweet cherry flower buds supercool by forming ice barriers within their structure, protecting them from freezing. As spring approaches, changes in vascular tissue compromise this ability, revealing insights for frost-resistant agriculture.
23rd August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Smart Methods for Using Cold Plasma to Prepare Apple Slices for Drying
A study by Kazakh National Agrarian Research University reveals plasma treatment can reduce browning in apples by altering phenolic compounds, potentially enhancing shelf life, flavor, and health benefits, showcasing plasma's versatile applications in food quality and safety.
23rd August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Evaluating Pumpkin Varieties and Identifying the Best Ones for Future Breeding
A study by Université Nangui Abrogoua reveals the genetic potential of African pumpkin varieties. By identifying promising parental lines and hybrids, the research aims to boost yields and enhance the nutritional and medicinal benefits of this under-researched plant.
20th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Cauliflower and Artichoke Waste Boosts Seed Germination and Growth
Researchers at Sapienza University found that enzymatic hydrolysates from cauliflower and artichoke wastes can boost seed germination and early growth, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and promoting waste reduction in agriculture.
19th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Using Special Chemicals to Control Harmful Pests in Tomato Gardens
Tomato growers in Mexico face nematode challenges, but a study found that fluopyram, alone or combined with other nematicides, effectively manages these pests without reducing fruit yield. This research supports safer, targeted nematicide use for sustainable agriculture.
17th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How Adding Biochar Helps Bacteria Boost Nutrients in Spinach Grown with More CO2
A study by Nanjing University reveals that biochar enhances soil bacterial communities and nutrient uptake in spinach under elevated CO2. This amendment boosts essential nutrients in plants, counteracting negative effects of climate change on crop productivity.
17th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Better Tomato Growth and Nutrients with Inside-the-Plant LED Lighting
LED lighting, especially intra-canopy, boosts tomato yield and nutrition in low-light greenhouses by enhancing light distribution and activating key metabolic genes. Combined top and intra-canopy lighting also significantly increases vitamin C content.
17th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Understanding How Tomatoes Handle Salt: A Key Genetic Discovery
Researchers at INRAE, Montfavet, France, have identified a key genetic factor, SlHKT1.2, that could help breed salt-tolerant tomatoes. This discovery offers new hope for improving tomato yield and quality in salty soils, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
16th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Using a Virus to Keep Baby Spinach Safe from Harmful Bacteria
Researchers at Seoul Women's University have identified a virus, phage SSP49, that targets and kills the foodborne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. This virus shows promise as a natural alternative to antibiotics for controlling contamination in fresh produce.
15th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Measuring Sugar Levels in Tomatoes Using Advanced Imaging Technology
A study from Ningxia University shows that hyperspectral imaging combined with neural networks can non-destructively predict tomato sweetness under different nitrogen treatments, aiding farmers in optimizing flavor and quality.
14th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Impact of Changing Temperatures on Tomato Pests and Pest Control Strategies
Climate change threatens tomato farming in India's Eastern Himalayas by increasing pest populations. A study found that higher altitudes suffer less damage from fruit borers. Varieties like Cherry tomato and MT-2 show resilience, offering hope for sustainable agriculture.
14th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
New Spray Method Improves Control of Greenhouse Pests
Researchers at Andong National University have improved RNAi pest control for western flower thrips using chitosan-encapsulated dsRNA. This method boosts efficacy and stability, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides without harming non-target insects.
13th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Mapping Genetic Markers Linked to Key Farming Traits in Oyster Mushrooms
Researchers at Korea National University identified key genetic markers in oyster mushrooms, enhancing breeding precision for traits like cap shape and thickness. This breakthrough promises more efficient cultivation, building on prior genetic mapping studies.
12th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How Fish Farm Water Affects Soil Health, Nutrients, and Date Palm Fruit Quality
Aquaculture wastewater can enhance date palm growth and fruit quality in Saudi Arabia, as shown by a study from King Saud University. This alternative irrigation boosts soil nutrients and conserves freshwater, offering a sustainable solution for arid regions.
11th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Coal-Based Fertilizer Helps Clean Lead-Contaminated Soil and Releases Nutrients
High-ash coal slime-based silica fertilizer (CSF) enhances soil quality by providing essential nutrients and reducing lead contamination. Taiyuan University of Technology's study shows CSF improves plant growth, soil pH, and stabilizes lead, promoting sustainable agriculture.
11th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Daytime Blue LED Light Boosts Berry Skin Antioxidants in Grapevines
Daytime blue LED light boosts red, purple, and blue pigments in grape skins, enhancing their antioxidant properties. This discovery highlights the importance of light timing in improving fruit quality, with potential benefits for agriculture and food science.
11th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Eco-Friendly Pesticide and Antifungal Agent Using Natural Compounds
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed coacervates using lignin and surfactin to enhance fungicide efficacy while reducing dosage. This innovative method promises improved crop protection, reduced health risks, and sustainable agricultural productivity.
11th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Improving Drought Tolerance in Common Beans Using the PvMYB60 Gene
Researchers at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile found that mutating the MYB60 gene in common beans improves drought tolerance by optimizing stomatal behavior, enhancing water-use efficiency and maintaining yield under water-limited conditions.
11th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Using Deep Learning to Predict Rice Traits from Genetic Variations
A study by the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics shows that using structural variants (SVs) alongside SNPs in Deep Learning models significantly boosts genomic prediction accuracy, promising faster genetic gains in crop breeding.
10th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Silver Nanoparticles Help Control Wheat Diseases and Preserve Seed Quality
Silver nanochitosan (Ag-NC) can combat seed-borne fungal pathogens in wheat, boosting seed quality and plant growth without harming human cells. This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution for agriculture, enhancing germination and reducing fungal impact.
10th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Boosting Plant Health: How Natural Compounds Improve Crop Yield and Quality
New research from KU Leuven shows that combining common tomato farming practices with external sugar applications can boost yield and fruit quality. This method leverages plant stress responses and hormone signaling to enhance productivity under low light conditions.
9th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Combined Impact of Beneficial Fungi and Bacteria on Western Flower Thrips
Researchers at Bilecik Seyh Edebali University found that combining different entomopathogenic microorganisms can effectively control the western flower thrips, a major crop pest. This approach enhances pest control and reduces resistance compared to traditional insecticides.
8th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Adding Biochar Affects Soil Health and Antibiotic Resistance in Plants
Biochar, a carbon-rich material, reduces antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in plant tissues by 1.2-2.2 orders of magnitude, enhancing food safety. However, its impact on soil ARGs is limited, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to combat antibiotic resistance.
8th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Pre-Harvest Treatment Affects Quality and Shelf Life of Scilate Apples
Applying 1-MCP before harvesting 'Scilate' apples can significantly extend their storage life by reducing respiration rate, internal browning, and fruit softening, while maintaining higher malic acid levels and lower juice pH. However, there's a risk of CO2 injury.
8th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Salicylic Acid Spray Enhances Potato Growth with Wastewater Irrigation
A study by the University of Education found that using drain water for irrigating potato plants, combined with salicylic acid treatments, can reduce reliance on freshwater and improve crop resilience, despite the presence of contaminants like heavy metals.
8th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Fertilizers Improve Enzyme Activity and Reduce Salt Stress on West Indian Cherry
Proper fertilization, especially the FC5 combination of NPK, can boost West Indian cherry plants' tolerance to salt stress by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and maintaining redox balance, as shown by a study from Universidade Federal de Campina Grande.
8th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Tracking the Spread of Fire Blight and Finding Helpful Microbes to Stop It
A study in Kazakhstan reveals the spread of fire blight in various fruit trees and identifies Pseudomonas isolates with high antagonistic activity against the pathogen. This research could lead to new biological control methods tailored to local conditions.
8th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Grape Varieties for Stress Resistance
Researchers at Bursa Uludağ University explore the potential of wild Vitis species in grape breeding, transferring their resistance genes to create hybrids resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, paving the way for sustainable viticulture.
8th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How Good Bacteria Affect Corn Silage Fermentation and Methane Emissions
Lanzhou University reveals that using bacteriocin-producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in silage improves quality, cuts methane emissions, and offers an antibiotic alternative, enhancing dairy sustainability and environmental impact.
8th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How Heat and Drought Affect Young Potato Plants
Climate change intensifies heat and drought, severely impacting crops. A Gansu Agricultural University study shows that combined stresses drastically reduce potato health by limiting CO2 uptake and increasing oxidative stress, highlighting the need for resilient crop strategies.
7th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Using Plant Hormones to Boost Okra Yield and Quality
Researchers in Bangladesh found that using specific doses of GA3 and NAA plant growth regulators can boost okra yield by up to 35% and improve its nutritional quality. This discovery offers a practical solution to enhance food security and agricultural productivity in the region.
7th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Genetic Factors of Wool Thickness as a Sign of Sheep Resilience
Researchers at the University of New England used wool fibre diameter to study sheep resilience to environmental changes. Their findings suggest that stable fibre diameter across conditions could be a key indicator for breeding more resilient livestock.
7th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Starch Recovery from Tiger Nut Milk Production Waste
Researchers at Universitat Politècnica de València have developed a chemical-free method to extract high-quality starch from tiger nut horchata residue. This sustainable process recovers up to 70% of the starch, offering a new way to reduce waste and create valuable resources.
6th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Boosting Tomato Plant Immunity to Wilt Disease Using Red Seaweed Extract
Recent research by Al-Azhar University reveals that Jania ethyl acetate extract (JE) effectively combats Tomato Fusarium wilt, a severe fungal disease. JE significantly reduces disease impact and enhances plant health, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
6th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Understanding Leaf Blight Resistance in Corn Through a Detailed Genome Study
A study by Punjab Agricultural University identifies genetic markers for resistance to maydis leaf blight in maize, using advanced genome-wide association studies. These findings could enhance breeding programs, protecting maize yields against a significant fungal threat.
6th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Selenium Nanoparticles Help Grapevines Cope with Drought Stress
A study by Yozgat Bozok University found that selenium nanoparticles boost drought tolerance in grapevine saplings by improving growth, water retention, and antioxidant enzyme activity, offering a promising strategy to enhance crop resilience and food security.
6th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Boosting Orange Tree Health with Chitosan-Selenium Under Salt Stress
Selenium nanoparticles and chitosan, especially when combined, significantly improve the photosynthetic efficiency of Valencia orange plants under salt stress, offering a promising solution to enhance crop resilience and productivity in saline conditions.
5th August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Boosting Orange Tree Growth with Chitosan-Selenium Under Salt Stress
Recent research shows that foliar application of chitosan and selenium nanoparticles can significantly improve the photosynthetic efficiency of Valencia orange plants under salt stress, offering a promising solution for enhancing crop resilience in saline environments.
4th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Local Factors Affect Alfalfa Weevil and Parasites More Than Landscape Complexity
Researchers at the University of Lleida found that both local and landscape-scale factors impact pest control in alfalfa crops. Tailored land management, considering the movement of pests and their natural enemies, is crucial for effective pest management.
4th August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Different Types of Ryegrass Studied by Traits and Genetic Markers
The Agricultural Research Centre of Mabegondo's study reveals significant genetic diversity in natural ryegrass populations compared to commercial cultivars, using both phenotypic traits and molecular markers. This diversity is vital for breeding and conservation strategies.
4th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
How Humic Acid Fertilizer Boosts Growth and Soil Health of Ginseng Plants
Moderate humic acid (4 ml/L) boosts Panax notoginseng growth and soil health by enhancing beneficial microbes and nutrient availability, stabilizing microbial networks, and mitigating negative soil feedback, thus supporting sustainable agriculture.
4th August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Measuring Genetic Diversity in Wild Grapevines Using DNA Markers
Researchers at Akdeniz University revealed significant genetic diversity in 64 grapevine genotypes using iPBS and SSR markers. This study highlights the importance of wild grapevine populations for breeding programs, offering insights for developing superior grapevine cultivars.
3rd August, 2024
| Jim Crocker
Sweet Potato Leaf Damage and Insights from Leafhoppers
A study by Universidade da Madeira reveals diverse insects in Portugal's sweet potato fields, identifying key pests and beneficial species. Findings aid in targeted pest management and sustainable farming, crucial for improving crop yields and ecological balance.
3rd August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Improving Oleic Acid Content in Groundnuts for Better Oil Quality
Researchers at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University enhanced the oleic acid content in groundnut oil using marker-assisted introgression. This method improves the oil's stability, nutritional profile, and shelf life, benefiting both consumers and producers.
3rd August, 2024
| Greg Howard
Improving Tomato Plant Health Using Mutant Fungi and Bacteria with Radiation
The study by NSTRI reveals that Trichoderma and Bacillus species, including their gamma radiation mutants, effectively control root-knot nematodes in tomatoes. This sustainable method could replace harmful chemical nematicides, promoting safer agricultural practices.
3rd August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Detecting Tomato Plant Diseases Using Advanced Image Analysis Techniques
Researchers at Prince Sultan University have developed a novel method using conformable polynomials for early detection of tomato leaf diseases, achieving 98.80% accuracy. This advancement promises to improve crop yield, reduce pesticide use, and enhance food security.
2nd August, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Pruning Affects Guava Harvest Quality and Yield Throughout the Seasons
Strategic pruning can significantly boost guava yields and quality year-round, even in varying weather. Research shows pruning in spring and autumn enhances off-season harvests, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality fruits. Optimal pruning lengths are 30 cm and 45 cm.
2nd August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Impact of Reclaimed Water Irrigation on Soil Health and Plant Growth
Reclaimed water can enhance soil fertility and support crop growth by selectively influencing beneficial microorganisms without altering overall microbial diversity. However, long-term effects need further research to ensure sustainable agricultural use.
2nd August, 2024
| Jenn Hoskins
Using Harmonic Radar to Track Queensland Fruit Flies in Papaya Fields
Researchers at Eastern Mennonite University used harmonic radar to track Queensland fruit flies in papaya fields, revealing complex movement patterns. This innovative method offers new insights for improving pest control and surveillance strategies.
