Agriculture News
16th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Chestnut extract protects steel from acid damage
Chestnut shells show promise as a “green” corrosion inhibitor for steel, potentially replacing toxic chemicals. Extracts from the shells form a protective barrier, reducing corrosion rates by ~80% in lab tests & meeting national standards.
16th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Gene editing improves soybean oil quality
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to improve an Indian soybean variety, boosting levels of a healthier fat called oleic acid. This reduces the need for processing that creates unhealthy fats and improves oil stability, with plants being free of foreign DNA.
15th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Herbal remedies speed wound healing in lab studies
A study found Mimosa pudica (Lajjabati) leaf paste most effective in healing rabbit wounds, reducing swelling, inflammation & bacteria. Cinnamomum verum (Daruchini) showed some benefit but caused more tissue reaction. Mimosa likely aids collagen formation for faster repair.
14th February, 2026
| Greg Howard
Radish genes control cadmium absorption and removal from plants
Radish roots accumulate cadmium, a health risk. Research identified genes RsWRKY15 & RsPDR12 controlling Cd uptake. RsWRKY15 activates RsPDR12, which removes Cd from cells & boosts stress response. This network informs breeding for safer crops.
12th February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Nearly complete genetic transfer from a wild grass into wheat
Researchers boosted wheat’s genetic diversity by transferring ~98% of genes from a wild relative into new wheat lines. Advanced sequencing pinpointed where these genes integrated into wheat chromosomes, revealing key “hotspots” for gene exchange.
9th February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Hemp root growth patterns reveal how plants allocate resources
Hemp’s carbon capture potential is boosted by diverse root systems, a new study reveals. Researchers analyzed 46 varieties, finding root length varied 175%. Traits are reliably inherited, aiding breeding for both high yield & efficient carbon storage.
4th February, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Betel nut extract shows promise in controlling mosquito development
Areca catechu nut extract shows promise as a natural mosquito control agent. Lab tests show it effectively kills adult mosquitoes, destroys eggs, & repels egg-laying, with key compounds disrupting insect nervous systems. A sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides.
2nd February, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How nitrogen levels in soil affect carbon dioxide use in soybean leaves
Soybean photosynthesis & water use improve with more nitrogen, but not just via leaf pores. Research shows nitrogen boosts internal leaf processes, specifically biochemical metabolism for carbon dioxide movement, rather than structural changes.
1st February, 2026
| Greg Howard
How cadmium and copper affect pumpkin seed development and energy use
Heavy metal soil contamination threatens crops. Research on summer squash shows cadmium is more toxic than copper, severely hindering seedling growth by disrupting energy reserves. Copper’s effects depend on concentration, potentially being beneficial at low levels.
31st January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
How different chickpea types cope with toxic chromium in the soil
Industrial pollution causes toxic chromium buildup in Pakistani farmland, harming vital crops like chickpeas.
29th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Longan seed waste shows promise as a cheap, natural water purifier
Longan seed powder, a fruit byproduct, shows promise as a cheaper, eco-friendly aid in water purification. Combined with small amounts of alum, it effectively removes cloudiness, potentially reducing reliance on costly chemicals & associated health risks.
28th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Sustainable seed coatings from food waste boost plant growth and reproduction
Agricultural waste like wheat bran, wine pomace, and brewer’s grain can boost wheat growth as a safer alternative to chemical seed coatings.
24th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Combining fruit tree varieties for better spring bloom timing
Predicting fruit tree flowering is key for harvests, but data is often scarce. A new study found combining flowering data from different varieties of the same fruit species (almond, apricot, cherry) creates useful models even with limited info, aiding breeding & management.
23rd January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Early Potato Use Reveals Ancient Trade Networks and Domestication Clues
Ancient tools reveal Indigenous peoples intentionally transported Four Corners potatoes (Solanum jamesii) over long distances as early as 10,900 years ago, suggesting early cultivation.
21st January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Cultural burning practices around the world: Patterns and data needs
Human-caused fires are widespread, yet often simplified in climate models. New research analyzing 345 cases globally shows fire use varies greatly depending on purpose—agriculture, resource gathering, cultural needs—influencing fire size, timing & frequency.
19th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How lime affects the strength and durability of traditional building materials
Repairing old earthen buildings is tough. New research compares different lime types used historically. Powdered lime is reliable for strength, but blocky lime—used often in the past—is trickier. It works best at 15% content; more causes weakening expansion.
18th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How to best build successful floodplain wetlands: lessons from eight projects
Restoring river floodplains—flat areas beside rivers—can lower flood risk & improve water quality at a lower cost than concrete solutions. Removing sediment reconnects wetlands, boosting storage & habitat.
18th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Hungry bees: How limited food affects bee behavior and health
Pollen shortages stress honey bees, increasing hive defensiveness & weakening pollination. Research shows limited pollen impacts bee temperament, even affecting development via gene changes. Colony aggression links to genetics, with brain gene regulation altering smell & vision.
16th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Blueberry bacteria show surprising diversity, offering clues for better farming
Canadian blueberry growers face economic losses from bacterial blight, caused by several Pseudomonas bacteria. New research identified 2 previously unknown species contributing to the disease, expanding understanding of the pathogens involved.
12th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Tomato gene helps plants withstand heat, improving fruit quality
Tomato plants use a recycling process called autophagy to stay healthy, especially during heat stress. A gene called SlATG8f boosts this process, improving heat tolerance & fruit quality by enhancing cellular cleanup & nutrient reallocation.
12th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Compound S slows tomato fruit growth and seed production
Tomato fruit growth depends on seed development, controlled by gene interactions. Research identified SlWOX9 as a key regulator, influencing fruit size via SlTEL1.
11th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
How pores in sandstone affect fluid flow, revealed by advanced imaging
Water flow through rock layers above coal seams impacts mine safety. New research detailed sandstone pore structure using advanced imaging, revealing coarse sandstone allows fastest, most predictable flow.
10th January, 2026
| Jim Crocker
Gene discovery sheds light on rice yield and pollen development
Researchers identified a gene, OsSRS3, crucial for rice grain size and shape. Mutants lacking a working copy had oval grains, reduced weight, and lower fertility. OsSRS3 impacts plant hormone signals and cell communication, influencing grain development and yield potential.
9th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
How potato psyllids spread bacteria that cause zebra chip disease
A potato disease bacterium, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’, spreads via potato psyllids. New research shows one type, LsoB, is acquired and transmitted faster than LsoA.
9th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
How visiting sustainable gardens impacts whether people return
Sustainable gardens boost tourism, but repeat visits need more than just a nice space. Value perception is key, strengthened by engaging stories & letting tourists participate, fostering a sense of ownership.
8th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Gene delays flowering in tomatoes, impacting pollen production
Researchers identified CaZAT5, a protein in peppers, as a key regulator of flowering and pollen development. It controls gene activity related to cell wall changes needed for pollen release.
7th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Study finds how hillsides fail under added weight and pressure
Landslides from construction/weight on slopes are a major hazard. New research recreated a Tibetan slope in the lab to study how it fails under load.
7th January, 2026
| Greg Howard
How to boost seed growth and freshness using different priming methods
Seed priming boosts germination speed & seedling strength in carrots/parsnips by encouraging early embryo growth. Hydropriming altered hormone levels but reduced seed lifespan.
6th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
New tests improve detection of melioidosis bacteria in soil
Melioidosis, a severe infection from a soil bacterium common in Southeast Asia, is hard to diagnose. New research refined lab tests to find the bacterium in soil, improving detection rates.
5th January, 2026
| Jenn Hoskins
Bean root bacteria show surprising diversity with potential for improved growth
Ecuadorian bean plants rely on helpful bacteria to convert air nitrogen into plant food. A new study found diverse native bacteria groups, some more effective than common commercial products, adapting to local conditions.
1st January, 2026
| Greg Howard
Sweet potato’s wild relatives reveal genes key to stress response
Researchers studied 91 stress-response genes in a sweet potato relative, identifying potential roles in drought and disease resistance. Several genes showed increased activity under stress, particularly ItfPP2C30 and ItfPP2C77, hinting at key signaling interactions.
31st December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Do Grapevine Leaves Adjust to Changing Conditions to Optimize Photosynthesis?
Plants balance water loss & CO2 intake using stored sugars to maintain cell pressure, crucial for growth. Sugars help cells stay firm during daily water fluctuations, especially early in the growing season. However, their role lessens with severe drought.
30th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Computer vision speeds up research on two-spotted spider mite development
New automated system speeds up breeding pest-resistant crops. It uses a robotic microscope & computer vision to count spider mites, a major agricultural pest, more quickly & accurately than manual methods. Publicly available data & models aid research.
29th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New fungus discovered infecting persimmon trees
A root disease affecting grapevines and walnuts, black foot, now impacts persimmon trees in Hungary. Researchers identified the fungus Ilyonectria liriodendri as the cause, confirming it through DNA analysis and lab tests.
29th December, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Using sugar baits to attract and trap sand flies that spread leishmaniasis
Sand fly control is tough due to resistance & logistical issues. Scientists found 'attractive targeted sugar baits' are more effective using sugar mixes sand flies prefer.
28th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Potato growth is unexpectedly preserved during co-attack by the fall armyworm and a bacterial pathogen.
Potato crops face major threats from fall armyworm insects and bacterial speck disease. New research shows that when both attack together, the insect’s damage is surprisingly reduced, suggesting they may hinder each other.
24th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Magnetic beads boost enzyme and microbe recycling for energy and food production
Researchers built a low-cost, automated system reusing enzymes & microbes with magnets to cut biofuel & food production costs. Open-source tech enables wider access to bioengineering, potentially reducing costs by 60% & boosting fermentation research.
23rd December, 2025
| Greg Howard
New planter design improves seed spacing and placement for better crop growth
New furrow opener design improves crop breeding by precisely placing seeds. Rotating V-shaped rollers create stable soil grooves, limiting seed drift & spacing inconsistencies. Simulations & tests confirm better uniformity than traditional openers, enhancing trial accuracy.
16th December, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How soil releases zinc in areas mined for rare earth elements
Rare earth mining relies on acids to extract valuable elements, but this also releases harmful metals like zinc into soil. New research shows magnesium sulfate initially releases more zinc, but aluminum sulfate leads to higher levels remaining in the soil—a longer-term risk.
15th December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Better soil and feeding practices boost sugar apple fruit production and flavor
Yunnan sugar-apple yields are declining. Research shows combining 75% soil water capacity, moderate fertilizer (2083 kg/ha), & straw mulch optimizes root health, nutrient levels, & fruit production. This improves soil enzymes & microbial life for better quality & yield.
3rd December, 2025
| Greg Howard
Mapping Soil Health in Drylands with Advanced Data Analysis
Egyptian researchers mapped soil health using data analysis & mapping tools. They found most areas had good quality, but some suffered from low nutrients, high salt, & lack of organic matter. This method helps target improvements for sustainable farming.
29th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
How farm dogs behave around different animals and people
As large predators return to Europe, protecting livestock is key. A new study shows guard dogs effectively defend farms, adapting to goats & horses. Proper training & social groups enhance their vigilance, offering a non-lethal way to reduce conflict & promote coexistence.
27th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Soil bacteria changes during drought don’t necessarily help plants grow
Drought stresses crops, but plant roots host helpful microbes. Research on sorghum shows Streptomyces bacteria increase during drought, but abundance doesn’t guarantee plant benefit.
27th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Turning pistachio shells and iron into powerful water filters
New research offers a simple, low-cost solution for cleaning dye pollution from water. Scientists combined iron particles with pistachio shells to create a material that effectively removes a common textile dye.
25th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How farming impacts small creatures living in ponds and ditches
Agricultural practices impact small ponds & ditches, vital habitats for insects & other creatures. A new study reveals that focusing on what these creatures eat, not just how many species exist, shows how farming affects ecosystem health.
22nd November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Boosting mung bean harvests and root growth with natural fertilizers
Mung bean farming often relies on chemical fertilizers, but research shows beneficial bacteria mixtures (biofertilizers) can boost growth & reduce environmental harm.
22nd November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
New technology helps unlock secrets of plant cell growth and development
New tech lets scientists study plant cells without rigid walls, using tiny droplets as growth chambers. This boosts control & speed, revealing how hormones impact cell growth & survival, aiding plant breeding & genetic engineering.
21st November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Microalgae boost lettuce growth, color, and harvest in soilless systems
New research shows certain single-celled algae can boost crop yields. Lettuce grown with Chlorella sp. saw an 18% increase, likely due to growth-regulating compounds the algae produce. This offers a natural alternative to synthetic fertilizers, improving plant health & soil.
19th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Simple tool quickly spots diseases in corn plants
New AI boosts corn disease detection on phones & drones. Researchers streamlined a complex system, improving accuracy to 97.07% while using less computing power. This ‘lightweight’ model focuses on key visual cues for faster, more efficient disease identification in fields.
19th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Bacteria hijacks plant defense system to enter leaves
Salmonella bacteria can contaminate produce by reopening pores on leaves plants use for breathing. New research shows Salmonella hijacks plant hormones to do this, overcoming plant defenses. Blocking this hormone signaling could prevent infection.
19th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
New growing mixes from chia seeds boost oyster mushroom yields
Egyptian researchers grew oyster mushrooms using leftover chia seed material, a sustainable solution to food waste & rising protein needs. The best mixes with rice straw boosted growth, harvest & mushroom nutrition, combining benefits of both foods.
18th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Sodium and magnesium levels linked to salt tolerance in faba beans
Salt in soil harms crops by disrupting nutrient uptake. New research shows magnesium is more vital than potassium for plants coping with salt stress, regulating sodium levels & maintaining healthy ion balance.
13th November, 2025
| Greg Howard
Improving textile printing with treated plant-based thickeners
Researchers improved extracting a natural thickener from fenugreek seeds using cold plasma tech. This process boosts yield & enhances its flow properties, potentially replacing synthetic options in textiles. It also increased antibacterial effects.
13th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Improving drying methods boosts quality of pre-cut onion slices
Researchers optimized a fast onion drying method using hot air & salt to retain quality. 70°C, 20% salt, & 3mm slices yielded best results—good color, vitamin C, & rehydration. Dried onions stored well for 3 months.
12th November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Heavy metal pollution in dry soils poses health risks
Egyptian Nile Delta soil shows concerning heavy metal contamination from farming chemicals, posing cancer risks, especially to children via lead, arsenic, & nickel. Mapping shows hotspots needing urgent action to protect health & ecosystems.
11th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New genetic tools help breed disease-resistant watermelons
USDA researchers pinpointed a key region in the watermelon genome linked to resistance against powdery mildew, a common fungal disease.
10th November, 2025
| Jim Crocker
New method quickly identifies rock types during drilling using sound waves
New tech uses sound from drilling to identify rock types in real time. By linking drilling sound to rock properties, it offers faster, automated geological mapping for more efficient coal mining. Accuracy varies by rock, but shows promise even in disrupted areas.
1st November, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
How growing chickpeas with dragon's head impacts seed quality
Growing crops together (intercropping) can boost seed quality, but it depends on watering & planting time. Iranian & Chinese researchers found autumn planting with moderate watering improved chickpea & dragon’s head seed germination & nutrient levels.
27th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Better designs for drip irrigation can improve water flow and prevent blockages
Drip irrigation faces clogging issues reducing efficiency. Researchers designed emitters based on plant structures, using computer models to analyze water flow & particle behavior.
25th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Garlic and Gum Arabic nanoparticles protect stored grains from beetle damage
Nano-encapsulation boosts garlic oil’s power against bean weevils. Gum Arabic nanoparticles protect and deliver the oil, increasing toxicity and lasting over 30 days—longer than using oil alone.
24th October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Strawberry gene discovery could lead to new disease resistance strategies
UC Davis researchers discovered FW7, a new gene on strawberry chromosome 2A that boosts resistance to Fusarium wilt, a damaging plant disease.
23rd October, 2025
| Jenn Hoskins
Gene editing onions becomes easier with new technique
Onion crops face disease challenges. New gene editing tech boosts resistance by precisely modifying plant genes, unlike slow traditional methods.
25th October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Improved image recognition helps identify different grape leaf varieties
Deep learning improves grape leaf variety identification, crucial for viticulture. Researchers optimized a DenseNet201 neural network with techniques like data augmentation & parameter tuning, achieving higher accuracy than other image recognition models.
22nd October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Study identifies bee pollen types based on where they come from using AI
Researchers developed a method using image analysis and AI to identify bee pollen producers with 85% accuracy. This offers a simpler, cheaper way to verify pollen origin, boosting trust & traceability in the growing health food market. Color differences hint at beekeeper source.
27th October, 2025
| Greg Howard
Predicting landslide risk using advanced computer modeling
Landslides threaten mountainous areas; predicting where they’ll occur is key to prevention. New research in China’s Tianshan Mountains combined statistical analysis & machine learning to improve risk mapping.
22nd October, 2025
| Jim Crocker
Bacterial compound boosts soybean health and yield during drought
Drought harms soybean growth, cutting yields & nutrient levels. Researchers found a Bacillus thuringiensis derivative, Bacillin 20, partially countered these effects under moderate stress, boosting leaf area & shoot weight.
