http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/agriculture_and_food/ Agricultural research news. From fertilizers and organic farming to maximizing crops and hybridization, read about advancements in agriculture. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/agriculture_and_food/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122534.htm Scientists in Canada are reporting the development of a fast, inexpensive "dipstick" test to identify small amounts of pesticides that may exist in foods and beverages. Their paper-strip test is more practical than conventional pesticide tests, producing results in minutes rather than hours by means of an easy-to-read color-change, they say. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102112056.htm Scientists have identified biomarkers in rice -- 17 markers thus far that can follow changes in metabolism rapidly across a large number of plant samples. The technique is called metabolite screening. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102112056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145249.htm Some 350 experts from 50 nations gathering in Mexico for their 3rd global meeting will outline the latest creative applications of DNA barcoding, including several projects related to human health, fraud, smuggling, the food chain and reconstructing environmental history. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123618.htm Scientists in Washington, DC, are reporting development and successful tests of a new way for exploring the insides of living cells, the microscopic building blocks of all known plants and animals. They explode the cell while it is still living inside a plant or animal, vaporize its contents, and sniff. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112438.htm 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. A new study evaluates whether the copper-zinc interaction in soils is additive as defined by the toxicity response in soybeans. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132824.htm Plant carotenoids are the most important source of vitamin A in the human diet and are considered to be valuable antioxidants capable of protecting humans from chronic diseases including macular degeneration, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Researchers investigating the carotenoid content of field-grown broccoli discovered that when it comes to breeding broccoli, lutein levels were linked to the plants' genetics; the environment in which the vegetables were grown had little effect on carotenoid production. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027170855.htm Researchers are close to unraveling intricate cellular pathways that control molting in blue crabs. The discoveries could revolutionize the soft-shell crab industry, generating new jobs and additional profits for the US fishing industry along the coastal Southeast. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027170855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104140814.htm Conserving water and reducing the environmental impact of runoff are two important issues confronting container nursery operations. Current regulations in five states limit water consumption and/or nutrient concentrations in runoff. Researchers investigated whether irrigation scheduling based on daily water use (DWU) -- the combined loss of water from plant transpiration and substrate evaporation -- could conserve water. According to the study, "scheduling irrigation according to plant DWU substantially reduced the amount of irrigation applied. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104140814.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143720.htm Unwrapping some of the mystery from how plants and bacteria communicate to trigger an innate immune response, scientists have identified the bacterial signaling molecule that matches up with a specific receptor in rice plants to ward off a devastating disease known as bacterial blight of rice. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144822.htm Engineers are assessing systematic production methods that could make the costs of algae oil production more reasonable, helping move the U.S. from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy replacements. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102353.htm Flemish scientists have developed a technology that can significantly increase crop yields as well as make them more resistant to unfavorable growing conditions. It is based on selecting plants that make more efficient use of energy. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085823.htm A global collaborative has produced a first draft of the genome of a domesticated pig, an achievement that will lead to insights in agriculture, medicine, conservation and evolution. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122530.htm Weeds are a widespread problem for the blueberry industry, particularly in young plantings when bushes are not fully established and most susceptible to competition. Weed control is even more of a challenge for growers of organic products, including organic highbush blueberry. Researchers investigated using mulches of pine needles, manure--sawdust compost, and seafood waste compost for weed control. Results indicate pine needles were the most effective mulch in suppressing weed growth. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122524.htm Predictions of grape yields are extremely important to juice processors and wineries but until recently, forecasting yields has relied on expensive and labor-intensive hand-sampling methods. However, a new approach, Trellis Tension Monitor has been developed that works by detecting weight change on trellised grapevines as the vine and grapes grow. Using 10 commercial vineyards, researchers found that TTM produced more-accurate estimates of yield than previous methods. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204438.htm As African leaders prepare to present an ambitious proposal to industrialized countries for coping with climate change in the part of the world that is most vulnerable to its impacts, a new study points to where and how some of this money should be spent. The study projects that climate change will have highly variable impacts on East Africa's vital maize and bean harvests over the next two to four decades. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102204438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103171913.htm Pecan trees have a tendency to bear fruit in cycles, producing a large crop in one or two years, followed by little or no crop. This cycle is the most profit-limiting biological problem facing producers. Georgia researchers who studied the effects of mechanical fruit thinning on pecan yield, nut quality, and profitability concluded concluded that increased profitability using mechanical fruit thinning results primarily from higher yields and prices in the OFF year of production. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103171913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103171723.htm Consumer interest in new and diverse types of garlic is on the rise. Fueled by factors including the growth of the "local foods" movement, interest in world cuisines, and widespread reports touting its numerous health benefits, demand for high-quality, locally grown garlic is increasing throughout the US. The results of a recent study of 10 garlic cultivars can help farmers identify niche regional markets and offer new, in-demand garlic varieties to consumers. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103171723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171613.htm The control of spider mites, which damage tree leaves, reduce fruit quality and cost growers millions of dollars in the use of pesticide and oil spraying, is being biologically controlled in Pennsylvania apple orchards with two tiny insects known to be natural predators. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171605.htm Alternate bearing (biennial or uneven bearing) is the tendency of fruit trees to produce a heavy crop one year followed by a light crop or no crop the following "off-crop" year. Using "Pixie" mandarin (Citrus reticulata), researchers in California investigated when and how fruit perpetuate cyclic differences in floral intensity. Research has indicated that alternate bearing in citrus is due to a lack of flowering in the spring following a heavy on-crop year. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152938.htm Genetically modified squash plants that are resistant to a debilitating viral disease become more vulnerable to a fatal bacterial infection, according to biologists. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028112609.htm Researchers have identified wheat and barley lines resistant to crown rot -- a disease that costs Australian wheat and barley farmers $79 million in lost yield every year. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028112609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152810.htm Globalization and industrialization are causing diseases to spread from humans to animals, a study has shown. Researchers have shown that a strain of bacteria has jumped from humans to chickens. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026152810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026162542.htm When wild boar and deer, traditional menu items in the fall, eat genetically modified corn, do transgenic residues accumulate in their meat? Do they spread GM corn via their feces? The answer in each case is no, according to scientists. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026162542.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028134633.htm An analysis of three and half decades of maize research in African farming communities finds big benefits. A multi-country study reports the significant role international maize research plays in reducing poverty. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028134633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729140929.htm The cowpea or black-eyed pea, as it is more commonly known, is a New Year's tradition for good luck. But disease and particularly aphids, which can wreck a crop within a few a days, are especially bad luck for the cowpea, according to scientists. Several new lines of cowpeas with genes that are aphid-resistant and less susceptible to disease are currently being tested. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729140929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161526.htm Scientists have published the largest nematode phylogenetic tree up until now. It contains over 1,200 species and is entirely based on the analysis of DNA sequence data. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015163605.htm A newly recognized pest in Oregon continues to concern fruit growers and researchers with the recent discovery of a spotted wing Drosophila fly in a sample of Willamette Valley wine grapes. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015163605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141117.htm A report examining the impact of a global biofuels program on greenhouse gas emissions during the 21st century has found that carbon loss stemming from the displacement of food crops and pastures for biofuels crops may be twice as much as the carbon dioxide emissions from land dedicated to biofuels production. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141117.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101655.htm The Mediterranean fruit fly is a world plague which represents one of the most serious problems for agriculture. However, the control methods currently present in the market for this plague are ineffective. Scientists have now isolated and identified bacteria that is extremely toxic for Mediterranean fruit fly larvae. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020094100.htm Genetic information from an extinct species of bison preserved in permafrost for thousands of years could help improve modern agricultural livestock and breeding programs, according to researchers. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020094100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002102415.htm Hybrids of the invasive Australian plant species Casuarina exist in Florida, scientists have found. These fast-growing, pine-like trees were historically planted widely as ornamentals and along boulevards in south Florida, and are currently being proposed as a windbreak in citrus groves. However, the trees are frequently the tallest in the canopy and can be very damaging during storms and hurricanes. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002102415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090830104316.htm Group B Streptococcus is a versatile pathogen that affects a variety of animals. Now studies are revealing new information about this pathogen. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090830104316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115016.htm With potential adverse health and environmental effects often in the news about nanotechnology, scientists are reporting that carbon nanotubes could have beneficial effects in agriculture. Their study found that tomato seeds exposed to CNTs germinated faster and grew into larger, heavier seedlings than other seeds. That growth-enhancing effect could be a boon for biomass production for plant-based biofuels and other agricultural products, they suggest. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021144251.htm The cheeseburger and French fries might look tempting, but eating a serving of broccoli or leafy greens first could help people battle metabolic processes that lead to obesity and heart disease, a new study shows. Eating more plant-based foods, which are rich in substances called phytochemicals, seems to prevent oxidative stress in the body, a process associated with obesity and the onset of disease, according to findings. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021144251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105335.htm Research has previously assumed that animals and plants developed different genetic programs for cell death. Now scientists have shown that parts of the genetic programs that determine programmed cell death in plants and animals are actually evolutionarily related and moreover function in a similar way. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019172632.htm Pairing a new approach to prepare ancient DNA with a new scientific technique developed specifically to genotype a cow, scientists have created a very accurate and widespread "family tree" for cows and other ruminants, going back as far as 29 million years. This same technique also could be used to verify ancient relatives to humans and assist scientists who are studying human diseases. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019172632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029150838.htm Unseen and unheard, insects are all around us. And with more than a million different species, each one perfectly adapted to its environment, no other form of animal life comes close to matching insects for diversity. Scientists now want to exploit this diversity to develop and test new medicines, new methods of pest control, new industrial enzymes and even bionic systems. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029150838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019162917.htm Scientists have identified a novel enzyme responsible for the formation of suberin -- the woody, waxy, cell-wall substance found in cork. Adjusting the permeability of plant tissues by genetically manipulating the expression of this enzyme could lead to easier agricultural production of crops used for biofuels. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019162917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101613.htm Scientists are looking for cover crop perennials that provide the best balance in biofuel production between agronomic success and environmental sustainability. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016094049.htm Once-in-a-lifetime floods in the Philippines, India's delayed monsoon, and extensive drought in Australia are taking their toll on this year's rice crops, demonstrating the vulnerability of rice to extreme weather. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016094049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101318.htm Familiar beans like reds, whites and pintos are rich in iron, a nutrient essential for our health. But not all of the little legumes' treasure trove of iron is bioaccessible --- that is, available for our bodies to readily absorb. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103623.htm Peat has been used in container plant production since the 1960s. Highly porous and able to hold water, peat makes an ideal rooting and growing medium. But harvesting peat (and draining valuable peatlands in the process) releases carbon stored in peat into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Researchers have worked for years to find alternative organic materials that can be used as partial or complete substitutes for peat and are now testing composted dairy manure. Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101331.htm An "optical soil dipstick" will help scientists, urban planners and farmers understand the changing health of the soil, as well as the soil's agricultural potential and other environmental concerns. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012100825.htm On-farm water management could increase global crop production by about one fifth, a modeling study by German and Swedish researchers indicates. However, even intensive water management on present cropland will not be sufficient to accommodate the food demands of a growing population in a warming world, the scientists report. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012100825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013171231.htm Scientists have developed a high-density "consensus genetic map" of cowpea, a protein-rich legume crop, that accelerates conventional breeding severalfold and facilitates the production of new varieties of not only cowpea but also other legumes. Cowpea is immensely important in many parts of the world, particularly drought-prone regions of Africa and Asia, and plays a key role in sustaining food security for both people and their livestock. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013171231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012121331.htm There are approximately 40,000 species of spiders in the world, all of which have been thought to be strict predators that feed on insects or other animals. Now, scientists have found that a small Central American jumping spider has a uniquely different diet: the species Bagheera kiplingi feeds predominantly on plant food. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012121331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101352.htm Cows might be able to gain more weight while consuming less, potentially saving farmers up to 40 percent of feed costs. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006173544.htm A strain of yeast that thrives on turning sugar cane into ethanol for biofuel has had its genome completely sequenced. The findings could lead to more efficient biofuel production. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006173544.htm