http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/drought/ Drought Research. Read where droughts are predicted, and what can be done about them. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/drought/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121115.htm Scientists have discovered that the key to plants' responses to drought lies in the structure of a protein called PYR1 and how it interacts with the plant hormone abscisic acid. Their study could open up new approaches to increasing crops' resistance to water shortage. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132814.htm The transition zone can be one of the most challenging places to maintain high-quality turfgrass; changeable growing conditions in these regions often prove too hot or too cold. Finding turfgrass that thrives in these challenging environments can be perplexing for turf management professionals and homeowners alike. Bred for their ability to tolerate heat and drought, two hybrids "Dura Blue" and "Thermal Blue" were found to outperform traditional bluegrasses in transition zone areas. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132814.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/2009/07/090729140929.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/2009/10/091022141400.htm Biologists have solved the structure of a critical molecule that helps plants survive during droughts. Understanding the inner workings of this molecule may help scientists design new ways to protect crops against prolonged dry periods, potentially improving crop yields worldwide, aiding biofuels production on marginal lands and mitigating drought's human and economic costs. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141400.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/2009/10/091007081625.htm With land degradation in dryland regions continuing to worsen, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification has agreed on scientist-recommended indicators for monitoring and assessing desertification that signatory countries must report on. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007081625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164104.htm A 2005-2007 dry spell in the southeastern United States destroyed billions of dollars of crops, drained municipal reservoirs and sparked legal wars among a half-dozen states -- but the havoc came not from exceptional dryness but booming population and bad planning, says a new study. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150250.htm Thread-like fungi that grow in soils at high elevations may play an important role in restoring whitebark and limber pine forests in Canada. Researchers are looking for ways to use fungi to help pine seedlings get a strong start. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141351.htm Scientists have identified a gene in cowpea (black-eyed pea) that confers resistance to attack from witchweed, a parasitic plant. This discovery will help researchers better understand how some plants can resist Striga, while others, such as corn and sorghum, are susceptible. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090830100514.htm Bluegrass hybrids ideal for pasture and for lawns could be developed faster using recently developed genetic markers. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090830100514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805110739.htm In an advance that could help ease the antibiotic drought, scientists are describing successful use of a test that enlists pinhead-sized worms in efforts to discover badly needed new antibiotics. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805110739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142851.htm Scientists have found that methane emission by plants could be a bigger problem in global warming than previously thought. They say an uncounted-for source of greenhouse gas could promote global warming. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817142851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723113512.htm By looking at what different types of rice have in common, scientists are unlocking rice's genetic diversity to help conserve it and find valuable rice genes to help improve rice production. Sun, 02 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723113512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720102014.htm Two new sister lines of rice are defying rice's reputation as a thirsty crop as they demonstrate their improved productivity in drought-prone regions of India and the Philippines. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720102014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707201216.htm Long-term declines of elephants, giraffe, impala and other animals in Kenya are occurring at the same rates within the country's national parks as outside of these protected areas, according to a study released this week. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707201216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081127.htm Plants grown under high carbon dioxide and drought conditions show an increase in toxic compounds, a decrease in protein content and a decrease in yield. Therefore new cultivars should be developed in order to sustain food production in a future environment. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616133944.htm Extreme weather, drought, heavy rainfall and increasing temperatures are a fact of life in many parts of the US as a result of human-induced climate change, researchers report. These and other changes will continue and likely increase in intensity into the future, the scientists found. For the southwest region of the United States, which includes California, the report forecasts a hotter, drier climate with significant effects on the environment, agriculture and health. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616133944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602204259.htm A new study has found that by 2050, hotter conditions, coupled with shifting rainfall patterns, could make anywhere from 500,000 to one million square kilometers of marginal African farmland no longer able to support even a subsistence level of food crops. However, the land, on which some 20 to 35 million people currently live, may still support livestock. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602204259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529112528.htm Climate change can have devastating effects on endangered species, but new mathematical models may be able to aid conservation of a population of bighorn sheep. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529112528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430144541.htm Scientists have identified a key gene that allows plants to defend themselves against environmental stresses like drought, freezing and heat. Fri, 01 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430144541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409185415.htm Scorpions possess resistance to high temperatures and the ability to conserve water for long periods of time, and as a result thrive in hot and arid parts of the world. But is this global distribution also seen at a more local level? Biologists now show that this is indeed the case, even when European-like and African-like habitats were separated by no more than 100 meters. Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409185415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090413180535.htm Widespread die-off of pinyon pine across the southwestern United States during future droughts will occur at least five times faster if climate warms by 4 degrees Celsius, even if future droughts are no worse than droughts of the past century, scientists have discovered. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090413180535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401181236.htm Much of Texas' wheat may be grazed as a part of a dual-use crop. But many fields are still prepared using conventional tillage, which may not efficiently capture rainfall -- a key to economic success in a semi-arid environment, said a Texas AgriLife Research scientist. Dr. Paul DeLaune, environmental soil scientist at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Vernon, said tillage operations can increase soil compaction, thereby increasing runoff. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401181236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305141625.htm The Amazon is surprisingly sensitive to drought, according to new research conducted throughout the world's largest tropical forest. The 30-year study provides the first solid evidence that drought causes massive carbon loss in tropical forests, mainly through killing trees. Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305141625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217125555.htm Under sunny, arid conditions, wine grapes can become sunburned, which can adversely affect productivity and fruit maturity. Researchers investigated a particle film, which increases light reflection and reduces leaf temperature, on several crops. The film acts as a sunscreen by reflecting the harmful ultraviolet rays off of the leaves and fruit, but still allows the right radiation for photosynthesis through to nourish the plant. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217125555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090123164359.htm In an effort to improve rice varieties, a research team traced the evolutionary history of domesticated rice by using a process that focuses on one gene. Studying the gene allows researchers to better understand how it evolved over time through natural selection and human interaction. Understanding the variations could allow scientists to place genes from wild rice species into domesticated rice to create varieties with more favorable characteristics. Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090123164359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122141222.htm A new study led by the US Geological Survey and involving the University of Colorado at Boulder indicates tree deaths in the West's old-growth forests have more than doubled in recent decades, likely from regional warming and related drought conditions. Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122141222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090121122826.htm Global grain markets are facing breaking point according to new research into the agricultural stability of China. Experts predict that if China's recent urbanization trends continue, and the country imports just 5 percent more of its grain, the entire world's grain export would be swallowed whole. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090121122826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090108095425.htm When extremes of drought and flood come in rapid succession, the extent of damage to vegetation may depend in part on the sequence of those events, according to a new study. Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090108095425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081228195157.htm Scientists have found that weather and climate play key roles in levels of a family of antioxidants tucked inside soybean seeds. Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081228195157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081216201404.htm A new report provides insights on the potential for abrupt climate change and the effects it could have on the United States, identifying key concerns that include faster-than-expected loss of sea ice, rising sea levels and a possibly permanent state of drought in the American West. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081216201404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081124165134.htm The "Green Great Wall," a forest shelterbelt project in northern China running nearly parallel to the Great Wall, is likely to improve climatic and hydrological conditions in the area when completed, according to a new study. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081124165134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081120162847.htm New research has yielded a way to double the output of rice crops in some of the world's poorest, most distressed areas. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081120162847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081112075037.htm Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence is an effective way of determining how well plants can cope with low-water conditions. The technique allows a quantitative and precise determination of viability in intact, drought-stressed plants. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081112075037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081105083540.htm Extreme weather events have a greater effect on flora than previously presumed. A one-month drought postpones the time of flowering of grassland and heathland plants in Central Europe by an average of 4 days. With this a so-called 100-year drought event equates to approximately a decade of global warming. Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081105083540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093458.htm Chalk up another environmental benefit for shade-grown Latin American coffee: University of Michigan researchers say the technique will provide a buffer against the ravages of climate change in the coming decades. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080917145518.htm As climate change is credited as one of the main drivers behind soaring food prices, the Global Crop Diversity Trust is undertaking a major effort to search crop collections -- from Azerbaijan to Nigeria -- for the traits that could arm agriculture against the impact of future changes. Traits, such as drought resistance in wheat, or salinity tolerance in potato, will become essential as crops around the world have to adapt to new climate conditions. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080917145518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916143856.htm New research could help breeders to develop pea varieties able to withstand drought stress and climate change. The research also shows that the composition of crops is likely to change with the climate. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916143856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911103910.htm Technology under development could offer new hope to farmers in drought-affected and marginal areas by enabling crops to grow using salty groundwater. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911103910.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825201731.htm Imagine adding a thermometer to Google Earth. That's the vision of Agricultural Research Service scientists Martha Anderson and Bill Kustas, who see the need for high-resolution thermal infrared imaging tools -- such as those aboard the aging Landsat satellites -- as vital to monitoring earth's health. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825201731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825175041.htm At the end of the day, drought tolerance in corn has to equate to good yields and good quality, not just good looks, said a Texas AgriLife Research scientist. Corn breeders are working with crosses between temperate and tropically adapted varieties of corn to find a drought-tolerant plant that performs well under reduced irrigation. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825175041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811195319.htm The Douglas-fir, state tree of Oregon, towering king of old-growth forests and one of the tallest tree species on Earth, finally stops growing taller because it just can't pull water any higher, a new study concludes. Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811195319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811200337.htm Old female elephants and perhaps their memories of distant, life-sustaining sources of food and water may be the key to survival during the worst of times. Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811200337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806113316.htm Ecologist are studying how woody vines, or lianas, are affecting tropical forests and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Through a comprehensive community-level study on liana-tree interactions in Panama, researchers are untangling how lianas survive -- and whether they are really threatening trees. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080806113316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080628065624.htm Scientists are studying these varieties to identify the genes and molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in order to engineer new drought-resistant crops of potato, as well as other Solanaceous vegetables. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080628065624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625073804.htm Scientists have found the first clear example of how climate extremes, such as the increased frequency of droughts and floods expected with global warming, can create conditions in which diseases that are tolerated individually may converge and cause mass die-offs of livestock or wildlife. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625073804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080528101708.htm A new report finds that climate change is already affecting U.S. water resources, agriculture, land resources, and biodiversity, and will continue to do so. A list of 12 major results of global warming on the U.S. includes the invasion by exotic grass species into arid lands will result from climate change, causing an increased fire frequency. The growing season has increased by 10 to 14 days over the last 19 years across the temperate latitudes. Species' distributions have also shifted. Wed, 28 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080528101708.htm