http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/seeds/ Seed news and science. Learn about healthy seeds, salads in space, genetically modified seeds and more. Read surprising science news articles on seeds. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/seeds/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210133348.htm Researchers have taken a major step in the ongoing effort to find sources of cleaner, renewable energy by mapping the genomes of two originator cells of Miscanthus x giganteus, a large perennial grass with promise as a source of ethanol and bioenergy. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210133348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135840.htm Over-reliance on glyphosate-type herbicides for weed control on US farms has created a dramatic increase in the number of genetically-resistant weeds, according to agricultural researchers, who say the solution lies in an integrated weed management program. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163758.htm Plants leaves are sealed with a gas-tight wax layer to prevent water loss. Plants breathe through microscopic pores called stomata on the surfaces of leaves. As the key conduits for carbon dioxide uptake and water evaporation, stomata are critical for both our climate and plant productivity. Thus, not surprisingly, the total number and distribution of stomata are strictly regulated by plants to optimize photosynthesis while minimizing water loss. But the mechanisms for such regulation have remained elusive until now. Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120205163758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140939.htm In both cell lines and mouse models, grape seed extract kills head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed, new research shows. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140013.htm Every night millions of people go to bed hungry. New genetic technology can help us feed the world by making inedible seeds edible and tasty. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124162353.htm When it comes to conserving the world's orchids, not all forests are equal. Ecologists revealed that an orchid's fate hinges on two factors: A forest's age and its fungi. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124162353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123102222.htm Sweet corn research shows that higher yield and profitability are possible with greater plant populations of certain hybrids. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123102222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118112005.htm A natural substance obtained from seeds of the "miracle tree" could purify and clarify water inexpensively and sustainably in the developing world, where more than 1 billion people lack access to clean drinking water, scientists report. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118112005.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143758.htm New research shows that a warmer climate will have quite different consequences for plant species in the Arctic. While most species are expected to lose part of their current habitat, the genetic consequences will differ markedly among species. The research results will have major impact on future conservation efforts. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095533.htm Grain crops that produce less carotene can produce more food, especially in Africa, as they are less affected by parasitic plants. Agricultural researchers studied processes and technologies that could improve the control of the parasitic weed Striga both in the lab and in the field. He discovered that rice plants that produce less carotene than usual are less infected by the Striga parasite. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102054.htm Scientists have discovered a "nourishing gene" which controls the transfer of nutrients from plant to seed -- a significant step which could help increase global food production. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113102054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112722.htm Honeybee populations have been in serious decline for years, and scientists may have identified one of the factors that cause bee deaths around agricultural fields. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112112722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111226093008.htm The Harlequin ladybeetle, Japanese knotweed and the American lobster -- while this trio of creatures may have friendly sounding names, they are all introduced species in Norway, and may be anything but friendly to the Norwegian environment. But determining exactly how damaging introduced species may be in their new environment has always been something of a challenge for biologists and land managers -- until now. Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111226093008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091924.htm Hot chilies growing wild in dry environments produce substantially fewer seeds than non-pungent plants, but they are better protected against a seed-attacking fungus that is more prevalent in moist regions. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213114725.htm Plant breeders introduced a new fancy-leaved caladium characterized by leaves with large, attractive pink blotches. "UF-172" is ideal for use in large containers and landscapes. The variety performed well in container forcing and landscape use, and sprouts earlier than other existing commercial cultivars. The new caladium is projected to be popular with growers, retailers, consumers, and landscapers. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213114725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213105810.htm Researchers have discovered the protein that transports sucrose to a plant’s vascular pathways. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213105810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124559.htm Scientists investigated the growth regulatory effect of tea seed powder, a waste product from tea seed oil production. The product was tested on Lemna growth and as a soil and spray application on beet, mustard, oat, and barley. Two treatments were also tested for effects on strawberry yield. Results showed that extracts from TSP have a pronounced and direct physiological effect on plants, which can both increase growth and decrease growth depending on the application. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124526.htm Dormant seeds in the soil detect and respond to seasonal changes in soil temperature by changing their sensitivity to plant hormones, new research has found. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173641.htm One of the most comprehensive studies to date of the microbes that are found in extremely low-birthweight infants found that hard-to-treat Candida fungus is often present, as well as some harmful bacteria and parasites. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142015.htm Food prices are soaring at the same time as the Earth's population has just reached 7 billion. As a result the need for increased crop yields is extremely important. New research into the system by which sugars are moved throughout a plant -- from the leaves to the harvested portions and elsewhere -- could be crucial for addressing this problem. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121028.htm Tropical birds are moving to higher elevations because of climate change, but they may not be moving fast enough, according to a new study. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121028.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202091009.htm Plant seeds represent a special biological system: They remain in a dormant state with a significantly reduced metabolism and are thus able to withstand harsh environmental conditions for extended periods. The water content of maturing seeds is lower than ten percent. Researchers have now discovered that the genetic material in seeds becomes more compact and the nuclei of the seed cells contract when the seeds begin to mature. The seeds probably protect their genetic material against dehydration in this way. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202091009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130161537.htm Researchers have taken corn off steroids and found that the results might lead to improvements in that and other crops. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130161537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100443.htm With the December holidays a peak season for indulging in marzipan, scientists are reporting development of a new test that can tell the difference between the real thing -- a pricey but luscious paste made from ground almonds and sugar -- and cheap fakes made from ground soy, peas and other ingredients. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129103312.htm Warmer, drier summers and extreme weather events considered possible as the climate changes would be especially troublesome -- possibly fatal -- for walnut trees, according to researchers. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129103312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125160856.htm Rainforests that are subject to use by the human population and are divided into forest fragments can maintain their ecological functionality. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111125160856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112127.htm New research shows that humans can unwittingly bring alien plant species to Svalbard. Increased travel activity and expected temperature increases over the next decades, may make the establishment of new plant species in the archipelago’s vulnerable ecosystem possible. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124712.htm A new study using magnetic resonance imaging data of 406 adult human twins affirms the long-standing idea that the genetic basis of human cortical regionalization -- the organization of the outer brain into specific functional areas -- is similar to and consistent with patterns found in other mammals, indicating a common conservation mechanism in evolution. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161301.htm The conventional wisdom that says the 20th century was a disaster for crop diversity is nothing more than a myth, says an expert in intellectual property law. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102161301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031154132.htm More than half of eastern US tree species examined in a massive new study aren't adapting to climate change as quickly or consistently as predicted. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031154132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025752.htm Researchers have sequenced the genome of Cannabis sativa, the plant that produces both industrial hemp and marijuana, and in the process revealed the genetic changes that led to the plant's drug-producing properties. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024850.htm Scientists have confirmed the identity of a strange grass-like sedge discovered in a Mississippi graveyard, and believes the appearance of the potentially invasive plant is linked to the final resting places of several members of a royal Gypsy family. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011154457.htm It is one of the rarest shrubs in the southeastern United States, and for scientists trying to save it, the critically endangered Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxii) is not cooperating. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011154457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112803.htm A new study that uses new technology to assess and compare the safety of radish, broccoli, and alfalfa sprouts concludes that the secret to keeping sprouts free of foodborne pathogens lies in industry's intense attention to cleanliness of seeds. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011095902.htm A traditional treatment prepared from a woody shrub is proving highly effective at protecting cattle against ticks in southern Africa, according to researchers. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011095902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007073214.htm Cultivars of popular woody ornamental plants that have reduced viable seed production and are being advertised as "non-invasive" in the horticultural and nursery industries are probably nonetheless quite capable of spawning invasions, according to researchers. More rigorous testing, or complete sterility, should be required to allow claims that a cultivar of a potentially invasive species is environmentally safe. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007073214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929122755.htm Weeds, which are widely deemed as a nuisance plant, are vital to the existence of many farmland species, according to a new study. Since many weeds produce flowers and seed, they are an integral part of our ecosystem and together with other crop and non-crop seeds found on farms, they provide food for over 330 species of insects, birds and animals. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929122755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927155224.htm Most of what we have come to think of as our daily fruits, vegetables, and grains were domesticated from wild ancestors. Over hundreds and thousands of years, humans have selected and bred plants for traits that benefit us -- traits such as bigger, juicier, and easier-to-harvest fruits, stems, tubers, or flowers. But how do long-lived species respond to short-term selection processes, and will this information be helpful in predicting responses to rapid climate changes? Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927155224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110917082732.htm Modifying soybean seed to increase phosphorus content can improve animal nutrition and reduce feed costs and nutrient pollution. However, further research is needed to commercialize this valuable technology. Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110917082732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914115842.htm A new plant species that buries its seeds -- the first in its family -- was discovered in the Atlantic forest of Bahia, Brazil, by an international team of amateur and professional scientists. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914115842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909111642.htm Some wild plants show the particular characteristic of apomixis. This is a process adopted for producing seeds without fertilization or genetic recombination, giving rise to exact copies of the mother plant. This is an unusual method of reproduction and researchers are seeking to apply it to agriculturally useful plant species such as wheat or maize. Such a revolution would spare farmers the need to buy seed every year, particularly in the countries of the South. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909111642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908080956.htm Maize plants that have been inoculated with bacteria naturally present in the soil show improved resistance against a pathogenic fungus and a considerable reduction in the number of attacks by a herbivorous moth. It is the first time that such a double effect has been shown in maize. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908080956.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110902104743.htm Soon it will be possible to grow strawberries that withstand frost. This will lengthen their growing season in countries that must cope with cooler climates. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110902104743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829114911.htm Researchers have compared genetic data from 19 different strains of a humble plant called Arabidopsis thaliana. The genome sequences of these strains, 18 of which are presented in the study, will now make it easier to study plants' surprisingly wide trait variation that underlies their adaptability. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829114911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823193857.htm Coriander oil has been shown to be toxic to a broad range of harmful bacteria. Its use in foods and in clinical agents could prevent food-borne illnesses and even treat antibiotic-resistant infections, according to a new study. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823193857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115428.htm Twin-row soybean production is becoming a popular growing technique for soybean producers. An agricultural scientists has now compared the effects of planting soybeans in twin-rows vs. single-rows. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132145.htm Plant biologists have been working for years to nail down the series of chemical signals that one class of plant hormones, brassinosteroids, send from a protein on the surface of a cell to the nucleus. New research has isolated another link in this chain. Fully understanding the brassinosteroid pathway could help scientists better understand plant growth and help improve food and energy crop production. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818132145.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816112644.htm Scientists have developed a seedless variety of the popular ornamental shrub Euonymus alatus, also called 'burning bush,' that retains the plant's brilliant foliage yet eliminates its ability to spread and invade natural habitats. Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816112644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162344.htm New genetic evidence confirms what is now the eastern United States as the single geographic domestication site of modern sunflowers. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815152049.htm Sanitizing the outside of produce may not be enough to remove harmful food pathogens, according to a new study that demonstrated that Salmonella and E. coli can live inside plant tissues. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815152049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815095731.htm Scientists are studying soil moisture levels and other field dynamics to help Pacific Northwest farmers maximize the production of corn, a relatively new regional crop that helps support Idaho's growing dairy industry. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815095731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133013.htm According to a new analysis of plants in grasslands around the world, 84 percent of plant species are important to their ecosystem. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810133013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809144513.htm Road maintenance may accidentally spread the seeds of invasive plants, according to new research. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110809144513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808083710.htm Including seeds of local crop varieties in relief-seed packages distributed to smallscale farmers after natural calamities could help indigenous crop diversity rebound faster. Additionally, existing social networks act as vital seed distribution channels that hasten diversity recovery in disaster-affected communities. These are among the findings of a recent study that looked into the loss and subsequent recovery of cowpea diversity in Mozambique when massive flooding, followed by severe drought, hit most of the country about 11 years ago. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808083710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803083458.htm Researchers have developed a unique collection of information about the disease resistance of 96 of the world’s onion varieties. It will be a crucial resource for commercial growers and seed producers trying to combat one of the most difficult diseases affecting onion crops. This work may also have benefits in terms of and reduced fertilizer consumption and enhanced drought tolerance. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803083458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801094715.htm Whatever does not kill a plant may actually make it stronger. After being partially eaten by grazing animals, for example, some plants grow bigger and faster and reproduce more successfully than they otherwise would. In a new study, researchers report that one secret to these plants' post-traumatic triumph lies in their ability to duplicate their chromosomes -- again and again -- without undergoing cell division. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801094715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175805.htm New research answers critical questions regarding cycad reproduction on Guam. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175723.htm With rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall, California's native grasses will likely suffer at the hands of exotic invasive grasses, which are more equipped to deal with warmer weather. That is the conclusion of researchers who analyzed all exotic and native grasses in the state and predicted their likely range changes with changing climate. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728123115.htm Nutmeg-loving toucans wearing GPS transmitters recently helped scientists in Panama address an age-old problem in plant ecology: accurately estimating seed dispersal. The tracking data revealed what scientists have long suspected, that toucans are excellent seed dispersers, particularly in the morning; also, for the first time, the data enabled researchers to create a map of the relative patterns and distances that toucans distribute the seeds of a nutmeg tree. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728123115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727205240.htm When miners abandoned Michigan's Copper Country, they left a lot of the red metal behind, and not in a good way. Waste from the mining operations still contains a high fraction of copper, so high that almost nothing can grow on it -- and hasn't for decades, leaving behind moonscape expanses that can stretch for acres. Researchers may have now discovered how to make plants grow in the mine-waste desert and soak up some copper while they are at it. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727205240.htm