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, 11 Nov 2009 14:05:01 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:05:01 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/2009/11/091110171750.htm Fossil plants provide clues as to what our planet looked like millions of years ago. Identifying fossil plants can be tricky, however, when plant organs fail to be preserved. Researchers recently discovered abundant fossilized specimens of a conifer (previously known as "Libocedrus" prechilensis) found in Argentinean Patagonia. Characteristics of these fossils match those currently found only in tropical, montane New Guinea and the Moluccas. This discovery helps to explain the remarkable plant and insect diversity found in Eocene Patagonia. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828103930.htm Researchers in Spain have found that several species of lupins from the mountains of Andalusia have a protein content similar to that of other cultivated legumes. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828103930.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/2009/11/091104122530.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/2009/10/091028090530.htm One of the first-ever analyses of the effects of global warming on endangered primates has examined how El Niño warming has affected the abundance of four highly threatened New World monkeys. All four monkey species showed drops in abundance relating to large-scale climate fluctuations. The study suggests that the consequences of intensified climate fluctuations could be devastating for several primate species. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090530.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/2009/09/090914131910.htm Researchers have explored a piece of Darwin's "abominable mystery" -- how flowering plants originated, rapidly diversified, and rose to dominance -- by exploring the microscopic anatomy of seed development in Trithuria, a genus in the plant family Hydatellaceae. This family is thought to be one of the earliest families of angiosperms -- the so-called "basal angiosperms." Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914131910.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/2009/10/091022141404.htm The great diversity of male sexual traits, ranging from peacock's elaborate train to formidable genitalia of male seed beetles, is the result of female choice. But why do females choose among males? Researchers found no support for the theory that the female choice is connected to "good genes." Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141404.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/2009/10/091020162007.htm Maple tree seeds and the spiraling pattern in which they glide to the ground have delighted children for ages and perplexed engineers for decades. Now aerospace engineering graduate students have learned how to apply the seeds' unique design to aerial devices that can fly, hover and perform surveillance in defense and emergency situations. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162007.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/2009/09/090908103623.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/2009/10/091016112639.htm An international partnership of 54 countries led by the United Kingdom's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is celebrating a decade of work to set aside seeds for future generations from 10 percent of the world's wild flowering species. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016112639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006155911.htm The ecological and economic impacts of gene flow between crops and their weedy relatives are significant. Weedy relatives may acquire beneficial genes from cultivated cousins, potentially increasing their invasive ability. Farmers may find that their crop yields decrease or crops may be more difficult to harvest if they hybridize with a weedy relative. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006155911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002182631.htm Understanding the evolution and domestication of maize is important for many researchers. As one of the most important crops worldwide and one that appears very different from its wild relatives because of domestication, understanding exactly how maize has evolved has many practical benefits and may help improve crop yields. Researchers recently compared corn kernel development to its closest wild relative and have overturned some commonly held beliefs on the domestication of maize. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002182631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141528.htm Soybeans contain high levels of several health-beneficial compounds including tocopherols, which have antioxidant properties. These molecules can be used in the development of functional foods, which have specific health-beneficial properties and can be used in the treatment or prevention of diseases. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925102003.htm Necessity is the mother of invention: Great Tits eat hibernating common pipistrelle bats under harsh conditions of snow cover. This remarkable newly-acquired behaviour was observed by researchers in a cave in Hungary. When the researchers offered the birds alternative feed, they ate it and showed little or no interest in flying into the cave again. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090925102003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910184308.htm Estimates say more than 70 million ash trees have been destroyed nationally by the emerald ash borer insect. An Iowa researcher is racing the clock to collect seeds from different ash species including green, white, blue and black ash, and many variations within each species before they are killed by the pest. He thinks he may be about 10 percent there. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910184308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910211859.htm A breed of pea seeds has been created that contains antibodies against coccidiosis, a disease caused by a parasite that attacks chickens. Researchers describe the development of the GM seeds, and demonstrate their effectiveness in preventing this economically important illness. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910211859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071648.htm Field trials of a new cotton are verifying previous lab and greenhouse studies indicating the crop could become a source of protein for millions of malnourished people in the world. The cotton was engineered so that the toxic gossypol is reduced to tolerable levels in the high-protein seed but remain at higher levels in the rest of the plant to ward off pests and disease. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071648.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/2009/08/090827101209.htm After two years of research over five degraded landscapes in the National Park of Sierra Nevada, scientists have established that field mice base their diet on holm oak and pine seeds, causing a deterioration of the habitats and an extension of scrubland in the forests. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827101209.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812163752.htm When something's bugging rice farmers, a large segment of the world's population will know. That's because a big bite of the supply is taken by hungry insects every year. One of the worst is the rice water weevil. Its gray snout has chomped through the world making a sizable dent in rice supplies. A Texas researcher is splashing through rice paddies with his net to discover news ways of controlling the rice-craving insect. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812163752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813163200.htm Life in the fruit bowl is no longer the pits, thanks to a Canadian researcher who has found a way to turn the throwaway kernels in mangos into a natural food preservative that could help prevent Listeriosis outbreaks. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813163200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806191936.htm Elastin-like polypeptides cause plants to store GM proteins in special "protein bodies," insulating them from normal cellular degradation processes and increasing the overall protein yield. Researchers have visualized the mechanism by which the synthetic biopolymer increases the accumulation of recombinant proteins. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806191936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162011.htm This year farmers in the Midwest are growing a new variety of soybeans that has resistance to soybean aphids. However, in addition to the resistant plants, researchers also discovered a new soybean aphid which is not controlled by this resistance. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625141458.htm Contrary to predictions, males of high genetic quality are not very successful when it comes to fertilizing eggs. A new study on seed beetles shows that when a female mates with several males, the males of low genetic quality are the most successful in fertilizing eggs. Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625141458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804174729.htm Citrus researchers have developed a new mandarin (or tangerine) for commercial production. Named "DaisySL" for Daisy seedless, the new fruit is finely textured and juicy, with a rich, sweet and distinctive flavor when mature. Its rind is smooth and thin, and bears a deep orange color. In September 2009 "DaisySL" will be released for propagation by California citrus nurseries that have purchased licenses to propagate and sell the variety in the state. Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804174729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803173246.htm Pine trees grown for 12 years in air one-and-a-half times richer in carbon dioxide than today's levels produced twice as many seeds of at least as good a quality as those growing under normal conditions. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803173246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714124903.htm Biologists show that in the plant world, bigger isn't necessarily better. "Until now most of the thinking has suggested that to be a good competitor in the forest, you have to be a big plant," according to one of the researchers. "But our research shows it's virtually the other way around." Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714124903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090725115152.htm A promising biocontrol agent for garlic mustard, one of the most problematic invaders of temperate forests in North America, has been identified. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090725115152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721090129.htm Scientists have developed rice plants that contain six times more iron in polished rice kernels. To accomplish this, the researchers transferred two plant genes into an existing rice variety. In the future, the high-iron rice could help to combat iron deficiency, especially in developing countries in Africa and Asia. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721090129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713151158.htm Using a diverse herbicide application strategy may increase production costs, but a five-year study shows the practice will drastically reduce weeds and seeds that are resistant to a popular herbicide. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713151158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080121.htm The ability of plants to tell the time, a mechanism common to all living beings, enables them to survive, grow and reproduce. Scientists have studied this circadian clock from a molecular viewpoint and have found an ecological implication: it makes climate change scenarios and carbon dioxide level figures more accurate. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619152137.htm Chile peppers have long played an important role in the diets of Mesoamerican people. Capsicum annuum is one of five domesticated species of chiles and is one of the primary components of these diets. However, little is known regarding the original location of domestication of C. annuum and the genetic diversity in wild relatives. Researchers have now found a large amount of diversity in individuals from the Yucatan Peninsula, making this a center of diversity for chiles. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619152137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081122.htm With rising ozone levels scientists have found that high ozone conditions cause a 30 percent decrease in yield and an increase in the concentration of a group of compounds with toxic effects to livestock, but anticarcinogenic effects for humans, within oilseed rape plants. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629081122.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074514.htm Researchers have genetically altered castor-oil plant so as to use it as a factory to produce bio lubricants. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630202125.htm A new fossil primate from Myanmar (previously known as Burma) suggests that the common ancestor of humans, monkeys and apes evolved from primates in Asia, not Africa as many researchers believe. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630202125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619171244.htm Sagebrush engaged in self-recognition and communicate danger to their "clones" or genetically identical cuttings planted nearby, researchers show. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619171244.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617104905.htm Plants or meat: that's about all that fossils ever tell paleontologists about a dinosaur's diet. But the skull characteristics of a new species of parrot-beaked dinosaur and its associated gizzard stones indicate that the animal fed on nuts and/or seeds. These characteristics present the first solid evidence of nut-eating in any dinosaur. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617104905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142356.htm The twirling seeds of maple trees spin like miniature helicopters as they fall to the ground. Because the seeds descend slowly as they swirl, they're carried aloft by the wind and dispersed over great distances. Just how the seeds manage to fall so slowly, however, has mystified scientists. In research published in Science, researchers describe the aerodynamic secret of the enchanting swirling seeds. Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611065853.htm As a result of stronger winds caused by global warming, seeds and pollen are being carried over longer distances. An increase in temperature of only a couple of degrees may increase the dispersal of plants in Northern forests and the spread of plant species into forest clearings after felling or forest fires. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611065853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601085918.htm The sea floor is strewn with raw materials that could be very important in the future: Manganese and iron, but also rarer and more precious elements such as cobalt, copper, zinc and nickel, are present in great quantities in the form of deep-sea nodules and crusts. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601085918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528092528.htm Researchers have found out that vetch is an important source of phenolic compounds with a high antioxidant activity. It is a leguminous plant of the Fabeae family, very popular during the Spanish post-war as a basic foodstuff. Currently, vetch is frequently grown in the Indian subcontinent, in Ethiopia and surrounding countries, in the Mediterranean area and in South America. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528092528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527175333.htm A mixture of some organic acids and some extracts from plants turns out to be enough to greatly reduce pathogenic bacteria on chicken breast meat. Add some irradiation to the mix and it makes a lethal combination against the bacteria. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527175333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522174701.htm Agricultural engineers have developed the erosion control industry's first cotton hydromulch "spray-on blanket." Hydromulch is the bright-green mulch used in spray-on slurries that cover bare lands at construction sites and roadside projects, to prevent erosion until vegetation can be established. In the past, hydromulches were made mostly from wood and paper byproducts. Sun, 31 May 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090522174701.htm