Category

Agriculture

Image credit:  Illustration of plant-fungal interactions by Thai Dao

An Inside Look at How Plants and Mycorrhizal Fungi Cooperate

By | Agriculture, News, Plant Science

Researchers collaborated on a study investigating the symbiotic relationship between legume plants and mycorrhizal fungi, crucial for nutrient exchange. Using advanced sequencing techniques, they identified key genes facilitating this interaction, offering insights for genetic engineering and potential biofuel crop optimization. Future studies aim to expand this research to other plant species.

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Image: Green wall experimental design used for Expt. 1. The six blocks of treatments with the three spiderwort selections of zebra plant, ‘Burgundy’ zebra plant, and inch plant are denoted with red squares, placement of light/temperature sensors (one per block) are shown with magenta circles, sentinel pots used to determine need for irrigation are shown with blue triangles (eight dispersed throughout the green wall), and average light levels (µmol·m−2·s−1) per block are reported in white boxes. Average light levels were determined by averaging the light reading at each pot location in each block. Credit: American Society for Horticultural Science

Treating Potted Zebra Plant and Inch Plant Used in Interior Green Wall to Regulate Stem Elongation

By | Agriculture, News

Maintaining the health of green walls poses challenges, often requiring costly professional care due to plant elongation in low-light environments. Recent research explored using antigibberellin plant growth regulators to combat this issue. Application of PGRs resulted in compact growth, potentially reducing maintenance costs and preserving aesthetic appeal.

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Image credit: 12019 / Pixabay

Better phosphorus use can ensure its stocks last more than 500 years and boost global food production – new evidence shows

By | Agriculture, News

Efficient phosphorus use could extend its reserves over 500 years, vital for global food production amid a rising population. Current over-application, especially in Europe and North America, depletes resources and harms water quality. New research emphasizes optimizing usage, potentially saving 77 years’ worth of reserves. Collaborative policy action is crucial for sustainable phosphorus management.

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Image: grass field. Credit:  Alexa / Pixabay

Harnessing AI and advanced imaging for precision plant stress management: Insights from a comprehensive systematic review

By | Agriculture, News

Recent advancements in AI and imaging sensors are revolutionizing plant stress management for enhanced crop production. A systematic review reveals a preference for RGB sensors, but highlights limitations. Deep learning (DL) algorithms are increasingly integrated, with potential for spectral imaging to improve phenotyping. Future research aims to refine AI models for broader application in agriculture, promising resilient practices amidst rising global food demands.

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