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Image: A new study by a New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) scientist and her colleagues in Science finds that, of the three large-scale, plant-based climate mitigation strategies, reforestation stands out as most beneficial for biodiversity. In addition to reforestation (restoring forests in places where they have historically grown), the team of scientists modeled the impacts of afforestation (adding forests in places like grasslands and savannas) and bioenergy cropping (farming plants such as switchgrass for renewable energy) on more than 14,000 animal species. Credit: NYBG

Reforestation stands out among plant-based climate-mitigation strategies as most beneficial for wildlife biodiversity

By | Botany, News, Plant Science

A new study finds that, of the three large-scale, plant-based climate mitigation strategies, reforestation stands out as most beneficial for biodiversity. In addition to reforestation (restoring forests in places where they have historically grown), the team of scientists modeled the impacts of afforestation (adding forests in places like grasslands and savannas) and bioenergy cropping (farming plants such as switchgrass for renewable energy) on more than 14,000 animal species.

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Image: Arabidopsis thaliana planted in laboratory for AT protenome research. Credit: Jucember /. Wikimedia

Metabolic engineering to increase the nutritional value of crops 

By | News, Plant Science

Scientists have successfully increased protein content in crops, even under high CO₂ conditions, by enhancing the serine biosynthesis pathway through genetic engineering. This breakthrough improves plant nutrition, reduces reliance on resource-intensive animal products, and supports sustainable diets. The research, involving European institutions, could revolutionize food security and environmental sustainability.

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Image: Walnuts harvested at the Crain ranch in Los Molinos where Cooperative Extension and UC Davis professors were conducting research. Credit: UC Regents

Genetics of Alternating Sexes in Walnuts

By | News, Plant Science

Scientists have uncovered a genetic mechanism in walnuts and their ancestors that has remained stable for 40 million years. Male-first or female-first flowering, balanced by a single genetic locus, parallels sex determination in animals. This evolutionary trait ensures genetic diversity, with distinct pathways evolving independently in walnuts and pecans.

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Image by Jai79 from Pixabay

Genetic test will help safeguard quinoa from downy mildew

By | Agriculture, News

Scientists have developed a diagnostic tool to identify quinoa plants resistant to downy mildew, aiding breeders in creating resilient varieties. The tool also ensures quinoa seed shipments are disease-free, preventing outbreaks. As quinoa’s popularity rises, the tool offers insights into the pathogen’s spread, enhancing management strategies for sustainable production.

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