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USU biochemists Lance Seefeldt, left, and Zhi-Yong Yang are among an international, Gates Foundation-funded collaboration reporting new knowledge in the Nov. 6, 2024 issue of PNAS that could simplify genetic transfer of nitrogen fixation to food crops. (Photo Credit: USU/M. Muffoletto)

Agriculture News Plant Science

New research could simplify genetic transfer of nitrogen fixation to food crops

Scientists aim to engineer cereal crops like corn and rice to fix nitrogen directly from air, reducing fertilizer dependence. By identifying a minimal seven-gene pathway, they aim to embed nitrogen-fixing abilities into crops’ mitochondria and chloroplasts. This innovation could lower…

Isabel09/12/2024

Image: Foxtail barley. Credit: 👀 Mabel Amber, who will one day / Pixabay

Agriculture News Plant Health

Scientists shed light on an arms race between barley and a fungal pathogen

Barley plants produce unique antifungal compounds called hordedanes to defend against pathogens. Scientists identified 17 hordedanes that inhibit fungal growth, but a pathogen, Bipolaris sorokiniana, exploits these defenses to thrive. By neutralizing hordedanes, it extends its parasitic phase, showcasing the…

Isabel06/12/2024

Image: Photo taken at the Marchouch Field Station in Morocco, showing grass pea (right) next to a lentil crop (left) planted at the same time, suffering from lack of water. Credit: Matt Heaton.

Agriculture News

A new piece in the grass pea puzzle – updated genome sequence published

Researchers have achieved the most detailed genome assembly of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) to date, creating a chromosome-scale reference genome. This resource could revolutionize breeding for climate-smart agriculture. With improved accuracy, the genome reveals insights into drought resilience and supports…

Isabel04/12/2024

Image: Test site of the generated cybrids. Credit: WUR

News Plant Science

Hidden DNA in plants reveals secrets of photosynthesis

Researchers have streamlined methods to study chloroplast and mitochondrial impacts on photosynthesis, opening new pathways for enhancing energy efficiency in crops. Plants currently capture only ~1% of solar energy; optimized genetics could increase this sixfold. These advances promise sustainable, high-yield…

Isabel29/11/2024

News Plant Health

Study shows weak external electric fields may protect crops from infection

Scientists have discovered a novel way to protect plants from harmful pathogens using weak electric fields. Spores like Phytophthora palmivora, which attack crops such as palms and nuts, are electrotactic—attracted to electric charges. Placing field-generating devices near plant roots reduced…

Isabel28/11/2024

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New research could simplify genetic transfer of nitrogen fixation to food crops

Scientists shed light on an arms race between barley and a fungal pathogen

A new piece in the grass pea puzzle – updated genome sequence published

Hidden DNA in plants reveals secrets of photosynthesis

Study shows weak external electric fields may protect crops from infection

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