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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

Image: The spring pea (Lathyrus vernus) is a nitrogen-fixing plant that occurs in the forest undergrowth. Credit: Marcus Schmidt

News Plant Science

Consequence of over-fertilization – Diversity of nitrogen-fixing plants is reduced

Nitrogen-fixing plants like clover and alder, crucial for enriching nutrient-poor soils, are declining in temperate forests due to human-driven nitrogen deposition, a new study shows. Using decades of data from Europe and the USA, researchers found this decline is independent…

Isabel21/11/2024

Botany Climate change News

Adaptability of trees persists after millions of years of climate change

Ice age cycles had minimal impact on the genetic diversity of European trees, finds a new study. High diversity arose from traits like long lifespans and pollen traveling vast distances. This resilience offers hope for forests adapting to today’s rapid…

Isabel19/11/2024

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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

Consequence of over-fertilization – Diversity of nitrogen-fixing plants is reduced

Adaptability of trees persists after millions of years of climate change

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