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agriculture Archives - Page 2 of 27 - The Global Plant Council

Mar 27
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Image: Keerti Rathore stands in his lab with ultra-low gossypol cotton plants that were created using RNA interference, a gene-silencing technique. Credit: Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Beth Luedeker

Natural tech for ‘dimming’ genes brings transformative potential to agriculture

By | Agriculture, News, Plant Science

Advancements in RNA interference (RNAi) technology are revolutionizing agriculture, offering precise gene-silencing capabilities akin to dimming a light switch rather than turning it off completely like CRISPR. RNAi, a natural defense mechanism in organisms, enables targeted gene modification, enhancing crop traits and reducing reliance on pesticides. Exciting applications include virus-resistant papaya and low-toxicity cottonseed, marking a sustainable shift in global food production. As regulatory acceptance grows, RNAi promises safer, more efficient agricultural practices, heralding a future of enhanced food security and environmental stewardship.

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Mar 26
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Image: Apple tree orchard. Credit: NoName_13 / Pixabay

Creepy crawlies protect apples when flowers planted on farms

By | Agriculture, News

Bugs like hoverflies and ladybirds safeguard Britain’s apples. Planting wildflowers around orchards creates homes for these beneficial insects, curbing apple damage by pests. Research suggests adding flower margins could boost apple harvests by 6.9%, reducing reliance on pesticides and promoting sustainable agriculture. Conserving insects leads to better yields.

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Mar 01
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Image: Weedy rice is an aggressive weed that outcompetes cultivated rice. Here, weedy rice is the lighter-colored grass that rises taller than the crop in a field in Thailand. Credit: Chanya Maneechote

Weedy rice gets competitive boost from its wild neighbors

By | Agriculture, News

Weedy rice, a persistent agricultural pest resembling cultivated rice, thrives by hybridizing with wild rice in Southeast Asia, giving it a competitive edge. Genetic studies reveal diverse pathways to adaptation, complicating efforts to manage this costly weed. Farmers employ various methods, yet weedy rice’s adaptability poses ongoing challenges to rice cultivation.

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Feb 06
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Image: Foxtail barley. Credit:  👀 Mabel Amber, who will one day / Pixabay

Researchers elucidate the variability and adaptability of internode elongation in barley

By | Agriculture, News

Plant architecture arises from organogenesis and extension processes. Barley’s main axis comprises repeating units called phytomers, each with organs and internodes. Researchers studied barley’s phytomer initiation and elongation, identifying genetic factors affecting internode length. Shorter proximal internodes improve floral survival, potentially reducing lodging. Local adaptations influence internode lengths, reflecting dynamic canopy microclimates.

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Feb 05
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Image: Lima beans-flowers creamy white, beans edible. Credit: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia

Domesticating plants impacts their microbiome, study finds

By | Agriculture, News

New research reveals that human crop domestication alters plant-associated microorganism communities, with similar impacts across independently domesticated crops. The study suggests engineered plant microbiomes could enhance growth, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. Understanding these dynamics may improve crop yields and food security by leveraging beneficial microorganisms.

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