New research from the University of Illinois indicates crops that experience and survive drought conditions or extreme temperatures in early stages of growth are better able to deal with those same conditions later in their growth cycle. This ‘memory,’ or adaptation by the plant, could help reduce yield loss that year and help researchers prevent future […] Read more
Tag Archives Science Notes
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Science Notes: New study is engineering crops to be more productive by improving photosynthesis
High-oil corn packs punch for pigs
Science Notes: Nutrients and energy in high-oil corn shown more digestible
A new high-oil corn product offers greater amino acid and energy digestibility in growing pigs, according to new research from the University of Illinois. “This corn has a higher oil concentration – almost nine per cent – and more protein, a little bit more fibre and a little bit more phosphorus. We know the concentrations […] Read more
Machine learning uncovers ‘genes of importance’ in agriculture
Science Notes: Technology can also predict additional traits in plants, disease outcomes in animals
Machine learning can pinpoint “genes of importance” that help crops to grow with less fertilizer, according to a new study published in Nature Communications. It can also predict additional traits in plants and disease outcomes in animals, illustrating its applications beyond agriculture. Using genomic data to predict outcomes in agriculture and medicine is both a promise and […] Read more
Advanced model and field data add up to better cover crop management
Science Notes: Termination timing can be just as important as the plant species you select
Cover crops are widely seen as one of the most promising conservation practices, improving soil health while also removing carbon from the atmosphere. But while the number of Midwestern farmers planting cover crops has increased markedly in recent years, 2017 USDA Census data show only about five per cent have adopted the conservation practice. The […] Read more
Microbes play role in corn hybrid vigour
Science Notes: Microbes seen as critical players in affecting corn plants
The tiny organisms living in soil may have a greater effect than previously known on yield and crop resistance to pests and disease. Researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of Kansas have shown that soil microbes — microscopic organisms like viruses, bacteria and fungi found throughout nature — play a role in […] Read more
Experts challenge understanding of transition dairy cow health
Science Notes: Conditions previously thought as indicating poor health may actually be normal, advantageous
For dairy cows, the transition period — the time between a cow giving birth and beginning to produce milk — brings the greatest possibility of health problems. The current widespread belief is that the effects of excess nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the bloodstream and the ensuing hyperketonemia during this period, coupled with low levels […] Read more
Researchers give yeast a boost to make biofuels from discarded plant matter
Science Notes: Corn stover seen as an underutilized fuel source
If corn stover could be efficiently fermented into ethanol the way corn kernels are, stover could be a large-scale, renewable source of fuel. “Stover is produced in huge amounts, on the scale of petroleum,” said Whitehead Institute Member and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) biology professor Gerald Fink. “But there are enormous technical challenges to […] Read more
Livestock sector has a history of decreasing emissions
Science Notes: The intensity of emissions is decreasing, but regional differences remain
A new study shows that emission intensity per unit of animal protein produced has decreased globally over the past two decades due to greater production efficiency. Despite concerns about the environmental cost of livestock production, the global appetite for animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy continues to grow. Following the recent revision of […] Read more
Bacteria boost plant root hair growth
Science Notes: Symbiotic bacteria in root cells may be key to producing better crops, study finds
A Rutgers study has found that symbiotic bacteria that colonize root cells may be managed to produce hardier crops that need less fertilizer. The study appeared in the journal Microorganisms. Bacteria stimulate root hair growth in all plants that form root hairs, so the researchers examined the chemical interactions between bacteria inside root cells. They […] Read more
Sheep and solar panels make an efficient mix
Science Notes: Researchers found solar panel field grazers had same gain as conventionally grazed sheep
Land productivity could be greatly increased by combining sheep grazing and solar energy production on the same land, according to new research by Oregon State University scientists. This is believed to be the first study to investigate livestock production under agrivoltaic systems, where solar energy production is combined with agricultural production, such as planting agricultural […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
