Could “armored” bacteria replace chemical fertilizers?

Conventional chemical fertilizers aren’t among the most eco-friendly substances in the world, which is one reason why some farmers are exploring the use of beneficial bacteria as an alternative. A new coating technology could make such microbes more wi… Continue reading Could “armored” bacteria replace chemical fertilizers?

Could “armored” bacteria replace chemical fertilizers?

Conventional chemical fertilizers aren’t among the most eco-friendly substances in the world, which is one reason why some farmers are exploring the use of beneficial bacteria as an alternative. A new coating technology could make such microbes more wi… Continue reading Could “armored” bacteria replace chemical fertilizers?

The most accurate and detailed plant zone map ever has been released

It’s taken more than a decade, but the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finally released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map that spans the nation and the territory of Puerto Rico in such detail that gardeners can now zoom right into their local… Continue reading The most accurate and detailed plant zone map ever has been released

The most accurate and detailed plant zone map ever has been released

It’s taken more than a decade, but the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finally released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map that spans the nation and the territory of Puerto Rico in such detail that gardeners can now zoom right into their local… Continue reading The most accurate and detailed plant zone map ever has been released

Sunflower waste extract shown to keep fruit from molding

Blueberries and other fruits are quite prone to fungi such as gray mold, whereas sunflowers are resistant to them. With that fact in mind, scientists have now used an extract from waste sunflower stems to keep such fruits from molding.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Sunflower waste extract shown to keep fruit from molding

Hoppy ending: Dire times ahead for beer and its flavors, study warns

First wine, now beer. Each day we’re learning of new, devastating impacts of climate change, and what’s now brewing has researchers sounding the alarm on the future of European beer, thanks to a steady decline in the quality and quantity of the all-imp… Continue reading Hoppy ending: Dire times ahead for beer and its flavors, study warns

Sweet smell of fungus could keep insects from decimating berry crops

The spotted-wing drosophila is a type of fruit fly that can destroy berry crops if not killed by the liberal use of insecticides. According to a new study, the smell of a crop-damaging fungus could provide an eco-friendly alternative to such toxic chem… Continue reading Sweet smell of fungus could keep insects from decimating berry crops

Plant virus recruited to save crops from root-eating nematodes

Plant parasitic nematodes are microscopic soil-dwelling creatures that damage crops by feeding on their roots. Scientists have now developed a greener and more efficient means of eradicating them, using a modified plant virus.Continue ReadingCategory: … Continue reading Plant virus recruited to save crops from root-eating nematodes