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?

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

Waste aloe vera peels may be a source of eco-friendly insecticide

Although the gel of the aloe vera plant is commonly used to treat sunburn, moisturize skin and boost gut health (among other applications), its peels are typically discarded. New research now suggests that those peels could also be used, to make non-to… Continue reading Waste aloe vera peels may be a source of eco-friendly insecticide

PATS tech calls in drone strikes on greenhouse pests

Just like their field-dwelling counterparts, plants grown in greenhouses are preyed upon by flying insects. The Dutch-designed PATS system is designed to help, by sending tiny drones to chop those insects up in mid-air.Continue ReadingCategory: Drones,… Continue reading PATS tech calls in drone strikes on greenhouse pests

Transgenic soybeans could replace pork, by producing pig proteins

Great strides are being made in the field of lab-grown meat, but its price remains a barrier to wide commercial use. British startup Moolec has created what it claims is a less costly alternative, in the form of soya plants that produce pig-protein-ric… Continue reading Transgenic soybeans could replace pork, by producing pig proteins

Student-designed robot gives crop-eating insects’ eggs the brush-off

The spotted lanternfly is a serious invasive pest in some parts of the US, causing considerable damage to crops such as apples, grapes and hops. That’s why it’s important to destroy the insect’s eggs – which is exactly what the TartanPest robot is desi… Continue reading Student-designed robot gives crop-eating insects’ eggs the brush-off

Student-designed robot gives crop-eating insects’ eggs the brush-off

The spotted lanternfly is a serious invasive pest in some parts of the US, causing considerable damage to crops such as apples, grapes and hops. That’s why it’s important to destroy the insect’s eggs – which is exactly what the TartanPest robot is desi… Continue reading Student-designed robot gives crop-eating insects’ eggs the brush-off

To stop mice from eating seeds … make everything smell like seeds?

By digging up and eating sown wheat seeds, mice can have a huge impact on farmers’ crops. In an eco-friendly effort to stop the rodents from doing so, scientists are now using wheat germ oil to make entire fields smell appetizing.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading To stop mice from eating seeds … make everything smell like seeds?