Robotic system checks on corn plants by measuring leaf angles

In order to see how well a corn plant is performing photosynthesis, you need to check the angle of its leaves relative to its stem. And while scientists ordinarily have to do so manually with a protractor, a new robotic system can now do the job much m… Continue reading Robotic system checks on corn plants by measuring leaf angles

Study says that for growing sweeter strawberries, don’t use fungicides

You may have noticed that strawberries grown in your garden, or at organic farms, tend to be tastier than the regular supermarket variety. According to a new study, the use of commercial fungicides may be to blame.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags:… Continue reading Study says that for growing sweeter strawberries, don’t use fungicides

Andes microbial tech uses farmers’ fields to capture greenhouse gases

While crop plants do sequester some atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) via photosynthesis, they could always use a bit of help. California-based startup Andes is aiming to provide that help, by putting carbon-capturing microbes in the soil of farmers’ fi… Continue reading Andes microbial tech uses farmers’ fields to capture greenhouse gases

Plant-inspired E-seeds drill themselves into the dirt when moistened

Using drones for aerial seeding may seem like a good idea, but … the seeds could easily just blow away if left on the surface of the soil. A bio-inspired seed carrier has been designed to help, by corkscrewing its seed load down into the ground.Continu… Continue reading Plant-inspired E-seeds drill themselves into the dirt when moistened

Plant discovery could lead to wider use of bee-friendly pesticides

It’s a sad fact that even though bees are essential to pollinating crops, they’re also harmed by the pesticides used on those very same plants. Thanks to a new discovery, however, a bee-friendly pesticide could soon be cheaper and easier to produce.Con… Continue reading Plant discovery could lead to wider use of bee-friendly pesticides

Bioengineered “superplant” could soon be purifying the air in your home

We’ve all heard how it’s a good idea to have plants in your home, as they help purify the air. Well, the bioengineered Neo P1 is claimed to excel in that department, as it’s reportedly equivalent to up to 30 regular houseplants in terms of air purifica… Continue reading Bioengineered “superplant” could soon be purifying the air in your home

Study shows how mixed-grain crops can thrive where others falter

When most people think of a grain crop, they picture a field full of one type of plant. A new study, however, indicates that crops made up of mixed grains are both more resilient and higher-yielding than their conventional counterparts.Continue Reading… Continue reading Study shows how mixed-grain crops can thrive where others falter

SentiV robot inspects crops by rolling its way through fields

When we think of agricultural robots, we tend to picture things that pick produce or apply chemicals. The SentiV is different, though, in that it’s designed to check crops for problems while autonomously wandering the fields.Continue ReadingCategory: R… Continue reading SentiV robot inspects crops by rolling its way through fields

SentiV robot inspects crops by rolling its way through fields

When we think of agricultural robots, we tend to picture things that pick produce or apply chemicals. The SentiV is different, though, in that it’s designed to check crops for problems while autonomously wandering the fields.Continue ReadingCategory: R… Continue reading SentiV robot inspects crops by rolling its way through fields