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

CRISPR cuts tree flowering times from a decade to mere months

Selective breeding of plants can help give them new beneficial traits, but trees have a frustratingly long reproductive cycle. Now, scientists at the University of Georgia have used CRISPR gene-editing to make poplar trees flower within months rather t… Continue reading CRISPR cuts tree flowering times from a decade to mere months

“Superpopcorn” packs almost twice the amount of an essential nutrient

Although plain unbuttered popcorn is a relatively healthy snack, it’s still not one that most people would think of as being particularly nutritious. That could change, however, as a new variety reportedly offers nearly twice the normal levels of an im… Continue reading “Superpopcorn” packs almost twice the amount of an essential nutrient

Study suggests cover crops may reduce yields of main crops

Farmers are increasingly being encouraged to plant cover crops, which take the place of their main crops during the off-season. According to a new study, however, the use of cover crops can actually reduce main-crop yields.Continue ReadingCategory: Sci… Continue reading Study suggests cover crops may reduce yields of main crops

Study suggests fertilizers may hamper bees’ ability to identify flowers

A number of studies have already shown that synthetic chemicals can harm the bees that are vital to the pollination of plants. New research now additionally indicates that fertilizers may disrupt bees’ ability to identify flowers, reducing the likeliho… Continue reading Study suggests fertilizers may hamper bees’ ability to identify flowers

New perennial rice promises less labor, lower costs and higher profits

Just like many of the flowers in your garden, rice has traditionally been an annual plant – that means new crops have to be sown every year. A perennial version is now available, however, which comes back on its own over multiple growing seasons.Contin… Continue reading New perennial rice promises less labor, lower costs and higher profits