BASF halts EU approval process for GM potatoes
BASF, the world's biggest chemicals company, said Tuesday it has decided to no longer seek European approval of its genetically modified potato products in the face of stiff resistance.
Insects' manipulation of plant phenotype that realized their ultimate "su-gomori life (reclusive life in the nest)"
Researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, have discovered a novel phenomenon that in galls (plant-made nests) formed by some aphid species, the inner gall wall ...
Groundbreaking findings on global biodiversity, alternative energy
Viruses that infect oceans' tiny beings are discovered
(Phys.org)—Viruses are well known for making people sick, but a new study provides evidence for the first time of viral infections in tiny marine crustaceans called copepods.
Diamondback moth genome provides new clues for sustainable pest management
An international research consortium, led by Fujian Agriculture, Forestry University (FAFU) and BGI, has completed the first genome sequence of the diamondback moth (DBM), the most destructive pest of brassica crops. This w ...
Proving health benefits of a new class of compounds extracted from seaweed faces regulatory hurdles
Seaweeds are a traditional accompaniment to many Asian dishes. They have also become increasingly popular across the world as an exotic delicacy. And not only do they taste wonderful, but they are also attributed ...
Why insect 'tourists' are good for some plants
Soybeans a source of valuable chemical: Scientists turn low-value soy mash into high-value succinic acid
(Phys.org)—The humble soybean could become an inexpensive new source of a widely used chemical for plastics, textiles, drugs, solvents and as a food additive.
Was the sauropod dinosaurs' large size due to plant food? Scientists argue old idea still has legs
The long necked sauropod dinosaurs were the largest land animals ever to walk the Earth – but why were they so large? A decade ago a team of plant ecologists from South Africa suggested that this was due to the nature of ...
Discovery of 100 million-year-old regions of DNA shows short cut to crop science advances
(Phys.org)—Scientists have discovered 100 million-year-old regions in the DNA of several plant species which could hold secrets about how specific genes are turned 'on' or 'off'.
Study finds prioritizing rather than canvassing entire plant genome may lead to improved crops
A new study may help scientists produce better climate-resistant corn and other food production plants by putting a spin on the notion that we are what we eat.
Carbon dioxide could reduce crop yields
High-yielding dwarf plant varieties lose their advantage due to increasing carbon dioxide concentration.
Bread wheat's large and complex genome is revealed
Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the "big three" globally important crops, accounting for 20% of the calories consumed by people. Fully 35% of the world's 7 billion people depend on this staple crop f ...
Ingredient in diarrhea medicine leads to sustainable new farm fertilizer
The search for a sustainable slow-release fertilizer—a key to sustaining global food production at a time of burgeoning population growth—has led scientists to an ingredient used in some diarrhea medicines. ...