https://phys.org/biology-news/agriculture/ en-us Agriculture, livestock, farming and food processing news For the first time, a research team at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) has succeeded in reducing the size of, or even completely removing, chromosomes in plants with large genomes, such as wheat. They achieved this by using the CRISPR/Cas gene-editing tool to target highly repetitive sections of DNA. The results of the study, published today in the journal Plant Communications, could significantly accelerate breeding processes. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-team-successfully-trims-wheat-chromosomes.html Biotechnology Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:01 EDT news695649961 A greater focus on roots during plant breeding could ensure staple grain crops continue to feed the world as recycled nutrients substitute conventional fertilizers in the future, a University of Queensland study published in npj Sustainable Agriculture has found. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-modern-crops-lazy-underground-sorghum.html Molecular & Computational biology Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:40:01 EDT news695638205 Bacterial blight (BB) is a serious plant disease that mainly affects rice plants, especially in warm, humid regions. Due to the severity of BB, discovering and applying BB-resistance genes is strategically important for ensuring stable rice production in Asia. However, genetic strategies to improve disease resistance face a trade-off between crop yield and immunity to disease—since better immunity may be associated with lower yield. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-gene-discovery-path-disease-resistant.html Biotechnology Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:10:01 EDT news695575081 Humans adjust to changes in temperature by putting on a sweater or taking off layers. Plants adjust to temperature changes, in part, by switching the way they express the protein that performs the critical first step of photosynthesis, according to new research from Cornell, Texas A&M and Stockholm University. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-temperature-shifts-proteins-power-photosynthesis.html Molecular & Computational biology Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:30:02 EDT news695574601 Research published in Nature Water found that widespread application of the common farm fertilizer, urea, severely degrades water quality in the Canadian Prairies. Researchers at the University of Manitoba and the University of Regina added urea to farm ponds to simulate the effects of agricultural fertilization in the southern Prairies. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-safe-fertilizer-linked-extreme-quality.html Ecology Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:40:04 EDT news695461502 Nutrients recovered from animal and human waste could drastically reduce synthetic fertilizer use in the U.S., according to a new Cornell University study that takes into account real-world implementation challenges like processing and transport. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-america-sewage-manure-billion-key.html Biotechnology Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:09 EDT news695379241 Rice has historically been a heat-loving plant. In fact, the wild ancestor of cultivated rice once grew primarily on the sweltering, rain-swept Malay and Indochina peninsulas as well as the islands of Southeast Asia. It wasn't until Earth's climate warmed after the last ice age that wild rice substantially spread into central China and South Asia, where it was independently domesticated by humans in two events that arguably rank among the most important in the history of our species. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-years-cultivation-rice-thermal-limit.html Ecology Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:50:01 EDT news695403721 Beans of the cacao plant, Theobroma cacao, are used in chocolates, pharmaceuticals and other products, but they're under threat. Increased drought associated with climate change has already begun to stress cacao-growing regions of Colombia and other countries, and models predict it will get worse. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-cacti-fungal-endophytes-cacao-tolerate.html Ecology Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:05 EDT news695030941 Pennsylvania is the fourth-largest wine producer in the United States, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The industry supports nearly 11,000 jobs and directly contributes $1.77 billion to the state economy annually. In an effort to produce more and better grapes at a lower cost and with less environmental impact, vineyard growers have increasingly planted grass between rows of vines. These groundcovers root shallowly, but can benefit vineyard soils and reduce the need for herbicide applications. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-simple-vineyard-impacts-soil-microbiome.html Ecology Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:30:02 EDT news694972622 Plants can't move to escape the heat like humans can; they are forced to adapt. As temperatures fluctuate, one key survival strategy is the ability of roots to keep growing, allowing plants to access water and nutrients farther away in the soil. But how do plants sense temperature and translate it into growth? Salk Institute scientists have uncovered a new answer in a familiar plant hormone: auxin. Their research appears in Nature Communications. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-internal-thermostat-root-growth-unpredictable.html Plants & Animals Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:40:04 EDT news694967942 Every day, fish caught in oceans and seas around the world pass through a long journey before reaching supermarkets, restaurants, and home kitchens. Along the way, their freshness steadily declines, often in ways that are difficult to detect. Now imagine being able to measure how fresh a fish is at any point along this journey. Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a mathematical model that can do exactly this. The latest development could help reduce food waste and improve seafood quality. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-mathematical-fish-freshness-real.html Molecular & Computational biology Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:50:01 EDT news694887121 Snapper are central to coastal life across southern Australia, supporting fisheries, local businesses, and regional tourism. New Flinders University research has found that although snapper populations across southern Australia are highly connected, they are not fully interchangeable. The study shows that local environmental conditions help maintain important population adaptations, a finding with implications for stock recovery, fisheries management and resilience under climate change. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-born-roam-built-home-genomic.html Ecology Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:06 EDT news694774082 Cultivating flowering plants for pollinator gardens, commercial farms, or home landscapes often relies on the use of herbicides to manage unwanted weeds. Honeybees are attracted to these locations and play a critical role in their success. So what happens when foraging bees pick up a dose of weedkiller? https://phys.org/news/2026-04-common-herbicide-affects-honeybee-brains.html Ecology Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:40:01 EDT news694688942 Gene drives—a genetic engineering approach that quickly spreads specific genetic changes throughout a population, whether to kill it off or add a new trait—may have potential for controlling weeds. But so far, gene drives have primarily been studied in mosquitoes, and have yet to be deployed in the real world. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-seed-banks-complicate-gene-aimed.html Biotechnology Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:20:02 EDT news694431481 Scientists at Florida International University have identified a promising way to safely ship fish long distances without losing vital vitamin D, using a method already widely applied to preserve other foods—gamma irradiation. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-scientists-limits-safer-seafood-shipping.html Molecular & Computational biology Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:40:02 EDT news694362876 Advanced technology can help farmers get to the root of a growing problem—overwatering in an era of increasing drought and water scarcity. A new UC Riverside system can map soil moisture tree by tree, so growers water only where and when it's needed. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-smarter-modern-day-robotic-divining.html Biotechnology Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:20:05 EDT news694338610 In the search to replace antibiotic growth promoters with effective alternatives in modern swine production, plant-based essential oils are showing potential to provide lasting benefits. In a rare long-term public study that compared the effects of phytochemicals from rosemary and oregano with antibiotic growth promoters, animal scientists with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station found that the natural agents given to weaned pigs supported favorable gut health and growth performance later in their lives by preserving microbial diversity to improve nutrient utilization. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-oregano-rosemary-term-swine-natural.html Veterinary medicine Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:00:01 EDT news694278434 Researchers from the University of Maine, in partnership with the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), are analyzing more than 20 years of fishery survey data from the Gulf of Maine to examine how environmental change is reshaping marine ecosystems. The work aims to understand how changes impact the effectiveness of long-running DMR surveys that inform fishery management. It will also provide a model for evaluating and adapting survey methods to inform effective, science-based assessment and management of culturally and economically important marine resources like lobster, herring, and shrimp. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-analysis-tracks-years-coastal-species.html Ecology Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:00:03 EDT news694260961 Diverse soil microbial communities may help suppress pathogens naturally, acting as a biological barrier against their establishment and spread, according to a new study. Professor Brajesh Singh, from The University of Western Australia's School of Agriculture and Environment and Institute of Agriculture, was lead author of the study published in Cell Host & Microbe, which examined human pathogens in soils. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-soil-biodiversity-linked-human-infectious.html Cell & Microbiology Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:20:03 EDT news694260241 Farmers, gardeners, and botanists have long observed that plant diseases tend to flare up during periods of high humidity, particularly after rainfall. Humid conditions help bacteria enter plant leaves, and once inside, certain species create a waterlogged internal environment known as "water-soaking." This dilutes the plant's defenses and essentially turns the leaf into a bacterial incubator. Central to this process is the hormone abscisic acid (ABA), which controls the release of water via tiny leaf pores called stomata. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-bacteria-waterlogging.html Cell & Microbiology Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:40:02 EDT news694257661 A research team led by the University of Bern has decoded a mechanism by which an inconspicuous succulent regulates the uptake of carbon dioxide via the leaf surface so finely that it receives enough for photosynthesis without losing too much water—and can therefore conserve water efficiently. The findings might be translated to crops to induce higher drought resistance and ensure yields during heat and drought. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-succulents-role-photosynthesis-loss-efficiently.html Plants & Animals Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:40:02 EDT news693749942 UC Riverside researchers have identified a mechanism that allows plants to rapidly slow growth in response to extreme environmental stress. The finding could help farmers grow more resilient crops, and one researcher continued the work years into retirement to uncover it. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-survive-stress-scientist-persistence-reveals.html Plants & Animals Wed, 25 Mar 2026 23:00:01 EDT news693667507 Soil salinity is a critical concern in agriculture when excessive soluble salts restrict a plant's water uptake, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hindering crop growth and reducing yields on roughly 30% of U.S. irrigated land. Caused by irrigation, poor drainage or saltwater intrusion, soil salinity impacts soil structure, reduces fertility and causes economic losses. To help growers identify and mitigate salt stress, in a proof-of-concept study, a team led by Penn State researchers built a low-cost sensor system that detects signals released by plants in trouble. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-sensor-farmers-salt-stress.html Biotechnology Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:40:01 EDT news693651542 Each year, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is responsible for an estimated 1.1 to 1.4 million deaths worldwide. Now, scientists have found evidence that the spread of AMR isn't always driven by bacteria evolving to resist the antibiotics themselves: rather, certain weedkillers can have the same effect. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-agricultural-soils-exposed-controversial-weedkiller.html Cell & Microbiology Tue, 24 Mar 2026 01:00:01 EDT news693477721 Plants need water, light, and air to thrive. But when they transport water from the soil up to their leaves, they defy gravity. Scientists describe this astonishing phenomenon as "negative water potential," a form of negative tension that enables herbs, shrubs, and trees to draw water from the soil. Nevertheless, plants do not constantly extract water from the soil. For decades, researchers have sought to understand what limits a plant's water uptake. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-cultivating-drought-resistant-disappoints-soil.html Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:20:03 EDT news693490442 Rice is a vital crop that feeds more than half of the world's population. In the wild, many rice species are perennials that live for several years, but the varieties we eat today are typically annuals that must be replanted every season. That is an expensive process for farmers requiring continual labor, seeds and field preparation to keep up with demand. But a cheaper solution may be on the way one day. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-discovery-genetic-rice-perennial-crop.html Molecular & Computational biology Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:20:02 EDT news693493718 Soil is often perceived simply as "dirt," but in reality, it is a dynamic, living system that acts as Earth's natural sponge. Unfortunately, common agricultural practices—including deep plowing and the use of heavy machinery—can severely disrupt this natural system, according to a new study led by Dr. Shi Qibin from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with international partners. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-fiber-optic-sensors-reveal-farming.html Ecology Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:00:03 EDT news693128342 Solutions for a sustainable future can sometimes be found in centuries-old traditions. Indonesia's Blue Economy Roadmap is about driving economic growth through the sustainable use of ocean resources, while protecting marine ecosystems for the future. One promising way to achieve this goal is to integrate regional fishing practices based on Indigenous knowledge. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-indigenous-wisdom-indonesia-efforts-sustainable.html Ecology Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:00:03 EDT news693050801 Imagine that plants could tell us exactly when they're stressed, infected, or being eaten by insects, by lighting up. A new study led by Dr. Karen Sarkisyan, Head of the Synthetic Biology group at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS), has borrowed molecular machinery from mushrooms and inserted it into plants to do just that. In a paper published in Nature Communications, the scientists engineered plants that could glow in the dark whenever their natural immune systems switch on. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-molecular-theyre.html Biotechnology Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:20:04 EDT news693153421 Researchers from Skoltech, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico, the Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops in Italy, and other international organizations have developed new durum wheat lines capable of surviving freezing temperatures while maintaining the grain quality required for premium pasta production. The study, published in Frontiers in Plant Science, presents a new breeding framework that could help make durum wheat production more resilient to climate variability. https://phys.org/news/2026-03-durum-wheat-lines-combine-tolerance.html Molecular & Computational biology Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:00:02 EDT news693150422