Mapping millet genetics

In the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa, conditions can be difficult for crops. Plants need to have short growing seasons, survive on poor soils and tolerate environmental stresses.

Ornament with eagle talons from Neanderthal Period

Eagle talons are regarded as the first materials used to make jewellery by Neanderthals, a practice which spread around Southern Europe about 120,000 and 40,000 years ago.

Impact of water droplets on leaves quickly triggers stress responses in plants

In contrast to humans, plants cannot feel pain. However, so-called mechanical stimulation -- rain, wind and physical impact from humans and animals -- contributes to the activation of a plant's defence system at a biochemical level. This in turn triggers a stress hormone that, among other things, can lead to the strengthening of a plant's immune system.

Lifestyle is a threat to gut bacteria: Ötzi proves it, study shows

The intestinal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem made up of billions and billions of microorganisms, bacteria in particular, that support our immune system, protect us from viruses and pathogens, and help us absorb nutrients and produce energy.

Using probiotics to protect honey bees against fatal disease

Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms best known for promoting gut health in humans, are now being used by Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute scientists to save honey bee colonies from collapse. A new study published in the Nature journal ISME J demonstrates how probiotics could potentially stave off a common bacterial hive infestation called American Foulbrood.

Harnessing tomato jumping genes could help speed-breed drought-resistant crops

Once dismissed as 'junk DNA' that served no purpose, a family of 'jumping genes' found in tomatoes has the potential to accelerate crop breeding for traits such as improved drought resistance.

Editorial- Reducing costs in farming

Apart from the pain many farmers go through in land clearing and cultivations for crops planting, the end results of the labour, most times, do not justify the means as production cost would have eroded the profit margin expected to be made, thereby making the occupation very unattractive to many, especially the youths.

FG reaffirms commitment towards regulating antimicrobials use

The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Mohammed Bello Umar

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards strengthening policies on the regulation of the use of antimicrobial in Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Mohammed Bello Umar made this disclosure in a press release made available through the office of  director Information.          

Following in Darwin's footsteps: understanding the plant evolution of florist's gloxinia

More than 150 years ago, Charles Darwin's fascination with genetics and domestication catapulted the scientific world into new territory as scientists started to ask: How did a species evolve to be this way?

Farmers’ scribe laments politicisation, lack of direction by policy makers

·        Calls for adoption of China, Russia’s models of food processing, preservation

A scribe, Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), Prince Peter Bakare has lamented the politicisation and lack of progress in the agriculture sector in the country. He expressed his mind in an exclusive interview he had with Foodfarmnews in Abuja.