The secrets of secretion: Isolating eucalyptus genes for oils, biofuel

What is the genetic basis for eucalyptus trees to produce that fragrant oil many of us associate with trips to the spa? Carsten Külheim, associate professor in Michigan Technological University's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, has spent the past 10 years of his career studying eucalyptus. They are diverse, fast-growing species that includes scrubby bushes and 300-foot-tall flowering trees -- mostly indigenous to Australia, but also New Guinea and Indonesia.

Agric policy: Farmers/ herdsmen clashes, cassava, extension top priority

*Technical department memo step down

·        *AFAN vows to monitor implementation

·        *Stakeholders demand Fadama AF, IFAD continuity

The National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development (NCARD), the apex policy maker in the sector has approved a proposal seeking implementation and provision of facilities for herdsmen towards encouraging ranching to forestall incessant clashes occasioned by cattle being moved about in the country, even as national productivity of cassava was also approved along with a memo on national policy on extension for its strategic role in technologies transfer to farmers nationwide.

Field experiment finds a simple change that could boost agricultural productivity by 60 percent

Raising tenants' share in crop-sharing contracts between landlords and tenants in developing countries can boost agricultural output, by providing tenants with the right incentive to raise agriculture productivity. Bocconi University's Selim Gulesci and colleagues came to this conclusion making use of a field experiment in Uganda.

New strain of canine distemper in wild animals in NH, VT (Virus highly contagious to domesticated dogs)

The new strain of canine distemper virus was found in two gray foxes similar to these foxes.

A distinct strain of canine distemper virus, which is a widespread virus of importance to wildlife and domesticated dogs, has been identified in wild animals in New Hampshire and Vermont, according to pathologists with the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the University of New Hampshire. No virus in this distinct subgroup of canine distemper virus has yet been reported in a domesticated dog.

Discovery of RNA transfer through royal jelly could aid development of honey bee vaccines

Researchers have discovered that honey bees are able to share immunity with other bees and to their offspring in a hive by transmitting RNA 'vaccines' through royal jelly and worker jelly. The jelly is the bee equivalent of mother's milk: a secretion used to provide nutrition to worker and queen bee larvae.

Close relatives can coexist: two flower species show us how

Scientists have discovered how two closely-related species of Asiatic dayflower can coexist in the wild despite their competitive relationship.

Cryptic mutation is cautionary tale for crop gene editing

Without the nubby joints that are normally present on the stems of tomato plants, the fruit is much easier to harvest. However, researchers have discovered how a cryptic mutation can get in the way of this otherwise desirable trait.

Even in this "age of the genome," much about genes remains shrouded in mystery. This is especially true for "cryptic mutations" -- mutated genes that are hidden, and have unexpected effects on traits that are only revealed when combined with other mutations. Learning from one infamous cryptic mutation in particular, researchers from CSHL share important lessons for breeding or gene editing in crops.

600 households rescued from poverty, says project coordinator

Over 600 households negatively affected by the Boko haram have been uplifted from poverty, after rehabilitations, through the 50-million dollar   Federal Government (FG)-World Bank intervention Fadama 111 Additional Financing (AF) project.

New avenues for improving modern wheat

Since the Agricultural Revolution about 12,000 years ago, humans have been selectively breeding plants with desirable traits such as high grain yield and disease resistance.

Opening remarks at Dissemination workshop on Impact of Fadama III–AF II on Food Security and Livelihood Restoration in Northeastern Nigeria. Presented by Kwaw Andam on behalf of IFPRI Nigeria office

Kwaw Andam

     Good morning, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to offer a few welcome remarks on behalf of the Nigeria office of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).