Biotechnology to the rescue of Brussels sprouts

Biotechnology to the rescue of Brussels sprouts

An international team has identified the genes that make these plants resistant to the pathogen that attacks crops belonging to the cabbage family all over the world. "Surnames" aside, cabbages are grown nowadays all over the world.

Culprit found for honeybee deaths in California almond groves

Culprit found for honeybee deaths in California almond groves

It's about time for the annual mass migration of honeybees to California, and new research is helping lower the chances the pollinators and their offspring will die while they're visiting the West Coast.

Researchers explore an often ignored source of greenhouse gas

greenhouse gas

In a new study from UBC's Okanagan campus, researchers have discovered a surprising new source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions -- bicarbonates hidden in the lake water used to irrigate local orchards.

Harvesting wild genes gives crops renewed resistance to disease

Professor Harbans Bariana with wheat.

A global alliance of researchers has pioneered a new method to rapidly recruit disease-resistance genes from wild plants for transfer into domestic crops. The technique promises to revolutionise the development of disease-resistant varieties for the global food supply.

Livestock: Reactions trail PS directives on hand-over at ministry

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh

Stakeholders in the livestock and animal science sector across the federation have expressed unhappiness to a recent directive by the Permanent Secretary (PS), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) asking the director of livestock department to hand over to another director who is an agricultural economist.

A Month Later, Govt Bans Sugar Importation Again

Tanzania industrial Sugar Crisis Deepens

A month after lifting a ban on sugar importation, Tanzanian authorities have imposed yet another one, this time putting a stop to the issuance of permits.

When temperatures drop, Siberian Miscanthus plants surpass main bioenergy variety

temperatures drop

Photosynthesis drives yields, but in cold conditions, this process that turns sunlight into biomass takes a hit. 

How plants learned to save water

How plants learned to save water

Tiny pores on the leaves of plants, called stomata, have a huge influence on the state of our planet. Through the stomata, plants absorb carbon dioxide, which is incorporated into carbohydrates, and release oxygen. But they also lose water through open pores, which can be life-threatening for plants in dry conditions.

Understanding peppers and chilis from around the world

Understanding peppers and chilis from around the world

A comprehensive and multinational review of peppers/chilis (Capsicum species) with academic and scientific input from points across the globe, such as Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan, Mexico, Italy, Hungary, Austria, and the United States sets out to explore various aspects of interest concerning this horticulturally important crop.

How to feed the world by 2050? Recent breakthrough boosts plant growth by 40 percent

 Recent breakthrough boosts plant growth by 40 percent

One of the most significant challenges of the 21st Century is how to sustainably feed a growing and more affluent global population with less water and fertilizers on shrinking acreage, despite stagnating yields, threats of pests and disease, and a changing climate.