All Agriculture articles
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NewsHow math helps to protect crops from invasive disease
New research demonstrates how mathematical modeling can predict outbreaks of toxic fungi in Texas corn crops—offering a potential lifeline to farmers facing billions in harvest losses.
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NewsGlobal virus network issues urgent call to action to mitigate the rising threat of H5N1 avian influenza
The Global Virus Network (GVN) has issued a call-to-action, calling on world governments to address the threat of H5N1 avian influenza by enhancing surveillance, implementing biosecurity measures, and preparing for potential human-to-human transmission.
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NewsNew pests and diseases will cut UK tree growth
The arrival of new plant pests and diseases is likely to severely damage UK trees and woodlands in the coming decades, new research shows.
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NewsControlling starch levels in algae could have biotechnology and sustainability benefits
Researchers have found a new method to control starch storage in algae - a finding with potential applications in areas such reducing greenhouse gases. Modifying a blue light-activated signalling pathway makes it possible to regulate storage, they say.
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NewsNew study confirms copper-based fungicides as a reliable solution for aerial stem rot in potatoes
A new study confirms that confirmed that copper fungicide treatments consistently slow disease spread and improve yields in potato crops threatened by aerial stem rot (ASR), a bacterial disease primarily caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum.
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NewsEngineered bacteria emit signals that can be spotted from a distance
Engineers have found a way to read out bacterial signals from as far as 90 meters away. This work could lead to the development of bacterial sensors for agricultural and other applications, which could be monitored by drones or satellites.
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NewsA new tool for parsing the ‘metabolic dialogue’ between microorganisms
Scientists have developed an innovative system – called MetaFlowTrain – that allows the study of metabolic exchange and interactions within microbial communities under different environmental conditions.
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NewsScientists decode citrus greening resistance and develop AI-assisted treatment
Researchers have identified the first mechanism of citrus resistance to citrus greening disease, or huanglongbing (HLB), and also used AI to develop antimicrobial peptides that offer a promising therapeutic approach to combat the disease.
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NewsResearchers uncover role of fungal circadian clock in pathogenicity
A new study reveals that the circadian clock plays a pivotal role in regulating Fusarium oxysporum’s response to zinc starvation—a core plant defense strategy—as well as in controlling secondary metabolism, thereby enhancing its virulence.
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NewsAMI members develop rapid test for bacterium that costs poultry industry billions globally
Scientists have developed a rapid, sensitive and specific test for a bacterial pathogen that is responsible for necrotic enteritis in poultry, a disease that causes billions in global economic losses annually.
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NewsHidden signals in water reveal disease early in tomato plants
Researchers have developed an innovative method for the early detection of Fusarium wilt in tomato plants by monitoring subtle changes in the plants’ water use.
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NewsNew carrier birds brought avian flu to Europe, Americas
Unexpected wild species, from pelicans to peregrine falcons, are transporting the virus from poultry farms to new places around the world and changing where the risk of outbreaks is highest.
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NewsUse of antifungals in agriculture may increase resistance in an infectious yeast
Genomic changes in the infectious yeast Candida tropicalis may play a role in its resistance to antifungals, according to a new study. These genomic changes can be brought on by a common antifungal, TBZ. The study demonstrates that the use of TBZ in agriculture may contribute to the increasing problem of antifungal resistance.
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NewsScreening tool tests bee colonies by mimicking pheromones of death
A screening tool tests colonies for hygienic behavior by mimicking the pheromones emitted by sick or dying bees. The test can identify colonies resistant to several pests and pathogens that can decimate bee populations such as Vairimorpha (known to many beekeepers as Nosema) and fungal infections including chalkbrood.
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NewsResearchers design genetic tools to develop vaccines more efficiently for African swine fever virus (ASFV)
A synthetic genomic-based reverse genetics tool has been developed for African swine fever virus (ASFV) that helps vaccine development to reduce the economic losses. The system may also be adapted to other emerging viral threats.
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NewsBiochar and microbe synergy: a path to climate-smart farming
Researchers conducted a global analysis to obtain a full picture of the environmental and agricultural benefits of biochar, which is shown to be beneficial to soil health and microbes.
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NewsBfR organises three-day conference on food microbiology
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the German Society for Microbiology and Hygiene (DGHM) and the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM) are inviting researchers to the 19th Food Microbiology Conference in Berlin from 1 to 3 April.
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NewsNature’s warriors: How rice plants detect and defend against viral invaders
A groundbreaking study uncovers a molecular mechanism by which rice cells perceive viral infections and initiate antiviral response, which significantly contributes to understanding of virus-host interactions for further disease resistance breeding.
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NewsGatekeeping barriers manage communications between plants and bacteria
For over a century, the Casparian strip has been known as the root’s doorman, controlling what enters the plant. But a new study reveals it has a second job: regulating the delicate metabolic trade between plants and bacteria.
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NewsGuardians of the vineyard: Canines and chemistry work to combat powdery mildew
Researchers are now analyzing volatile chemicals emanating from grape leaves infected by a fungus called powdery mildew with the goal of improving training for vineyard canines that use their noses to detect infected vines.