All Soil & Plant Science articles – Page 4
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NewsEndophytic fungi from halophyte plant found to boost maize growth and salt tolerance
A new study demonstrates the promising role of endophytic fungi from halophytes in enhancing the salt tolerance and growth of maize under saline conditions.
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NewsCotton virus circulated undetected in US fields for nearly 20 years, study finds
A virus responsible for damaging cotton crops has been lurking in U.S. fields for nearly 20 years – undetected. Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV), thought to be a recent arrival, was infecting plants in cotton-growing states as early as 2006.
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NewsTrees vs. disease: Tree cover reduces mosquito-borne health risk
A new study shows that in Costa Rica, even modest patches of tree cover can reduce the presence of invasive mosquito species known to transmit diseases like dengue fever.
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NewsBacterial species join forces to boost production in soybean - without disrupting soil microbiome
Combining a bacterial isolate with rhizobia can boost soybean production without disrupting the natural soil microbiome, a new study reveals.
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NewsStudy reveals shift to mycorrhizal fungi for nutrient acquisition under carbon limitation
Scientists investigated the responses of roots and mycorrhiza to C limitation in mature ectomycorrhizas trees, Pinus taeda, offering new insights into mycorrhizal association with host roots.
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NewsCucumber green mottle mosaic virus breakthrough: uncovering novel antiviral strategy by hijacking host proteins
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in their study of the Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV). CGMMV utilizes the host cytosolic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) to catalyze the formation of BMCs via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS).
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NewsRising temperatures lead to unexpectedly rapid carbon release from soils
Scientists investigate the sensitivity of soil carbon, which is directly related to the release of CO2 from soils, under a changing climate, such as rising temperatures and/or variations in the hydrological cycle.
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NewsDual associations with two fungi improve tree fitness
Many tree species have formed a concurrent symbiosis with two different groups of mycorrhizal fungi. Those trees cope better with water and nutrient scarcity, which is an important trait for forestry in the face of climate warming.
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NewsVicious cycle: How methane emissions from warming wetlands could exacerbate climate change
Warming in the Arctic is intensifying methane emissions, contributing to a vicious feedback loop that could accelerate climate change even more, according to a new study.
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NewsResearchers develop living material from fungi
Researchers have developed a bio-based material that is completely biodegradable, but also tear-resistant and has versatile functional properties. All this with minimal processing steps and without chemicals – you can even eat it. Its secret: It’s alive.
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NewsMicrobial ‘phosphorus gatekeeping’ found at center of study exploring 700,000 years of iconic coastline
A new study has dug deep into the past of the coastal dunes of an iconic Queensland location in a bid to better understand how microscopic processes in the soil support some of the most biodiverse landscapes on Earth.
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NewsResearchers find new defense against hard-to-treat plant diseases
Scientists have developed a new approach to countering citrus greening and potato zebra chip diseases. Their method uses spinach antimicrobial peptides, known as defensins, which naturally defend plants.
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NewsSpiritual healing sites could be linked to antibiotic-producing microorganisms
A study by AMI member Dr Gerry Quinn highlights the potential of spiritual healing sites as fertile ground for novel antibiotics, particularly from Streptomyces bacteria, known for producing the majority of current antibiotics.
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NewsEngineered soil microbiomes may secure future tomato yields
New findings suggest that manipulating rhizosphere microbiomes could be a sustainable strategy to enhance crop performance in fluctuating environments, supporting the development of resilient agricultural systems.
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NewsFruit and microbes boost biogas production and fermentation
Researchers have reported on a new recipe for improving biogas production from alfalfa. Adding fruit waste and an anaerobic microbe to the mix first leads to co-fermentation, then produces methane.
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NewsDancing plant cells defeat Pseudomonas - and win international competition
The University of Jena, Germany has won the renowned ’Dance your PhD’ competition in the category Biology with its video “Plant Vaccination”. The video visualizes the thesis of Jena doctoral candidate Priya Reddy with dancers and original choreography.
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NewsChiral phytovirucide targets viral Nia protein to inhibit proliferation
A new study focuses on the search for small molecules to target the Nia protein of Potato virus Y (PVY), one of the most economically destructive viruses affecting Solanaceous crops such as potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes.
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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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NewsSugar-mimicking molecule central to virulence of a common crop disease, study finds
A strain of Pseudomonas syringae manipulates plants by producing a substance called glycosyrin to suppress the immune response. New research shows that glycosyrin does this by mimicking galactose, acting like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
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NewsNew giant virus isolated in Jyväskylä for the first time in Finland
For the first time in Finland, researchers have isolated a giant virus, which was named Jyvaskylavirus. The discovery shows that giant viruses are more common in northern regions than researchers have thought.