Articles
Five Ways To Increase Harvest Index
Improving the harvest index is crucial for economic and ecological reasons. The means to increase the harvest index can vary with the crops. Plant breeding is more critical for maize, while irrigation practices are vital for rice. Growth regulators that increase source activity and strengthen sinks are needed in pineapple, while growth retardants to limit… Continue reading…
Additional reading
A Look Back at Root Research Breakthroughs in 2024
Several reviews that consolidate state-of-the-art show huge strides in root research. Many studies have explored underlying physiological, anatomical, and molecular causes of previously observed morphology or root responses to environmental and soil conditions. Research is focused on applying these underlying mechanisms to manipulate patterns in root morphology and growth to increase crop yield sustainably or… Continue reading…
Leaf Area Influence On Transpiration Depends On External Environment
As leaf area increases, the transpiration rate also increases. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Small leaves have higher transpiration rates in hot and dry regions for better thermoregulation and cooling effects. Smaller leaves have higher transpiration in cold, dry regions with high radiation to provide better hydraulic movements and nutrient uptake. Transpiration determines… Continue reading…
Does Forest Canopy Structure Affect Net Primary Production?
Yes, as forest canopy structure complexity increases, the site’s net primary productivity (NPP) rises. The impact of canopy structure is higher than species diversity on NPP. Factors altering forest canopy structure complexity, such as forest diversity, density, age, annual stability, disturbance, forest type, and seasons, affect NPP. Forest canopy structure can be a reliable indicator… Continue reading…
How Leaf Spectroscopy in Agriculture Optimizes Precision Farming: Five Studies From 2024
Leaf visual and near-infrared spectroscopy is used to predict new parameters, like leaf macronutrients, micronutrients, and water content, which can have applications in advising precision agriculture decisions. Leaf spectral application in phenotyping varieties covers more crop species for crop breeding. Disease detection and leaf degradation of cut flowers through leaf spectroscopy are other critical applications.… Continue reading…
How Improving Transpiration Efficiency in Crops Boosts Yield
Transpiration is essential for crop survival, growth, and productivity, but high rates cause significant water losses. The effect of environment and genetics on transpiration is used to dodge adverse effects on yield. Mechanisms and traits like antitranspirants, limited transpiration, and transpiration efficiency can improve yields with less water use. Agriculture uses nearly 75% of global… Continue reading…
How Leaf Area Index Affects Yield
Leaf Area Index (LAI) varies with species, cultivars, growing conditions, and crop stages. The influence of LAI on yield will depend on the harvested portion of crops. An increase in LAI above a specific optimum value for fruits and seed crops will decrease yield. Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a standard vegetative trait correlated with… Continue reading…
