Articles

Canopy Cover Research 2024: 5 Breakthrough Findings You Need to Know

February 12, 2025 at 6:04 pm | Updated February 17, 2025 at 9:32 pm | 12 min read

In 2024, studies focused on the combined effects of canopy cover along with those of other vegetation traits and environmental conditions. The crucial role of canopy cover in plant drought response strategies in various ecosystems and applications is an emergent theme. Canopy cover is also essential in studies promoting sustainable solutions from urban cooling, regenerative… Continue reading…

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Additional 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…

How Does the Role of Senescence Affect Crop Productivity?

Senescence can determine and increase crop productivity. Selecting for cultivars with delayed senescence improves yield only in some species. Senescence increases plant phenotypic plasticity, helping it to adapt to abiotic stress. Senescence is a significant agricultural trait that affects crop growth, stress adaptation, yield, and postharvest storage. Plants are unusual as they can time senescence… Continue reading…

Five Important Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Research Studies in 2024

In 2024, many studies will explore frameworks and concepts to fill in gaps in our understanding of the basics of mycorrhizal composition and functions, from microscopic to large scales. The Mycorrhizal fungi benefits in agriculture are a key focus, with studies aimed at improving the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to enhance soil health… Continue reading…

How Minirhizotrons for Nematode Detection Improve Root Health Monitoring

Early studies used minirhizotron to understand how nematode-roots interaction impacts yield. Minirhizotrons have also been used to quantify nematode damage and cultivar selection. Minirhizotrons can show symptoms like root swelling and root trait changes at infection sites. Root studies have increased in number recently due to novel data collection techniques, such as imaging through minirhizotron… Continue reading…