Articles
Can Boosting Photosynthesis Efficiency Improve Crop Yields?
Photosynthesis efficiency is very low, averaging 1-3.5% in the fields, and is the next bottleneck for increasing grain production. Photosynthesis has not been a primary target of improvement in crop breeding programs aimed at increasing yields. Scientists estimate that photosynthesis efficiency must be increased by 50% to meet future global food security requirements. The rate… Continue reading…
Additional reading
Adapted Plant Traits in Riparian Zones
Riparian plants have anatomical and morphological adaptations that help them persist in the dynamic and variable conditions of the ecotone. Plant adaptations in the riparian ecotones occur in response to periodic flooding, anoxia, low luminosity, and unstable substrate. The adaptations can be in the shoot, leaves, and root systems. Adaptations vary based on life forms,… Continue reading…
Canopy Cover Research 2024: 5 Breakthrough Findings You Need to Know
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…
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…
