Plant science articles
How Does Plant Architecture and Water Use Efficiency Impact Crop Yields?
The effects of different plant architectures on population-level evapotranspiration are not well-known. Plant architecture influences population structure, thereby altering the microclimate. Soil water use can be reduced through shading to minimize evaporation and by reducing canopy temperature. Around 97-99% of the water absorbed by plants is lost as transpiration. As water shortages are increasing and… Continue reading…
How Does Canopy Cover in Deserts Impact Soil, Biodiversity, and Urban Climates?
Vegetation in deserts is patchy and acts as islands of resources. Plant canopy can increase soil fertility, moisture, and microbial diversity. The tree canopy has several benefits for urban settlements in deserts, such as reducing temperatures, air pollutants, and carbon emissions. Deserts make up 33% of terrestrial ecosystems and are present on nearly every continent. They… Continue reading…
What Are the Key Root Traits to Improve Transpiration Efficiency?
Root traits are one of the main factors influencing transpiration efficiency or the yield produced per unit of water transpired. The root traits to improve transpiration efficiency are rooting depth, root: shoot ratio, density, root hairs, and mucilage. No root architecture type suits all species or even all hydrological conditions. Transpiration efficiency is used to… Continue reading…
The Root Report
We’re excited to share the latest edition of the Root Report — The guide to recent breakthroughs in root science and its real-world applications. This report compiles the latest research on how plant roots impact ecosystems, agricultural systems, and even methane emissions in peatlands. It also highlights innovative technologies, like in-situ root imaging tools, that… Continue reading…
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…
What Is Transpiration Efficiency and Why Does It Matter for Drought-Resistant Farming?
Transpiration efficiency is emerging as a crucial crop parameter to improve production in water-limited conditions. Restricting transpiration by crops is a vital strategy to increase productivity using less water. External factors like VPD, soil type, and nutrient status are also necessary to increase transpiration efficiency. Society must figure out ways to grow more food for… Continue reading…
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…
Why is Riparian Canopy Cover important for Water Quality and Wildlife
Riparian zones are the transitional areas between water bodies and uplands. Riparian zones provide several ecosystem benefits, such as bank stabilization, water quality and temperature maintenance, lowered downstream flood risks, and wildlife habitat and food. Many of the riparian zone benefits depend on a healthy old-growth canopy cover. Canopy cover and shade of riparian zones… Continue 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…
