Plant science articles

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What We Learned About Roots in 2023

Most studies in 2023 focused on root responses to agricultural practices to improve yield using fewer resources. Research into the basic science of roots and the influence of biotic and abiotic factors are the second significant areas of study. Fine roots are a particular area of focus, given their importance in nutrient and water uptake… Continue reading…

Measuring Heat Stress on Forest Trees

The impact of high temperatures directly and alone on trees is significant without the associated drought. Heat effects are recorded at cellular, leaf, and tree levels, inhibiting tree growth and productivity or even mortality. More research is necessary to fully understand the effects of heat stress, which must be supported by on-site, non-destructive data collection… Continue reading…

Minirhizotron Systems for Root Disease Detection

Root diseases are a significant issue in reducing crop yields globally. The damage and symptoms caused by root diseases change morphology and growth dynamics that images and scans can detect. Minirhizotron systems can detect a wide range of root changes reflecting various levels of root disease severity, providing a novel detection method. Root diseases are… Continue reading…

Five Major Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Research Findings in 2023

Research focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) use to alleviate climate change-driven abiotic stresses like drought and salinity. Efforts are also made to understand the factors that control AMF diversity and abundance, given the importance of mycorrhizae for natural and cultivated areas. Studies also investigate the effect of agricultural practices on AMF composition and diversity… Continue reading…

Microalgae and Artificial Photosynthesis for Renewable Energy

Microalgae’s natural photosynthesis, which uses carbon dioxide in the presence of sunlight, is harnessed to produce electricity and biofuels for renewable energy. Artificial photosynthesis, biomimics, and natural photosynthesis use semiconductors to capture light and fix ambient CO2. Artificial photosynthesis systems produce two types of fuels: hydrocarbons (methane, methanol, and formic acid) and pure hydrogen. Challenges… Continue reading…

How Wildfire Affects Tree Physiology

Wildfire effects on trees depend on fireline intensity and residence time and can occur from heat transfer or smoke. To understand how this process unfolds, we dive deep into the study of how wildfire affects tree physiology. Wildfire effects can be first-order or second-order and are evaluated based on carbon and water transport and are… Continue reading…

Fine Root Biomass Dynamics in Brackish Marsh Vegetation

In this article, we delve into a pivotal study conducted in the unique environment of a cool-temperate brackish marsh. The research, titled “Estimation of fine root biomass using a minirhizotron technique among three vegetation types in a cool-temperate brackish marsh,” offers crucial insights into the complex world beneath our feet – the intricate and often… Continue reading…

Advancing Agricultural Monitoring: A Look at UAV LiDAR and Multispectral Data Integration

Welcome to another exciting blog post where we explore the cutting-edge research that’s shaping the future of agriculture. Today, we’re diving into a fascinating study titled “Multiscale Inversion of Leaf Area Index in Citrus Tree by Merging UAV LiDAR with Multispectral Remote Sensing Data.” Conducted by a team of researchers led by Weicheng Xu and… Continue reading…

Shedding Light on Forest-Savanna Transitions: A Deep Look into Canopy Closure, Light Gradients, and Ecological Dynamics

Hello, ecology enthusiasts and curious minds! Today, we’re diving deep into a pivotal study reshaping our understanding of forest-savanna transitions titled “Steal the light: shade vs fire-adapted vegetation in forest–savanna mosaics” By Tristan Charles-Dominique, Guy F. Midgley, Kyle W. Tomlinson, and William J. Bond. Armed with a Plant Canopy Imager for Leaf Area Index (LAI)… Continue reading…

Plant Responses to Heat Stress

Heat stress affects crop development, growth, and productivity. Plants have adaptive responses for either avoidance or tolerance of heat stress. The plant responds to heat, which can be molecular, biochemical, cellular, physiological, and morphological, and is being used by scientists to develop new cultivars for the future. The increase in temperature due to climate change… Continue reading…