ci-110 Archives - CID Bio-Science

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…

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…

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 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…

How Effective is Plant Cover for Soil Erosion Control?

Plant cover is the most cost-effective and efficient way to control soil erosion in large areas affected by deforestation, mining, etc. Soil erosion measures can also be incorporated in farmlands to prevent topsoil loss. Plant canopy parameters like extent, height, and architecture will determine the efficiency of soil erosion control. Soil erosion is a major… Continue reading…