Agricultural and Forestry Science
Cacao: Multiple interactions in its cultivation
In the cultivation of organic cacao, many factors determine the yield. An international research team with scientists from the universities of Würzburgh and Göttingen has now identified important players and…
Soil temperature can predict pest spread in crops
A new study from North Carolina State University shows soil temperature can be used to effectively monitor and predict the spread of the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), an important pest…
Fighting climate change with heat-tolerant plants
Climate change is causing major challenges especially for plant breeders. An intelligent field robot and X-ray technology are helping them selecting heat-tolerant plant varieties. The sensors in the high-tech machine…
Invasive fish: Sperm hijacking as success strategy
Researchers decode the unusual genome of the Prussian carp. The Prussian carp is considered one of the most successful invasive fish species in Europe. Its ability to reproduce asexually gives…
Artificial photosynthesis can produce food without sunshine
Scientists are developing artificial photosynthesis to help make food production more energy-efficient here on Earth, and one day possibly on Mars. Photosynthesis has evolved in plants for millions of years…
Crops for the desert
Southern Africa has a rich bounty of crop varieties, crop wild relatives, orphan crops and underutilised plant species, collectively known as plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), which…