agriculture laboratory News
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GM bananas could cut blindness, anaemia in East Africa
Bio-fortified bananas that could reduce blindness, diarrhoea and anaemia are a step closer, according to the preliminary results of a joint research project between Ugandan and Australian scientists. Genetically modified (GM) bananas containing genes to boost their vitamin A and iron content have been planted in Australia and Uganda over the past two years (2009–2010). The first harvest ...
By SciDev.Net
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US orders retailers to pull illegal pesticides
For the safety of consumers, the US EPA has asked nine national retail chains to remove illegal, unregistered and misbranded pesticides distributed by Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. from their shelves. The federal agency ordered the Scotts companies early this week, and now its major distributors and retailers, to immediately stop selling and distributing Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed All Purpose Plant Food ...
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Understanding why rye works as a cover crop
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists may soon find a way to enhance the weed-killing capabilities of a cereal grain that enriches the soil when used as a winter cover crop. Rye is often grown in winter and killed in the spring, so the dead stalks can be flattened over soybean and vegetable fields to block sunlight and prevent spring weeds from getting the light they need to germinate. ...
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Four in one – new discovery on pest fruit flies
Four of the world's most destructive agricultural pests are actually one and the same fruit fly, according to the results of a global research effort released today. The discovery should lead to the easing of certain international trade restrictions and also aid efforts to combat the ability of these harmful insects to reproduce, experts said. The so-called Oriental, Philippine, Invasive and ...
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American society of Agronomy presents 2010 fellows
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) will recognize the following individuals as 2010 ASA Fellows at a special Awards Ceremony during their Annual Meeting on Oct. 31-Nov.3 in Long Beach, CA, www.acsmeetings.org. ASA has been selecting outstanding members as Fellows since 1924. Members of the Society nominate worthy colleagues based on their professional achievements and meritorious service. ...
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Senegal nears first victory in war on tsetse fly
A campaign against the tsetse fly, a pest that transmits a disease that devastates livestock, in the Niayes area near the capital Dakar has radically reduced the fly population and is paving the way for complete eradication. "Since the project started, there is already less disease. It has not only reduced the tsetse but also ticks, which cause lots of other diseases in the area. We have noticed ...
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Grazing management effects on stream pollutants
Surface water quality is important for the proper function of aquatic ecosystems, as well as human needs and recreation. Pasturelands have been found to be major sources of sediment, phosphorus and pathogens in Midwest surface water resources. While poor grazing management may lead to contaminated surface water, little is known about the specific amount of pollution in pasture streams that can be ...
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Recall of Honeycrisp Apple Cider due to Patulin Contamination
Consumers are warned to avoid drinking Pepin Heights Orchard’s Honeycrisp Apple Cider products with a use-by-date of February 9, 2012. Patulin is a mycotoxin and produced by Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochylamys molds. It grows on a variety of foods, including fruit, grain, and cheese, but it is a particular threat in apple juice. While the immediate effects of ingesting patulin ...
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Cultural change in Kenyan banana farming
Farmers in Nkubu, Meru County, central Kenya, are experimenting with a new banana production method with the help of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and the Kaguri Agricultural Training Centre The introduction of laboratory grown tissue culture banana seedlings has significantly boosted the local economy. Such tissue cultures allow farmers to grow more robust ...
By SciDev.Net
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The future of cover crops
Winter cover crops are an important component of nutrient cycling, soil cover and organic matter content. Although its benefits are well documented, cover crop use in farming systems is relatively low. Research has shown that time and money are the two primary reasons why farmers are hesitant to adopt the technique. Developing innovative and cost-effective crop cover systems could increase the ...
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ISO standards contribute to meeting World Food Day 2008 challenge
World Food Day 2008 addresses what has been categorized by many as one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change and its impact on food security. ISO has here an important contribution to make, not only through its numerous International Standards on food related issues, but also through standards that help quantify and mitigate climate change. World Food Day is organized by the ...
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Desert plantations could help capture carbon
Planting trees in coastal deserts could capture carbon dioxide, reduce harsh desert temperatures, boost rainfall, revitalise soils and produce cheap biofuels, say scientists. Large-scale plantations of the hardy jatropha tree, Jatropha curcas, could help sequester carbon dioxide through a process known as 'carbon farming', according to a study based on data gathered in Mexico and Oman that was ...
By SciDev.Net
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Agricultural research needs a global rethink
The Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development must reset research priorities, says World Food Prize winner Monty Jones. The world's agricultural scientists have done life-saving work in university laboratories, global research centres and government agencies. Millions of people across the developing world are alive today because of advances that have conquered deadly ...
By SciDev.Net
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Africa and India cultivate agricultural research ties
Africa and India are gearing up to further enhance cooperation in agricultural science, technology and innovation, and move beyond dialogue to a range of practical options from a virtual biotech platform to agribusiness centres, seed investments and even joint donor-aided projects. Willy Tonui, chief executive officer of Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority, said that studying how India ...
By SciDev.Net
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