Over the past decade, dozens of “early detection, rapid response” initiatives have been launched by states to keep invasive species from devastating natural habitats and damaging our economy. Many of these programs use mobile apps and online databases to revolutionize how we collect data on harmful invaders – making it easier to map infestations and to share information broadly. But ...
A team of government and university crop scientists from across Canada has developed a scientific framework for monitoring the release of second-generation genetically modified crops. The framework is designed to assess the risks of novel genes entering wild populations. First-generation genetically modified (GM)/transgenic crops with novel traits have been grown in a number of countries since ...
A camera that maps photosynthesis, a DNA test that can measure the slightest traces of pathogens, or a precision spray system that only affects the plant and not the surrounding air… The Gezonde Kas (‘healthy greenhouse’) project has, over the last four years, allowed for the development of a sophisticated system of monitoring and disease control. It is now ready for practical ...
A report validating the Charm MRLAFMQ test for the detection of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) at the European Maximum Limit (EU ML) of 50 part per trillion (ppt) was issued today by the Belgium National Reference Laboratory, ILVO T&V, under the direction of Dr. Wim Reybroeck. The MRLAFMQ test is the only rapid, 15 minute, lateral flow screening method that is third party verified to detect AFM1 at the ...
With the killers hiding in the trees, heat-sensing drones are launched into the air. When their whereabouts are narrowed, the dogs are sent in. When it comes to protecting the world's supply of guacamole, no weapon can be spared. On subtropical farmland in South Florida, researchers are doing battle with the deadly fungus, laurel wilt, which is spread by a tiny beetle and has the potential to ...
Farmers Edge™, a global leader in decision agriculture, announced today a strategic partnership to bring Planet’s best-in-class global monitoring data and platform capabilities to the Farmers Edge precision agriculture product suite. Planet is an integrated aerospace and data platform company that operates the world’s largest fleet of earth imaging satellites, collecting the ...
New discoveries of the way plants transport important substances across their biological membranes to resist toxic metals and pests, increase salt and drought tolerance, control water loss and store sugar can have profound implications for increasing the supply of food and energy for our rapidly growing global population. That’s the conclusion of 12 leading plant biologists from around the ...
Extreme weather, believed to result from climate change and increased atmospheric CO2 levels, is a concern for many. And beyond extreme events, global warming is also expected to impact agriculture.1,2 Although it is expected that climate change will significantly affect agriculture and cause decreases in crop yields, the full effects of climate change ...
Imagine technology that could preemptively find disease in plants, allowing growers to address it proactively. Or sensors that could help irrigate more resourcefully. Or robots that could selectively harvest ripe crops. At Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Niagara, it seems as though the future is now. Vineland’s Robotics & Automation team — comprised of 5 PhDs and 6 ...
Combinations of antibiotics have been found in high enough concentrations to pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, in a recent Spanish study. Antibiotics can have toxic effects on the bacteria and algae that form the basis of aquatic ecosystems. Antibiotics are in widespread use, not only for human medical conditions, but also for increasing growth rates in livestock, in the feed ...
Increased atmospheric CO2 levels and climate change are believed to contribute to extreme weather conditions, which is a major concern for many. And beyond extreme events, global warming is also predicted to affect agriculture.1,2 ...