Plant-by-plant sensing of fertilizer needs and weed control at nine m.p.h. has moved from science fiction to science fact.That is the story told by The Western Producer, a professional USA review. And that is the result of a research done by Texas A&M, the Agricultural and Mechanical Texas University.
In this video clip (K production, Gedeon programmes and Arte france co-production), we can see how plants, sometimes and in a certain way, communicate and collaborate against pests, including mammals and to reinforce their natural defences. ! They react to sunshine, gravity, temperature and other stimuli. Plants can be trained against attacks of pests. In short, they are more…
For apple growers in the eastern United States, the biggest problem – the most relentless, pervasive, unavoidable issue, which can ruin a whole crop if not managed aggressively – is apple scab. Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are working on a new tool to combat the apple scourge: A drone. “When you think about apple production now,…
In this scientific review, Ulrike Baetzsend et Enrico Martinoia, researchers in plant biology at the University of Zurich, discuss current knowledge of the nature and regulation of root-secreted defense compounds and the role of transport proteins in modulating their release. The significance of root exudates as belowground defense substances has long been underestimated, presumably due to being buried…
Most of the certifications dealing with hygiene in food industry requires handwashing signs, especially in toilets. Ben Chapman, Barfblog, a blog dedicated to food hygiene, explains why such signs are useless. Read the story (in English) “Surprising information plays a fundamental role in the learning and adoption of new behaviors” If you want workers to be compliant with handwashing,…
Hortidaily, Dutch professional magazine, titles « Poultry effective against weeds in organic greenhouse » (in English) ; et and briefly describes a Belgian research using japanese quails, wood ducks, silkies in an organic greenhouse. It seems quite efficient. But the story concludes : “Be sure to provide the little critters with sufficient drinking water and additional nutrition”…
All the presentations that were made during the november 2011 Symposium in Morocco; and associated links.Tuta Absoluta is a major pest of solanaceum crops. EPPO (European and Mediterranean plant Protection Organization) has published all the documents issued during this very important joint symposium at a global level. Distribution, bio-ecology and damage of Tuta absoluta Current…
“Nailing the snail” is a video interview of Dr Gavin Ash, Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga (Australia) explaining his research about nematodes to control invasive snails in large part of the grain belt in Western Australia. To go further, watch IBMA Leaflet (International Biocontrol manufacturers Association) on macro-organisms in « Fiches Protection Intégrée (IPM) d’IBMA » on ForumPhyto site…