Photosynthesis Archives - Manitoba Co-operator

Dr. Alex Wu performing research in the field.

University researchers model photosynthesis

They say it’s an important window into this crucial biological process and how it affects crop yields

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff April 30, 2019

In the next two decades, crop yields need to increase dramatically to feed the growing global population. Wouldn’t it be incredibly useful if we had a crystal ball to show us what are the best strategies available to increase crop yields? A team of scientists have just developed exactly that: a dynamic model that predicts

The growth chamber system can reproduce past weather patterns, down to exact daily fluctuations.

Did you know?, News

Growth chamber system ‘test drives’ new varieties

Cameras can detect and quantify signals produced by plants

By Manitoba Co-operator Staff October 24, 2016

Following the lead of automakers who torture test their cars on special tracks that simulate real driving conditions, researchers at Michigan State University have developed a system to test drive new plant varieties before they reach the field. Called DEPI — Dynamic Environmental Photosynthetic Imaging — the system uses sensors, cameras and software to reproduce

A special type of photosynthesis called CAM allows pineapples to grow on marginal land with up to 80 per cent less water than most food crops.

Did you know?

Unlocking pineapple’s genetic secrets

Engineering crops like wheat to use the pineapple’s method of photosynthesis could dramatically boost its drought tolerance

By Will Dunham November 16, 2015

The pineapple, the tropical fruit enjoyed by people worldwide in slices, chunks, juice, upside-down cakes, piña coladas, glazed ham and pizza, is finally giving up its genetic secrets. Scientists say they have sequenced the genome of the pineapple, learning about the genetic underpinning of the plant’s drought tolerance and special form of photosynthesis. The genome

Thick smoke moved through Manitoba last week, creating air quality concerns and reduced visibility to two kilometres in some areas.

Crops, Local news

Forest fire smoke invades Manitoba skies

Thick smoke from neighbouring forest fires has been lingering over Manitoba  but experts say it’s unlikely to impact plant growth

By Jennifer Paige July 9, 2015

Manitoba has been blanketed in smoke for more than a week as forest fires continued to spread across Western Canada. Drought-like conditions across the Canadian Prairies culminated to cause 395 active fires in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories by Monday morning. Air quality warnings have been issued almost daily and some producers may

Livestock, News

Watch for deadly blue-green algae blooms in ponds and watering sites

By North Dakota State University July 21, 2012

The algae is actually a photosynthetic bacteria that thrives with warm weather,  calm winds and abundant nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen

Livestock producers should watch for green to blue-green scum in fresh water supplies. “Algae blooms cause major disruptions, not only because of their offensive odour and appearance; but because they can be fatal to livestock, pets and people,” says Roxanne Johnson, a water quality associate with North Dakota State University’s extension service. “Not all algae

News

Australian Farmers Key To Climate Change Fight

March 10, 2011

Australian farmers could be major winners from plans to put a price on carbon emissions, particularly as other countries also move to curb greenhouse gas pollution, the nation’s top climate adviser Ross Garnaut said March 1. In a report on how carbon markets will impact on rural land use, Garnaut said farmers had a key

Livestock

Methane Emitter Or Carbon Sink?

By Daniel Winters August 27, 2009

“…if you drain that wetland and convert it into cropland, you’re just exchanging that methane problem for a nitrous oxide problem.” – PASCAL BADIOU Tackling the threat of global climate change is tough enough; it’s harder still when you aren’t even sure of the culprits. For example, cattle emit methane, but good grazing management practices

News

Farmers Have A Spot In Carbon Market Plan

By Alex Binkley August 6, 2009

Environment Minister Jim Prentice has unveiled proposals for a carbon market system in Canada and cited farmers as among the groups that could benefit. Farm groups are interested but have questions about the details. In a speech to the Economic Club of Canada, Prentice said, “Projects that could qualify for offsets span the economy, from

Crops

Be On Lookout For Blue-Green Algae

By NDSU Release July 23, 2009

July is not too early for toxic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) to appear on your pond or lake, says Roxanne Johnson, North Dakota State University Extens ion Ser vice water quality associate. A rural Devils Lake family lost a dog and two horses recently following possible ingestion of water from a nearby pond. The dog was

Crops

U. S. Farmland May Be Carbon Sink

April 2, 2009

The Conser vat ion Reserve, which pays owners to idle fragile U. S. farmland, could become one of the largest carbon sequestration programs on private land, an Agriculture Department official said March 25. Some farm-state lawmakers say efforts to reduce greenhouse gases could result in a payoff in rural America because some agricultural practices, such

Daily Network News

U.S. grains: Soybean prices rise as China-U.S. truce assessed

U.S. livestock: Cattle futures post limit-down losses

ICE canola weekly outlook: Market rangebound

Tag Archives Photosynthesis