crop yields

The agritech industry is editing plant genomes to feed a growing population, expand the produce aisle, and make tastier, more convenient food products.

The modification beefed up plant biomass by 40 percent in field tests.

An analysis of 40 years of data also finds declines in pest populations after the introduction of the GM crop.

Upping the expression of a single gene improves the plant’s ability to withstand light and increases yields. 

Genetic engineering could help keep harmful toxins out of barley and beer, but will consumers with a thirst for craft malts and brews buy into it?

A virus that infects a crop-killing fungus can spread freely, opening the possibility of its use as a fungicide.

A nuclear war could have profound effects on crops yields around the world, according to a new study.

One way to increase biofuel production is to engineer plants that can withstand harsh environmental conditions, thereby expanding the range in which such crops can be grown. 

Of the many available no- or low-carbon methods to harvest energy, including wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and solar approaches, conversion of plant biomass to liquid fuels is the most cost-effective strategy.

Research is underway to reduce the use of food crops for biofuels by shifting to dedicated energy crops and agricultural residues.

Plant pests are evolving to outsmart common herbicides, costing farmers crops and money.

A new meta-analysis of farming practices suggests that traditional methods of cultivating food plants result in heftier harvests than do organic strategies.