Plant probiotics: Into the microverse
Plant probiotics (generally called endophytes because they reside inside the plant) similarly have a profound influence on health and productivity.
Plant probiotics (generally called endophytes because they reside inside the plant) similarly have a profound influence on health and productivity.
When a farmer uses a pesticide against a pest, weed, or pathogen, s/he is essentially conducting a field-scale micro-evolution project.
On the pest management front in agriculture, we often want to encourage steamy insect sex — though not actually in a way the critters can follow through.
I just hit a milestone: my 30th anniversary as a lettuce grower [raucous applause?]. First as a young tyke at the family farm, and later in the wondrous, climate controlled college greenhouse. The latter was hydroponic, far removed from my conventional rearing. Fortunately, the experience I had amassed in the field was easily “convertible” into […]
Eating insects is a plausible approach to food sustainability — a way to constructively talk about averting the dreary future predicted in sci-fi novels.
I’m a steadfast ‘80s kid. The greatest decade, bar none. Anything remotely associated with the era adorns the walls of my mancave: Max Headroom, Scarface, Star Trek (TNG), Saturday morning cartoon memorabilia, and ‘80s starlets. And of course, music. Remember New Kids on the Block — and their throngs of adoring (usually female) fans with […]
The diversity and benefits of insects is staggering, which is why it’s so sad when the media falls victim to poor science reporting.
God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food.” Genesis 1:29 My mother had the above embroidered and framed as a reminder — not only of her farm upbringing, but […]
Funny how one fortuitous event can not only renew your resolve, but reorient you on a totally unexpected path. I found my calling as a plant doctor.
With just a few exceptions, plants are the energetic envy of the world. No “higher” organisms are graced with the gift of photosynthesis — seemingly making sugars from scratch. But all these textbook praises about self-sufficiency are being charitable. While plants may be the consummate carb loaders, they’re also freeloaders. They can’t conjure up everything […]