Plants
Cranberries Are a Scientific Delicacy
From self-pollination to bogs, cranberries are a Thanksgiving classic with many fascinating botanical and genetic features
Agriculture45 articles archived since 1845
Climate Change
Climate Change Has Worsened Drought in the Fertile Crescent
Rising temperatures are increasing the likelihood of severe drought in Syria, Iraq and Iran
Climate Change
Quitting Cows Could Have Big Environmental Impacts, but It’s Harder Than It Sounds
Eating less beef, cheese and ice cream would slash emissions, but removing cattle from our agricultural system isn’t easy
Climate Change
Millions of Baby Birds Are Dying from Extreme Heat
Worsening heat waves in agricultural areas of the U.S. are affecting bird reproduction and nestling survival
Agriculture
Olive Oil Prices Surge as Persistent Drought Ravages Mediterranean Groves
Olive trees in Spain and neighboring countries have little fruit, which itself could wither away
Agriculture
Robotic Bees Could Support Vertical Farms Today and Astronauts Tomorrow
The buzzy industry of robotic pollinators is setting its sights on indoor farms for urban—and extraterrestrial—environments
Agriculture
Lab-Grown Meat Approved for Sale: What You Need to Know
Cultured meat, grown from real animal cells, will soon be available in restaurants in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Climate Change
More Frequent Dust Storms Could Be in Our Future
A combination of climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices could lead to Dust Bowl–like conditions
Agriculture
More than a Quarter of a Billion People Went Hungry in 2022
The number of people facing acute food insecurity shot up for the fourth year in a row in 2022
Plants
How to Stop Your Jack-o’-Lantern from Rotting
Prevent your jack-o’-lantern from turning into moldy, maggoty mush before Halloween
Agriculture
This Shrub Could Supply Rubber, Insect Repellent and Glue
Researchers and tire companies hope drought-tolerant guayule can provide a sustainable economic boost to the water-stressed Southwest
Climate Change
Putting Cows in Forests Could Prevent Heat-Related Losses
Researchers say Indigenous “silvopasture” practices of raising livestock in naturally forested areas could be a critical tool to protect cows from climate change
Agriculture
Designer Crops of the Future Must Be Better Tailored for Women in Agriculture
Nutrition levels and taste should be considered along with traits such as higher yields
Agriculture
What Did COVID Teach Us about Preparing for a Plant Pandemic?
The question is not whether we’ll experience such an event; it’s whether we’ll be ready when it strikes
Climate Change
Insects Are Dying Off Because of Climate Change and Farming
Tropical regions show the greatest risk for insect declines
Climate Change
Responses to Rising Hunger Could Threaten Climate Goals
European policy makers are considering easing environmental protection measures to allow for increased crop production
Climate Change
War in Ukraine and Climate Change Could Combine to Create a Food Crisis
Russia’s invasion is halting the delivery of wheat to areas suffering from drought and other climate impacts
Agriculture
This Maine Farm Is Harvesting the Sun's Power while it Picks the Blueberries
In Rockport, Me., an array of nearly 11,000 solar panels will soon begin a solar harvest as the sweet berries growing below them ripen on the bush.
Agriculture
How Biotech Crops Can Crash—and Still Never Fail
The U.N. Food Systems Summit put biotechnology at center stage, although agroecological innovations offer greater promise for sustainability
Agriculture
Tweaks to U.S. Christmas Trees Could Help Them Survive Climate Change
International species and selective breeding methods are helping to preserve the evergreen tradition
