Category: Botany & Plant Pathology

NSF funds Purdue researcher’s study of fundamental signals between plants and their environment

Stomata respond to light, pathogens, changes in humidity and, most important for his study, drought conditions. McAdam will investigate if stomatal function varies across plants, and whether this variation might determine where species grow and how well they survive stress.…

Purdue trustees approve $20 million greenhouse expansion

The approved funding supports phase one of a master plan, which consists of demolishing two span-type greenhouses, a work center and storage. A four-season research greenhouse will be built in that space. Conveyors installed in two of the new greenhouse…

Contaminated leafy greens turn purple

The team implemented a machine-learning algorithm to sort and classify the data. “Through our dual pair of hyperspectral cameras, we can achieve full spectrum optical sensing from both the top and sides of a plant,” Yang said. “Purdue’s hyperspectral system…

Purdue research strengthens soybean’s potential in the plant-based protein market

Rainey has singled out traits in soybeans that have economic value to consumers, such as postharvest seed composition and quality. “You can have higher protein, different types of protein with different processing characteristics, and various fatty acid profiles — whether…

Plant scientists find recipe for anti-cancer compound in herbs

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Thyme and oregano possess an anti-cancer compound that suppresses tumor development, but adding more to your tomato sauce isn’t enough to gain significant benefit. The key to unlocking the power of these plants is in amplifying…

Detecting the disease resistance of a plant when it is only a seed

Newly identified gene for resistance to root and stem rot accelerates breeding of resilient soybean plants WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – On the sometimes-foggy journey of following genetic traits to breed resilient plants, a newly identified gene lights the way to…

Working with students and fungi help plant sciences major grow

By Kayla Sweatland DNA extractions and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) are just a couple things that Mia Brann, a junior majoring in plant sciences from Schererville, Indiana, loves to do in her day-to-day mycology research lab. “Doing those PCRs are…

Improving soybeans reduces the cost to farmers and the environment

“We are working to enhance the plant’s efficiency at utilizing the atmospheric nitrogen, so that we can reduce the need for fertilizer,” says Jianxin Ma, who led the study. “This is better for the farmer and better for the environment.”…

Agronomy professor honored by Crop Science Society of America

T he Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) has announced that Purdue professor Jianxin Ma is its 2021 Fellow Award Recipient. The annual award recognizes outstanding contributions to crop science through education, national and international service and research.         Ma,…

Summer research sows seeds of interest in agricultural sciences

“I moved to Indiana during the pandemic, so I didn’t have much chance to engage in social activities. MASI was the perfect opportunity this summer because it offered both social and academic opportunities,” Yesilyurt added. From lab work to picking the…

Purdue launches Next Moves initiatives

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University on Friday (April 9) officially launched Purdue’s Next Moves – five new distinct strategic initiatives designed to advance the university’s competitive advantage in its continuing quest for leadership among the world’s top research and teaching…