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biodiversity

04/05/2018 / By Lance D Johnson

Arkansas court rules with Monsanto, grants farmers right to spray toxic Dicamba herbicide that causes horrific crop damage to nearby farms

Millions of acres of U.S. crops were damaged in 2017 by a dicamba-based herbicide, manufactured by Monsanto and BASF SE. Dicamba herbicide is specifically designed to be sprayed on genetically modified, dicamba-resistant soybeans and cotton. These GM crops have been genetically engineered to withstand dicamba; however, the herbicide is very volatile. Dicamba drifts in the wind and can […]

03/31/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Environmental conditions of soil seed bank in Mediterranean pasture evaluated for effects of grazing versus grazing exclusion

The soil seed bank – the natural repository of seeds within the soil – is affected by certain factors, which could potentially increase its volume and biodiversity, according to researchers. The results of their findings were published in the journal Agroforestry Systems. The study focused on soil seed banks in Mediterranean wood pastures, which allow understory vegetation […]

03/25/2018 / By Tracey Watson

Working with nature to reduce pesticide use: Farmers around the world are rediscovering the increased yields offered by biodiversity

The face of agriculture has changed dramatically over the past century. Instead of working with what nature has provided, encouraging biodiversity and companion planting to ward off pests, farmers have been encouraged to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, with disastrous results. Despite being promised greater crop protection and increased yields, the results have been low-yielding […]

02/18/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Plant viruses more prevalent in cultivated areas than in natural areas

Researchers have found that viral epidemics in plants hit cultivated areas more than non-cultivated areas. The finding, which was published in the ISME Journal, is the collaborative result between France and South Africa regarding the floristic areas – regions that have distinct plant life – in the Western Cape and Camargue regions in South Africa and […]

02/13/2018 / By David Williams

More proof biodiversity reduces the need for chemicals: Leaving strips of wildflowers across fields of crops reduces pesticide use

It’s a well-established fact that pesticides can have many adverse effects not just to humans but to the very crops that they are supposed to protect as well. And as far as current efforts to reduce pesticide use go, one of the known ways to do so involves planting wildflowers right around the perimeter of […]

12/11/2017 / By David Williams

Aquaculture could be the answer for sustainability of seafood supply chain, according to new study

With more than 70 percent of the Earth being covered in water, it may surprise you to know that there are still many aquatic places we have not ventured yet. A recent study now suggests that through aquaculture, many countries can not only put their underutilized coastal waters to better use but also meet their […]

08/08/2017 / By Lance D Johnson

False climate change narrative now being used to push genetically modified “drought resistant” corn on Africa

Each day, farmers face real-world challenges to produce food, especially in countries where their lives depend upon agricultural success. Managing natural resources and crop yields in the face of unpredictable weather is a daunting task. African farmers face irregular seasons of drought; therefore they must breed and select the right drought-tolerant and insect-resistant hybrids in […]

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