March - April 2024
Biostimulants research in vineyards Research into best practices in vineyards has been widespread and generally very thorough. But does that mean new research is irrelevant? Janet Kanters reports.
Biostimulant NewsScientists identify bacterial genes essential for colonising plant roots / Biobest Group acquires Biobest Antalya, Biotrop / HELM unveils additions to plant advantage portfolio / SugaROx Raises Finance for T6P Technology
Bio Bunch Using biocontrol in banana production Banana is the number four food crop in the world after wheat, maize and rice. New AG International spoke to Lieselot Van der Veken of Pro Terra-Agro, who has spent the last 20 years of her career studying this vital crop, building an in-depth knowledge of Central and South America.
Scientists engineer plant microbiome forthe first time Scientists have engineered the microbiome of plants for the first time, boosting the prevalence of ‘good’ bacteria that protect the plant from disease.
Scientists develop biopesticide from fungi Scientists have found naturally occurring pathogenic fungi infecting the Eucalyptus snout beetle in Eucalyptus forest plantations, and characterized them to develop a biopesticide for controlling the beetle.
Biopesticide harmless to mammals, but can wipe out colonies of beneficial wasps Some wasps and bees are able to recognizesick nestmates by smell and can prevent their entry into the nest to avert infection of the entire colony. But a study shows that this recognition does not happen in paper wasps of the species Mischocyttarus metathoracicus infected bya biopesticide based on the fungus Beauveria bassiana.
Unlocking potential of SIT to controlpepper weevilFor the first time, researchers in Canada have investigated the use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) for controlling populations of the pepper weevil.
Biocontrol News
Precision Agriculture NewsDigital orchards: capturing pruning expertise in digital twins, data, and models / John Deere partners with SpaceX to expand rural connectivity to farmers / Bluewhite raises $39M to bring autonomous innovation to farms worldwide / Saga Robotics secures $11.5M in growth capital for U.S. and UK expansion / Intelinair expands digital platform connectivity for farmers with CNH integration / Robotic company farm-ng raises $10M Series A / Autonomy company Burro closes $24M series.
Middle East agrifood production is rising high The vertical farming revolution in the UAE and Saudi Arabia The Middle East and North Africa region, home to the world’s two largest deserts, is the most water-scarce area on Earth. Yet during the past two years, new vertical farming projects on the Arabian Peninsula have proven so successful that the region appears poised for a revolutionary transformation in agricultural productivity. Michael Tanchum writes.
GrowPura – a UK technology company looking to grow things differently One company is challenging the stacked approach favoured by the early vertical farms. New AG International spoke to GrowPura’s CEO Nick Bateman to learn about the company’s different type of vertical farming design and technology.
High energy inputs turn into supremecash crops Oded Achilea, PhD, reports from the 3rd Symposium on Vertical Farming.
Products and Trends NewsGrowing plants in the dark / China unveils unmanned 20-storey vertical 'plants factory' / Seasony raises €1.5M in funding round / New vertical farm opens in Gloucestershire
New year, new outlook for the Irrigation Association Inge Bisconer, Managing Member of Surf ‘N Earth Enterprises, is a technical sales and marketing consultant who has worked 40+ years in the agriculture and landscape irrigation industries. Elected as president of the Irrigation Association, Bisconer connected with New AG International to provide a 2024 outlook for the irrigation sector.
Irrigation News Canada’s Lethbridge College receives $1 million for irrigation research / Reinke Irrigation and CropX debut pivot-mounted sensor / U.S. vineyard trials smart irrigation technology
Greenhouse Cropping NewsUK Project to enhance indoor farming efficiency / Hippo Harvest announces $21M Series B funding / IGS raises £22.5 million and partners in GigaFarm / Fischer Farms establishes large vertical farm in UK
Agtech Oasis - The rise of the UAE
With its lack of ploughable land, intense summer heat and no permanent rivers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not the first country that springs to mind when discussing agriculture. But necessity is the mother of invention, and the seven emirates that constitute the UAE are using ag tech to reduce its reliance on food imports. The developments made in areas such as controlled environment agriculture and cropping in saline soils could be spun out to other countries beset by similar agricultural challenges. Luke Hutson reports.
Contributors
Building the biofertilizer market in BraziThe current outlook for the Brazilian fertilizer market is positive. Industrial-scale composting could boost biofertilizer production. Leonardo Gottems reports.
Genetics of host plants determine what microorganisms they attractPlants often develop communities with microorganisms in their roots, which influences plant health and development. Although the recruitment of these microbes is dictated by several factors, it is unclear whether the genetic variation in the host plants plays a role. In a new study, researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign explored this question and their work can help improve agriculture productivity. Ananya Sen writes.
Agronomics and Economics News Effects of extreme drought studied / Increasing soil salinity: new discovery may help make crops more resilient / Recycled phosphorus fertilizer reduces nutrient leaching, maintains yield / Electronic “soil” enhances crop growth / Satellites and AI could help farmers detect soybean aphid infestations / Grant for fertilizer made from fire-prone invasive plants / Yara acquires organic-based fertilizer business of Italy’s Agribios / Huma expands turf and ornamental division by acquiring Gro-Power
Dean Banks appointed CEO of Indigo Ag, CEO-partner of Flagship Pioneering
Compass Minerals names Edward Dowling CEO
New CEO of Andermatt Kenya
Vestaron appoints Juan Estupinan as interim CEO
Organic Seed Alliance appoints new executive director
New general manager of AlphaBio Control
AlgaEnergy and Nutrient TECH welcome new president for North America
BeeHero Welcomes Ze'ev Barylka as chief sales and marketing officer
COVER: Jones Food Company
Robots and automation
Focus on fertigation
Bioregulation in South Africa
RNA biocontrol
Regional Report: Brazil
