This a new infill material for artificial turfgrass made from recycled products.
LSU AgCenter scientists have discovered materials to increase stress resistance in plants.
LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a new disease-resistant rice line. It is more resistant to both panicle and sheath blight than the previous lines. Larger flag leaves on the upper portion of the rice plant provide greater area for photosynthesis, which gives the plant more nutrients. The line also has a larger grain size, meaning it will provide both a higher yield and a greater amount of food.
This technology is an automatic irrigation management controller for potted nursery plants. The system includes simple sensors and logic units that deliver an appropriate amount of water based on soil water holding capacity. The system automatically shuts off irrigation after the soil becomes moistened to its capacity. Proper irrigation improves plant root and shoot growth and helps reduce the prevalence of diseases. It also reduces the loss of beneficial nutrients into the environment.
LSU AgCenter scientists have created new biological control agents against bacterial panicle blight and sheath blight of rice. The agents work presumably by suppressing the growth of the fungi that can cause sheath blight and antagonizing the bacteria that can cause panicle blight. The fungi that cause sheath blight are commonly present in rice, corn, and soybeans. This technology can reduce the need for chemical fungicides and replace the usage of traditional antibiotics against bacteria.
LSU AgCenter scientists have developed pretreatment methods to protect rice against major pathogens, such as Burkholderia glumae, and consequently prevent the development of serious rice diseases, such as panicle blight. Plants would not normally be able to tolerate the infection by certain types of pathogens. However, these pretreatments increase a plant’s pathogen resistance and subsequently allow it to survive the infection process. This will limit losses due to disease and improve yield.
AgCenter scientists have invented a new decision support system to improve irrigation scheduling and the quality of harvested sweet potatoes. The system maximizes the number of sweet potato storage roots through the use of a small group of solar-powered sensors. It can also determine proper irrigation rates and schedules and forecast potential yield to profitability. The system’s data is accessible through mobile phones, web-based applications and text messages to maximize convenience.
AgCenter scientists have discovered a novel use for rice hulls as a biofiltration medium. The high amount of surface area, low carbon content and unique shape promote the growth of bacteria that degrade pollutants. Because rice hulls are waste materials, they are readily available and affordable for use. In addition, their high silica content prevents them from degrading quickly.
LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a new method to produce effectively hybrid cotton seeds. This approach will enhance cross-pollination and isolate only the desired hybrid seed. It also ensures the most efficient use of labor and chemicals, allowing farmers to save money on both and ensuring quality seed to satisfy customer needs.
This invention is a new type of glue made from soybeans. Wu Glue uses a unique combination of biological materials to give it a great deal of strength and water resistance. It also does not contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, urea and phenols. The product is green, biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a product manufacturers can stick with for a long time to come.
This invention is a new type of reactor that combines the processes of biomass washing and hydrolysis into one easy step. This is a continuous process that saves on energy and machinery by replacing several mixing processes. In this device, the biomass is progressively liquefied and treated with enzymes to ensure that materials are efficiently converted into potential fuel.
LSU AgCenter scientists have invented a new method to increase the disease and fungal resistance in plants and crops. This process genetically modifies plants to produce and accumulate more antimicrobial peptides, which give a broad resistance to pathogens. This reduces the need for constant monitoring and treatment for plant- and crop-related diseases.