Cucumbers, a summer staple of salads and sandwiches, are a valuable commercial crop. They also have a less well-known role as valuable model plants which are helping researchers to extend the boundaries of genomic discovery. 

Virginia Tech researchers have discovered a clever new way to detect an invasive pest — by letting ants lead the way.

Macquarie University research reveals widely-used fungicide causes reproductive damage in beneficial insects

A new study unveils an advanced drone-based system that offers, for the first time, a smarter way to monitor sesame health. By combining hyperspectral, thermal, and RGB imagery with deep learning, researchers have developed a powerful method for detecting simultaneous nitrogen and water deficiencies in field-grown sesame. This innovative approach leverages cutting-edge UAV-imaging technology and artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy of stress detection in crops. The integration of multiple data sources enables identification of combined nutrient and water-related deficiencies. This significant step forward in the field of precision farming not only enhances crop management but also supports more sustainable and efficient use of water and fertilizers, key components in building climate-resilient food systems.