A naukri.com initiative
Bioengineer
1w
4
Image Credit: Bioengineer
University of Houston Research Explores Hemp’s Potential to Inspire Sustainable Agricultural Practices
- Researchers at the University of Houston have published a study in the journal Nature, examining the microbiomes living in and around hemp plants to shed new light on the microbial communities residing in and around hemp plants.
- The study aims to optimize growth and improve product quality through targeted microbial interventions and reveal insights to revolutionize hemp cultivation and enhance both fiber and CBD production.
- The presence of certain fungi, including Alternaria and Gibberella, was more common in fiber types of hemp, suggesting a possible link between specific microbes and the quality of the produced fibers.
- The team meticulously collected samples from both CBD-producing and fiber-producing hemp, aiming to unravel the intricate dynamics of these microbial ecosystems.
- The study revealed that the presence of different microbes is adapted to specific tissues, potentially influencing nutrient uptake and resilience to environmental stresses.
- The researchers noted that microbiome diversity varies significantly across different tissues such as soil, roots, leaves, and stems and between the two hemp genotypes.
- The study advocates for a paradigm shift in how we approach hemp cultivation through the use of beneficial microorganisms in enhancing crop yields and reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers or pesticides for a more environmentally friendly approach to hemp production.
- The researchers' work opens up avenues for more personalized farming strategies that take into account the specific microbiomes associated with different hemp genetics.
- The principles gleaned from this research can inform practices applicable to a wider range of crops and enhance our understanding of plant-microbe symbiosis in agricultural ecosystems.
- Understanding the plant microbiome is pivotal for farmers looking to maximize their outputs sustainably and provides an exciting frontier for agricultural biotechnology.
Read Full Article
Like
For uninterrupted reading, download the app