MAX FACTS
hydroponic news, tips and trivia
Scientists Say ‘Artificial
Photosynthesis Systems’ Possible
A recent international study says that by mimicking natural
photosynthesis and using tiny molecular circuits, harvesting and
transporting solar power could be made far more efficient. Although
the molecular circuitry required to make this possible would have
to be remarkably intricate—“10 times smaller than the thinnest
electrical wire in computer processors”—the researchers claim that
“a clear framework exists for the design and synthesis of an effective
antenna unit for future artificial photosynthesis systems.”
(Source: huffingtonpost.com)
Potato Pest Test Developed
A scientist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed a
diagnostic test that identifies which type of nematode is infesting potato
growers’ fields—which is important because breeders have developed
potatoes that can resist the golden nematode, but have yet to develop
varieties that resist the pale cyst nematode. Potatoes cannot be grown in
soil containing the pale cyst nematode, which was found in soil samples
in Idaho in 2006 and remains a major threat in Europe.
(Source: sciencedaily.com)
Saltwater Agriculture Opens up New Horizons for Biofuel Production
A recent report suggests plants that thrive in briny water could provide a vast new supply of biofuel. One variety of plant studied produces
1.7 times more vegetable oil per acre than sunflowers, according to a study in the journal Science. Although there has been controversy in
recent years over the use of prime farmland for growing plants destined to become fuel sources, farming ‘saltwater crops’ would give the
world an estimated extra half a million square miles of growing space, scientists say.
(Source: newser.com)
26
Maximum Yield USA | January 2012