NIR fluorescent nanosensor detects plant growth hormone Making it easier to monitor plants and their growth, a first-of-its-kind nanosensor could help safeguard healthy crops. Working alongside teams from Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory in Singapore and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology interdisciplinary research group’s Disruptive and Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (SMART DiSTAP) recently developed a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor that can detect indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the primary plant growth hormone. The technology uses Corona Phase Molecular Recognition (CoPhMoRe), a nanotechnology approach designed by the SMART DiSTAP and MIT researchers. It enables the design of highly selective sensors by coating single-walled carbon nanotubes with custo
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How Plant Growth Regulators are Tools for Quality and Efficiency For many greenhouse growers, plant growth regulators (PGRs) are known primarily as tools for producing compact, uniform plants with improved market appeal. However, industry experts stress that the benefits go far beyond plant quality. At a time when labor is scarce and expensive, PGRs are recognized as labor-saving solutions that reduce repetitive tasks, simplify scheduling, and help growers avoid costly mistakes. “Trimming, spacing, fertilizing — those things all require people. With a PGR, you can control growth and still deliver a good-looking plant,” says Sam Drahn, Director of Technical Services at OHP.
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Every state and U.S. territory is at risk for vector-borne diseases (VBDs). The number of reported VBD cases doubled from 2004 to 2018. Tickborne diseases represent almost 80 percent of reported VDB cases in the contiguous United States. Ten vector-borne pathogens were newly identified in the United States in the past 16 years, including chikungunya virus, Zika virus, and six tickborne pathogens. For various reasons, many people don’t like to use insect repellents. To address mosquito- and tickborne disease threats, products that people accept and are willing to use to protect themselves from bites are needed. In addition, mosquitoes are becoming increasingly resistant to insecticides. New publicly supported insecticide options are necessary.
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