New hope for the Nordic-Baltic ash forests

The ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) in Europe is seriously threatened. A fungus is killing tree after tree, and there are not many healthy ash trees left. However, researchers still believe there is a solution. Experts have now gathered in Malmö to save the ash tree and have drawn up a policy brief.

A scientific perspective on Sweden’s efforts to conserve ash since 2013 can be read here:

Europe risks a crisis if it fails to halt the decline in pollinator populations

A new white paper from eight major EU-funded research consortia on pollinators warns that the resilience of Europe’s vital societal functions and food security are at stake if the EU fails to halt and reverse the decline in wild pollinators and to support managed pollinators. Their solution: an action plan to reverse the decline in wild pollinators and protect managed bees.

Legumes can reduce insect pests in winter oilseed rape

Growing winter oilseed rape together with legumes can reduce some of the crop’s most important insect pests. This is shown by a new study from SLU, in which researchers investigated how different legumes affect insect pests and yield under Swedish growing conditions.

Legumes can reduce insect pests in winter oilseed rape

Key enzyme helps fungi deal with misfolded proteins

How do fungi deal with proteins that do not function properly? SLU researchers have identified an enzyme that plays a key role in fungal protein quality control. The findings provide new insights into how filamentous fungi respond to stress and maintain cellular balance.

Key enzyme helps fungi deal with misfolded proteins

Plants sense damage to neighbouring roots - and grow away

Below ground, plant roots grow alongside those of neighbouring plants, but little is known about how they respond when a neighbouring root is damaged. In her doctoral thesis, Julie Ducla shows that healthy plants can detect this damage and redirect their root growth away from it.

Plants sense damage to neighbouring roots - and grow away

Beneficial bacteria can help quinoa withstand drought

Quinoa is well adapted to the harsh climate of the Andean region, but longer periods of drought threaten yields. In her new doctoral thesis, Virginia Gonzales investigates how native microorganisms can help quinoa withstand drought and support the development of sustainable bioinoculants.

Beneficial bacteria can help quinoa withstand drought

Laurène seeks the genetic key to organic wheat free from common bunt

Laurène Mailhan investigates genetic resistance against common bunt in organic wheat. She and seven other doctoral students contribute to knowledge development in the field of food through the LTV faculty's investment in the SLU and Sparbanken Skåne Centre for Sustainable Primary Production.

Laurène seeks the genetic key to organic wheat free from common bunt

Historical data reveal how climate affects Swedish cereal yields

Cereal yields in Sweden are at risk of declining in a warmer climate unless rising temperatures are accompanied by increased precipitation during the growing season. This is the conclusion of a new analysis of climate and crop yield data covering the period from 1965 to 2020.

Historical data reveal how climate affects Swedish cereal yields

Warmer, drier, more flammable: what climate change means for Sweden's forests

As wildfires and extreme heat spread across southern Europe this summer, SLU postdoctoral researcher Daniela Robles explains why such events are becoming more frequent, and what this means for drought and fire risk in Sweden.

Warmer, drier, more flammable: what climate change means for Sweden's forests

Three years in the field: exploring the hidden dynamics of weed communities

How does biodiversity affect weed populations in agricultural fields? In a long-term field study around Uppsala, Eirini Daouti is investigating how weed diversity and natural seed predators influence weed communities development over time.

Three years in the field: exploring the hidden dynamics of weed communities

RNA-based spray targets disease without disrupting potato microbiome

Can RNA-based crop protection stop plant disease without disturbing the microbes that support plant health? A new SLU study shows that RNA sprays against potato late blight have minimal effects on the potato microbiome, while the disease itself causes far greater changes.

RNA-based spray targets disease without disrupting potato microbiome

SEK 25 million for research to save the ash tree

Two research projects at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have been awarded nearly SEK 25 million to strengthen Sweden’s efforts to restore one of our most threatened broadleaf tree species.

25 miljoner till forskning för att rädda asken

Below-Ground Damage Perception in Plant Roots. Julie Ducla, 15 August

Feeding the bioeconomy: A systems analysis of intermediate crops and crop residues. Sergio Alejandro Barrios Latorre, 4 September