- Author: Kara Menke, kjmanke@berkeley.edu
![Frozen samples were processed and sequenced by researchers at the Energy Department’s Joint Genome Institute (JGI). (Photo: Peggy Lemaux)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/Green/blogfiles/64410small.png)
Scorching temperatures and parched earth are no match for the sorghum plant — this cereal crop, native to Africa, will remain green and productive, even under conditions that would render other plants brown, brittle and barren.
A new study published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences provides the first detailed look at how the plant exercises exquisite control over its genome — switching some genes on and some genes off at the first sign of water scarcity, and again when water returns — to survive when its surroundings turn harsh and arid.
“With this research, we are laying the...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
![Gabe Youtsey, lower right, chief innovation officer for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, shares the scope of the VINE (thevine.io), UC ANR's innovation center, at Open Farm 2019.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/Green/blogfiles/63844small.jpg)
From robot vacuum cleaners and doorbell cameras to social media and e-commerce, technology is continually transforming lives and businesses. The world's oldest industry – agriculture – is no exception.
Remote sensors are all but eliminating the need for farmers to walk plant rows and make decisions based solely on observations, experience and intuition. New technologies that gather and analyze data can optimize crop needs, reduce environmental impacts, increase efficiency, cut energy costs and save water. The latest innovations were on display at the fourth annual Open Farm conference Oct. 23 in Tulare.
A demonstration by PowWow Energy showed artificial...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
![Kearney REC director Jeff Dahlberg speaks to participants at Open Farm.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/Green/blogfiles/55716small.jpg)
A torrent of technology is flowing into the agricultural sector. To make sense of it, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, Fresno State and West Hills Community College came together with technology vendors and growers at Open Farm 2018, held in October at UC ANR's Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier.
“A lot of technology is coming out,” said Kearney director and UC Cooperative Extension agronomy specialist Jeff Dahlberg. “I need to caution you, it's not all is based on science. We are helping with testing.”
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
![Plants and wildlife, like this mountain lion, will need to find natural corridors to migrate into areas with suitable climates. (Photo: National Park Service)](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/Green/blogfiles/55263small.jpg)
Californians received bleak news last month when the state released its fourth assessment of climate change in California. The report predicts severe wildfires, more frequent and longer droughts, rising sea levels, increased flooding, coastal erosion and extreme heat.
“It's great to be living in a state where science and facts around climate change are valued,” said UC Cooperative Extension specialist Adina Merenlender, “but the recent forecasts may make you want to devour a quart of ice cream in a pool of salty tears.”
Modern civilization has changed the world climate, and even dramatic reductions in...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
![Traveling in two vans, 10 students, a teachers' assistant and two professors are following the course of California water.](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/Green/blogfiles/44670small.jpg)
University of California students are taking a long journey through California to trace the state's complicated and critical water supply. The recent graduates and upper-division co-eds from UC Merced, UC Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley and UC Davis are part of the UC Water Academy, a course that combines online training with a two-week field trip for first-hand knowledge about California water.
The tour began June 18 at Lake Shasta, the state's largest reservoir, and followed the water's course to the Sacramento Valley, through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and south along the Delta-Mendota Canal. Since a key water destination is agriculture, the UC Water Academy toured the