Studies & Reports: Our selection of original articlesOur selection

Has Ecology Erased Humanity? A Problem or a Mistake?

What if ecology has been targeting the wrong issues for a century? Born to understand the relationships between living beings and their environment, ecology has gradually sidelined humanity, even as our species has become the dominant force in the biosphere. Ecology can no longer ignore a true human ecology since humans transform all environments.

Drone Spraying: Best Practices for Successful Fungicide Applications

The use of drones for fungicide application in field crops offers significant advantages, including access to difficult areas and the ability to treat localized zones. However, applicators must navigate a complex regulatory framework that requires an understanding of state-specific regulations and licensing requirements, adapting their techniques based on flight conditions and drone characteristics.

Drought: How to Decide on Early Harvesting of Forage Corn Based on Field Conditions

In the face of water stress affecting Western France, the temptation to harvest forage corn early is gaining traction. However, experts remind us that the decision should be based on a precise agronomic diagnosis, as crops still retain, in many cases, a recovery potential if weather conditions improve. Farmers are advised to wait until the end of flowering to assess grain viability, while remaining vigilant for cases requiring early harvest to preserve forage quality.

Satellite Assessment of Plant Thermal Stress Reveals Climate Change Reduces Tropical Forests' CO₂ Capture

United States: Investment Slows, AI Struggles to Win Over Farmers

The Purdue Agricultural Economic Barometer, a gauge of American farmer confidence, reveals major concerns regarding input costs and low crop prices. While few farmers see an improvement in their financial situation, the adoption of AI technologies in agriculture elicits mixed opinions, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector.

Regenerative Agriculture: Major Corporations' Commitments Still Lack Credibility, Says FAIRR

The FAIRR global investor network report highlights that despite a 63% increase in mentions of regenerative agriculture from 2023 to 64% in 2026, corporate commitments often remain vague and poorly quantified. While the measurement of outcomes is improving, companies must demonstrate transparency regarding their goals and actual impacts to enhance the credibility of their initiatives.

Strawberry: AI Detects Fungi Before Symptoms Appear, Enabling Early Crop Protection

Researchers at the University of North Carolina have developed an AI-powered early detection system for the Neo-P pathogen, which threatens the strawberry industry in the state. This innovative system allows for rapid, non-destructive identification of infections before visible symptoms appear, providing a solution for producers facing significant financial losses. The study also emphasizes the need for an integrated management approach to combat this growing threat.

The Farmer of Tomorrow Will Also Be a Manager, Climatologist, and Agronomist

Swiss Professor Awarded European Grant for Food Waste to High-Performance Packaging Project

Professor Francesco Stellacci from EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) has been awarded an ERC (European Research Council) grant for his innovative project on multilayer films made from natural proteins, aimed at replacing synthetic plastics. This project addresses sustainability challenges by focusing on developing high-performance materials from food waste, with potential applications in single-use food packaging.

Des scientifiques ciblent les nématodes à kystes de soja en coupant leur approvisionnement alimentaire

Face aux pertes de rendement causées par les nématodes à kystes de soja, des chercheurs explorent de nouvelles stratégies de lutte en ciblant les protéines effectrices qui permettent aux parasites de se nourrir et de se reproduire. Ce projet pourrait mener à des variétés de soja génétiquement modifiées pour résister à ces parasites, tout en préservant la santé et le rendement des cultures.

Nematodes: A Garlic-Based Nanoemulsion Outperforms Two Standard Nematicides on Tomatoes

A study published in Scientific Reports presents the development of garlic oil-based nanoemulsions as an ecological alternative to traditional nematicides, in light of increasing restrictions on the latter. The formulations, characterized by small droplet sizes and a stability of 16 weeks, have shown significant efficacy against the nematode Meloidogyne incognita, reducing root gall formation and promoting tomato plant growth.