Guardians of the vineyard: Canines and chemistry work to combat powdery mildew
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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 1-May-2025 11:08 ET (1-May-2025 15:08 GMT/UTC)
Dogs have many jobs but one you may not expect is identifying grapevines with a destructive and highly contagious fungus called powdery mildew. Researchers are analyzing volatile chemicals emanating from grape leaves infected by powdery mildew, with the goal of improving training for vineyard canines. The researchers will present their results at ACS Spring 2025.
From laundry detergent to dishwasher tablets, cleaning products are an indispensable part of life. Yet the chemicals that make these products so effective can be difficult to break down or could even trigger ecosystem-altering algal blooms. Now, researchers reporting in ACS’ Langmuir have addressed those challenges with an environmentally compatible detergent made of tiny wood fibers and corn protein that removes stains on clothes and dishes just as well as commercial products.
Environmental conditions can cause damaging stress to plants, posing challenges for home gardeners and farmers. Therefore, early detection — before leaves visibly discolor, wilt or wither — is crucial. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Sensors have created a wearable patch for plants that quickly senses stress and relays the information to a grower. The electrochemical sensor attaches directly to live plant leaves and monitors hydrogen peroxide, a key distress signal.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is hosting ACS Spring 2025 virtually and in San Diego on March 23-27. Cutting-edge developments on a range of scientific topics will be featured at the meeting. Embargoed press releases and videos about select sessions at the meeting are now available to members of the media.