upbeatBytes
Phys.org

Grasses provide most of the world's calories—but we're only now starting to learn how they grow

New research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals that grasses, which supply the majority of global plant-based calories, grow primarily in response to temperature rather than light. This finding, published in Current Biology, highlights a previously overlooked aspect of grass development. The discovery could lead to improved agricultural practices by helping scientists better predict and manage grass growth under varying climate conditions.

What happened

New research shows that grasses like corn, wheat, and rice grow based on temperature, not light, which is different from other plants.

Why it matters

This discovery could improve how we grow these staple crops, helping ensure food security as climate conditions change.

Why it belongs here

Understanding how grasses grow helps people build better farming practices, supporting sustainable food production for the future.

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