20 Most Promising Young Plant Breeders in Europe 2026

Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 04/16/2026

Seed World Europe’s April 2026 edition highlights the 20 Most Promising Young Plant Breeders in Europe, showcasing innovators shaping the future of agriculture. Combining classical breeding with genomics, AI, and data science, these young experts are advancing crop resilience, sustainability, and pr

Defining Seed and Food Security

David Zaruk – Seed World Columnist on 04/14/2026

Food security is understood differently across cultures, with China prioritizing it as a core national security issue while Western societies often take it for granted. This contrast shapes attitudes toward seed research and innovation. The article explores how regulation, public perception and poli

Drones and AI Transform Wheat Crop Monitoring for Climate Resilience

Seed World Staff on 04/14/2026

Drones and artificial intelligence are transforming how scientists monitor wheat crops and identify climate-resilient varieties. By tracking crop growth with advanced imaging and sensors, researchers can predict yield and stability before harvest. This approach helps breeders select wheat crops that

New Mapping Tools Offer Deeper Insights into UK Soil Health

Seed World Staff on 04/13/2026

A new suite of high-resolution soil and landscape maps for Great Britain will help farmers, land managers, and researchers improve soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Developed through AgZero+, the maps offer more detailed, consistent, and updateable soil data to support digital tools

Euroseeds NextGen Forum 2026 Connects Students with Seed Sector Careers

Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 04/13/2026

The Euroseeds NextGen Forum 2026 in Valencia connects young researchers with seed industry leaders to address talent gaps in plant breeding. Bringing together students, PhDs and professionals, the initiative fosters networking, career opportunities and collaboration. By bridging academia and industr

Supporting Genebanks: Enlightened Self Interest

Niels Louwaars on 04/10/2026

Genebanks are essential public infrastructure that conserve crop diversity and support breeders, food security, and climate resilience. While governments and the Crop Trust provide core funding, private-sector support remains vital. Backed by initiatives such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, stron

Global Consortium Calls for Mapping Gene Expression Across All Wheat Cells

Seed World Staff on 04/09/2026

The Wheat Spatial Omics Consortium, spanning 80 researchers in nine countries, urges a global effort to map gene expression across every wheat cell type and developmental stage. Published in Nature Genetics, the framework shows how spatial omics and AI can boost wheat breeding, improve stress tolera

Wageningen to Launch Field Trials with NGT Potatoes

Seed World Staff on 04/09/2026

Wageningen University & Research and the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture will begin new genetically modified potato field trials in 2026, testing disease- and pest-resistant varieties. The trials aim to reduce pesticide use, improve protection against late blight, and assess practical performance. Usi

Scientists Develop Leaf-Friendly Electrode for Smart Agriculture

Seed World Staff on 04/09/2026

Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo have developed an ultra-thin, transparent, water-resistant nanofilm electrode that monitors plant stress without disrupting leaf function. The sensor works even on hairy leaves, preserves photosynthesis, and stays attached under rainfall. Published in Ad

Gene-Edited Wheat Cuts Harmful Acrylamide Without Yield Loss

Seed World Staff on 04/08/2026

Scientists at Rothamsted Research have developed CRISPR-edited wheat with up to 93% lower asparagine, cutting acrylamide formation in bread and biscuits without reducing yield. Field trials show gene editing outperforms conventional breeding in precision and safety. The breakthrough could help food

Euroseeds Joins Call to Preserve Agriculture and Bioeconomy in EU Research Programme

Seed World Staff on 04/08/2026

Euroseeds and more than 20 stakeholders have welcomed MEP Christian Ehler’s draft ITRE report on Horizon Europe 2028–2034 but urge lawmakers to keep agriculture and the bioeconomy explicitly named in the programme. The coalition warns that proposed wording changes could weaken investment, food secur

Gene Discovery Opens Path to Deeper, More Efficient Crop Roots

Seed World Staff on 04/08/2026

Researchers identified the plant signaling gene CEPR1 as a promising target for breeding cereal crops with steeper, narrower root systems that may better access water and nutrients. The study found this pathway is conserved across major grains, though barley showed yield penalties. The findings coul

From Motion to Momentum: Where Strategy Begins

Shawn Brook - Seed World Group President on 04/08/2026

Clear strategy gives organizations purpose, direction, and competitive focus, while planning turns that vision into action. When leaders define why they exist, who they serve, and how they create value, teams align and momentum grows. In the seed sector and beyond, strategic clarity drives better de

Watermelon Breeding Under Pressure: What Growers and Breeders Are Up Against

Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 04/08/2026

Watermelon breeding faces growing pressure from climate change, disease threats, limited crop protection, and complex polygenic traits. Narrow genetic diversity and demanding consumer standards add further challenges. Breeders are adopting genomics, digital tools, and diverse germplasm to improve re

Soil Microbe Breakthrough Boosts Phosphorus Efficiency in Crops

Seed World Staff on 04/07/2026

A new study finds that combining biochar with phosphate-solubilizing Bacillus bacteria improves phosphorus availability, boosts soil microbial activity, and increases greenhouse cherry tomato yields by more than 23%. The treatment enhanced root growth, nutrient uptake, and fruit-bearing branches whi

European Commission Launches Consultation on Plant Variety Rights System

Seed World Staff on 04/06/2026

The European Commission has opened a consultation on Community Plant Variety Rights legislation and the performance of the CPVO. Stakeholders across the plant breeding, seed, farming and research sectors are invited to share feedback on the system’s effectiveness, efficiency and relevance. Contribut

CIMMYT Scientist Receives Africa Region Food Security Leadership Award for MLN Work

Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 04/06/2026

In Nairobi, African scientists, regulators and seed leaders recognized Suresh L.M. with the Africa Region Food Security Leadership Award for combating maize lethal necrosis. His work with CIMMYT advanced resistant hybrids, seed decontamination, diagnostics and regional collaboration. Over a decade,

Breeders Trust Flags Illegal Seed Potato Sales in Online Marketplaces

Seed World Staff on 04/02/2026

Breeders Trust is monitoring online sales of seed potatoes, highlighting growing cases of illegal trade via Facebook groups and webshops. Uncertified seed and misuse of ware potatoes raise plant breeders’ rights concerns and phytosanitary risks. The organisation urges stronger awareness, enforcement

Ukraine’s Seed Sector During the Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Production, Exports and EU Integration

Siuzana Grygorenko – Executive Director of the Seed Association of Ukraine on 04/02/2026

Ukraine’s seed sector faces disruption from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including energy shortages, mined farmland, logistics barriers, and labour gaps. Despite producers maintain output, invest in infrastructure, adapt operations. Farmers sustain planting levels, while exports to the EU recove

Let’s Talk: Biologicals Are Gaining Ground

Seed World Staff on 04/01/2026

Seed World Europe’s Petar Madjarac, Head of Business Development, EMEA, and Editorial Director Marcel Bruins discuss why the seed sector is paying closer attention now, the industry’s growth trajectory, and what must happen next. Their key takeaway: the biggest unlock is a clear, predictable regulat

Global Seed Sector Progress in Focus in ISF Annual Report 2025

Seed World Staff on 04/01/2026

The International Seed Federation’s Annual Report 2025 highlights progress across the global seed sector, including milestones in quality seed, innovation, sustainable value chains, policy engagement and member services. The report also marks the close of ISF’s 2021–2025 strategy and outlines priori

Rothamsted Barley Becomes First Crop Cleared Under UK Precision-Breeding Rules

Seed World Staff on 03/31/2026

Rothamsted Research has developed the UK’s first gene-edited barley to receive Precision Bred Organism marketing notice confirmation under new precision-breeding rules. Created using CRISPR to boost lipid content, the high-energy forage crop could improve livestock feed efficiency and help cut metha

World Seed Congress 2026: The Case for Joint Actions to Build Resilient Futures

Seed World Staff on 03/31/2026

At the ISF World Seed Congress in Lisbon, global seed leaders are addressing seed resilience, trade, innovation, and food security. Portugal highlights how openness and adaptability strengthen food systems. With climate stress and market volatility rising, the seed sector is advancing science-based

The Countdown to Euroseeds 2026 in Valencia Has Officially Begun!

Seed World Staff on 03/31/2026

Euroseeds Congress 2026 takes place in Valencia, Spain, from 25 to 28 October 2026, bringing together seed sector leaders, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and students. Set in a leading agricultural region, the event will feature policy updates, plant breeding innovation, the InnovAction S