Unlocking Wheat’s Genetic Diversity to Meet Future Food Demands
Seed World Staff on 10/10/2025
Researchers mapped the wheat pan-transcriptome for the first time, revealing how gene activity varies across varieties. This resource uncovers hidden genetic diversity and regulatory networks that can help breeders develop higher-yielding, climate-resilient wheat. The breakthrough offers a powerful
Seeds and Pesticides: Breaking Up is Hard to Do
David Zaruk – Seed World Columnist on 10/10/2025
Debates are growing over whether seed and pesticide businesses should split, with industry fears of lawsuits and regulatory pressure driving the trend. While spin-offs could shield companies, experts warn they may reduce innovation, farmer support, and policy influence. An integrated ag-tech sector
Key Wheat Genes That Control Plant Height and Grain Size Identified
Seed World Staff on 10/09/2025
Rothamsted scientists discovered how specific GA3OX genes in wheat regulate growth and grain size by controlling gibberellin hormone levels. Variations in these genes affect plant height and grain weight, with modern breeding already favoring variants linked to larger grains. This insight offers new
A Tiny Genetic Shift Helped Barley Conquer Northern Europe
Seed World Staff on 10/08/2025
Researchers traced the genetic basis of late flowering in barley to a single mutation, SNP22, in the PPD-H1 gene. By studying over 2,000 barley varieties and ancient samples, they revealed that this trait originated in wild barley from the southern Levant after domestication. This adaptation, linked
Less Input – More Genetics!
Christian S. Jensen on 10/08/2025
Crop yields and turf performance have reached unprecedented levels over the past 20 years thanks to efficient plant breeding. Even so, questions remain about the future need for forage and turf breeding.The post Less Input – More Genetics! appeared first on Seed World.
Poisons, Toxins and Venoms
Joe Schwarcz - Seed World Columnist on 10/08/2025
Puffer fish are poisonous but not venomous, while rattlesnakes are venomous but not poisonous. Both use toxins differently — poisons harm when ingested or touched, venoms when injected. These toxins not only pose deadly risks but have also inspired medical advances, from blood pressure drugs to pain
Simple Field Test Reveals How Farming Shapes Soil Structure
Seed World Staff on 10/07/2025
Rothamsted researchers developed a simple field test to measure soil macropore networks, revealing how different farming systems shape soil structure and health. The method links pore architecture to microbial activity, offering a practical tool to monitor the impact of land management on soil funct
From Policy to People — All Eyes on Edinburgh
Madeleine Baerg - Seed World Executive VP - Operations on 10/07/2025
Euroseeds 2025 in Edinburgh is set to bring together the seed industry’s leading minds for three and a half days of connection, innovation, and insight. With new platforms like the NextGen Forum and a focus on collaboration and fresh ideas, it’s the must-attend event shaping the future of global agr
New Copper Tech Tackles Crop Disease Sustainably
Seed World Staff on 10/06/2025
Facing growing food insecurity — with 2.3 billion affected, per FAO — Chinese scientists have developed a single-atom copper pesticide. Created by USTC, Tsinghua, and HFUT, this innovation boosts copper efficiency and cuts environmental impact, offering a new path for sustainable crop protection.The
Against Hunger and Food Poverty
Franco Brazzabeni – Seed World Columnist on 10/06/2025
Food insecurity affects over 2 billion people worldwide, including millions in Europe facing rising prices and food poverty. Drivers include COVID-19, war, climate change, and supply disruptions. The FAO calls for social protection and resilient agri-food systems, while EU policies risk reducing pro
Common Fungus Releases Vapours That Fight Crop Diseases, Study Finds
Seed World Staff on 10/05/2025
New research shows the soil fungus Trichoderma hamatum emits natural chemicals that suppress crop diseases, offering a potential sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides.The post Common Fungus Releases Vapours That Fight Crop Diseases, Study Finds appeared first on Seed World.
EU Approves One GMO Maize for Food and Feed
Seed World Staff on 10/03/2025
On Sept. 22, the EU approved one genetically modified maize for food and feed under strict safety, labelling, and traceability rules; cultivation remains banned.The post EU Approves One GMO Maize for Food and Feed appeared first on Seed World.
Barley’s Secret Weapon Against Acidic Soils Uncovered
Seed World Staff on 10/02/2025
A new study reveals the structure of HvAACT1, a barley root protein that protects plants from toxic aluminum in acidic soils. By pumping citrate into the soil, the protein neutralizes aluminum, allowing barley to thrive where most crops struggle. This discovery could guide breeding and biotech strat
Corteva is Splitting in Two — and Betting That Farmers, Shareholders, and Science Will All Win
Marc Zienkiewicz - Seed World Canada Senior Editor on 10/01/2025
Its spinoff company is positioning itself as an “unrivaled innovator” in seed, leaning on Pioneer’s deep roots in farmer loyaltyThe post Corteva is Splitting in Two — and Betting That Farmers, Shareholders, and Science Will All Win appeared first on Seed World.
New Study Reveals How Roots Sense Gravity
Seed World Staff on 10/01/2025
Scientists reveal how auxin guides root gravitropism by strengthening cell walls, helping roots bend downward and adapt to soil obstacles.The post New Study Reveals How Roots Sense Gravity appeared first on Seed World.
Wheat: Extreme Dwarfism Impairs Gluten Composition and Baking Quality
Seed World Staff on 10/01/2025
A new study shows that while semi-dwarfing genes introduced during the Green Revolution had little effect on gluten, extreme dwarf wheat varieties have poorer baking quality due to reduced glutenins and an unfavorable gliadin-to-glutenin balance. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute found that genet
We’re Giving Every Seed the Power to do More
Seed World Staff on 10/01/2025
At Seed Treatment by BASF, we understand the challenges growers face as they tackle the biggest job on Earth — we are here to help them get ahead of the pressures that come from pests and diseases. The post We’re Giving Every Seed the Power to do More appeared first on Seed World.
Ancient Lentils Still Thrive in the Canary Islands
Seed World Staff on 09/30/2025
Canary Islands lentils date back 2,000 years. Ancient crops adapted to heat and drought may aid future farming in a changing climate.The post Ancient Lentils Still Thrive in the Canary Islands appeared first on Seed World.
When Red Tape Chokes Green Progress
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 09/29/2025
Europe’s slow approval process for crop protection products — often 8–12 years — delays sustainable innovation and limits farmers’ tools. This slows adoption of greener practices, reduces resilience, and raises costs. Streamlined, faster approvals are essential to meet climate goals and support mode
Consistent Policy, Not “Patchwork” Regulations, Recommended for the Coexistence of Crops
Seed World Staff on 09/26/2025
Australian farmers face inconsistent rules on GM, organic, and conventional crops. A new study urges clearer coexistence standards across sectors.The post Consistent Policy, Not “Patchwork” Regulations, Recommended for the Coexistence of Crops appeared first on Seed World.
Stop Penalizing Breeders for Their Own Success
Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 09/25/2025
In a number of UPOV member countries, outdated interpretations of the novelty requirement mean that commercializing a hybrid variety may invalidate novelty for its parent lines — even if those lines were never sold. This misinterpretation undermines breeders’ rights, discourages innovation, and is o
UK Vertical Farms Boost Yields but Raise Carbon Footprint
Seed World Staff on 09/25/2025
Vertical farming can greatly boost lettuce yields and cut water use but currently has a higher carbon footprint than field-grown UK lettuce. Energy demands and materials like jute plugs drive much of its emissions, though alternatives could reduce impact. Researchers say innovations in efficiency an
Climate, Crisis, and Crops: Why Gene and Seed Banks are More Essential Than Ever
Seed World Staff on 09/24/2025
Deep in the Arctic, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault safeguards over a million seeds, symbolizing global efforts to preserve plant biodiversity. Plant researcher Fiona Hay has dedicated her career to improving seed storage, longevity, and accessibility across international seed and gene banks. These b
Swedish Consumers More Positive About Crop Crossbreeding Than Expected
Seed World Staff on 09/23/2025
Most Swedish consumers view crops developed through crossbreeding positively, according to a new SLU survey. The study of 999 participants on ancient and modern wheat found 88% saw at least one positive trait, including taste, health, or safety. Awareness of cereal varieties increased with age and e