Scientists Use Genome Editing to Develop Healthier Lettuce Crops

Seed World Staff on 05/11/2026

Researchers used genome editing to alter flavonoid production in red-leaf lettuce, removing red pigmentation while increasing beneficial compounds such as quercetin. The modified lettuce maintained normal growth, highlighting a potential crop breeding strategy for developing functional lettuce varie

Loss of Pollinators Threatens Crop Yields and Human Nutrition Worldwide

Seed World Staff on 05/11/2026

New University of Bristol research published in Nature finds that pollinator decline threatens crop production, human nutrition and farm incomes. Studying smallholder farms in Nepal, researchers found pollinators support 44% of farming income and more than 20% of key vitamin intake, highlighting the

NordPheno Boosts Nordic Crop Breeding

Seed World Staff on 05/08/2026

Representatives from eight leading Nordic research institutions gathered at the University of Helsinki in late March to officially launch NordPheno, the Nordic Research Infrastructure Hub for Digital Plant Phenotyping.The five-year NordForsk-funded network (2026–2030) brings together partners from F

Agri-Food Leaders Call for Stronger EU Innovation Funding

Seed World Staff on 05/07/2026

Five European Technology Platforms and nine agri-food organisations are urging EU policymakers to recognise agriculture, aquaculture and food systems as strategic priorities in the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe. The groups call for dedicated agri-food research funding, stronger st

Industry Coalition Calls for Swift Approval of EU New Genomic Techniques Law

Seed World Staff on 05/05/2026

Thirty-one agri-food organisations are urging MEPs to adopt the EU Regulation on new genomic techniques without amendments. According to a Euroseeds press release, the compromise text would support innovation, sustainability, competitiveness and resilience in European agriculture while distinguishin

Healthy Soils, Resilient Harvests: Regeneration in Action

François Harambat - Head of Marketing and Communication at MAS Seeds on 05/04/2026

MAS Seeds is advancing regenerative agriculture to help farmers build healthier soils, stronger crops and more stable harvests. Through reduced tillage, cover crops, diversified rotations and field-tested innovations such as MAS4COVER, MAS Seeds supports resilience in changing climates while reducin

New Report Highlights Trust Gap in Agricultural Innovation

Seed World Staff on 05/04/2026

A new report by Leaps by Bayer, Boston Consulting Group and Ipsos UK examines public trust in agricultural innovation, including new genomic techniques and cultivated meat. Based on interviews in China, Germany and the United States, and a 2025 survey of more than 13,000 people across 13 countries,

Hops and Cannabis Share Genetic Sex Switch, Scientists Discover

Seed World Staff on 05/04/2026

University College Dublin researchers identified a genetic sex switch in cannabis that may also control sex in hops. The study, published in New Phytologist, found key genes on the X chromosome that influence male, female and monoecious development, offering potential benefits for cannabis and hop b

Maize Under Siege Attracts More Pests

Seed World Staff on 05/04/2026

New research finds maize under simultaneous root and leaf pest attack releases distinct root chemicals that strongly attract wireworms. Scientists recreated the cue as a synthetic blend, effective in lab, semi-field and field tests. The discovery highlights the rhizosphere’s role in crop protection

OECD Seed Schemes Explained | Seed Certification & Global Seed Trade

Seed World Staff on 05/04/2026

OECD seed certification strengthens trust in global seed systems by harmonising standards for quality, identity, and purity across more than 60 countries. This video explains how OECD Seed Schemes support international seed trade, farmer confidence, market access, capacity building, and food securit

Denmark’s Oat Strategy Could Transform Sustainable Agriculture

Seed World Staff on 05/04/2026

Denmark’s AVENUE project is testing 200 oat varieties to develop climate-resilient, nutritious crops for sustainable organic farming. By studying yield, quality, adaptability and health traits, researchers aim to create 'super oats' that support food security, lower climate impact and future plant b

UPOV Launches Global PVP Certificate

Seed World Staff on 05/01/2026

UPOV has launched a new PVP Certificate for private sector professionals in plant variety protection. The internationally recognized program validates expertise in the UPOV system, supports career advancement, and strengthens professional standing across seed and plant breeding sectors. Open globall

From One Breeder’s Vision to a Global Legacy

Aimee Nielson - Seed World U.S. Editor on 04/30/2026

With 170 years of independence, KWS combines scientific expertise, long-term thinking and farmer partnerships to advance modern plant breeding. From sugar beet origins to a global portfolio spanning 20+ crops, the company invests heavily in research, delivering resilient, high-yield varieties. Its f

Climate-Smart Farming: Study Shows How Biochar Can Improve Yields and Soil

Seed World Staff on 04/30/2026

A new global biochar model helps predict how biochar affects crop yields, soil carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions across farming systems. Tested with data from 48 field sites, the study shows biochar can support climate-smart agriculture, but results depend on climate, soil type and applica

Scientists Use CRISPR to Strengthen Grapevines in African First

Seed World Staff on 04/28/2026

African researchers used CRISPR to successfully edit grapevine DNA for the first time in a woody crop on the continent. By switching off the VvDMR6.1 gene, the study reduced susceptibility to downy mildew and improved drought response, highlighting genome editing’s potential for climate-resilient gr

CRISPR Study Unlocks Precision Chromosome Editing in Wheat

Seed World Staff on 04/28/2026

IPK researchers used CRISPR/Cas to reduce or remove chromosomes in wheat and other large-genome plants by targeting satellite DNA. Published in Plant Communications, the breakthrough shows how precise chromosome editing can create new genetic variants, accelerate wheat breeding and support the devel

Euroseeds InnovAction Stage 2026: Deadline April 30

Seed World Europe on 04/28/2026

Euroseeds Congress 2026 InnovAction Stage offers startups, research initiatives, and established seed companies a platform to showcase breakthrough innovations. Madeleine Baerg and Dr. Amelie Detterbeck discuss how applicants can gain visibility, credibility, industry feedback, and meaningful connec

What To Expect at Euroseeds 2026

Seed World Staff on 04/28/2026

Shawn Brook interviews Garlich von Essen on the future of the seed sector ahead of Euroseeds Congress 2026, exploring geopolitical shifts, innovation, regulation, sustainability, biologicals, traceability, and plant breeding. The conversation highlights how collaboration, networking, and emerging te

Breeders Trust Settles Case Over Illegal Seed Potato Listing In Denmark

Seed World Staff on 04/24/2026

Danish potato grower settles Breeders Trust case after a Facebook listing offered protected Solist seed potatoes, underscoring that online advertisements can infringe plant breeders’ rights even without a sale. The case highlights strict seed potato certification rules, legal and phytosanitary risks

“Lazy” Crop Roots: Traditional Sorghum Outperforms on Recycled Phosphorus

Seed World Staff on 04/24/2026

Traditional sorghum lines may hold the key to more efficient crop nutrition as agriculture shifts toward recycled fertilisers. A University of Queensland study found landraces outperformed modern sorghum when phosphorus was less soluble, thanks to stronger root traits and exudate chemistry. The find

Solar Panels Boost Crop Efficiency: Tomato Systems Use Half the Water

Seed World Staff on 04/23/2026

Agrovoltaic tomato systems could help agriculture save water while producing renewable energy on the same land. Research in Spain found that combining solar panels with deficit irrigation cut water use by about 50%, with roughly a 20% yield penalty. The findings highlight new opportunities for breed

Why Costa Rica Is Attracting Global Seed Investment and R&D

Marcel Bruins - Seed World Europe Editorial Director on 04/22/2026

Costa Rica is a leading hub for seed innovation, offering regulatory stability, diverse microclimates and skilled talent. Its science-based framework, counter-season advantage and advanced R&D infrastructure enable companies to test, develop and scale globally. With strong institutional support and

£3 Billion DNA Project: How Sequencing UK Biodiversity Could Transform Agriculture and Innovation

Seed World Staff on 04/22/2026

The Darwin Tree of Life Project could generate nearly £3 billion in economic value across the UK and Ireland by sequencing all complex life. For agriculture, gains of £800 million to £1.4 billion could boost crop resilience, pest control and climate adaptation. Open-access reference genomes are stre

Euroseeds Welcomes Member States’ Backing of NGT Regulation Deal

Seed World Staff on 04/21/2026

Euroseeds welcomes EU Member States’ formal adoption of the Council’s first-reading position on the new Regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). The decision confirms the trilogue compromise with the European Parliament and marks a major step toward final adoption. Euroseeds says the new NGT fra