I recently came across yet another publication stating that ‘Over 75% of the crop species of global significance for food production rely on animal pollination, primarily insects (up to 84% of commercial crops only in Europe)…’. The publication also talked about a ‘…pollinators crisis which was acce
The National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) has developed potato cultivars resistant to major diseases, aiding local seed production. However, quality seed remains scarce—especially for small farms—due to high costs, limited access, and frequent need for renewal. This is worsened by the u
A new international partnership is investing in vegetable seed research tailored to desert and arid environments. With a focus on boosting food production in challenging climates, the collaboration will establish a research center in the UAE to develop resilient, high-performing seed varieties using
Some scientists believe current regulations on agricultural gene editing are too restrictive. However, a new paper from the University of Adelaide highlights the need for clear, well-defined rules to ensure emerging technologies are applied safely and ethically.Published in The Plant Journal, the fo
For more than 40 years, SATEC® has offered you the perfect combination of technique, chemicals and experience to treat your seeds referring to their high quality. You get specific and individual solutions for pelleting as well as for incrustation or coating of all kinds of seeds (agriculture, vegeta
Chili peppers are under attack from invisible enemies—and one scientist is building a disease-proof future for the farmers who depend on them.The post Asia and Africa Grow the Most Peppers. So Why Are Their Yields the Lowest? appeared first on Seed World.Plant breeders are leading a global effort to
Wheat research from the University of Hohenheim shows how variety selection and baking technique shape the nutrition in your bread.Wheat is a staple in diets worldwide — not just as a source of carbohydrates and protein, but also for fibre, minerals, and essential trace elements. Yet, despite its gl
Euroseeds thanked the Polish EU Council Presidency for advancing the Plant Reproductive Material (PRM) legislation, a key file for innovation and competitiveness in the seed sector. They expressed hope the Danish Presidency will continue the work, reaffirming their commitment to supporting a strong,
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has topped the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 in Agriculture & Forestry, earning top marks in employability, research impact, and academic reputation. The top 10 includes universities from the U.S., Europe, and China, with UC Davis and the Swedish
The global food system is increasingly at risk from climate change, even as farmers work to adapt, according to a June 18 study in Nature.Contrary to earlier research suggesting warming might boost food production, the new study estimates that each additional degree Celsius of global warming could r
Despite ongoing global volatility — from climate extremes to trade disruptions — the grass-seed market is showing surprising resilience and renewed momentum. Spring 2025 has kicked off with stronger-than-expected demand, particularly in Europe, laying a solid foundation for a season shaped by tighte
Researchers at Tel Aviv University's School of Plant Sciences and Food Security have created a crop-specific gene editing method that successfully modifies key traits in tomato plants, including fruit flavor and shape. This innovative approach to plant genome editing could be applied to a wide varie
The James Hutton Institute is a global leader in potato research and breeding, pioneering the development of new potato varieties with improved agronomic traits and greater resilience to challenges such as diseases, drought, and extreme temperatures. Their cutting-edge work supports more sustainable
Yellow rust poses a serious threat to wheat production, but researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered traditional Asian wheat varieties with multiple resistance genes. These could offer long-term protection for commercial wheat, underscoring the value of genetic diversity in ensuring g
Seed World Europe Editorial Director Marcel Bruins just finished reading De plantenjager uit Leningrad (The Plant Hunter from Leningrad) by Louise O. Fresco, and it left me unsettled — in the best possible way. It’s rare for a book about seeds to make you rethink the world we live in, but this one d
In 2025, the TRIPS Agreement turns 30 — a key moment for the seed sector. Over the past three decades, it has shaped how new plant varieties are developed, protected, and traded. Article 27.3(b), in particular, continues to influence global rules on plant variety protection and agricultural innovati
The Council has approved a decision confirming that seed production and field inspection systems in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova meet EU standards for specific crops.Under this decision, Ukraine is granted equivalence for beet, sunflower, swede rape, and soya bean seed, while Moldova receives
Researchers have discovered a new molecular recycling process that helps plants endure prolonged stress. The study, published in PNAS, shows how trafficking proteins gather at tiny “contact sites” between the cell’s plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum.The post Recycling Signalling Molecules He
Discover what’s driving excitement in the seed industry at the 2025 Euroseeds Congress in Edinburgh. Join Marcel Bruins and Erika Maugeri as they explore key innovations like drone crop monitoring and AI sorting systems, highlighting how this event connects startups, investors, and policymakers. Per
The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP) has received £9.1 million (around €11 million) from the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) to support SyncSol, a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at optimizing plant genomes. The project could pave the way for c
The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP) secured £9.1 million (€11 million) from the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) to fund SyncSol, an innovative project focused on optimizing plant genomes. This research aims to develop crops that can capture more CO₂ or
They called them "orphan crops" — ignored, underfunded, forgotten. Now Rita Mumm is turning them into weapons in a war against hunger.The post One Woman. One Mission. And a Movement That’s Rewriting Africa’s Future appeared first on Seed World.Rita Mumm needs no introduction. She was the first presi
A Finnish study with 264 participants found that bitterness and a dry, astringent mouthfeel are the main reasons people dislike faba beans. These traits were strongest in protein-rich faba bean products and persisted even after processing, affecting the taste of finished foods.The post Scientists Wo
The global trade and regulatory landscape is shifting from broad multilateralism to plurilateral agreements among select countries. This trend is especially clear in the seed sector, where harmonized rules are vital to promote trade, innovation, and biodiversity conservation.The post From Multilater
