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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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 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
The European Commission’s review of Community Plant Variety Rights (CPVR) legislation offers a key opportunity to strengthen EU plant breeding. Euroseeds says the current system provides reliable, cost-effective protection for new plant varieties, but challenges remain around farm-saved seed, enforc
Researchers developed an engineered sewage sludge biochar paired with Bacillus velezensis that boosts cabbage growth by improving nitrogen uptake and soil microbial activity. The biofertilizer increased plant biomass by up to 40%, while enhancing root colonization and soil health. This sustainable a
Researchers from Skoltech, CIMMYT, Italy’s Research Center for Cereal and Industrial Crops, and global partners developed new durum wheat lines with improved freezing tolerance and strong gluten quality for premium pasta. Published in Frontiers in Plant Science, the study uses genomic selection and
AI-powered imaging and high-throughput phenotyping are changing how crop breeders collect and analyze field data. From drones and robots to massive image datasets, new tools are helping breeders evaluate traits faster, reduce human bias and improve selection accuracy across environments.The post How
Researchers discovered a new plant immune defense in wheat, where the WAI3 protein forms an eight-part resistosome that triggers calcium flow and activates disease resistance. Published in Cell, the study shows this mechanism also exists in Arabidopsis, suggesting a conserved immune strategy across
Carbohydrates are diverse compounds central to energy, industry, and biology, from sugars and starches to cellulose and DNA components. This overview highlights their chemical complexity, everyday applications, and health impacts. It also traces their role in teaching chemistry through engaging exam
A new Demos report, backed by McCain Foods, says sustainable farming could strengthen the UK food system, raise farm profits, cut fertiliser imports and unlock billions in economic value by 2035. With public support growing, the report urges government action to help farmers adopt regenerative pract
Ahead of the World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon, the new Legacy Project aims to create lasting local impact by uniting the seed sector, students and civil society to grow crops for donation to Portugal’s National Food Bank. Supported by multiple partners, the initiative will cultivate 1.6 hectares a
