Sorghum could become an increasingly important crop in European agriculture as climate change alters growing conditions. New research from INRAE projects higher sorghum yields and expanded suitable growing areas, highlighting its potential to replace maize in livestock feed and reduce pressure on wa
As genome editing transforms plant breeding, essentially derived varieties are becoming a critical intellectual property issue. From UPOV's EDV rules to the 2026 Nadorcott ruling, this Seed Sector 2045 analysis examines how breeders can balance innovation, genetic ownership and licensing.The post Se
Growing field beans before spring barley could reduce environmental impacts by approximately 25%, according to long-term Scottish research. The study found that bean–barley rotations reduced nitrogen fertiliser requirements and improved barley yields in most years, highlighting the benefits of inclu
Pieter van Kesteren spent more than four decades helping shape the international vegetable seed industry. From Cold War markets and early trade with China to California seed enhancement and the rise of global breeding companies, his remarkable career reflects the transformation of a once largely fam
The EU-funded BIOCRAFT project will combine artificial intelligence, biotechnology and soil microbiome research to develop more resilient potato and rice varieties. The four-year, €3.81 million initiative will also explore plant-based biomanufacturing and technologies to support sustainable crop pro
Euroseeds 2026 will bring seed industry leaders to Valencia, Spain, to explore plant breeding innovation, emerging technologies and global collaboration. Euroseeds Secretary General and CEO Garlich von Essen discusses the Congress's international reach, opportunities for emerging businesses and enga
Improved nitrogen management could reduce energy-related carbon emissions on English farms by up to 13%, according to Rothamsted Research. The study highlights the role of fertiliser production in agriculture’s carbon footprint and explores how green ammonia could support further emissions reduction
Plant-based proteins could create new opportunities for European farmers and the seed sector as the EU works to reduce its dependence on imported animal feed. A new European protein strategy aims to boost domestic production, support protein crops and strengthen agricultural sustainability.The post
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault received thousands of seed samples from 21 institutions in October 2026, including Ukraine's national genebank, six CGIAR research centres and a first-time contributor from Italy. The deposits strengthen global efforts to safeguard crop genetic diversity for future bre
A new study finds that European agricultural competitiveness is under pressure as crop production growth trails major global markets. The research highlights climate-related losses, regulatory barriers and slower access to seed technologies and agricultural innovations as challenges for European far
Wild peanut breeding has a remarkable global legacy. Researchers traced disease resistance from a single wild peanut collected in Bolivia in 1959 into 251 peanut lines and cultivars across 30 countries, revealing the enduring value of crop genetic diversity, pre-breeding and international seed excha
With 95% of UK P. biglobosus isolates resistant to two SDHI fungicides in laboratory tests, the discovery puts renewed focus on genetics, surveillance and fungicide stewardship working together to protect oilseed rape yields.Scientists have confirmed the world’s first cases of resistance to SDHI fun
The HelEx project is crossing wild sunflower material from arid regions into European breeding lines to develop drought tolerant sunflower varieties. Researchers are also targeting pollinator appeal and higher protein content for future markets.The post The Traits Sunflower Breeders Need May Already
Researchers identified the lily moth sex pheromone by starting with insect scent receptors rather than the pheromone itself. The AI-supported approach could help speed pheromone discovery for emerging and invasive crop pests.The post Could AI Speed Up Pheromone Discovery for Emerging Crop Pests? app
Niab will lead a three-year wheat pre-breeding project funded by BBSRC to move promising traits into elite European winter wheat backgrounds. The work will involve commercial breeders and international IWYP hubs across the UK, Europe, Mexico and the United States.The post Great Wheat Traits Are Bein
Research from the Boyce Thompson Institute shows how wild tomato relatives may help breeders recover flavour and nutritional traits without sacrificing yield, fruit size or shelf life. The study maps regulatory switches tied to tomato fruit quality.The post The Flavour Tomato Breeders Lost May Still
Plant breeding IP is becoming central to Europe’s seed innovation debate. This article explains how plant breeders’ rights, patents, licensing platforms and transparency tools can support both investment incentives and practical access to breeding material.The post Seed Sector 2045: Why Plant Breedi
A University of Córdoba review found GLU-B1 diversity in wheat was overstated, with many recorded alleles duplicated or triplicated. The team has built a verified germplasm collection to help breeders study gluten quality and end-use traits.The post What If Half the Wheat Diversity in the Catalogue
Vylor seed genetics enters Europe with established brands, breeding programs and global R&D scale. Its leadership sees future growth coming from gene editing, new crops and a larger role as a genetics, technology and licensing partner for other seed companies.The post Vylor Is Open for Business: Wha
Euroseeds is urging EU policymakers to keep organic breeding rules focused on variety performance, warning that additional breeding-process requirements could raise costs, reduce genetic access and limit farmers’ variety choice.The post Euroseeds Urges Focus on Variety Performance in Organic Breedin
Leonardo Costa outlines Corteva SAT priorities in EMEA, including new seed treatment products, customer partnerships, sustainability, resistance management and the team behind the business during a period of major company change.The post Leonardo Costa on Corteva’s Seed Applied Technologies (SAT) Ne
Eight companies and research organizations are advancing AI crop breeding through predictive genomics, crop modeling, gene editing and automated marker analysis. Public researchers are also testing approaches that could shape the next generation of breeding programs.The post 8 AI Players to Watch in
Smallholder farmers could help meet rising global food demand while restoring soils and strengthening rural livelihoods, a new book argues. Whole Earth Farming proposes helping 240 million farming families adopt regenerative agriculture and agroforestry.The post Could 240 Million Smallholders Feed t
Wheat heat stress causes the greatest yield losses when heat waves strike before flowering, field experiments show. However, early exposure may also prime wheat to better withstand a second heat wave later in the growing season.The post Early Heat Hurts Wheat Most but Could Build Resilience appeared
