Crop traits for disease resistance, yield and climate resilience may become easier for breeders to access after researchers identified three genes that suppress recombination in chromosome regions where useful genetic variation has often remained out of reach.The post Gene Discovery Could Unlock Hid
Researchers are investigating how fungal pathogens recognise plant surfaces, opening the door to crop-protection strategies that disrupt infection before it begins.The waxy surface of a crop leaf could hold the key to preventing fungal disease before infection takes hold, according to new research f
Crop impacts on biodiversity loss and natural carbon storage are highly concentrated, according to new global mapping that links environmental pressure to specific crops, livestock products and regions where targeted action could deliver the largest gains.The post Crop Impacts Concentrated on One-Th
Maize sugar transporters ZmSWEET6a and ZmSWEET6b play key roles in pollen-wall formation and anther cell balance, according to new research that could support development of male-sterile lines for more efficient hybrid seed production.The post Maize Sugar Transporters Point to Male-Sterile Lines app
Harper Adams University researchers are identifying drought-resilient vegetables by screening lettuce, brassica, coriander, carrot and onion varieties for stress-tolerance traits. The work could help breeders develop crops better suited to extreme heat and limited water.The post UK Researchers Targe
New research from the University of Göttingen finds that sugar beet drought stress can alter crop physiology and pest pressure. Moderate drought made leaves more favourable to beet leaf miner larvae, while severe drought restricted both plant and pest development.The post Sugar Beet Drought Stress C
A global meta-analysis of 149 field studies found that crop diversity can increase natural enemies of agricultural pests and improve plant performance. The findings highlight how more diverse farming systems may reduce reliance on chemical pest control.The post Crop Diversity Strengthens Natural Pes
EFSA’s GMO Panel concluded that RF3 Canola Quality B. juncea is as safe and nutritionally equivalent as conventional counterparts. BASF’s application seeks EU authorization for food, feed, import and processing uses, but not cultivation.The post RF3 Canola Quality B. juncea Deemed Safe by EFSA appea
Cover crops are emerging as a practical link between regenerative agriculture and the seed sector. As farmers focus more on soil health, rotations and input efficiency, seed companies may find new opportunities in locally adapted genetics, mixtures and agronomic support.The post Seed Sector 2045: Co
Research on Xylella fastidiosa is advancing resistant olive cultivars, biological control, insect vector management and surveillance. Findings presented in Italy could support improved disease management and olive production recovery in affected regions.The post Xylella Research Advances Disease Con
University of Bonn researchers found that soil degradation is significantly reducing crop yields worldwide. Reversing human-caused degradation could increase production enough to feed approximately 70 million more people.The post Global Soil Degradation Is Cutting Crop Yields appeared first on Seed
KAUST researchers have developed a gene insertion method that precisely adds large genetic sequences into plant genomes without first breaking DNA. The technique, demonstrated in rice and tobacco, could support more complex crop traits and plant-based biomanufacturing.The post New Gene Insertion Met
Climate change is reducing the nutritional value of major food crops, creating new challenges for food security. A Nature review examines how plant breeding, genome editing and other technologies could improve crop nutrition while strengthening climate resilience.The post Climate Change Threatens Cr
The UK has approved its first precision-bred potato, moving PiperPlus closer to market. The disease-resistant Maris Piper was developed to combat late blight, Potato Virus Y and Potato Leafroll Virus while reducing reliance on fungicides and insecticides.The post UK Approves First Precision-Bred Pot
Austria has begun construction of a new AGES research station in Großnondorf to evaluate climate-resilient crops under dry conditions. The site will support variety testing, drought stress research and climate-adapted plant breeding.The post Austria Builds Research Station for Climate-Resilient Crop
Scottish farmers and growers are being urged to prepare for water scarcity as climate change brings longer and more frequent dry periods. CREW says drought could affect river flows twice as often by 2050, creating new risks for crops, livestock and water supplies.The post Scottish Farmers Urged to P
A new review examines how biochar may help protect soil health in continuously cropped solanaceous vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and potatoes. Researchers say biochar may improve soil structure, support beneficial microbes and reduce disease pressure.The post Biochar May Protect
Low-input farming is becoming a strategic priority for European seed companies as farmers face tighter input constraints, reduced plant protection options and rising biodiversity expectations. The shift is increasing demand for varieties with nutrient-use efficiency, durable resistance and stronger
International study maps more than 66,000 structural variants linked to yield, nutrition, insect resistance and other breeding priorities.Researchers have developed the world’s first graph-based pan-genome for mung bean, uncovering previously hidden genetic variation that could accelerate developmen
HARVEST will bring together more than 60 participants from 19 countries to make agricultural data AI-ready for crop breeding, research and farm decision-making. The European initiative will use barley as a model crop to improve data integration and climate resilience.The post HARVEST Aims to Make Ag
The Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre will receive €5.4 million for a five-year upgrade of its crop phenotyping facility, adding advanced imaging, drones, AI tools and field research capacity to support crop resilience and sustainable food production.The post Netherlands Invests in Crop Pheno
Hutton Scientific Services has launched a potato virus testing service for the 2026 seed potato campaign, following SASA’s withdrawal from commercial testing. The service will screen for PVY and PLRV to support seed certification, marketing and crop management decisions.The post Hutton Launches Pota
Euroseeds has named 10 finalists for the Euroseeds InnovAction Stage at its 2026 Congress in Valencia. The selected companies will present seed treatment, enhancement, biological input and crop resilience technologies to the European and international seed community.The post Euroseeds Names 2026 Inn
Nordic Melons is testing 12 heritage melon varieties to determine whether historic genetics can support locally grown, commercially viable production. The NordGen project aims to revive regional cultivation knowledge while supporting sustainability, food security and premium local markets.The post N
