Crop residue management could play an important role in protecting farmland biodiversity as Europe increases renewable energy production. New research from the University of Surrey found that cereal fields retaining at least 70% of crop residues generally supported greater local biodiversity, raisin
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have uncovered how plant immune memory can persist while protecting genome stability. The findings, alongside early results in rice, point to potential applications in epigenetic crop breeding, offering new ways to develop disease resistance, stress toleran
Seed sector development depends on more than good legislation. Comparing hunger levels with international seed frameworks and African seed sector performance reveals why effective institutions, predictable regulations and investment are essential to getting improved varieties into farmers' hands.The
New chromosome recognition research at Aberystwyth University aims to help plant breeders access valuable traits from wild relatives. The three-year project will combine artificial intelligence, DNA sequencing and chromosome painting to investigate barriers to conventional breeding and identify oppo
New research suggests differences in crop residues could give breeders another selection criterion: how a variety supports soil processes and the crop that follows.Selecting pea and field bean varieties could influence more than the pulse harvest. New research suggests the stems, leaves and roots le
Long-term agricultural research investment is essential to developing improved crop varieties and delivering practical benefits for farmers. A new UK report highlights Aberystwyth University's forage breeding work while examining how sustained funding, industry partnerships and farmer-focused resear
Researchers at Sweden's KTH Royal Institute of Technology have identified Rubisco enzyme mutations that could improve photosynthesis efficiency by reducing unwanted oxygen reactions. The findings offer new possibilities for crop improvement, although further testing is needed to determine whether th
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Deeper-rooted soybeans are being tested to determine whether they can improve drought resilience and store more carbon underground. Field trials will also examine yields, nutrient capture and the potential trade-offs of changing soybean root systems.The post The Next Soybean Breakthrough May Be Unde
Precision pollination research led by the James Hutton Institute and AgriSound will use in-field sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor pollinator activity across fruit crops. The project aims to help growers identify pollination gaps and support fruit breeding for improved yield and quality
Seed size research has identified a peptide signal that helps coordinate communication between the embryo and endosperm during seed development. Early crop proof-of-concept work suggests boosting the pathway could support larger seeds.The post Seed Size Signal Could Support Bigger Crop Seeds appeare
Crop side streams from rapeseed, legumes and potatoes could become new foods for human consumption through the VASCO research project. Wageningen researchers will explore protein extraction, fermentation and supply chain barriers to bring products closer to market.The post Crop Side Streams Could Be
