A study in Environmental Research Letters reveals that Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI), a proposed climate intervention, may not protect crops like coffee, cacao, and wine grapes from climate change. While SAI cools global temperatures, it fails to stabilize rainfall and humidity—key factors f
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is depleting vital soil nutrients, threatening its role as Europe’s breadbasket. A UK–Ukraine–Netherlands study found more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are removed than replaced, due to fertilizer shortages and soil damage. Experts urge integrated nutrient mana
A new report from The James Hutton Institute and SRUC explores the potential for growing oilseed cover crops in Scotland to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Commissioned by the Scottish Government, the review identifies camelina as the most promising crop due to its high oil content and low
The International Seed Federation (ISF) is leading global efforts to make seeds central to climate action. As agriculture adapts to climate change, ISF unites seed companies worldwide to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainability. Through plant breeding, seeds help farmers boost yields, conser
Scientists from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) are partnering with farmers in the Cambridgeshire Fens to trial rice and other crops on rewetted peat soils. The project aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, restore degraded peatlands, and sustain food production. Trials include nine co
Scientists from TUM, Helmholtz Munich, and IPK have decoded the pan-genome of 33 oat lines, revealing the full genetic diversity of one of the world’s most nutritious grains. Published in Nature, the research provides a foundation for breeding climate-resilient, high-yield oat varieties capable of w
Carrot breeding is evolving to meet modern challenges — from climate resilience and disease resistance to colour diversity and consumer appeal. Today’s breeders combine advanced genetics, grower collaboration, and sustainable practices to deliver carrots that perform under pressure and delight in ev
New research from the University of Warwick and Cranfield University shows that genetic selection could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from crops, especially rice. Published in Frontiers in Agronomy, the study found that rice variety choice can influence methane emissions more than fe
Scientists have discovered how Phytophthora infestans — the pathogen behind the Irish potato famine — evades plant immune defenses, offering a path to stronger crops. Researchers from the University of York, The James Hutton Institute, and Université Libre de Bruxelles identified enzymes called AA7
The 180-year Broadbalk Experiment at Rothamsted shows long-term nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisation can boost soil carbon storage, helping mitigate climate change. Research reveals that N and P affect microbial activity and carbon persistence differently, with combined use maximizing stable soil c
New research reveals regional differences in currant-lettuce aphid populations across England, showing eastward migration into major lettuce-growing areas but limited westward movement. The findings highlight the need for region-specific pest management strategies to protect the UK’s valuable lettuc
New research shows wheat varieties with the highest yield under optimal conditions also perform best under drought and heat stress. Scientists propose selecting high-yield candidates early, then testing them in target regions, creating a more efficient, cost-effective breeding strategy. Key traits i
White bread may soon get a fibre-rich upgrade without sacrificing taste or texture. Researchers at Rothamsted, with partners from the University of Reading and the Allied Technical Centre, developed new high-fibre white bread recipes that maintain moisture, springiness, and overall appeal. Sensory a
Rothamsted scientists discovered how specific GA3OX genes in wheat regulate growth and grain size by controlling gibberellin hormone levels. Variations in these genes affect plant height and grain weight, with modern breeding already favoring variants linked to larger grains. This insight offers new
Researchers traced the genetic basis of late flowering in barley to a single mutation, SNP22, in the PPD-H1 gene. By studying over 2,000 barley varieties and ancient samples, they revealed that this trait originated in wild barley from the southern Levant after domestication. This adaptation, linked
Rothamsted researchers developed a simple field test to measure soil macropore networks, revealing how different farming systems shape soil structure and health. The method links pore architecture to microbial activity, offering a practical tool to monitor the impact of land management on soil funct
Facing growing food insecurity — with 2.3 billion affected, per FAO — Chinese scientists have developed a single-atom copper pesticide. Created by USTC, Tsinghua, and HFUT, this innovation boosts copper efficiency and cuts environmental impact, offering a new path for sustainable crop protection.The
New research shows the soil fungus Trichoderma hamatum emits natural chemicals that suppress crop diseases, offering a potential sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides.The post Common Fungus Releases Vapours That Fight Crop Diseases, Study Finds appeared first on Seed World.
A new study reveals the structure of HvAACT1, a barley root protein that protects plants from toxic aluminum in acidic soils. By pumping citrate into the soil, the protein neutralizes aluminum, allowing barley to thrive where most crops struggle. This discovery could guide breeding and biotech strat
Scientists reveal how auxin guides root gravitropism by strengthening cell walls, helping roots bend downward and adapt to soil obstacles.The post New Study Reveals How Roots Sense Gravity appeared first on Seed World.
A new study shows that while semi-dwarfing genes introduced during the Green Revolution had little effect on gluten, extreme dwarf wheat varieties have poorer baking quality due to reduced glutenins and an unfavorable gliadin-to-glutenin balance. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute found that genet
Canary Islands lentils date back 2,000 years. Ancient crops adapted to heat and drought may aid future farming in a changing climate.The post Ancient Lentils Still Thrive in the Canary Islands appeared first on Seed World.
Vertical farming can greatly boost lettuce yields and cut water use but currently has a higher carbon footprint than field-grown UK lettuce. Energy demands and materials like jute plugs drive much of its emissions, though alternatives could reduce impact. Researchers say innovations in efficiency an
Deep in the Arctic, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault safeguards over a million seeds, symbolizing global efforts to preserve plant biodiversity. Plant researcher Fiona Hay has dedicated her career to improving seed storage, longevity, and accessibility across international seed and gene banks. These b
