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
For more than a century, Semillas Fitó has been at the heart of Mediterranean agriculture — breeding varieties that thrive in one of the world’s most demanding climates. Today, as sustainability becomes as essential as yield, the company faces the challenge of doing both: producing more with less, w
Mario Draghi’s call to cut EU “red tape” has reignited debate over how regulation affects competitiveness. Despite two decades of promises to simplify EU rules, real progress has been limited — a result of ongoing power struggles between the European Commission and Member States. As the Commission n
Researchers mapped the wheat pan-transcriptome for the first time, revealing how gene activity varies across varieties. This resource uncovers hidden genetic diversity and regulatory networks that can help breeders develop higher-yielding, climate-resilient wheat. The breakthrough offers a powerful
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
Food insecurity affects over 2 billion people worldwide, including millions in Europe facing rising prices and food poverty. Drivers include COVID-19, war, climate change, and supply disruptions. The FAO calls for social protection and resilient agri-food systems, while EU policies risk reducing pro
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
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
Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN CSRS discovered SCORE, an ancient plant immune receptor that detects cold-shock proteins in bacteria, fungi, and insects. The study reveals potential to engineer crops and trees with enhanced disease resistance using synthetic SCORE receptors.The post Game-changing Biote
Salk Institute researchers have discovered that plants boost their immune systems after experiencing drought, revealing genetic strategies to develop hardier, more resilient crops. This finding highlights how plants prioritize survival over growth when recovering from water stress.The post All DRII-
An international team led by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified sustainable farming practices for maize (corn) that maintain high yields while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study offers strategies to lower environmental impact and promote
A journey across Ukraine’s fields revealed hidden soil problems — and surprising fixes — to ensure its future as the world's breadbasketThe post How Cover Crops Could Change Everything for Ukraine’s Fields appeared first on Seed World.
A new review in CABI Agriculture and Bioscience explores the rise of regenerative agriculture (RA) and proposes a definition centered on ecological cycles and farm outcomes. Dr. Nicholas Bardsley of the University of Reading emphasizes that, amid soil degradation, climate change, and ecological decl
On August 17–18, Danish Minister Jacob Jensen visited Svalbard to learn about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. He reviewed the upcoming October seed deposit prepared by NordGen, which includes 381 samples from Nordic countries, 19 of Danish origin, such as wild carrot, lingonberry, turnips, root pars
A Nature Genetics studymaps cis elements in 25 maize hybrids, revealing genetic regions tied to drought tolerance and providing new tools for breeding climate-resilient corn.The post New Study Reveals Hidden DNA Elements That Could Help Corn Withstand Drought appeared first on Seed World.
A Nature study by 21 scientists shows that reforming global food systems—cutting food waste and boosting sustainable ocean-based food—could halt land degradation and preserve land the size of Africa by 2050, helping combat climate change and biodiversity loss.The post Scientists: Overhaul Global Foo
Turns out, Canadian-grown wheat, canola and peas have some of the lowest carbon footprints in the worldThe post 17 Transatlantic Shipments Later, Canadian Crops Still Outperform Europe on Carbon appeared first on Seed World.
Professor Nikolay Kornienko from the University of Bonn developed a renewable-energy-based method to produce ammonia, offering a climate-friendly alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process.The post A More Climate-Friendly Way to Produce Nitrogen Fertilizer appeared first on Seed World.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem revived 80-year-old fungal specimens of Botrytis cinerea, revealing how industrial agriculture has reshaped microbial ecosystems and impacting crop disease management.The post Reviving 80-year-old Fungi Offers New Clues for Sustainable Agriculture appear
A new Anglo-French study suggests that spreading crushed volcanic rock on farmland could help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere — and potentially boost crop yields. However, its effectiveness depends heavily on local soil conditions.Researchers from Rothamsted Research (UK), INRAE (France),
A new Dutch research project, REAP2SOW, led by Wageningen University & Research and funded with €6.8 million, aims to build a more sustainable food system. Focusing on white lupin, quinoa, and the ‘forgotten vegetable’ aardaker, the initiative promotes crops that boost biodiversity, improve soil hea
Chalmers University of Technology research shows that agricultural residues from wheat and oats can serve as sustainable alternatives to wood pulp for cellulose-based textiles. This process is simpler and less chemical-intensive than traditional methods, adding value to underused crop byproducts. Wi
