Seed World Europe’s April 2026 edition highlights the 20 Most Promising Young Plant Breeders in Europe, showcasing innovators shaping the future of agriculture. Combining classical breeding with genomics, AI, and data science, these young experts are advancing crop resilience, sustainability, and pr
Drones and artificial intelligence are transforming how scientists monitor wheat crops and identify climate-resilient varieties. By tracking crop growth with advanced imaging and sensors, researchers can predict yield and stability before harvest. This approach helps breeders select wheat crops that
A new suite of high-resolution soil and landscape maps for Great Britain will help farmers, land managers, and researchers improve soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Developed through AgZero+, the maps offer more detailed, consistent, and updateable soil data to support digital tools
Genebanks are essential public infrastructure that conserve crop diversity and support breeders, food security, and climate resilience. While governments and the Crop Trust provide core funding, private-sector support remains vital. Backed by initiatives such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, stron
Watermelon breeding faces growing pressure from climate change, disease threats, limited crop protection, and complex polygenic traits. Narrow genetic diversity and demanding consumer standards add further challenges. Breeders are adopting genomics, digital tools, and diverse germplasm to improve re
A new study finds that combining biochar with phosphate-solubilizing Bacillus bacteria improves phosphorus availability, boosts soil microbial activity, and increases greenhouse cherry tomato yields by more than 23%. The treatment enhanced root growth, nutrient uptake, and fruit-bearing branches whi
In Nairobi, African scientists, regulators and seed leaders recognized Suresh L.M. with the Africa Region Food Security Leadership Award for combating maize lethal necrosis. His work with CIMMYT advanced resistant hybrids, seed decontamination, diagnostics and regional collaboration. Over a decade,
A new Demos report, backed by McCain Foods, says sustainable farming could strengthen the UK food system, raise farm profits, cut fertiliser imports and unlock billions in economic value by 2035. With public support growing, the report urges government action to help farmers adopt regenerative pract
A Johns Hopkins study found that crops irrigated with treated wastewater, including tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce, tend to accumulate psychoactive pharmaceutical residues mainly in their leaves. Published in Environmental Science & Technology, the research improves understanding of how these compou
A global study has mapped plant pathogen hotspots and found that healthier, more diverse soils can naturally suppress disease. Published in Nature Communications, the research also warns that climate change could expand the range of major bacterial plant pathogens. The findings offer a foundation fo
The Crop Trust has launched Securing Our Seeds (SOS), a USD 2 million Google.org-backed initiative to modernize global crop diversity conservation. The project will digitize genebanks using GRIN-Global software, integrate data with the Genesys portal, and strengthen digital skills. SOS will also exp
The John Innes Centre has secured UK government funding for four DEFRA-backed projects advancing precision breeding, including gene-edited disease-resistant crops, vitamin D–enriched tomatoes, and dandelions for sustainable rubber. Enabled by the UK Precision Breeding Act, the initiatives aim to boo
Researchers at Wageningen University & Research are testing circular fertilizers made from wastewater, including treated human urine, as low-emission alternatives to inorganic fertilizer. Early trials show urine nitrogen can be up to 25% more efficiently absorbed by crops. The research aims to cut g
Modern watermelon breeding has evolved from boosting yield and sweetness to optimizing the entire value chain. Driven by seedless demand, fresh-cut growth, and quality-focused European markets, breeders now balance flavor, texture, shelf life, transport resilience, and convenience. In this Seed Worl
Sustainability in agriculture starts with seed, argue Ben Rivoire and Khaoula Belhaj-Fragnière of the International Seed Federation. New ISF papers highlight how plant breeding innovation boosts yields, resilience and resource efficiency while reducing environmental impact. From climate-resilient va
This two-part interview with Dutch science journalist and filmmaker Dr. Hidde Boersma examines how a 1970s “harmony with nature” narrative came to define sustainability by promoting less growth and less technology. Boersma argues this mindset undermines high-yield agriculture, plant breeding and foo
Discover Seed World Europe’s most-read seed sector stories of 2025. After a year of coverage on innovation, policy shifts, industry debate and the people driving change, these articles rose above the rest—sparking conversation and topping our traffic charts. Join our countdown from number 10 to the
Seed World Europe’s ongoing field crop series—now featuring more than 30 spotlighted crops—shows how breeders are pushing the boundaries of innovation in the world’s most important crops. Each article explores the realities of modern breeding, from unlocking new genetic diversity and battling emergi
Researchers at Wageningen University & Research are developing a unified, AI-powered interface that lets farmers manage agricultural robots using natural language, similar to ChatGPT. The system aims to replace fragmented apps, helping farmers plan tasks, manage regulations, and respond to field con
A new study from IBMCP (CSIC–UPV) reveals that agricultural biostimulants and controlled saline stress can significantly reshape the endophytic microbiome of lettuce and tomato. Published in Foods, the research shows these treatments boost microbial diversity and increase beneficial genera linked to
A new international study led by Queensland University of Technology shows global farmland could become a powerful climate solution. Published in Plant Physiology, the research outlines a framework comparing carbon-mitigation strategies — from reduced nitrogen fertiliser use to advanced synthetic bi
A new Nature study reveals how plants naturally adapt to compacted soil — a growing global problem intensified by heavy machinery and climate-related drought. Researchers found that ethylene triggers the OsARF1 gene, reshaping root structure to act like a biological wedge. This breakthrough opens op
A new Nature Communications study finds European farmers could cut agricultural climate emissions by 40% while protecting biodiversity — without reducing food production. Led by NTNU and CICERO, the research shows that relocating crops away from suboptimal land and restoring it to natural vegetation
A global study by INRAE and China Agricultural University analyzed over 3,600 field trials and found that crop rotation boosts yields and farm revenue by 20% compared to monocultures. Rotations with legumes improve nutrition and stability, increasing protein, energy, and micronutrients. The findings
