Crop diversity delivered practical benefits for food systems in 2025, from new seed deposits at Svalbard to disease-free sweet potato vines, opportunity crops and climate-resilient varieties reaching farmers.The post Five Ways Crop Diversity Strengthened Food Systems appeared first on Seed World.Fro
Underutilised crops are the focus of a new UK-wide research and innovation network designed to strengthen crop diversity, food resilience and local value chains by connecting researchers, farmers, plant breeders, food businesses and policymakers.The post Underutilised Crops Network to Boost UK Food
A new AI-supported study suggests climate change could increase soybean production while reducing soybean seed quality. Researchers found that higher CO₂, heat and drought may lower starch and protein content, raising questions for feed value, crop breeding and food security.The post Climate Change
Seed Sector 2045 is a new editorial series exploring the trends shaping plant breeding and the seed sector over the next two decades, from climate adaptation and gene editing to AI, regulation, public trust and new business models.The post Seed Sector 2045: Future of Plant Breeding in Europe appeare
New research shows that virus-induced gene editing using potyviruses could help scientists deliver CRISPR guide molecules into plants. The approach may expand crop genome editing tools for tomato, tobacco and other species that are difficult to modify.The post Plant Viruses Advance Virus-Induced Gen
A sorghum wax gene discovery is helping researchers understand how the BM-SZ gene controls the crop’s protective wax layer. The findings may support future breeding for drought-tolerant sorghum and other resilient crops.The post Sorghum Wax Gene Could Aid Drought-Tolerant Crops appeared first on See
New research shows how plant immune receptors can evolve through molecular mimicry, opening a potential path to more durable disease resistance in cereal crops. Scientists have found new evidence showing how plant immune receptors can evolve to recognize disease threats by mimicking the targets that
Salk Institute researchers have identified a plant-specific DNA repair protein called YAF9B that helps protect growth tissues after DNA damage. The discovery may support future advances in crop resilience, stress tolerance and more precise genome editing.The post Plant DNA Repair Discovery Could Hel
The Svalbard Seed Vault has surpassed 1.4 million seed samples after receiving 15,387 new deposits from 11 genebanks during its second opening of 2026, including first-time contributions from Burkina Faso and Niger.The post Svalbard Seed Vault Surpasses 1.4M Seed Samples appeared first on Seed World
A new seed development map from Whitehead Institute could help researchers study crop yield, nutrient storage and resilience.The post New Seed Development Map Could Improve Crop Yield appeared first on Seed World.A new gene expression atlas could help researchers better understand how seeds develop,
Researchers developed low-cost 3D-printed devices to study bacterial movement along fungal “highways” in soil and plants. Created by Rothamsted Research and collaborators, the scalable platform reveals how fungal networks transport bacteria under varying conditions, improving understanding of microb
Rothamsted Research has planted the UK’s first crop under a Precision Bred Organism Release Notice, marking a milestone for gene-edited field trials. The CRISPR-Cas9 Camelina sativa trial will test increased seed size, yield and oil content, supporting future oilseed crop innovation, sustainable agr
Representatives from eight leading Nordic research institutions gathered at the University of Helsinki in late March to officially launch NordPheno, the Nordic Research Infrastructure Hub for Digital Plant Phenotyping.The five-year NordForsk-funded network (2026–2030) brings together partners from F
Denmark’s AVENUE project is testing 200 oat varieties to develop climate-resilient, nutritious crops for sustainable organic farming. By studying yield, quality, adaptability and health traits, researchers aim to create 'super oats' that support food security, lower climate impact and future plant b
A new global biochar model helps predict how biochar affects crop yields, soil carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions across farming systems. Tested with data from 48 field sites, the study shows biochar can support climate-smart agriculture, but results depend on climate, soil type and applica
Agrovoltaic tomato systems could help agriculture save water while producing renewable energy on the same land. Research in Spain found that combining solar panels with deficit irrigation cut water use by about 50%, with roughly a 20% yield penalty. The findings highlight new opportunities for breed
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
