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
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
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault has completed its final 2025 deposit, securing over 21,000 new seed samples from 20 genebanks across six continents. The October shipment, managed by NordGen, included crops like rice from the Philippines, Peruvian chili, African vegetables, and Nordic cereals.The post
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
Agriculture’s definition of success is shifting from maximizing yield to optimizing sustainability. Today’s seed innovation focuses on producing more with less — less water, fewer emissions, and reduced resource use — while restoring ecosystems and supporting farmer livelihoods. Collaboration across
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
