b'INDUSTRY NEWSTAILORED TO SEED PROFESSIONALS, INDUSTRY NEWS DELIVERS THE PEOPLE, RESEARCH, BUSINESS AND PRODUCT NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW. SUBMISSIONS ARE WELCOME. EMAIL US AT NEWS@SEEDWORLDGROUP.COM.Corteva will split into two independent, publicly traded compa- A new report, Cultivation and Chain Development of Novel Crops nies by late 2026a move aimed at sharpening focus and boostingin Ukraine, highlights opportunities for DutchUkrainian collab-shareholder value. The restructuring will create New Corteva, cen- oration to modernize Ukraines agriculture, using Dutch expertise tered on crop protection and biologicals, and SpinCo, a seed-fo- in precision farming, soil analysis, processing, and market access to cused company built around the Pioneer brand. CEO Chuck Magroboost efficiency and resilience despite war-related challenges.will lead SpinCo, while Chair Greg Page will head New Corteva.Salk Institute researchers discovered that plants activate a pow-The European Commission has approved one genetically modifiederful immune response right after drought endsa process they maize for food and feed use, following EFSAs confirmation that itcall Drought Recovery-Induced Immunity (DRII). Using advanced is as safe as conventional maize. The 10-year authorisation allowssingle-cell and spatial transcriptomics, the team found that genes imports but not cultivation within the EU and requires full com- tied to immunity switch on within minutes of rehydration in pliance with labelling and traceability rules. The decision followedArabidopsis thaliana and tomatoes. The findings, published in Nature member states failure to reach a qualified majority for or againstCommunications, reveal a conserved recovery mechanism that could the measure. help scientists engineer crops that are both drought-tolerant and disease-resistant.A University of Surrey study shows vertical farming yields over 20 times more lettuce and uses far less water than field farming butThe EU Parliaments Agriculture Committee voted to classify still has a higher carbon footprint. Energy demands and materialshempincluding flowersas a legal crop, advancing a whole-like jute plugs drive emissions, though alternatives such as coconutplant approach. If approved, the rules could take effect next coir could cut impacts by up to 95%. Researchers say vertical farm- summer, offering clarity for hemp farmers and industry.ing could boost UK food security if made more energy-efficient and sustainable. Cranfield University researchers are speeding up plant genetic engi-neering by transforming tomato seeds and pollen directly, bypass-A SLU survey of 999 Swedes found 88% view crossbreedinging tissue culture. Funded by 500,000 from ARIA, the method modern and traditional wheat positively, citing quality and valuecould boost crop resilience, yields, and disease resistance, and apply gains. Support rose with age and education, while scepticism linkedto hard-to-transform crops worldwide.to lower education. Researchers say consumer attitudes wont hinder innovation but urge clearer communication of breeding benefits. Dutch researchers developed MEANtools, a digital platform that predicts how plants produce specialized metabolites by analyzing The EU-funded BELIS project, launched in 2023, brings togetherDNA, gene activity, and chemical data. Tested on tomatoes, it suc-34 partners from 18 countries to develop high-yield, resilientcessfully mapped known pathways for falcarindiol and uncovered legume varieties and reduce imports. Focusing on 14 species, itnew potential routes, reducing lab work and accelerating discovery. uses advanced breeding methods, variety testing, and collaboration,The freely available tool can aid plant research, drug discovery, and with Serbias IFVCNS contributing to stress testing and recom- broader biological studies.mendations.Researchers from the Max Planck Institute mapped DNA cis Germanys Q4F project (Quinoa for Future Diversified Farmingelements in 25 maize hybrids, creating the first pan-cistrome for Systems) aims to develop high-yielding, climate-resilient quinoadrought-stressed corn. The study identified gene regions and QTLs varieties suited to local conditions. By improving drought toler- linked to drought response, explaining 70% of heritable trait vari-ance, disease resistance, and adaptability, researchers hope to makeation and providing tools to breed climate-resilient corn.domestic production competitive with South American imports. The project also tests regional cultivation systems to boost food security and reduce environmental impacts. A Nature review highlights how AI and biotechnology can transform crop production, enhancing resilience to climate change, pests, and growing populations. Researchers, including 36ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | NOVEMBER 2025'