b'Aberystwyth University, propose combining AI with genome edit- IFPA call on governments to support enabling policies and partner-ing, protein design, high-throughput phenotyping, and omics toships that empower farmers, strengthen sustainability, and ensure accelerate breeding, predict optimal gene combinations, and designaffordable, climate-resilient food for all. crops with improved yield, nutrition, and stress tolerance. The work aims to future-proof global food systems. Scientists at Rothamsted have developed new high-fibre white bread recipes that maintain the familiar taste and texture con-FAO recognized three new Globally Important Agriculturalsumers expect. Working with the University of Reading and the Heritage Systems: Portugals Montado da Serra de Serpa, SouthAllied Technical Centre, the team tested five fibre-enriched loaves Koreas Jukbangryeom bamboo-fishery, and Tajikistans Almosiagainst a standard commercial version. Although the new breads Valley. These traditional systems integrate farming, forestry, andwere slightly darker, shorter, and more open in texture, they stayed livestock to conserve biodiversity, support livelihoods, and buildmoist, springy, and were rated positively by a trained tasting panel. climate resilience, raising FAOs global network to 99 sites in 29The findings suggest bakers could improve breads nutritional value countries.helping the public meet fibre intake goalswithout sacrificing quality or affordability. Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed a low-cost, non-invasive method to estimate leaf area in dwarf tomatoesThe FAO opened its first global exhibition, From Seeds to Foods, using 3D reconstruction from standard video and machine learning.in Rome to mark its 80th anniversary and highlight the evolution Achieving high accuracy (R = 0.96) without expensive sensors, theof agrifood systems. Led by Director-General QU Dongyu, the approach enables scalable crop monitoring in greenhouses and fieldsevent celebrates agricultural heritage, innovation, and biodiversity, and could be applied to other crops, making precision agriculturefeaturing exhibits from the Svalbard Seed Vault to hydroponics and more accessible. drones. Part of the World Food Forum, it underscores FAOs mis-sion for Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, A study led by researchers from China and the U.S. shows thatand a Better Lifeleaving no one behind. rising tropospheric ozone is significantly reducing crop yields in China, threatening food security. Between 2005 and 2020, accu- New research shows that currant-lettuce aphids in England are mulated ozone exposure caused wheat losses of 14.5%, rice 11.1%,split into distinct eastern and western populations, limiting their and maize 4%, with projected yield losses reaching 818% by 2050movement and complicating pest control. Using nearly 20 years without emission controls. The findings highlight the urgent needof genetic data, scientists from Rothamsted and the University to reduce ozone pollution to protect crops and economic stability. of Warwick found the insects migrate mainly eastward into let-tuce-growing areas. As resistant lettuce varieties lose effectiveness, researchers warn that region-specific management strategies will be Researchers at the IPK Leibniz Institute have assembled 10 refer- essential to protect the UKs multimillion-pound lettuce industry. ence genomes of barleys wild relative Hordeum bulbosum, uncov-ering key evolutionary insights and decoding the Ryd4 resistance gene against barley yellow dwarf virus. The breakthrough paves theA new study co-authored by Jos Luis Araus of the University of way for targeted breeding using wild relatives. Barcelona shows that wheat varieties thriving under ideal condi-tions also perform well under stress. Researchers propose a two-step breeding approachselect high-yield lines in optimal environ-The James Hutton Institute has been praised for scientific excellencements, then test them locallymaking breeding more efficient and economic impact. Independent reviews confirmed its world- and cost-effective. Key traits include deep roots, good light use, class research, while a new report shows every 1 of governmentand strong canopy structure, helping boost yield and resilience to funding generated over 15 for the UK economy in 2023/24. Thedrought and heat. Institute added 61.8m to local regions, supported 2,575 jobs, and contributed 221m to food and drinkincluding whisky and Ribena. Its research also drives climate resilience, soil health, andA 180-year study at Rothamsteds Broadbalk Experiment found innovation, with new hubs planned for potatoes and land use.that long-term use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers can boost soil carbon storage by up to 28%, helping mitigate climate change. Published in Nature Geoscience, the research shows that The International Seed Federation (ISF) and the Internationalnitrogen improves microbes ability to form stable carbon, while Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced a joint effort aheadphosphorus enhances plant growth. Together, they increase both of COP30 to promote resilient, regenerative, and inclusive agri-foodthe amount and durability of stored carbon, though effects build systems. Their collaboration highlights how innovation from seedslowly over decades. The findings highlight the importance of long-to shelf can drive climate action through better seeds, sustainableterm trials and balanced nutrient management for sustainable, cli-farming, reduced food waste, and responsible packaging. ISF andmate-friendly farming.NOVEMBER 2025|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 37'