The Borlaug Scholarship is Helping Supercharge the Careers of Young Plant Breeders
Welcome to Seed World’s special St. Louis edition of Five Minute Chats. Marc Zienkiewicz sits down with Borlaug Scholar Kyle Parker. Kyle is nearing the completion of his PhD in […]
Combating Tar Spot in Corn
Purdue partners with Insignium AgTech to develop early detection tools. Purdue University’s College of Agriculture and College of Engineering researchers are partnering with Insignum AgTech to develop tools for farmers […]
DLF Releases New Seed Enhancement
DLF said they developed the enhancement as a solution for turf and forage applications with a focus on environmental sustainability. DLF developed a new seed enhancement called 4Most internally to […]
From Darwin to Draft: Takeaways from NAPB Day 2
Imagine this: you’re sipping on an American lager, savoring its crisp, clean taste. Little do you know, the journey of that beer started over 150 years ago in the fields […]
Corn Grower Warns of “Perfect Storm”
Why the stakes have never been higher and what’s being done to push for a strengthened farm bill. A Minnesota corn grower recently addressed the House Agriculture Committee today, emphasizing […]
On Day 1 of its 2024 Meeting, the NAPB Rethinks Plant Breeding
In today’s world, plant breeders are under immense pressure to develop innovative varieties that meet consumer preferences and withstand climate change challenges. The National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) is […]
Wild plants and crops aren’t always happy neighbors
New University of California, Riverside studies show native plants and crops grown side-by-side can share diseases that are detrimental to plant health and growth. Despite pollination and biodiversity benefits, there […]
‘It’s Business 101’: Pushback Against DEI Efforts Nabs the Spotlight as NAPB Kicks Off its Biggest Meeting Ever
The National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) kicked off its biggest meeting ever today as it held its Diversity and Inclusion Dinner at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Over […]
Unlocking the Power of Mixed Cover Crops
A new University of Kentucky study shows promise for enhancing agricultural productivity. A new University of Kentucky study, “Productivity benefits of cereal-legume cover crop mixtures under variable soil nitrogen and […]
The Future of Breeding Lies in Embracing AI, says NAPB Award Winner Tabare Abadie
The National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) kicks off its annual conference in St. Louis, MO, this week and will recognize Corteva’s Tabare Abadie with its Private Sector Plant Breeding […]
What Needs to Change About Seed Testing?
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about seed testing, what would you change? Seed World caught up with a cross-section of members of the International Seed Testing Association to ask exactly that… and their answers might surprise you.
Sneak Peek at ISTA 2025!
Need more ISTA? Here’s a sneak peek into what to expect at the International Seed Testing Association’s Annual Meeting 2025 in Christchurch, New Zealand, and why you’ll definitely want to brave the long journey to the land of the Kiwis.
Innovation on the Way for Pennycress and Camelina
Cargill and University of Minnesota partner to develop pennycress and winter camelina solutions and seed varieties for the Upper Midwest. Cargill and the Forever Green Initiative, a research platform focusing […]
Expanding Climate-Smart Ag Through Agroforestry Systems
University of New Hampshire received $10 million to boost climate-resilient solutions. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded $10 million the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to pioneer […]
The World is Short on Plant Breeders. Global Food Security Could be at Risk
The shortage of scientists specializing in plant breeding could have serious consequences for global food security, including in Australia, as highlighted by new research spanning three continents. Plant breeding is […]
What’s New at This Year’s Euroseeds Congress?
Euroseeds’ Secretary General & CEO Garlich von Essen talks about what is new at the upcoming Euroseeds congress in Copenhagen (13-16 Oct 2024), and lifts the veil on the nominations that came in for the InnovAction Stage.
Secrets of Barley’s Evolution in a 95-Year-Old Experiment
University of California-Riverside researchers have uncovered how barley, a major crop, was shaped by agricultural pressures and its changing natural environment through one of the world’s oldest biological experiments, which began in 1929. The results, recently detailed in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, highlighted the significance of long-term studies in understanding adaptive evolution dynamics.
Model Links Enzyme Activity to Crop Yield
A team from the University of Illinois (UI) developed a modeling framework that connects enzyme activity related to photosynthesis to crop yield, marking the first time such a model directly links dynamic photosynthetic pathways to crop growth.
Unity in Crisis
As I reflect on the weekend’s events, on the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, my heart is heavy with a mixture of shock, sadness and yet a fierce resolve. It is an important reminder that violence has no place in our society, regardless of political affiliations. We must stand together, as one nation, unequivocally condemning such acts.
Mosses Ferns, Liverworts and Algae May Offer Hope in Crop Protection
Mosses, liverworts, ferns, and algae may offer a new research frontier in the global challenge of protecting crops from the threat of disease according to a news release detailing a John Innes Centre study.
Americans are a Little Clueless About Upcoming Farm Bill
The June 2024 Consumer Food Insights (CFI) Report indicates that the U.S. public has limited awareness of the farm bill being debated on Capitol Hill. This report, based on a survey conducted by Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability (CFDAS), examines various aspects including food spending, consumer satisfaction, values, and support for agricultural and food policies.
Hot Seat Questions for Ernest Allen, ISTA’s Upcoming President
When the International Seed Testing Association meets in Christchurch, New Zealand next year, Ernest Allen will be taking the reins as president of the association. Seed World sat down with Ernest to quiz him on his plans for ISTA’s future, why he stepped up, and what he sees ahead.
Young@ISTA: Investing in a New Generation
The International Seed Testing Association is investing in drawing in and building up the best and brightest in seed testing and seed research. That’s why, for the past three years, it has committed significant money — up to $28,000US per year — to supporting learning opportunities for young seedsmen. Seed World sat down with one of the Young@ISTA program’s founders to learn more about what the program offers, and why it’s so critically important.
What Brought the International Fresh Produce Association to the World Seed Congress?
IFPA’s chief membership officer, Miriam Wolk, has these clear messages to share about sustainability, plant breeding, and meeting the needs of consumers of the future.
USDA APHIS Releases 2023 Impact Report
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released its 2023 Impact Report, detailing the agency’s significant accomplishments over the past year. Despite numerous challenges, Watson said APHIS continued its mission to safeguard America’s agriculture and natural resources, protect vulnerable animals, and support global food and clothing supply chains.
Takeaways from Seeds Canada Day 1
The political environment in the U.S. is described by American Seed Trade Association President and CEO Andy LaVigne as a “full-on dumpster fire,” reflecting deep divisions and challenges in passing […]
Weaker Ocean Circulation Could Accelerate Climate Change, Impact Crop Vitality
As climate change progresses, the ocean’s overturning circulation is expected to weaken significantly. Previously, scientists predicted that this slowdown would reduce the ocean’s ability to pull down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, it was also believed that slower circulation would bring up less carbon from the deep ocean, maintaining the ocean’s role in reducing atmospheric carbon emissions, albeit at a slower pace.
Where Seed and Grain Meet
Alejandra Castillo, President and CEO of the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) talks about her recent job appoint, the free onboard commercial contract revisions and what brought her to the ISF Congress.
On Their Joint Centennial Forum, ISTA and ISF Strengthen Cooperation for a Food-Secure Future
Two global organizations celebrating their centenary jointly hosted a forum emphasizing their shared dedication to advancing the global seed sector. The July 5 event highlighted the crucial role of high-quality, environmentally adapted seed varieties in fostering resilient food systems for a rapidly expanding global population, amidst increasing climate challenges.
USDA Reports Shifts in Major Crop Acreage
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimated 91.5 million acres of corn planted in the United States for 2024, a decrease of 3% from last year, according to the latest Acreage report. In contrast, soybean area planted is estimated at 86.1 million acres, an increase of 3% from last year.
U.S. Continues to Challenge Mexico’s Proposed GMO Corn Ban
U.S. Trade Representatives clashed with Mexican officials this week during oral arguments over Mexico’s controversial ban on genetically modified corn used in certain food products. The ban, issued in early 2023, has been a point of contention, leading the U.S. to file a dispute settlement under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in August of the same year. This move followed persistent advocacy from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and various state corn groups.
APSA President Talks Wins, Challenges and What’s Ahead
Manish Patel is into year two as president of the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance. Here’s a snapshot of what he sees as the big wins and changes at APSA and in the Asian seed market since he stepped into the role.
Here are the Hot-Button Issues up for Discussion at the Seeds Canada Meeting in Edmonton This Week
As Seeds Canada meets in Edmonton July 8-10 for its annual conference, numerous hot topics are up for discussion as the association celebrates its third anniversary and gets ready to […]
Soil Productivity in High-Intensity Crop Systems
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Sarah Strauss, a UF/IFAS associate professor of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences, a $700,000 federal grant to explore methods to improve soil productivity.
Christ’s College ISTA and ISF Dinner
One thing England can offer in spades is history presented spectacularly beautifully. The ISTA-ISF Dinner was held at Christ’s College, which was founded in 1437. Enjoy a glimpse inside the graciously hosted evening.
Parting Views from ISTA 2024
ISTA’s Centenary Annual Meeting drew to a close this afternoon in Cambridge. The final hours of the meeting were packed with intense discussion, fitting for the enormity of the challenges the seed testing sector faces in meeting critical global priorities ahead.