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Reverse Evolution Reveals a Hidden Defense in Tomatoes

Wild tomatoes in the Galápagos are revealing a lost chemical defense that could reshape breeding strategies for tomatoes and other crops in the nightshade family. In this feature, UC Riverside’s Adam Jozwiak explains how a small enzyme change can flip tomato chemistry—and why breeders might want to reconsider the role of bitterness in fighting pests and reducing pesticides.

Missed World Seed Congress? Here’s What Everyone’s Still Talking About

Over 1,800 seed professionals from 70+ countries gathered in Istanbul to shape the future of seed through new partnerships, bold ideas, and innovations. This event was more than a conference—it was a global launchpad for what’s next in the seed industry. The video captures key moments, vibrant show floor scenes, and why “Let’s keep talking” became the event’s defining phrase.

Revolutionizing Plant Breeding in LATAM

Latin America’s strong agricultural sector attracts global attention, but breeders there mostly rely on Microsoft Excel—used by 95%—to manage data. While Excel is affordable and user-friendly for organizing phenotypic and some genotypic data, it falls short in advanced genetic analysis. Breeders often switch to tools like R for deeper insights, creating workflow inefficiencies and increasing error risks due to manual data transfers.

No Microbe Is an Island: The Power of Partnership in Agricultural Innovation

Thirty-five years ago, working quietly in a University of Minnesota lab, I never imagined my research on tiny soil and plant microbes would impact farmers worldwide. Driven by curiosity about how these microbes support plants and thrive themselves, I built a diverse collection from fields with varied management. My goal was to understand these relationships deeply and explore how harnessing microbes could reduce agriculture’s dependence on pesticides and synthetic inputs.

Not Again: Let’s Talk Honestly About Insect Pollination

The publication highlights that up to 84% of commercial crops in Europe depend on animal pollination, mainly insects, and warns of a pollinator crisis harming food security and ecosystems due to declines in both wild and managed pollinators. However, Marcel Bruins, Editorial Director for Seed World Europe, notes that while wild pollinators are indeed declining, managed pollinators are actually increasing, challenging the notion that all pollinators are in decline.

Driving Regenerative Agriculture Forward: TUdi Launches Digital Tools to Monitor Soil Health

The National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) has developed potato cultivars resistant to major diseases, aiding local seed production. However, quality seed remains scarce—especially for small farms—due to high costs, limited access, and frequent need for renewal. This is worsened by the use of clonally propagated, uniform varieties, forcing many growers to rely on costly, poorly adapted imported seed.

Probiotics Used in Chickens Help Accelerate Lettuce Growth

A study by Embrapa Environment and partners found that probiotics used in poultry farming, particularly *Bacillus* and *Lactobacillus* strains, can also benefit crops. Tests on lettuce showed improved root and shoot growth, suggesting potential for these microbes to enhance soil health and plant development in agriculture.

Global Research Alliance Targets Seeds for Desert Environments

A new international partnership is investing in vegetable seed research tailored to desert and arid environments. With a focus on boosting food production in challenging climates, the collaboration will establish a research center in the UAE to develop resilient, high-performing seed varieties using advanced breeding tools.

Why Regulations in Plant Gene Editing are a Must

While some scientists view current agricultural gene-editing regulations as too restrictive, a new University of Adelaide paper stresses the need for clear, well-defined rules. Published in *The Plant Journal*, the review by Dr. Emily Buddle, Michail Ivanov, and Professor Rachel Ankeny highlights that regulation ensures safety and helps build public trust and engagement in gene-editing technologies.

Concepts For Your Seeds

For over 40 years, SATEC® has provided high-quality seed treatment solutions—from pelleting to coating—serving agriculture, vegetables, ornamentals, and forestry with German-engineered equipment.

Reimagining Wheat: Unlocking the Grain’s Full Nutritional Potential

Research from the University of Hohenheim’s Betterwheat project reveals how wheat variety and baking methods affect bread’s nutritional value. Studying over 6,000 traits in 282 varieties, the team highlights wheat’s role beyond carbs and protein, emphasizing its fiber, minerals, and trace elements—urging a shift from yield-focused breeding to nutrition-oriented approaches.

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