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Embrapa and CIMMYT Strengthen Global Partnership on Wheat

Researchers from CIMMYT visited Brazil to strengthen their partnership with Embrapa on developing climate-resilient wheat. The collaboration focuses on exchanging genetic material to improve wheat varieties, supporting efforts to adapt to climate change.

How Cucumbers Got Longer – And Why It’s A Big Deal For Farming

Cucumbers are helping advance genomic research beyond their role as a popular crop. A study by the John Innes Centre and CAAS explored genetic differences between wild and domesticated cucumbers, focusing on fruit elongation. The research highlights the role of non-coding “silent” DNA mutations—once overlooked—in shaping traits, offering new potential for precision breeding of high-yield, diverse crops.

Now Hiring — But Not Just Anyone

Summit Seed Coatings focuses on building a workplace where employees feel they belong. Hiring reflects our commitment to culture, ensuring new team members are the right fit and part of a company people want to join.

EU, Türkiye Urged to Resolve Seed Potato Dispute

The European potato sector faces rising concerns as Türkiye rejected over 5,500 tonnes of EU and UK seed potatoes due to pest detections, despite prior testing confirming compliance with international phytosanitary standards.

How Plants Know When to Heal Themselves

Scientists at the University of Helsinki have discovered how plants detect and repair damage to their protective outer layer, the periderm. Using Arabidopsis, they found that gas exchange—specifically changes in ethylene and oxygen levels—triggers regeneration when the barrier is breached. The findings could help improve crop resilience and shelf life.

She’s in a League of Her Own

The seed industry grows because of bold ideas, tireless effort and people who refuse to settle. Among those shaping the present and future of this field are women whose work isn’t just important—it’s transformative. These women don’t just meet expectations. They exceed them. Again and again.

ASTA Reacts to Passage of OBBBA, Now Signed Into Law by President Trump

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), signed by President Trump on July 4, delivers major agricultural updates. The law strengthens the Farm Safety Net, extends the clean fuel 45Z tax credit, invests in conservation, and redirects $13 billion in unused IRA funds to USDA — creating new opportunities for farmers and landowners.

In Memoriam – Dr. Simon N. Groot

Simon Groot, founder of East-West Seed, revolutionized tropical agriculture by introducing hybrid varieties and strengthening local seed systems, transforming the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.

AI Tool Tracks Sunflower Growth Stages from Phone Images

Researchers from Argentina’s INTA and Conicet, along with Italy’s University of Trento, have developed SunPheno—the first open-access AI tool that uses cell phone images to identify sunflower growth stages. The tool supports breeding and field management by focusing on key phases like leaf senescence, which impacts yield potential.

Unlocking Protein from Tomato Leaves: A Promising but Tough Task

Tomato leaves contain up to 27% protein, making them a promising plant-based protein source. However, challenges remain for large-scale use. Research by Marietheres Kleuter at Wageningen University & Research focuses on overcoming these hurdles, supporting the circular economy principle that “waste doesn’t exist” by finding ways to repurpose plant waste into valuable resources.

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