Sequencing of Wheat Chromosome 5D Underway
The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) and the Wheat Initiative announce that reference sequencing of wheat chromosome 5D is underway in Turkey. This is another step towards achievement of a high-quality reference sequence […]
The Need for Change

As secretary general of the International Seed Federation, I’ve travelled extensively to meet with members and better understand their needs to align the organization of the secretariat and the work […]
Incotec USA Appoints New Regional Manager
Incotec announces the hiring of Ron Amarel as regional manager for Incotec North America effective July 7. In this role, Amarel succeeds Mac Keely, who left the firm earlier this […]
Researchers Discover How Petunias Know When to Smell Good
A team of University of Washington biologists has identified a key mechanism plants use to decide when to release their floral scents to attract pollinators. Their findings, published the week of June […]
Seed Treatments Lose Their Punch Against Major Pest
Seed treatments have minimized thrips damage for the last decade, but farmers and entomologists fear some pesticides may be losing their punch in protecting cotton. Scientists at Mississippi State University […]
Mycogen Seeds Adds to Team
Mycogen Seeds hires Bill Sutliff as a dairy nutritionist supporting Mycogen brand bm3 BMR and TMF silage corn products. He is based in Pennsylvania and will consult with dairy producers and […]
Dow Opens New Latin America Research Center
Dow AgroSciences opens its new and largest biotechnology research center in Latin America — the only one that can conduct advanced and comprehensive seed testing in the region. The complex will […]
Scientists Discovering How Pathogens Pillage Plants
Like jewel thieves pulling off a heist, bacteria have a variety of tricks to avoid detection when plundering a plant cell — and researchers continue to learn more details about […]
Grain Farmers of Ontario Takes Province to Court Over Neonic Legislation

_x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ Grain Farmers of Ontario has commenced legal proceedings against the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in regard to the province’s recent legislation concerning neonicotinoid […]
Scientists Disappointed with Results from GM Wheat Field Trial
GM wheat did not repel aphid pests in the field as was hypothesized and was initially seen in laboratory experiments conducted by scientists in the United Kingdom, new study results […]
Flood of Research Data Offers Opportunities for New Insights
New DNA sequences, the results of thousands of trials in fields and glasshouses worldwide, three-dimensional images of plants — the flood of data produced by research and development is currently […]
Monsanto Promotes Syngenta Proposal in Third Quarter Report
In reporting its third quarter earnings results, Monsanto reiterates its vision and strategic rationale for the Syngenta proposal — to create a new company Monsanto says would provide a comprehensive portfolio of integrated […]
Feds Invest to Grow Markets for Canadian Soybeans
The federal government announces an investment of $358,175, to Soy Canada to help identify new and emerging international markets and demand for Canadian soybean products._x000D_ _x000D_ This investment will enable Soy Canada to […]
Genetic Study of Co-evolution Could Provide Clues to Better Food Production
In 1964, renowned biologists Peter Raven and Paul Erhlich published a landmark study that introduced the concept of co-evolution. Using butterflies and plants as primary examples, the team determined that […]
Economic Pressures Drive Global Seed Market
Global seed market vendors have had to adapt to the combined economic pressures of global population growth, climate change, scarcer land resources and shifting agricultural policy dynamics brought about as […]
Syngenta Names Two New Territory Managers
Syngenta announces the addition of two new territory managers to its turf and ornamental business. Adam Garr will be working with turf customers in the lower peninsula of Michigan, while […]
To Accept Monsanto’s Takeover Proposal Would Be “Totally Irresponsible,” Demaré says
Syngenta Chairman Michel Demaré goes on camera to outline the company’s position on Monsanto’s recent attempt to merge the two companies, saying it would be “totally irresponsible” for the Syngenta board […]
CSTA Names New Executive Director

The Canadian Seed Trade Association, the national voice of 130 seed company members, announces the appointment of Crosby Devitt as its new new executive director._x000D_ _x000D_ Devitt will join CSTA on […]
Bayer CropScience Celebrates the Latest Investments in Research Triangle Park
Bayer CropScience celebrates its two most recent investment milestones: the completion of a $33 million office modernization project and the groundbreaking of Greenhouse 6, a $34 million research facility at […]
Anthura and KeyGene Establish a Long-Term Strategic Collaboration
Anthura BV, global marketer of anthurium and orchids, and Keygene N.V., a global molecular genetics company devoted to crop innovation, announce that they have entered into a long-term strategic collaboration […]
DuPont Pioneer Gains Exclusive License for Genome Editing Technology
DuPont Pioneer announces a technology license and research collaboration agreement with Lithuania’s Vilnius University to further the technical and commercial utility of guided Cas9 genome editing technology. Under the agreement, DuPont […]
Better Switchgrass, Better Biofuel
Using switchgrass to produce biofuel is one way to decrease the United States’ dependence on oil, but growing it and making it profitable can be complicated. Researchers are trying to change […]
Scientists Use Molecular ‘Lock and Key’ for Potential Control of GMOs
UC Berkeley researchers have developed an easy way to put bacteria under a molecular lock and key in order to contain its accidental spread. The method involves a series of […]
Jerry Monk Named ASTA Honorary Member

Some might say he grew up in the seed industry but this 44-year veteran credits much of his success to those around him and those leaders who set the stage […]
ASTA Honors Two with Distinguished Service Award

Greg Lamka and Betsy Peterson were recognized at The American Seed Trade Association’s 132nd Annual Convention June 19 with the Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made […]
Researchers Find Gene That Controls Soybean Seed Permeability, Calcium Content
Purdue University researchers have pinpointed the gene that controls whether soybean seed coats are hard or permeable — a finding that could be used to develop better varieties for southern […]
Research Program to Advance Development of Key Bioenergy Crop
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announces it’s been awarded an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA–E TERRA program. Funds will be used for research to accelerate […]
SynTech Research and Symbiotic Research Announce Strategic Alliance
Kansas-based agrochemical and biotechnology firm SynTech Research and New Jersey’s Symbiotic Research LLC, a laboratory-based life sciences contract research organization, announce an exclusive strategic alliance agreement. SynTech already provides evaluation […]
Legumes Control Infection of Nodules by Both Symbiotic and Endophytic Bacteria
Researchers in Denmark demonstrate that when legume plants are exposed to mixed bacterial communities, they selectively regulate access and accommodation of bacteria occupying a specialized environmental niche — the root nodule. […]
CFI Announces Appointment of New President and CEO
The Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI) board of directors announces the appointment of Garth Whyte as president and chief executive officer. The Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI) represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors […]
ASTA Chairman Calls for Continued Advocacy

During the gala banquet at the American Seed Trade Association’s 132nd Annual Convention, Chairman John Schoenecker recognized industry leaders and thanked them for their service. He also urged members and […]
Agriculture Secretary Calls on Industry to Educate Congress About the Need for Research

Yesterday, June 18, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed concerns about the proposed budget cuts to research and asked those in the seed industry to help educate friends […]
The Vulgar Act of Vilifying Farmers

Farmers are often vilified for their work, but this article looks at why this is wrong and how we can support them. Learn why vilifying farmers is wrong and how to support them.
Natural From the Ground Up

Organic farming is a sustainable way to produce food. Learn how to grow your own food with natural methods from the ground up.
The Yield Race

The Yield Race: Learn how European companies are competing to offer the highest yields to investors. Discover the strategies and risks involved.
Samantha Sisk of AgReliant Genetics Named Future Giant of the seed industry

Seed World, in partnership with the Future Seed Executives recognized Samantha Sisk, corporate communications manager at AgReliant Genetics, with the Future Giants award at the American Seed Trade Association’s 132nd […]