Is Seed Testing a Cost or a Competitive Advantage?
Seed testing can reveal far more than germination. SGS’s Amanda Patin explains how vigor, stress performance and deeper quality data help seed companies differentiate products, protect value and turn testing into a true competitive advantage.
Enlist Essentials: What Growers Need to Get Weed Control Right
How does the Enlist weed control system works in real-world farming? Corteva Agriscience’s Jillian Schmiedt explains how traits, herbicides and stewardship decisions come together to protect performance, manage resistance and help growers and seed advisors make smarter in-season choices.
EPA Sets New Dicamba Restrictions for Soybean and Cotton
EPA announces new dicamba restrictions for cotton and soybean growers, including tighter application limits, drift safeguards and a two-season regulatory timeline shaping weed mana
Agriculture Day Highlights the Need for Clarity on the Future of AAFC Research
As AAFC navigates research and staffing transitions, clear communication can help the seed sector plan for the next phase of innovation
Government Funding Supports Gene-edited Crops At John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre has secured UK government funding for four DEFRA-backed projects advancing precision breeding, including gene-edited disease-resistant crops, vitamin D–enriched tomatoes, and dandelions for sustainable rubber. Enabled by the UK Precision Breeding Act, the initiatives aim to boost farm productivity, cut emissions, strengthen crop resilience, and accelerate innovation through research–industry collaboration.
Combating Seed Piracy to Protect Mexico’s Agricultural Productivity
AMSAC has launched its “No Harvest Surprises” campaign to combat seed piracy, a growing threat to Mexico’s agricultural productivity. Pirated seed sold via unauthorized vendors often fails genetic and phytosanitary standards, increasing risks of poor germination, pests, and crop losses. Certified seed supports reliable yields, climate resilience, farmer income, and long-term agricultural innovation.
Deadline Extended to Feb 20: Nominations Open for Europe’s Promising Young Plant Breeders
Seed World Europe is now accepting nominations for its April 2026 “20 Most Promising Young Plant Breeders in Europe” feature. Nominate early-career plant breeders making an impact across Europe, from universities, research institutes, seed companies, and sector organisations.
CFIA Cuts Will Not Disrupt Seed Regulatory Modernization
The agency says it remains focused on science-based regulation and plans to publish updated Seeds Regulations in 2026
From Seed to Sky: The Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is no longer a fringe idea. Airlines want it. States are building policy around it. Researchers are racing to lower costs. The next question is what […]
Combatiendo la Piratería de Semillas para Proteger la Productividad Agrícola de México
AMSAC lanzó la campaña “Sin Sorpresas en la Cosecha” para combatir la piratería de semillas, una amenaza creciente para la productividad agrícola en México. Las semillas pirata no cumplen estándares genéticos ni fitosanitarios, provocando mala germinación, plagas y pérdidas de cosecha. La semilla certificada garantiza rendimientos confiables, mayor resiliencia climática, mejores ingresos para productores y fomenta la innovación agrícola.
The Agricultural Crop Licensing Platform Extends to Ornamental and Fruit Crops
After three years, the Agricultural Crop Licensing Platform (ACLP) has expanded to include ornamental, fruit, and forest crops, strengthening access to patented traits across Europe. The platform now supports breeders of all crop types with transparent patent disclosure, standardized licensing, fair arbitration, and legal certainty, benefiting especially small and medium-sized breeding companies.
Half the water, competitive yields: INTA advances quinoa irrigation research
INTA San Juan research shows quinoa can thrive in Argentina’s Cuyo region using just half the irrigation water cited in international benchmarks. With 260–290 mm per cycle, the Morrillos INTA variety achieved about 1.7 t/ha, with only 10–20% yield reduction and good grain quality. Drip irrigation enables precise control, boosting water savings and production predictability.
Grain Growers of Canada Demands Transparency on AAFC Research Cuts and Facility Closures
The organization noted the pace and scale of the announced changes have sparked serious concern across the grain sector
Mitad de agua, rendimientos competitivos: INTA avanza en la investigación sobre riego de quinua
Investigación de INTA San Juan muestra que la quinoa puede rendir competitivamente en Cuyo usando solo la mitad del agua indicada por referencias internacionales. Con 260–290 mm por ciclo, la variedad Morrillos INTA logró cerca de 1,7 t/ha, con una reducción de rendimiento de 10–20% y buena calidad de grano. El riego por goteo permite control preciso y ahorro hídrico.
Europe Can’t Afford to Fall Behind: Jessica Polfjärd on the EU’s NGT Turning Point
Europe’s new agreement on New Genomic Techniques marks a turning point for plant breeding and seed innovation. Led by MEP Jessica Polfjärd, the NGT dossier balanced science, politics, and national interests to reach compromise. The reform aims to modernise EU regulation, support farmers, strengthen food security, and unlock gene-editing tools for climate resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness.
Manitoba Seed Growers Challenge Ottawa on AAFC Cuts After Davos Food Security Message
The MSGA statement, issued today, references remarks made by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum
Why Hands-On Seed School Training Still Matters in a High-Tech World
One of the things I’m most passionate about at Nexeed is training, because confidence on the plant floor directly impacts quality, efficiency, and profitability. That’s why we continue to invest […]
Closing the Nutrient Loop: How Wastewater Could Power Future Farming
Researchers at Wageningen University & Research are testing circular fertilizers made from wastewater, including treated human urine, as low-emission alternatives to inorganic fertilizer. Early trials show urine nitrogen can be up to 25% more efficiently absorbed by crops. The research aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce reliance on fossil-based fertilizers, and support sustainable, circular farming systems, pending regulatory changes and public acceptance.
Embrapa identifies wild arachis gene that primes defense in cultivated crops
Research by Embrapa shows genes from wild peanut relatives can boost resistance in cultivated peanuts to drought, nematodes, and fungal diseases. The AdEXLB8 gene activates defense priming, preparing plants to respond faster to stress without reducing yield. This biodiversity-based biotechnology strengthens sustainable breeding and reduces reliance on chemical controls.
Saskatchewan Seed Growers Call for Reversal of AAFC Facility Closures in Indian Head and Scott
The SSGA is the latest organization to voice strong opposition to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada cuts
Embrapa identifica gen silvestre de cacahuete que prepara la defensa en cultivos
Investigaciones de Embrapa demuestran que genes de maníes silvestres pueden aumentar la resistencia del maní cultivado a sequía, nematodos y hongos. El gen AdEXLB8 activa la “preparación defensiva”, permitiendo respuestas más rápidas al estrés sin afectar rendimiento. Esta biotecnología basada en biodiversidad impulsa el mejoramiento sostenible y reduce el uso de agroquímicos.
Multi-Herbicide-Tolerant GM Soybean Passes EFSA Safety Assessment
EFSA’s GMO Panel has issued a positive safety opinion on GM soybean MON 94313 for food and feed, finding it as safe as conventional and non-GM varieties for human and animal health and the environment. MON 94313 tolerates dicamba, glufosinate, 2,4-D and mesotrione. EFSA found no toxicity or allergenicity concerns, and no need for post-market monitoring.
Watermelon in the Lab and the Field: Breeding the Perfect Bite
Modern watermelon breeding has evolved from boosting yield and sweetness to optimizing the entire value chain. Driven by seedless demand, fresh-cut growth, and quality-focused European markets, breeders now balance flavor, texture, shelf life, transport resilience, and convenience. In this Seed World Europe feature, leading breeders explain how genetics, technology, and long-term investment are reshaping watermelon to meet grower, retailer, and consumer expectations.
Seed Health and Regulatory Risk: Protecting R&D Timelines in a Complex Global Market
Seed innovation stalls less from science than from phytosanitary and regulatory uncertainty. R&D and regulatory leaders must anticipate policy shifts, avoid testing duplication, protect planting windows, and prevent trial or shipment delays. Integrating seed health expertise early improves predictability and speeds commercialization. Systems like the National Seed Health System and ASTA Phytosanitary Committee support industry by aligning science with regulation, flagging emerging risks, and enabling proactive, confident market access decisions.
Could a New Pipeline Help Scientists Spot Plant Pathogens Faster?
Researchers in Oregon say yes. They have built an open-source pipeline that identifies pathogens in minutes, helping agriculture respond faster to emerging threats. Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture […]
La carrera por la regulación está redefiniendo la innovación en semillas
La edición genética en semillas ya es una realidad en ensayos, regulación y mercado. El debate se centra ahora en cómo las políticas públicas definirán quién puede innovar. Marcos regulatorios ágiles, como en Latinoamérica, aceleran el fitomejoramiento, mientras regulaciones costosas pueden concentrar la innovación y limitar la diversidad empresarial y de cultivos.
Low-Cost NIR tech speeds coffee authentication and traceability
Research by Embrapa Rondônia shows near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) can rapidly and cheaply identify coffee origin and detect adulteration. The non-destructive method creates chemical “fingerprints” to verify terroir, reinforce geographical indications, and combat fraud. Validated for Brazilian coffee, NIR supports quality certification, traceability, and access to specialty markets.
Gene Discovery Could Unlock New Era of Barley Breeding
Scientists at The James Hutton Institute have identified HvST1, a “Sticky Telomeres 1” gene that boosts genetic recombination in barley. Mutations reduced chromosome ‘stickiness’ during meiosis, unlocking genome regions and giving breeders more flexibility to combine traits like drought and disease resistance. The discovery, linked to the International Barley Hub, could speed barley development and inform strategies in other crops.
EU–UK SPS Chapter Negotiations: The Seed Trade Reset We Can’t Afford to Botch
After years of post-Brexit disruption, EU–UK SPS negotiations offer a critical chance to simplify seed trade. Reduced border delays, regulatory alignment, and greater predictability could cut costs and restore efficiency. Euroseeds warns success depends on meaningful coverage for seed, mutual recognition, and active industry engagement to avoid complexity persisting in practice.
CSGA Warns AAFC Research Facility Closures Will Hurt Canadian Crop Innovation
The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association says shutting seven federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research sites threatens seed development
Syngenta Canada Launches Equento Cereals Seed Treatment for Wireworm Control in Western Canada
New product combines contact and systemic activity with a six-active-ingredient package for insect and disease protection in cereal crops. Syngenta Canada Inc. has introduced Equento Cereals, a new seed treatment designed […]
Powdery Mildew Outsmarts Wheat by Masking Key Effector Signal
University of Zurich scientists uncovered how wheat powdery mildew can bypass genetic resistance without losing its key effector AvrPm4. The fungus deploys a second effector that masks AvrPm4 from the Pm4 resistance protein, yet this suppressor is itself detectable by another wheat resistance gene. Stacking both genes could trap the pathogen and improve durable, low-fungicide wheat protection.
Plant Breeders Are Like Musicians
Private plant breeding companies often separate R&D and breeding, limiting breeders to production-focused cycles rather than experimentation. This reduces innovation and undervalues breeder expertise. Like musicians restricted to one genre, breeders are told to hand ideas to R&D instead of testing them directly. Integrating R&D with breeding can accelerate discovery, improve varieties, and strengthen competitive advantage in seed companies.
Cuando el fitomejoramiento se reduce a tocar una sola nota
Las empresas privadas de mejoramiento vegetal suelen separar I+D y mejoramiento, limitando a los fitomejoradores a ciclos intensivos en lugar de experimentación. Esto reduce la innovación y subestima su experiencia. Como músicos restringidos a un solo género, los mejoradores deben entregar ideas a I+D en vez de probarlas. Integrar I+D y mejoramiento acelera hallazgos, mejora variedades y fortalece la ventaja competitiva.
Turning Data into Decisions: KWS-NoMaze Partnership Drives Innovation in Plant Breeding
In plant breeding, data abundance is no longer the challenge—decision speed is. A long-term partnership between KWS and AI agritech NoMaze shows how embedded, intuitive analytics transform complex breeding data into faster, confident decisions. By integrating AI-driven decision support into daily workflows, breeders gain clarity, scalability, and operational intelligence to deliver resilient, high-performing seeds faster.
$2M Grant Backs AI Initiative to Protect Crops from Disease
The Sainsbury Laboratory has secured $2 million from Google.org’s $20 million AI for Science Fund to launch Bifrost, led by Professor Sophien Kamoun. Using DeepMind’s AlphaFold3, Bifrost will predict plant immune receptor–pathogen interactions from genome sequences to speed breeding of disease-resistant crops. Open-source tools and datasets will support global collaboration and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides in climate-stressed farming systems.