AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Vue imprenable sur le drapeau suisse au bord du lac des Quatre-Cantons sous un ciel dégagé, avec les montagnes en arrière-plan.

Switzerland Enhances Patent Transparency in Plant Breeding

The revision of patent law in Switzerland imposes a disclosure requirement for patented characteristics of plant varieties, thereby providing greater certainty to breeders in the development of new varieties. This measure, adopted by the Federal Council, aims to stimulate innovation by clarifying intellectual property rights and facilitating access to the European market for Swiss breeders.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Switzerland – Greater legal certainty in plant breeding" - 11 September 2026

Evaluating Rapeseed Varieties: Towards Innovative Methods

The evaluation of rapeseed varieties is experiencing significant advancements through the integration of modern technologies such as genomic editing and data analysis. These innovations aim to optimize yields and address sustainability challenges in the agri-food sector. The new methods enable more precise and rapid selection of varieties, thereby promoting the adoption of crops that are more resilient to climate change and market demands.

Source: Geves, published under the title "De nouvelles évolutions pour l’évaluation des variétés de co..." - 8 September 2026

Un homme africain marche à travers un champ de riz vert vibrant, symbolisant le mode de vie agricole.

Three Genes Identified to Unlock Barriers in African and Asian Rice Crossbreeding

A team of Chinese researchers has discovered a genetic barrier complicating the crossbreeding of African and Asian rice varieties. This breakthrough could pave the way for the creation of high-yield hybrids, combining the strengths of both species to enhance productivity and resilience against climate challenges. The findings, published in the journal Science, highlight key genes and underscore the importance of further research to optimize these new varieties.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Chinese research team may have cracked secret to crossbreedi..." - 8 September 2026

UK Takes First Step Towards Commercializing CRISPR Tomato Enriched with Vitamin D

The biofortified 'Sunshine' tomato, developed at the John Innes Centre, has received commercialization approval in the UK. This fruit, rich in provitamin D3, could provide an economical solution to vitamin D deficiency, a major public health issue. Research indicates it may contain as much vitamin D as two eggs while maintaining its appearance and yield. Next steps include breeding to enhance flavor and obtaining approval from the FSA.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "United Kingdom - Biofortified ‘Sunshine’ tomato one step clo..." - 8 September 2026

Vivagro Strengthens Seaweed Supply with Acquisition of Techsealab

French biocontrol, adjuvants, and biostimulation specialist Vivagro has taken control of Techsealab, a Breton SME specializing in marine biotechnologies. This acquisition allows Vivagro to secure its seaweed supply and, for the first time, integrate a production site to better control its value chain.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Biostimulants : Vivagro sécurise son approvisionnement en al..." - 8 September 2026

Vaste champ de plants de choux verts luxuriants poussant à l'extérieur à la lumière du jour.

Syngenta Unveils Second-Generation Brassicas Resistant to Root Rot

Twenty years after launching its first varieties of brassicas resistant to root rot, Syngenta positions itself as a leader with second-generation varieties. These new varieties offer enhanced resistance against all known pathotypes while emphasizing the importance of rigorous agronomic management for growers. The varieties will be showcased at the Field of Innovations event in 2026.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Syngenta Vegetable Seeds: New second-generation clubroot-res..." - 8 September 2026

€1.45 Million to Explore the Potential of Orphan Crops

The OrphanCrops project from INRAE has received €1.45 million from the ERC to study several hundred crops that are currently neglected by research. The goal is to identify species capable of diversifying agricultural systems and better responding to future climatic conditions.

Source: Inrae, published under the title "Une bourse ERC pour explorer le potentiel des cultures orphe..." - 4 September 2026

ERC Grant to Explore Plant Cooperation Through 'Green Beard' Hypothesis

Researcher Germain Montazeaud has received a €1.5 million grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to test the 'green beard' hypothesis in plants: certain genes may allow related individuals to recognize and cooperate with each other. Ultimately, this research could pave the way for the development of more efficient and resilient varietal mixtures.

Source: Inrae, published under the title "Une bourse ERC pour tester l’hypothèse de la « barbe verte »..." - 4 September 2026

Switzerland Leverages CRISPR and Resistant Varieties to Prepare Potatoes for Climate Change

The Swisspatat press conference highlights the future challenges of potato cultivation in Switzerland, featuring insights from Agroscope scientists on the use of modern technologies like CRISPR to develop resistant varieties in response to climate and phytosanitary challenges. The event, set to take place in Zurich, aims to promote sustainable agriculture and meet high-quality standards in the sector.

Source: Agroscope, published under the title "Préparer la culture de la pomme de terre aux défis à venir" - 4 September 2026

Jeune adulte portant un casque VR, vivant la réalité virtuelle contre un mur en briques à l'intérieur.

ViroiDoc Tackles Viroids, Invisible Agents Threatening Crops

ViroiDoc, a European network comprising 22 academic and industrial partners, is addressing viroids, small pathogenic agents that can significantly impact crop yields. The program focuses on early detection, new control strategies such as RNA-based sprays, and the effects of climate change on their transmission.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Fighting the invisible invaders: How ViroiDoc safeguards our..." - 28 August 2026

Homme senior en tablier utilisant un vaporisateur sur des terres agricoles verdoyantes pendant la journée, améliorant la santé des cultures.

Nematode Pheromones to Boost Plant Immunity: A New Agricultural Breakthrough

American and German researchers, including those from the Boyce Thompson Institute and RWTH Aachen University, have demonstrated that ascaroside #18, a signaling molecule produced by nematodes, can 'prime' plant immune defenses without triggering a costly energy response. Field trials indicate that a foliar application can reduce the severity of certain fungal diseases and enhance the performance of crops such as corn and soybeans.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Primed and ready to fight, a nematode pheromone arms plants ..." - 28 August 2026

Gros plan sur des mains tenant des grains de blé et d’orge, symbolisant l'agriculture et la récolte.

Wheat and Barley: INRAE Investigates Gene History for Climate Adaptation

Researchers from INRAE, Clermont Auvergne University, and CNRS have analyzed 1,420 modern varieties of wheat and barley, as well as ancient wheats dating back 5,000 years, to trace the history of genes related to adaptation. A hundred common variants have been identified, opening new avenues for variety selection in the face of climate change.

Source: Inrae, published under the title "Sélection variétale face au changement climatique : de nouve..." - 27 August 2026

Gros plan sur un bol rempli de grains de maïs jaunes sur un fond rouge vibrant. Idéal pour des thèmes alimentaires et nutritionnels.

India Launches First Non-GMO Popcorn Corn Hybrids to Boost Self-Sufficiency

India takes a significant step towards self-sufficiency in popcorn corn with the launch of two non-GMO hybrids, Krisna459 and Godari234, developed to meet local needs and reduce dependence on imports. These varieties promise improved yields and quality comparable to the best imported varieties, while supporting over 17,500 farmers across the country.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "India launches first non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hy..." - 27 August 2026

Paleogenomes: Looking Back to Better Select Tomorrow's Crops

Researchers from INRAE, Clermont Auvergne University, and CNRS demonstrate how reconstructing ancestral genomes can help identify agronomically important genes, particularly those related to drought tolerance and flowering. Two free tools, AGR and OrthoViewer, are designed to facilitate the use of this data for research and crop variety selection.

Publié par Pleinchamp, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "Dans le paléogénome des blés et orges, les germes de leur « ..." - 27 August 2026

Un agriculteur s'occupant d'un verger à Palpa, au Pérou, utilisant un pulvérisateur à dos pour traiter les arbres.

Mexico Approves OIFIRAX, the World's First Commercial RNA-Based Biofungicide

Mexico has authorized OIFIRAX, touted as the world's first commercially registered RNA biofungicide. Developed by GreenLight Biosciences to combat grape powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator), it employs double-stranded RNA molecules to block a crucial gene of the fungus, without altering the plant's DNA. The company also plans to invest between $50 and $100 million in a production facility in Mexico City.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Mexico authorizes GreenLight’s RNA-based biofungicide OIFIRA..." - 25 August 2026

Vue du bâtiment NTT Docomo Yoyogi à Shinjuku, enveloppé par les couleurs flamboyantes de l'automne.

NTT and Tokyo Metropolitan University: Major Breakthrough in Rice Hybridization

A research team comprising NTT, a Japanese telecommunications and technology group, and Tokyo Metropolitan University has developed a method for the simultaneous hybridization of four rice varieties. Initial results indicate that the seed weight exceeds that of the parent varieties, although agronomic performance still needs to be confirmed in field trials.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "NTT and Tokyo Metropolitan University develop the world's fi..." - 25 August 2026

Syngenta Launches Two New Onion Varieties for North American Market

Syngenta Vegetable Seeds introduces Roundo, an early yellow onion, and Olympo, a main season white onion, designed to deliver consistent bulb quality and meet the needs of growers in North America. These innovative varieties are based on feedback from farmers and a global breeding approach to ensure optimal agronomic performance and disease resistance.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Syngenta Vegetable Seeds brings onion to North America" - 24 August 2026

Pangenome Selection: A Breakthrough for More Resilient and Productive Crops

A study published in Cell reveals that a pangenome-based selection strategy can reintroduce genetic variants lost during domestication. Tested on Tartary buckwheat, this approach has led to the development of lines that combine better altitude stress tolerance with higher yields, opening new possibilities for numerous crops.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Researchers demonstrate the potential of pangenome-guided br..." - 14 August 2026

Australia Considers Two New Applications for Commercial GM Crops

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received two applications for approval to commercially cultivate genetically modified plants, submitted by Pioneer Hi-Bred Australia and Bayer CropScience. Risk assessment and management plans will be subject to public consultation in December 2026 before any decision is made.

Source: Agropages, published under the title "Australian OGTR receives two licence applications for commer..." - 13 August 2026

Silvec Biologics Receives EPA Approval for RNA Therapy for Citrus

Silvec Biologics has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an RNA therapy aimed at combating Huanglongbing (HLB), the disease devastating citrus orchards. The technology employs a non-transmissible form of the tristeza virus to deliver the treatment to trees, without genetic modification of the plant, paving the way for commercial deployment by late 2026 and potential applications in other crops.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Silvec Biologics Wins EPA Registration for RNA-Based Citrus ..." - 11 August 2026