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Soy-derived dairy proteins: Mozza Foods bets on molecular agriculture to industrialize casein without fermentation

An American Startup Secures Funding from the USDA to Accelerate Wheat Gene Editing and Improve Nitrogen Efficiency

Novin AgriTech, a startup from Purdue University, has received $174,906 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop innovative traits for wheat, particularly enhancing nitrogen use efficiency. This project employs InPACT technology, enabling direct genetic manipulation without tissue culture, promising rapid and scalable validation.

A New Seed Coating Significantly Reduces Cotton Fusarium While Improving Yields

Cotton fusarium severely compromises yields and crop quality. A recent study developed an eco-friendly seed coating agent (DIF) based on Difenoconazole, replacing toxic formulations. Trials demonstrated a 98.67% effectiveness against fusarium, while enhancing seedling growth and cotton yield, without negatively impacting fiber quality.

France: The Alpha Biotech Program Aims to Accelerate Industrialization of Biotech Startups

The Alpha Biotech program, launched at BIOKET 2026, aims to remove barriers to the industrialization of industrial biotechnology startups. Selected startups will receive support over 12 months and benefit from the expertise of the CEBB (European Centre for Biotechnology and Bioeconomy) and ARD (Agro-Industry Research and Development) across three areas: technological security, financial structuring, and market access. Applications are open until May 31, 2026, with selection scheduled for June during VivaTech.

Soft and Hard Wheat: Managing Fusarium Risk and Protection Strategies Amid Health and Climate Challenges

Wheat flowering is a critical period for contamination by fusariosis, a group of fungal diseases that can affect both yield and grain quality. In contrasting weather conditions, between rainy episodes and thermal stress, diagnosing symptoms observed in the field becomes particularly complex, blending real diseases with physiological disorders. Understanding risk factors, distinguishing the origins of symptoms, and correctly positioning fungicide interventions are essential to preserve crop potential, especially against the risk of mycotoxin production such as DON. Hard wheats require systematic protection, while soft wheats must be assessed according to a risk grid to maintain yield and quality.

Greenhouse Agriculture: Rising Investments, Sector Consolidation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council's Growth in Controlled Environment Farming

Greenhouse agriculture is rapidly expanding, particularly in the Middle East, where ambitious projects supported by food security policies are emerging. Technological advancements, such as automation and LED lighting systems, are transforming the sector, while company consolidation is redefining the business landscape.

Suterra Acquires Vestaron's Biocontrol Assets, Strengthening Its Bioinsecticide Portfolio in the U.S.

Suterra, a global leader in biological pest control, has acquired Vestaron's product lines and research assets, including the recently EPA-approved Spear® and Basin™ products for use in the United States. This acquisition aims to enhance Suterra's offerings and support growers with proven solutions and technical expertise, while planning to manufacture Spear® Lep, its own product, in the near future.

Towards Optimized Application of Biopesticides: Impact of Nozzles and Droplet Size on Microbial Efficacy

A study evaluated the foliar application of biopesticides by analyzing the droplet sizes produced during spraying. The range of 100 to 300 μm, deemed optimal for leaf penetration and microorganism viability, was examined based on different types of hydraulic nozzles and application pressures. Results show that these parameters significantly influence droplet distribution. Despite slight variations from water, biological solutions remain suitable for effective foliar application with conventional equipment.

Europe Grants First Emergency Approval for RNA Insecticide Against Potato Beetle in Belgium

This marks a first in Europe. Belgian authorities have granted an emergency use authorization for Calantha®, an innovative RNA-based insecticide aimed at combating the potato beetle during the 2026 growing season. Calantha® has been developed to meet environmental standards, with no detectable residues on crops. It is designed to be safe for bees and other non-target organisms, addressing growing environmental expectations.

Biostimulants and Specialty Fertilizers: Market Growth Becomes More Selective

At the NewAG International Annual 2026 session, DunhamTrimmer highlighted a transformation in input markets, where growth persists but becomes more complex to capture. Innovation is shifting towards advanced delivery systems and biological integration rather than just nutrients. Companies must navigate an uneven market, where the ability to demonstrate return on investment and integrate into real agricultural systems becomes crucial to capture value.

Biology, Robotics, AI: Deep Tech Establishes Itself in Global Agriculture

Wheat in Bloom: The Key Role of Trapping in Managing Hessian Fly Treatments

Managing Hessian flies, pests of wheat, requires rigorous observation to determine intervention thresholds. Sensitive varieties must be closely monitored, especially during flowering when females lay their eggs. An intervention threshold has been established for orange Hessian flies, while some wheat varieties show resistance.

Brazil: Increased Pressure from Fall Armyworm on Corn and Erosion of Biotech Efficacy

Corn crops in Brazil are facing heightened pressure from fall armyworms, challenging the effectiveness of advanced biotech traits and prompting producers to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The use of biological products, such as baculoviruses, has shown promising results but requires precise application to be effective.

Blight-resistant potatoes: Switzerland tests new selection techniques without foreign DNA

Agroscope (Swiss competence center in agronomic and agri-food research) is conducting a trial on cisgenic blight-resistant potatoes, authorized by the Federal Office for the Environment. This project aims to develop varieties without foreign DNA, thereby reducing the need for plant protection products and improving resistance to extreme climatic conditions.

Greenhouse Horticulture: Towards Data-Driven and Robotic Production

In greenhouse cultivation, genetics is no longer just about improving yields; it has become a lever for industrial optimization. By leveraging data and varietal selection, Rijk Zwaan develops plants designed for more predictable production systems, less reliant on labor, and compatible with the automation and robotization of greenhouses.

Edited Seeds: Cibus Takes a Key Step Towards Commercializing Herbicide-Tolerant Rice in Latin America

Cibus, Inc. has made significant progress by transferring genetically modified materials for herbicide tolerance in rice to its partner Interoc, enabling the start of testing and production for a commercial launch in Latin America. This collaboration aims to equip farmers with advanced traits to enhance their productivity, leveraging Cibus's Rapid Trait Development System that facilitates rapid trait innovation.

Corteva Launches Vylor: A Company Focused on Seed Innovation and Genetics

Corteva has announced the creation of Vylor, a spin-off company that will focus on seed and biotechnology innovation. Set to launch in 2026, Vylor will hold over 4,000 germplasm patents and 2,000 biotechnology patents, featuring major innovations such as hybrid wheat and multi-disease resistant corn. The brand, reflecting Corteva's legacy, aims to transform agriculture to meet food and energy security challenges.

Nitrogen Under Pressure in the UK: Microbial Biostimulants as a Strategic Drought Relay

Rice and Climate: Towards More Resilient Varieties Through Root Biology and Genetics

In the face of growing climate challenges, an international network of researchers is mobilizing to protect rice, a staple food for over half of the world's population. By exploring root biology and developing heat and salinity-tolerant varieties, this initiative aims to create resilient rice varieties.

Next-Generation Seeds: Fraunhofer Develops Biodegradable Coating Combining Herbicide Protection and Water Management

As part of the SeedPlus project, researchers at Fraunhofer institutes have developed a biodegradable seed coating that integrates water storage capacity and herbicide protection. This innovation aims to improve germination rates and ensure stable yields, even under adverse climatic conditions. Greenhouse and outdoor tests show a 58% increase in germination rates compared to uncoated seeds.