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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.

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.

Slovakia Opposes New Genomic Techniques Regulation in Europe

The Slovak government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, has decided to challenge the European regulation that relaxes rules on new genomic techniques, allowing for the development of more resilient plants. This decision follows the European Parliament's approval of these techniques, which raise concerns among environmental advocates.

€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.

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.

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.

Pest Alert: Thrips Parvispinus Threatens Pepper Production in Almería

The detection of Thrips parvispinus across all pepper production areas in Almería raises concerns among farmers. While not all farms are affected, vigilance is essential as the transplanting season comes to a close. Strict control measures and financial support are being implemented to address this invasive threat.

Innovative Crops Combatting Drought: Sorghum and Pistachios Lead the Way

In response to increasingly frequent drought episodes, French farmers are turning to innovative crops such as sorghum and pistachios. These plantations, suited to extreme climatic conditions, allow for diversification of farms and reduce risks associated with dependence on traditional crops. Initiatives are multiplying, but they require patience and investment to ensure sustainable production.

Kekkilä-BVB and Arevo Adapt Crop Nutrition Innovation for Nordic Gardens

European growing media specialist Kekkilä-BVB partners with Swedish AgTech Arevo to integrate its plant nutrition technology, Arginex, into gardening products for Nordic and Baltic countries. Already utilized in agriculture and forestry, this arginine and phosphorus-based formulation aims to enhance nutrient use efficiency and minimize leaching.

Terres Inovia and UniLaSalle Strengthen Their Partnership in Agritech Training

The partnership between Terres Inovia and UniLaSalle, initiated in June 2025, is being reinforced with an increase in interventions focused on agroecology and agricultural machinery, aimed at enhancing the skills of sector stakeholders. Experts from the technical institute are leading continuing education modules, thereby broadening the dissemination of technical recommendations and elevating the quality of the teachings provided.

Lidea Launches Seed Coating to Reduce Nitrogen Inputs

European seed company Lidea has introduced Nitro Boost, a seed coating developed in collaboration with Agronutrition by DSG that combines biofertilization and biostimulation. Targeted primarily at corn and cereals, this solution integrates bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, a biostimulant, and a zinc and manganese complex. According to the seed company, it could reduce mineral fertilizer applications by 20 to 40 nitrogen units per hectare. Over 33 trial sites from 2022 to 2025, Lidea reports yield gains of up to 4.1 q/ha under water stress conditions.

Poland Leverages NGTs to Accelerate Wheat and Sugar Beet Breeding

Four plant breeding companies from Krajowa Grupa Spożywcza are partnering with the University of Silesia to test innovative genomic techniques. This three-year pilot project aims to assess the effectiveness of NGTs in developing new winter wheat and sugar beet varieties, while enhancing local expertise and reducing reliance on foreign technologies.

Research in Denmark: Towards Better Assessment of Biopesticides

A new research center, ENSAFE, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, will study the environmental risks of next-generation biopesticides, particularly those based on RNA and peptides. Researchers will seek to measure their effects on non-target organisms and their fate in the environment, aiming to develop assessment methods suited to these new technologies and to inform their regulation.

Erik Poelman Appointed Chair of Agricultural Systems Ecology at Wageningen University

Wageningen University has appointed Erik Poelman as the new chair of Agricultural Systems Ecology, effective September 1. The researcher will lead the chair dedicated to the ecology of agricultural systems, focusing on plant-insect interactions, mixed cropping systems, and sustainable pest management. He will also coordinate the CropMix program, which emphasizes sustainable agriculture through mixed cropping systems.

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.

Update on Equipment to Reduce Spray Drift in Agriculture

The French Association for Adjuvants has updated its list of equipment designed to reduce the spray drift of phytosanitary products, specifying reduction levels ranging from 66% to 95%. This update specifically targets low crops, viticulture, and arboriculture, emphasizing the importance of using approved equipment to benefit from regulatory adaptations of Non-Treated Zones. Approved adjuvants also play a complementary role in optimizing spraying.

BASF investit dans un Climate Center pour renforcer la recherche en agriculture

BASF Agricultural Solutions annonce un investissement significatif dans un nouveau Climate Center à Limburgerhof, visant à améliorer ses capacités de recherche et de conformité réglementaire. Prévu pour être opérationnel en 2027, ce centre sera équipé de chambres climatiques de pointe pour mener des études écotoxicologiques, répondant ainsi aux exigences croissantes du marché et soutenant le développement de solutions innovantes pour les agriculteurs.

Soybeans, corn... the issue of banned pesticides in Europe for imports

The PLUVALUH Project: Towards Sustainable Agriculture with Human Urine

The PLUVALUH project, led by the Chamber of Agriculture of the Pays de la Loire, explores the use of human urine as a fertilizer in agriculture. Experiments in Angers and other regions aim to assess the technical and agronomic feasibility of this innovative approach, while analyzing its environmental impact and developing viable economic models. This initiative could transform human urine into a valuable resource for farmers, thus contributing to more sustainable and decarbonized agriculture.

In Denmark, the heat from a data center will be used to grow greenhouse vegetables year-round

Nordic data center specialist atNorth and Danish group Selected Group will utilize the excess heat from the DEN02 campus in Ølgod to power a large greenhouse complex. The goal is to develop local vegetable production year-round while reducing carbon emissions associated with greenhouse heating and winter imports.