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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.

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.

Study Reveals Gaps in Sustainability Monitoring of Cocoa Farms

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.

Silica Nanoparticles Alter Plant-Insect Interactions in Corn

A recent study shows that the foliar application of silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) induces a legacy effect in the soil, reprogramming corn volatiles and reducing egg-laying by the fall armyworm. While plant growth remains unaffected, the findings suggest a soil-mediated feedback mechanism driven by nanoparticles, paving the way for innovative pest management strategies in agriculture.

What Economic Model for Agroecology?

On the occasion of the publication of a white paper dedicated to the economic model of agroecology, we revisit a question often relegated to the background: are the main barriers to its scaling still technical, or are they now primarily economic?

A New Generation Insecticide Sustainably Controls Cabbage Moth Populations

RNAi Could Enhance the Efficacy of Viral Bioinsecticides Against Pests

Researchers demonstrate that it is possible to increase the virulence of a baculovirus used in biocontrol by combining it with an RNA interference strategy. This approach could help overcome one of the main barriers to the development of bioinsecticides: their slower action compared to chemical insecticides.

Photovoltaics: A World Record of Over 30% Energy Conversion Efficiency for a Perovskite-Silicon Triple Junction Solar Cell

Kerem Artuk, former member of PVLAB and now R&D engineer in sustainable energy at CSEM (Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology), has been honored with the Claude Nicollier Award for his contribution to a perovskite-silicon triple junction solar cell, achieving an energy conversion efficiency exceeding 30%. This project, carried out in collaboration with EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) and other partners, marks a significant advancement towards next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

Drone Spraying: Best Practices for Successful Fungicide Applications

The use of drones for fungicide application in field crops offers significant advantages, including access to difficult areas and the ability to treat localized zones. However, applicators must navigate a complex regulatory framework that requires an understanding of state-specific regulations and licensing requirements, adapting their techniques based on flight conditions and drone characteristics.

Drought: How to Decide on Early Harvesting of Forage Corn Based on Field Conditions

In the face of water stress affecting Western France, the temptation to harvest forage corn early is gaining traction. However, experts remind us that the decision should be based on a precise agronomic diagnosis, as crops still retain, in many cases, a recovery potential if weather conditions improve. Farmers are advised to wait until the end of flowering to assess grain viability, while remaining vigilant for cases requiring early harvest to preserve forage quality.

Satellite Assessment of Plant Thermal Stress Reveals Climate Change Reduces Tropical Forests' CO₂ Capture

United States: Investment Slows, AI Struggles to Win Over Farmers

The Purdue Agricultural Economic Barometer, a gauge of American farmer confidence, reveals major concerns regarding input costs and low crop prices. While few farmers see an improvement in their financial situation, the adoption of AI technologies in agriculture elicits mixed opinions, highlighting ongoing challenges in the sector.

Regenerative Agriculture: Major Corporations' Commitments Still Lack Credibility, Says FAIRR

The FAIRR global investor network report highlights that despite a 63% increase in mentions of regenerative agriculture from 2023 to 64% in 2026, corporate commitments often remain vague and poorly quantified. While the measurement of outcomes is improving, companies must demonstrate transparency regarding their goals and actual impacts to enhance the credibility of their initiatives.

Strawberry: AI Detects Fungi Before Symptoms Appear, Enabling Early Crop Protection

Researchers at the University of North Carolina have developed an AI-powered early detection system for the Neo-P pathogen, which threatens the strawberry industry in the state. This innovative system allows for rapid, non-destructive identification of infections before visible symptoms appear, providing a solution for producers facing significant financial losses. The study also emphasizes the need for an integrated management approach to combat this growing threat.

The Farmer of Tomorrow Will Also Be a Manager, Climatologist, and Agronomist

Swiss Professor Awarded European Grant for Food Waste to High-Performance Packaging Project

Professor Francesco Stellacci from EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) has been awarded an ERC (European Research Council) grant for his innovative project on multilayer films made from natural proteins, aimed at replacing synthetic plastics. This project addresses sustainability challenges by focusing on developing high-performance materials from food waste, with potential applications in single-use food packaging.

Des scientifiques ciblent les nématodes à kystes de soja en coupant leur approvisionnement alimentaire

Face aux pertes de rendement causées par les nématodes à kystes de soja, des chercheurs explorent de nouvelles stratégies de lutte en ciblant les protéines effectrices qui permettent aux parasites de se nourrir et de se reproduire. Ce projet pourrait mener à des variétés de soja génétiquement modifiées pour résister à ces parasites, tout en préservant la santé et le rendement des cultures.

Nematodes: A Garlic-Based Nanoemulsion Outperforms Two Standard Nematicides on Tomatoes

A study published in Scientific Reports presents the development of garlic oil-based nanoemulsions as an ecological alternative to traditional nematicides, in light of increasing restrictions on the latter. The formulations, characterized by small droplet sizes and a stability of 16 weeks, have shown significant efficacy against the nematode Meloidogyne incognita, reducing root gall formation and promoting tomato plant growth.