Seed

Partnering with Kaiima, an Israel-based plant breeding company, Beck’s is working to create better corn hybrids, faster. The collaboration follows a three year program assessing Kaiima’s EP technology in Beck’s corn germplasm.

Starting in 2018, AgReliant Genetics will go from eight representative brands to three—transitioning more than half of their brands into LG Seeds.

Amid rumors and anti-GMO messaging, one researcher is striving to use genetic modification to not just improve crop health, but potentially save consumer lives. Aspergillus, which creates carcinogenic aflatoxin, can now be controlled through genetic modification.

Syngenta merger means Chinese may own seeds they rejected.

This year, Agricomseeds is offering its first natural corn trait focused on increasing yield. Leadgrain, the new trait, uses multiple genes to more than double ovules at the cob matrix, which leads to ear expansion for more kernels per plant.

Researchers at the University of Surrey and the University of Queensland have found a new way to create crop protection products that doesn’t involve synthetic chemicals or genetically modified crops. By combining clay nanoparticles with designer RNAs, researchers are able to silence specific plant genes.

Syngenta plans to close an eastern Illinois seed-corn plant and distribution site and cut its 24 jobs.

These maps, provided by the respective companies, highlight the national and regional seed brands for the five leading seed firms.

Genetically modified (GM) seed is the cornerstone of modern crop production, boosting corn and soybean yields and making it possible to feed a rapidly multiplying global population, but clouds loom on the horizon.

The foundation of success with high populations is hybrid selection, says Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie.