Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 762 / SEEDWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2017 On the Cover We chose to feature an upclose shot of a spinach leaf. All the veins are representative of the many ways a company can choose to protect its research and development investment with intellectual property. In Every Issue Strategy Examine the relationship between seed-applied technologies and plants’ ability to use water more efficiently. Cross Pollination Regulatory Roundup World Status Industry News Since 1915 26 62 63 64 66 70 CONTENTS/FEBRUARY2017 Features, continued Open Innovation Drives Progress in Plant Breeding Joseph Byrum discusses the advantages and disadvantages of crowd-sourcing solutions. Agronomics and Aesthetics Drive Development When it comes to the latest innovations in vegetable seed varieties, seed companies and breeders keep locale and consumer demands in mind. Seeds, Plants and the Brain Each day, we discover more about the therapeutic value of plants. Here’s a look at some of the ways they are being used to help us heal. Q&A with Scott Williams Nothing is off the table for this cucurbit and leafy global breeding lead for Monsanto Vegetable Seeds. Q&A with Ellen Leue PanAmerican Seed’s vegetable crop director chats about her career choices, why she loves to eat peppers and what she’s got lined up on her Netflix queue these days. Q&A with Sean Knapp Syngenta’s head of Vegetable Seeds for North America lives and breathes the world of produce — but don’t ask him to play favorites. 38 49 52 56 58 60 Special Section INSIDERS Experts from around the seed industry and those who service it share their perspectives and provide recommendations on everything from seed treatments to equipment and from engineering to content marketing. 37 WEB WHERE ONTHE For bonus content and more information on these issues, check out seedworld.com. Here you’ll find videos, extra photos, charts and notes from our editors. Below are just a few highlights from this issue. SeedWorld.com/webinar If you’re interested in learning how seed treatments can improve plants’ ability to use water more efficiently, register for Seed World’s Strategy webinar, which will be held March 9 at 1 p.m. Eastern. There is no cost to participate. Register today! SeedIPAlliance.com For more information about the Seed Innovation and Protection Alliance, check out the website where you can learn about upcoming events or provide an anonymous tip. SeedWorld.com/planttherapy Here, you’ll be able to listen to two podcasts about the role seeds play in therapeutic gardens and some of the newest science being applied today. SeedWorld.com/giantviews Shawn Brook caught up with industry leaders in San Diego, Calif., at IPSA’s annual meeting to better understand their outlook for 2017. Columns 24 72 International Agricultural Development Dennis Thompson shares one community’s challenge of scaling up. Giant Views David Stimpson shares his perspective when it comes to opposition and the seed industry.