b'I N D U S T R Y N E W S Delivering the news you need to know. Submissions welcomeemail us at news@seedworldgroup.com. to use the technology to develop rice varieties with improved yield, climate resilience, and nutritional traits, supporting its ongoing breeding programs.Albaugh has received EPA end-use registration for BIOST 2G Nematicide + Insecticide, a biological seed treatment released in fall 2025. The product uses a new active ingredient that targets plant-parasitic nematodes along with soil insects such as corn rootworm larvae, seed maggots and wireworms. It is a shelf-stable, non-living biopesticide designed to reduce early-season feeding damage in corn and soybeans. Valent BioSciences, MGK and Valent North America The Seed Innovation Protection Alliancewill merge in 2026 to form Sumitomo Biorational Company LLC, a global center for microbial and appointed Chris Reat as executive director onbotanical product innovation under Sumitomo Nov. 15, bringing three decades of experienceChemical.in seed, biotechnology, IP protection andResearchers and farmers are studying how soil partnership development. He replaces Eloy R.microbes respond to different organic farming practices. Led by Cornells Casteel Lab, the Organic Corona, who is retiring after more than 30 yearsMicrobiome Project analyzes soils from over 80 farms in agriculture and significant contributions to IPto understand links between microbes, soil health and protection within the seed industry. plant resilience.Michigan State University scientists found that a meta-bolic compound, naringenin chalcone, can reprogram ASTA assumed crop biotechnology advocacy and regulatory responsi- a plants light-sensing protein, linking metabolism bilities after BIO dissolved its Agriculture and Environment Section in Julyto light response. The discovery could help breeders 2025. Chosen by BIO AE members, ASTA will integrate new resources todevelop crops that better manage light and stress, ensure continued support for plant breeding, innovation and U.S. seedimproving resilience in extreme environments.sector sustainability.Researchers at McGill University in Canada have suc-Inari named Lisa Nunez Safarian as CEO, succeeding interim CEO andcessfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit three genes in co-founder Ignacio Martinez. A former Monsanto and Bayer executive,oat (Avena sativa L.) for the first time, achieving up Safarian brings 30+ years of ag leadership and will also join Flagshipto 50% editing efficiency. The gene edits produced Pioneering as a CEO-partner.observable changes in plant traits, such as bent leaves, extended vegetative growth and heritability. Syngenta has received EPA federal registration for Trefinti nematicide/fungicide, powered by TYMIRIUM technology. This new product helpsA Finnish study found that bitterness and a dry, turfgrass managers by reducing key plant-parasitic nematodesinclud- astringent mouthfeel are the main reasons consumers ing sting, lance, root-knot and Anguinawhile also controlling major soil- dislike faba beans, especially in protein-rich products. borne diseases such as spring dead spot, take-all root rot and mini ring.Compounds called vicine and convicine, along with Bayers De Ruiter brand released five tomato varieties in the U.S. andsome amino acids, cause these off-flavors. Despite Canada Serenity, Luminity, Grandice RES, Riboski and DRTH5075 this, faba beans are a promising sustainable protein now bred with multi-gene resistance to Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virussource and ongoing research aims to improve their (ToBRFV).taste through better processing and breeding. Pairwise has licensed its Fulcrum CRISPR gene-editing platform to theBrazil and China are creating Soy China, a soybean International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). The agreement allows IRRIsupply chain meeting Chinese sustainability and 42/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2026'