44 / SEEDWORLD.COM OCTOBER 2026 The International Seed Federation released voluntary guidelines to help seed companies, suppliers, growers and associations strengthen labor rights and ethical practices in seed production. Launched at the 2026 ISF World Seed Congress in Lisbon, the guidance covers 12 areas, including fair employment, child and forced labor, health and safety, compensation, non- discrimination, responsible sourcing and community rights. It was developed with seed companies, indus try associations and non-governmental organizations. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service extended deregulation to Pioneer’s DP51291 corn, which was genetically engineered for insect resist ance and glufosinate-ammonium tolerance. APHIS determined the variety was no more likely to pose a plant pest risk than Pioneer’s previously deregulated DP23211 corn. Iowa State University and Termez State University of Engineering and Agrotechnologies are exploring a partnership to establish a Seed Science Center in southern Uzbekistan. Modelled after Iowa State’s ASTA and Penn State University received $127,000 to develop genomics-based tools that distinguish between living and inactive seed-borne pathogens. Initially focused on Goss’s bacterial wilt in corn, the research aims to improve seed health testing, reduce unnecessary shipment rejections and support science-based international trade. centre, the proposed facility would support seed research, testing, education and workforce develop ment while helping strengthen seed security and agricultural innovation across Central Asia. University of Tennessee researchers received $2.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop corn plants that use soil nitrogen more efficiently. The SyN-Fix project will use synthetic biology to modify root traits, improve nitrogen uptake and reduce nitrous oxide emissions without lowering yields. The work is part of a broader ARPA-E program aimed at cutting fertilizer costs and emissions in corn and sor ghum production. Converge Bio received a multi-year, $2.5-million Gates Foundation grant to apply its generative AI platform to crop genomics. The 37-month project will develop a model to identify genetic variants linked to yield and climate resilience, helping researchers prioritize breed ing targets and shorten the time needed to develop improved crop varieties for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Millborn Seeds acquired Spokane-based Clearwater Seed, expanding its western U.S. presence and strengthening its North American supply network. The deal adds production and distribution capacity across conservation, reclamation, native seed and cover crop markets. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault received 15,387 seed samples from 11 genebanks during its second open ing of 2026, bringing the total stored to more than 1.4 million. The deposit included first-time contribu tions from Burkina Faso and Niger, along with major shipments from South Korea and the United Kingdom. It marked the Vault’s 70th deposit since opening in 2008. Researchers from UF/IFAS, USDA and NASA used hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence to detect drought stress in lettuce before visible symp toms appeared. The non-destructive system identi fied stress with about 97% accuracy by the fifth day after watering was reduced. The approach could help greenhouse growers improve irrigation decisions and support automated crop monitoring during future space missions. Bayer consolidated its U.S. glyphosate business into Ruveon LLC, a St. Louis-based Bayer Group company I N D U S T R Y N E W S Delivering the news you need to know. Submissions welcome – email us at news@seedworldgroup.com.
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