AgTech Investment Activity, Crop Protection & More!

Key Takeaways:

ICL to acquire a majority stake in Lavie Bio from Evogene; deal expected to close Q2 2025.
Biolumic, UbiQD, and Puna Bio raise funds for biologics, light-activated traits, and seed technologies.
Editorial highlights ToBRFV biosecurity measures and resistance breeding efforts.
Silal, Aigen, and Sentera push forward on new precision agriculture platforms.
BloomX expands bio-mimicking pollination tech for high-value crops.

Welcome to this week’s AgTech Digest!

In this edition, we cover key updates across crop protection, plant science, precision agriculture, and agtech innovation. From major acquisitions and funding rounds to new technology launches and groundbreaking research, here’s everything you need to stay informed. Plus, don’t miss our featured editorial on tackling ToBRFV challenges in greenhouse tomatoes, an exclusive interview with BloomX, and the latest industry news and events.

Let’s Dive In!

Plant Science Highlights: Acquisition, Funding Rounds & More

Evogene Ltd. and ICL signed a definitive agreement for ICL to acquire most of Lavie Bio Ltd. The transaction includes Lavie Bio’s development team, BDD platform, strain bank, and data assets, the deal is expected to close in Q2 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Puna Bio raised new funding led by Corteva through the Corteva Catalyst platform. Focus is on advancing non-GMO biological seed treatments using extremophiles.
UbiQD completed a $20 million Series B round led by Phoenix Venture Partners, the funds will support manufacturing, R&D, and commercial expansion.
Biolumic secured an $8.3 million Series B Extension led by Ki Tua Fund and others, the funding will accelerate the rollout of its xTraits™ platform for major crops.
UC ANR Innovate awarded a $974,855 Catalyst grant under the California Jobs First initiative, the funding will support early-stage development of “The Plant” facility in Sacramento Valley.
DPH Biologicals released third-party data on TerraTrove® AmplAphex biofertilizer. Field trials showed yield increases of 5.8–6 bushels per acre with various applications.
Windfall Bio’s Foundation fertilizer showed higher nitrogen uptake compared to animal-derived fertilizers. Foundation offers a plant-based alternative with an 11% nitrogen content and low salt index.

Fighting ToBRFV in Greenhouse Tomatoes: Practical Solutions for North American Growers

ToBRFV Challenges North American Greenhouse Growers

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) causes 30–70% yield losses and trade disruptions in North America.
Early detection is difficult due to latency and surface persistence.
Industry losses could total hundreds of millions of dollars.

Biosecurity Measures and Innovations

Key strategies: certified virus-free seeds, worker hygiene, disinfection protocols, workflow management, early detection.
UV-C disinfection of drain water offers an added layer of protection.

Breeding for Resistance

Hortinova is developing ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes focused on maintaining flavor, yield, and stress tolerance.

Read the complete editorial here.

Agritech Updates: New Innovation Center, Prevision Weeding Solution & More!

Silal opened the Innovation Oasis (iO) in the UAE to advance food security and agricultural technology. The 300,000 sqm facility includes labs, growth chambers, and controlled environments.
Aigen launched Element Gen2, expanding autonomous weeding to cotton, soy, and sugar beet fields. New features include: upgraded solar and battery systems, AI stereo vision, modular all-wheel drive, and mesh networking.
Sentera’s 2025 Early Access Program for SMARTSCRIPT™ Weeds is fully enrolled. The program deploys drone imagery and AI to create field-specific weed management prescriptions.

BloomX Tackles Pollination Challenges with Precision Bio-Mimicking Technology

BloomX offers bio-mimicking pollination solutions amid global pollinator decline.
The company’s technology simulates natural pollinators using electrostatic forces and targeted vibrations.
Strong adoption has occurred in high-value crops like blueberries and avocados across Latin America, Israel, and South Africa.
Trials in Peru have shown significant increases in yield and fruit uniformity.
BloomX plans to expand geographically and launch a next-generation robotic solution for tree crops.

Read the complete interview here.

Other Updates In AgTech: New Agricultural Innovation Services, Soil Testing Partnership & More!

Hexagro, an Italy-based agtech startup, has entered liquidation after being unable to close a recent funding round, ending an eight-year effort to make urban farming more accessible.
Landus and Talusag have initiated the first field trial in North America using locally produced green ammonia fertilizer, with corn planting underway in Boone, Iowa.
The Directions Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Idealyst Innovation, aiming to expand data-driven support for agribusinesses and producers.
North Dakota HB 1318 was signed into law by Governor Kelly Armstrong, making the state the first to align its crop protection label requirements explicitly with those approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Farmers Edge has partnered with Taurus Agricultural Marketing Inc. to expand access to its laboratory services across Canada, enhancing soil health and fertility solutions for agronomists, ag retailers, and growers.
Agreena launches the Carbon Credit Confidence initiative to enhance transparency in soil carbon credit markets.