Plant Science

iGrow News Plant Science

Plant Science

Plant Science News delivers the latest insights and innovations from the world of plant biology, genetics, and sustainable agriculture.

Our coverage spans breakthroughs in crop resilience, soil health, and biotechnology, spotlighting the research and technology reshaping the future of plant science.

Explore how scientists and agronomists are advancing sustainable food production, enhancing biodiversity, and addressing global agricultural challenges. From gene editing to precision agriculture, stay informed on the developments that are driving sustainability and innovation in the field.

Koch Ag & Energy Solutions (Koch) and OCP Nutricrops S.A. (OCP) have signed an agreement for Koch to invest in Jorf Fertilizers Company I (JFC I), a phosphate fertilizer producer currently owned by OCP Nutricrops. Once the transaction closes, it will establish a 50/50 operating joint venture between the two companies. The agreement builds on a relationship the companies strengthened in 2022, when Koch acquired a 50% interest in Jorf Fertilizers Company III, since renamed Kofert.

Koch Ag & Energy Solutions and OCP Nutricrops Form New Phosphate Fertilizer Joint Venture

Koch Ag & Energy Solutions (Koch) and OCP Nutricrops S.A. (OCP) have signed an agreement for Koch to invest in Jorf Fertilizers Company I (JFC I), a phosphate fertilizer producer currently owned by OCP Nutricrops. Once the transaction closes, it will establish a 50/50 operating joint venture between the two companies. The agreement builds on

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A new report published by the Paraquat Watch Nigeria Project (PWNP), a national scientific surveillance programme run by the Agrocentric Creativity Initiative Platform for Agricultural Awareness Amongst Youths (ACIPAAY) and authored by the project's team lead, Joel Emmanuel Benson, documents the continued presence and sale of paraquat-based herbicides in Nigeria despite the country's total ban on the chemical. Paraquat, also known as methyl viologen, is a highly toxic, non-selective contact herbicide used to control weeds; the report notes that exposure poses risks to human and animal health, as well as to food security, pollinators and ecosystems, agricultural trade and climate due to its acute toxicity and persistence.

Report Finds Banned Paraquat Herbicides Still Circulating in Nigeria Despite Total Ban

A new report published by the Paraquat Watch Nigeria Project (PWNP), a national scientific surveillance programme run by the Agrocentric Creativity Initiative Platform for Agricultural Awareness Amongst Youths (ACIPAAY) and authored by the project's team lead, Joel Emmanuel Benson, documents the continued presence and sale of paraquat-based herbicides in Nigeria despite the country's total ban

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AgPlenus, a company developing crop protection products and a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. (NASDAQ: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN), has announced the launch of its Antifungal Potency Predictor (APP). The new machine learning model predicts the antifungal potency of small molecules directly from their chemical structures, expanding the capabilities of Evogene's ChemPass AI for Ag™ platform by forecasting biological efficacy prior to chemical synthesis and fungal assay validation.

AgPlenus Launches Antifungal Potency Predictor, Expanding ChemPass AI for Ag Capabilities

AgPlenus, a company developing crop protection products and a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd. (NASDAQ: EVGN) (TASE: EVGN), has announced the launch of its Antifungal Potency Predictor (APP). The new machine learning model predicts the antifungal potency of small molecules directly from their chemical structures, expanding the capabilities of Evogene's ChemPass AI for Ag™ platform by

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Bayer designates Cornfed Farms as its first U.S. ForwardFarm, showcasing regenerative practices and innovation in sustainable agriculture.

Bayer Signs Exclusive Hybrid Wheat Licensing Deal With RAGT

Bayer has entered an exclusive licensing agreement with RAGT, a leading company in the European wheat seed market, advancing its plans to sell hybrid wheat seeds in Europe and North America simultaneously by the early 2030s. The company describes hybrid wheat as a large, untapped opportunity in the world's most widely grown food crop, and

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A study published in Weed Science, a journal of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), found that a cereal rye cover crop helps reduce weed pressure in organic no-till soybean production, particularly when seeded at higher rates. The two-year study reviewed field experiments conducted during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 growing seasons near Rock Springs, Pennsylvania, at Pennsylvania State University's Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center.

Weed Science Society of America Study Finds Higher Rye Seeding Rates Improve Weed Suppression

A study published in Weed Science, a journal of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), found that a cereal rye cover crop helps reduce weed pressure in organic no-till soybean production, particularly when seeded at higher rates. The two-year study reviewed field experiments conducted during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 growing seasons near Rock Springs,

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The Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre (NPEC) has been awarded funding through the NWO Large-Scale Research Infrastructure Upgrade call to carry out a major five-year upgrade of its national plant phenotyping facility. The upgrade is intended to expand and modernize NPEC's capabilities, strengthening research into how plants grow and respond to their environment, with relevance to food security, climate resilience and biodiversity.

NPEC Secures €5.4 Million ($6.2 Million) for Five-Year Plant Phenotyping Facility Upgrade

The Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre (NPEC) has been awarded funding through the NWO Large-Scale Research Infrastructure Upgrade call to carry out a major five-year upgrade of its national plant phenotyping facility. The upgrade is intended to expand and modernize NPEC's capabilities, strengthening research into how plants grow and respond to their environment, with relevance to

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Koppert is expanding its Executive Board with the addition of a Chief Customer Officer, a Chief Operations Officer and a Chief Product Officer. The company said the change brings its Commercial, Operations and Product Development functions closer together at Executive Board level, with the aim of encouraging stronger collaboration across these areas and allowing the company to respond more quickly to market developments and customer needs worldwide.

Koppert Strengthens Executive Board With New CCO, COO and CPO Roles

Koppert is expanding its Executive Board with the addition of a Chief Customer Officer, a Chief Operations Officer and a Chief Product Officer. The company said the change brings its Commercial, Operations and Product Development functions closer together at Executive Board level, with the aim of encouraging stronger collaboration across these areas and allowing the

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DVC Partners has acquired a majority stake in Kimitec, a developer of biological solutions for agriculture.

DVC Partners Acquires Majority Stake in Kimitec, a Leading Biological Agriculture Solutions Developer

DVC Partners has acquired a majority stake in Kimitec, a company that develops biological solutions for agriculture. Kimitec produces natural alternatives for crop nutrition and protection, with applications that extend across plant, animal and human health. Both companies confirmed the transaction, which marks DVC Partners' entry as majority shareholder.

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Explore the latest trends in fertilizer prices with a focus on urea, DAP, and sulfur costs impacting the agriculture sector.

Fertilizer Prices Weekly Update (July 6 – 13, 2026)

Fertilizer prices for the week of June 15–22, 2026, moved broadly lower or sideways, with Urea leading the retreat to $359/T as markets priced in the June 17 US-Iran memorandum of understanding — a 60-day ceasefire framework mediated through Pakistan and Qatar that included provisions for Strait of Hormuz reopening. The relief, however, remains fragile:

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Confluence Genetics’ UHP-LO soybeans boost turkey performance in trials, improving weight, feed efficiency, and white meat yield.

Confluence Genetics Launches Cas-CLEAR CRISPR Platform for Cancer Treatment

Confluence Genetics announced the launch of Cas-CLEAR, short for Collaterally Enhanced Activated Ribonuclease, a CRISPR-based platform built to treat cancers carrying defined genetic signatures. The company's lead programs target hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer death worldwide with limited options for advanced disease.

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