A research team has outlined how synthetic biology can accelerate discoveries in plant–microbe interactions, offering strategies to enhance disease resistance, engineer synthetic symbioses, and manipulate root microbiomes.

A new study in Biochar reveals that nitrogen-fortified nanobiochar could significantly improve soil fertility and rice yields while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Researchers from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, India, found that combining a reduced nitrogen fertilizer dose with nanobiochar enhanced both soil properties and crop performance in nitrogen-deficient soils.

University of Maryland researchers discovered the gene that makes a rare form of wheat grow three ovaries per flower instead of one. Since each ovary can potentially develop into a grain of wheat, the gene could help farmers grow much more wheat per acre. Their work was published on October 14, 2025, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Researchers at Okayama University of Science (OUS) have developed a new wine grape variety, “Muscat Shiragai,” by crossing the rare wild Shiraga grape—found only in Okayama Prefecture—with Muscat of Alexandria. The team, led by Professor Emeritus Takuji Hoshino, has filed for official registration of the new variety with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The project, launched in collaboration with Kurashiki City and Funao Winery, aims to revitalize the region through locally branded wine production. Early tastings of Muscat Shiragai grapes and wine have been well received for their sweetness, smooth flavor, and subtle Muscat aroma.

Allowing dairy cows to graze on fresh grass in open pastures for a significant proportion of the year seems more natural and sustainable. And there are proven advantages for the environment: stable grasslands promote biodiversity, protect the soil, and support carbon storage. However, farms face challenges as they are heavily dependent on the weather and the time of the year. Farming is more productive when the pastures have a wide variety of different grasses, herbs and legumes, such as clover and chicory. A research team at the University of Göttingen has analysed this strategy using a meta-analysis of a number of studies. The analysis showed that the diversity of pastureland has no effect on milk production or on emissions of the greenhouse gas methane, which cows emit mainly when they burp. However, a higher proportion of legumes can promote milk production. The results were published in the journal Food and Energy Security.

Researchers have developed a smartphone-based artificial intelligence system that accurately predicts the ripeness and internal quality of avocados.