https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/vf_en/news-vf/ CRISPR/Cas9 is the most widely used gene-editing tool and enables highly precise modifications of DNA. In plant breeding, it is used to improve important traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutritional value. Researcher Matías González works with new genomic techniques. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/Gene-editing-in-plant-breeding/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2026/03/Gene-editing-in-plant-breeding/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:42:05 +0200 How should PhD candidates use AI in their work? Generative AI offers new opportunities for research, yet development is rapid and clear guidelines are lacking. The question is therefore relevant for many doctoral students who want to make use of the technology without compromising research ethics. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/doctoral-education-meets-the-ai-revolution/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/12/doctoral-education-meets-the-ai-revolution/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:41:20 +0200 Materials left over from mushroom cultivation could provide an environmentally friendly solution to cleaner, safer water for agriculture. This is shown in a new pilot study from SLU. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/mushroom-waste-offers-a-sustainable-path-to-cleaner-water/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/mushroom-waste-offers-a-sustainable-path-to-cleaner-water/ Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:10:58 +0200 Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited SLU Alnarp on October 8 to learn more about research that strengthens Sweden’s preparedness and contributes to a sustainable food system. During the visit, he saw how SLU is developing robust and resilient crops for future food production. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/prime-minister-visits-slu-in-alnarp--focus-on-research-for-future-food-security/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/prime-minister-visits-slu-in-alnarp--focus-on-research-for-future-food-security/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:42:36 +0200 Mutual learning, plant breeding, local priorities, food sovereignty, nutrition, health, and the challenge of upscaling research results for progress in agricultural development was discussed at a symposium at SLU in Uppsala and online, that gathered participants worldwide. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/icarda-event/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/10/icarda-event/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:49:18 +0200 In long rows lie root vegetables in a remarkably wide range of colours and shapes: purple, red, orange, yellow, and white. Plump, thin, long, smooth, and crooked. The trial cultivation of new sweet potato varieties adapted to the Swedish climate is now being harvested. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/harvesting-swedish-sweet-potatoes/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/harvesting-swedish-sweet-potatoes/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:08:38 +0200 Most Swedish consumers view new crops developed through crossbreeding positively, according to a new survey conducted by researchers at SLU. The findings run counter to the perception that consumers are sceptical about plant breeding. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/consumers-are-positive-about-new-varieties-of-crops/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/consumers-are-positive-about-new-varieties-of-crops/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:01:13 +0200 A research team from SLU, Linnaeus University and Örebro University has successfully produced a traditional cheese-making enzyme in plants. The results open new possibilities for sustainable dairy production. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/new-plant-based-method-for-cheese-making-enzyme/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/new-plant-based-method-for-cheese-making-enzyme/ Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:18:23 +0200 On 25 August, a Japanese delegation visited Malmö, joined by companies and startups, all looking to spark new collaborations between Sweden and Japan. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/innovation-across-borders-for-sustainable-food-systems/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/09/innovation-across-borders-for-sustainable-food-systems/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:36:21 +0200 SustainPotato is developing resilient Nordic potato varieties by studying how genetics and microbiomes affect resistance to diseases like late blight. Now, the first round of root sampling are complete. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/root-sampling-for-resilient-nordic-potatoes/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/root-sampling-for-resilient-nordic-potatoes/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:50:28 +0200 Students and researchers from the BREEDTECH program visited SLU Alnarp to explore cutting-edge plant breeding tools and bring practical innovations back to their local agricultural systems. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/future-plant-breeders-take-root-at-slu/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/08/future-plant-breeders-take-root-at-slu/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:36:10 +0200 On May 6–7, the SLU Breeding Network held its meeting titled Breeding 360: Collaboration across disciplines at Campus Ultuna. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/06/breeding-360-cross-disciplinary-collaboration-in-focus/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/06/breeding-360-cross-disciplinary-collaboration-in-focus/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 20:10:57 +0200 Large quantities of apples from both private gardens and industrial production are discarded as waste. By adapting storage methods and by optimising the time of harvest however, the amount of waste could be reduced. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/studies-on-minimising-apple-waste/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/studies-on-minimising-apple-waste/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:47:36 +0200 A better understanding of the plant-microbe partnerships can lead to more resilient and sustainable agriculture. When breeding crops it is now time to consider both the plant and its microbial partners together. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/soil-microbes-shape-the-future-of-crop-breeding/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/soil-microbes-shape-the-future-of-crop-breeding/ Wed, 07 May 2025 10:13:10 +0200 With the help of microbes, plants can improve their growth, stay healthy, and endure stress. In a new study on finger millet, researchers show that plants play an active role in choosing which microbes live in and around them. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/how-crops-shape-their-microbial-communities/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/05/how-crops-shape-their-microbial-communities/ Fri, 02 May 2025 10:09:00 +0200 In his new thesis, Daniele Nicotra has uncovered mechanisms driving complex interactions within the plant microbiome. The goal is to develop new bioinoculants as sustainable alternatives to chemical products in tomato cultivation. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/04/sustainable-tomato-protection-and-the-power-of-the-microbiome/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/04/sustainable-tomato-protection-and-the-power-of-the-microbiome/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:36:51 +0200 Ramesh Vetukuri was invited to share the latest advances in spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) and biocontrol with farmers and advisors in Trelleborg. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/03/innovative-biocontrol-and-gene-silencing-in-trelleborg/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/03/innovative-biocontrol-and-gene-silencing-in-trelleborg/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:28:52 +0200 A synthetic microbial community affected both tomatoes and Arabidopsis plants positively when faced with drought. In addition, the treated plants had a richer and more diverse soil microbiome. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/03/beneficial-bacteria-help-plants-cope-with-drought-stress/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/03/beneficial-bacteria-help-plants-cope-with-drought-stress/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:10:39 +0200 Great hopes are placed on a new way to combat plant diseases, using RNA to turn off genes that the pathogen needs to initiate the attack. Now, researchers from SLU and the James Hutton Institute have for the first time investigated how spray-induced gene silencing affects other microorganisms. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/03/gene-silencing-spray-to-combat-cereal-disease-is-safe-for-the-environment/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/03/gene-silencing-spray-to-combat-cereal-disease-is-safe-for-the-environment/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:59:16 +0200 Sweden possesses a bounty of apples, and the fruit is a beloved staple in the production of both food and drink. Apple sauce, apple cake and apple juice count among many peoples’ favourites. One apple product has long since been absent from the Swedish market however: the classic cider. https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/06/ciders-coming-of-age/ https://www.slu.se/en/news/2025/06/ciders-coming-of-age/ Fri, 20 Sep 2024 17:10:00 +0200