Crop Currents

Featuring updates from Evogene, Puna Bio, UbiQD, Biolumic, UC ANR Innovate, Silal, Aigen, Sentera, BloomX, and more.

Author

Sepehr Achard
April 25, 2025

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!

This Week’s Highlights Include:

Estimated Reading Time: 6 - 7 minutes

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CROP PROTECTION
Plant Science Highlights: Acquisition, Funding Rounds & More

ICL to Acquire Majority Stake in Lavie Bio

  • 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.

  • Evogene retains its equity stake; core technologies and staff will transfer to ICL.

  • Deal expected to close in Q2 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

Puna Bio Secures Investment from Corteva

  • Puna Bio raised new funding led by Corteva through the Corteva Catalyst platform.

  • Focus is on advancing non-GMO biological seed treatments using extremophiles.

  • Technology aims to improve nutrient absorption and stress tolerance.

  • Partnership provides Puna Bio with global market access and scaling opportunities.

UbiQD Raises $20M Series B to Expand Quantum Dot Applications

  • UbiQD completed a $20 million Series B round led by Phoenix Venture Partners.

  • Funds will support manufacturing, R&D, and commercial expansion.

  • Applications include agriculture, solar panels, and displays.

  • Acquisition of Blue Dot Systems and collaboration with First Solar also announced.

Biolumic Expands Light-Activated Seed Trait Platform

  • Biolumic secured an $8.3 million Series B Extension led by Ki Tua Fund and others.

  • Funding will accelerate the rollout of its xTraits™ platform for major crops.

  • Technology uses ultraviolet light to trigger seed traits without genetic modification.

  • Biolumic targets a 10% share of the non-transgenic seed trait market within five years.

UC ANR Innovate Receives Grant for 'The Plant'

  • UC ANR Innovate awarded a $974,855 Catalyst grant under the California Jobs First initiative.

  • Funding supports early-stage development of "The Plant" facility in Sacramento Valley.

  • Facility will focus on sustainable agriculture, food tech, and climate solutions.

  • Activities include architectural planning, environmental evaluations, and partnership building.

Study Shows Yield Gains with Entrapment Insecticide

  • Florida Ag Research compared Attune Agriculture's Entrapment to traditional rotations in strawberries.

  • Entrapment increased yield by 195–234 lbs per acre and lowered input costs by 16% compared to organic systems.

  • Study highlights the benefits of yield-focused pest management strategies.

DPH Biologicals Reports Positive Results for AmplAphex

  • 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.

  • AmplAphex demonstrated potential to reduce reliance on starter fertilizers.

Windfall Bio Trials Methane-Based Organic Fertilizer

  • 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.

  • Additional field trials are planned to expand commercialization opportunities.

SynTech Research Group Merges with GLP Estrategias Avanzadas

  • SynTech completed a merger with Mexico-based regulatory firm GLP Estrategias Avanzadas.

  • The move strengthens SynTech's regulatory services and field capabilities in Latin America.

  • Merger aims to streamline agricultural input registration processes and broaden market reach.

THIS WEEK’S EDITORIAL
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.

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

Silal Launches Innovation Oasis and AgriTech Academy

  • 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.

  • Focus areas: climate-resilient farming, IoT precision systems, AI, robotics, and saltwater-resistant crops.

  • Silal also introduced the Advance AgriTech Academy for specialized training in partnership with international institutions.

Aigen Unveils Element Gen2 Robot for Precision Weeding

  • Aigen launched Element Gen2, expanding autonomous weeding to cotton, soy, and sugar beet fields.

  • New features: upgraded solar and battery systems, AI stereo vision, modular all-wheel drive, and mesh networking.

  • Field trials with Bowles Farming Company are scheduled for the 2025 season.

  • Orders now open for the 2026 growing season.

Sentera’s SMARTSCRIPT™ Weeds Program Reaches Capacity

  • 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.

  • Participants include growers, universities, equipment manufacturers, and ag retailers.

  • Trials report up to 70% reductions in herbicide usage.

THIS WEEK’S INTERVIEW
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.

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OTHER NEWS
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.

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