ISU Seed Science Center

Can better roots help solve agriculture’s fertilizer problem?

Fertilizer prices are rising, and nitrogen that crops do not absorb can contribute to nutrient runoff, water-quality concerns and greenhouse gas emissions. New flax research may offer a path toward growing more with less.

In the latest episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks talks with Dr. Bourlaye Fofana of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada about the discovery of more than 1,000 genes involved in flax’s response to nitrogen stress. Learn how this research could help breeders develop crops that use fertilizer more efficiently, reduce production costs and lessen agriculture’s environmental footprint.

🎧 Listen to “Getting to the Root of the Fertilizer Problem: How Nitrogen-Efficient Flax Could Help Farmers Grow More with Less.” Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Seed Today

https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1219669161/91dd6770cd

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/germination/id1829013958
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3SS0ntK2Wb7pcfOwxI9GcA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1AAE3HWHxg1mVwAj6g1Gru
Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2e502111-0ab0-4981-a20d-1bdb2f084a01/germination
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GermiNation (@germinationpodcast) on Tumblr GermiNation is a podcast from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center that explores the people, science, and stories behind the global seed industry. Through conversations with researchers, industry leaders, students, and policymakers, the podcast explores topics such as seed quality, seed hea...

Getting to the Root of the Fertilizer Problem: How Nitrogen-Efficient Flax Could Help Farmers Grow More with Less Can crops produce strong yields with less fertilizer? As fertilizer prices rise and concerns grow about nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions, researchers are looking to plant genetics for solutions. In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks talks with Dr. Bourlaye Fofana, a research s...

🌱 Could farmers one day grow corn and other crops with little or no nitrogen fertilizer?

One researcher believes it may be possible. He has identified 1,000 genes in flax that could help this nitrogen-hungry crop develop deeper roots and access more of the nitrogen already in the soil... something he believes is transferable to other crops!

What could this discovery mean for farmers, fertilizer use and the future of crop production? Find out on the next episode of GermiNation, dropping Wednesday, August 19, at noon! 🎙️

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/germination/id1829013958
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3SS0ntK2Wb7pcfOwxI9GcA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1AAE3HWHxg1mVwAj6g1Gru
Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2e502111-0ab0-4981-a20d-1bdb2f084a01/germination
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/287601160
Podbean: https://germination.podbean.com/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/germinationpodcast

Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences American Seed Trade Association Seed World US Seed Today

From Ames to Jamaica, seed science is helping communities recover and rebuild.

After Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica’s agriculture, getting donated vegetable seeds into the hands of organic farmers required more than generosity. The seeds also needed to meet critical phytosanitary requirements designed to protect the island from imported diseases and pests.

The Iowa State University Seed Science Center stepped in to provide free seed health testing, helping remove a significant financial barrier while supporting Jamaica’s food security and agricultural recovery.

This collaboration shows what is possible when seed organizations, scientists and agricultural partners work together to turn quality seed into hope for the future.

Read the full story in the comments. American Seed Trade Association Seed World US Seed Today Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences High Mowing Organic Seeds

🌱 Back to the Basics of Seed Quality! 🔬

Today marks the first day of our Beginner Seed Quality Testing Workshop at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center!

Participants are getting hands-on experience with the fundamentals of seed quality testing under the guidance of Jessica Blake, Manager of the Seed Science Center Quality Testing Laboratories and one of the seed industry’s highly respected Registered Seed Technologists (RST).

Over the next three days, participants will build practical skills, strengthen their understanding of seed testing, and learn techniques they can take back to their own laboratories and organizations.

Quality seed starts with quality testing, and quality testing starts with knowledgeable people. We’re proud to help develop the next generation of seed testing professionals! 🌾🔬

Seed Today Seed World US American Seed Trade Association Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

🎉 Congratulations to Seed Science Center Ph.D. student Mayowa Aderoju on receiving two prestigious honors at the The American Phytopathological Society Conference!

Mayowa received the APS Outstanding Volunteer Award for exemplary leadership and service, becoming the first graduate student in APS history to earn this recognition. He also received the APS Foundation Board Student Representative Award for his advocacy and support of the next generation of plant pathologists.

Through initiatives such as the Plant Diagnostic Bowl and Art-in-Phytopathology, Mayowa has made volunteer service meaningful, creative, and impactful. He dedicated these honors to the mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members who have supported his journey, with special remembrance of his grandfather.

We are proud of you, Mayowa, and excited to see the impact you will continue to make in plant health and beyond! Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ISU Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology

🌱 Stronger tools. Healthier seeds. Safer agriculture.

As the National Seed Health System celebrates 25 years, the newly redesigned NSHS website and Seed Health Dashboard are strengthening efforts to protect U.S. agriculture while supporting the safe movement of seed around the world. Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences American Seed Trade Association Seed World US Seed Today

Learn more:

Seed Health Dashboard Relaunch Strengthens U.S. Seed Biosecurity as National Seed Health System Marks 25 Years As the National Seed Health System (NSHS) prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary this month (August 2026), the Iowa State University Seed Science Center has reached another important milestone in protecting U.S. agriculture with the relaunch of the NSHS website on July 31. Included in the websit...

Gravity is at work today... and so are the experts!

Our Gravity Separation Workshop officially kicked off at 8:00 a.m. this morning at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, bringing together seed industry professionals eager to sharpen their skills in one of the most important steps in seed processing.

We're excited to welcome David Means, Service Manager at Oliver Manufacturing, as one of today's featured instructors. With 20 years of hands-on experience in equipment maintenance, installation, troubleshooting, and customer training, David brings practical knowledge that participants can immediately apply in their own facilities.

Oliver Manufacturing has spent more than 95 years advancing gravity separation technology, helping seed companies improve seed quality, maximize efficiency, and deliver the highest-quality products to their customers.

A big thank you to David and the entire Oliver Manufacturing team for sharing their expertise and investing in the continued education of the seed industry.

Because when it comes to producing high-quality seed, the right knowledge can make all the difference. Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences American Seed Trade Association Seed Today

Great seed starts with great conditioning. Great conditioning starts with the right training.

Whether you're new to seed corn processing or looking to sharpen your technical expertise, the Seed Corn Conditioning Workshop at Iowa State University provides hands-on training from industry experts in every stage of the conditioning process.

Over three days, you'll explore:
✅ Ear corn receiving and drying
✅ Shelling and precision sizing
✅ Air-screen cleaning and gravity separation
✅ Optical color sorting
✅ Seed treatment and packaging
✅ Seed plant design and quality control

Through classroom instruction, live equipment demonstrations, and hands-on learning, you'll gain practical skills you can immediately apply in your own operation. For more than 40 years, the Iowa State University Seed Science Center has helped train seed industry professionals from around the world.

📅 August 4–6, 2026
📍 Iowa State University Seed Science Center | Ames, Iowa

Ready to take your seed conditioning knowledge to the next level? Register today and invest in your team's most valuable asset... its people. The registration link is in the comments

Happy Monday from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center!

Every seed holds the promise of something greater. It is the beginning of healthier crops, stronger farms, more resilient food systems, and innovations that can benefit people around the world.

This week, our scientists, students, educators, and industry partners will continue advancing seed health, improving seed quality, training tomorrow's seed leaders, and strengthening global agriculture one seed at a time.

No matter where your role fits in the seed industry, thank you for being part of the work that helps feed and fuel the world.

Here's to a productive week filled with discovery, collaboration, and growth.