Technical Affairs Updates

Standing Committees and Special Interest Groups

We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for committee members of APSA’s Standing Committees (SCs) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)!

This is a valuable opportunity for APSA members to contribute their expertise, help shape the future of the seed sector, and engage in impactful technical and advocacy work across the region. The new committee will start the 3 years-term in January 2026.

CALL FOR NOMINATION for the SCs/SIGs below:

The Standing Committees (SCs);

1. Standing Committee on Seed Technology (SC Seed Tech) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
2. Standing Committee on International Trade and Quarantine (SC ITQ) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
3. Standing Committee on Intellectual Property Rights and Biodiversity (SC IPR & Bio) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
4. Standing Committee on Plant Breeding Innovations (SC PBI) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair

The Special Interest Groups (SIGs);

5. Special Interest Group on Field Crops (SIG FC) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair
6. Special Interest Group on Vegetables and Ornamentals (SIG Veg & Orn) – 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair

Working Group under SIG Veg & Orn

1. APSA R&D Advisory Group - 15 seats inc. Chair and Co-chair

Nomination Criteria:

• Open to all APSA active members across membership categories
• Applicants should have relevant experience in the focus area of the SC/SIG
• Each group will consist of up to 15 members (including Chair and Co-Chair)
• One active member may nominate one representative per SC/SIG
• One person can be a member of up to two groups max.
• Maximum of three representatives from the same country per SC/SIG
• Tenure: 3 years
• Meetings: Minimum 4 times per year via video conference

Nomination Deadline: 21 October 2025

All nominations are subject to approval by the APSA Executive Committee

For more details on how to apply, including Terms of Reference and Committee Roles & Responsibilities, please click here.

Announcing new committee members of APSA Special Interest Groups for Seed Production

On another exciting news, we are pleased to inform you that the APSA Executive Committee has approved members and observers of the newest APSA Special Interest Groups on Seed Production. The APSA Executive Committee member, Mr Nouman Ahmed, was assigned to be the committee’s Co-Chair with 14 committee members and observers from Australia, Bangladesh, Chile-Peru, China, India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore. Switzerland, Thailand and Türkiye. Click here to see the full committee list.

The objective of this group is to create a platform where APSA vegetable and field crops seed company members and seed production companies involved in the contract seed production can discuss the seed production matters for their common interest. 

The committee will hold the first meeting this year. Let’s welcome them and getting excited for their contribution to the group!

SC International Trade & Quarantines

The APSA Standing Committee on International Trade and Quarantine (SC ITQ) worked on the technical session of the upcoming Asian Seed Congress. This year “moving quality Seed across borders” is still one of the important topics in the ASC2025 technical sessions. The committee comes up with comprehensive topics from the overview of the global policy changes to the updates and experience sharing on specific topics such as PRA, 3^rd lab accreditation. It will also include the topic of harmonizing the seed movement of Genome Edited seeds across borders.  

SC IPR & Biodiversity

After successfully organized the APSA 2025 Regional PVP and Biodiversity Consultation last month, the APSA Standing Committee on IPR & Biodiversity (SC IPR&BIO) continued their work on the PVP fact sheet, which will be shared to the members soon.

The Standing Committee on Plant Breeding Innovation

The APSA Standing Committee on Plant Breeding Innovation is working on the APSA 2025 Plant Breeding Innovation webinar entitled “recent progress in the global regulation of genome editing in plants” on Wednesday, October 15, 9:00 am – 10:00 am (GMT+7). The webinar will feature 2 presentations outlining the developments in the US and APAC region followed by a Q&A session and will be OPEN TO PUBLIC. We welcome the seed industry colleagues who are interested in this topic to register and participate in this webinar.

Let us move to an update from Standing Committee on Seed Technology: 

The APSA Standing Committee on Seed Technology has been actively driving several initiatives this month, reflecting its commitment to advancing seed science and innovation across the region. From webinars and showcases to professional development programs, the committee continues to deliver impactful activities for APSA members.

The final session of the 2025 APSA Seed Technology Webinar Series will take place on 3 October 2025, from 14:00–16:00 (GMT+7). This session will spotlight the role of pollen science in seed technology, featuring two expert speakers. Dr. P.E. Rajasekharan, former Principal Scientist at ICAR-IIHR, will present on pollen cryopreservation techniques for hybrid seed production. Dr. Jörg Schrickel from Amphasys AG will follow with insights into pollen quality analysis and its application in breeding and seed production.Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading experts and explore the latest advancements in pollen-based technologies. Click here to register.

We are also pleased to announce that the Seed & Tech Showcase (sponsored session) at the Asian Seed Congress 2025 in Mumbai is now fully booked. This exclusive sponsored session, scheduled for Wednesday, 19 November at 9.00 – 12.30 hrs, will feature presentations from four leading companies: Phenome Networks Ltd., Demcon SeQso B.V., Hoopman equipment & engineering bv and Verdesian Life Sciences USA. These companies will showcase their latest innovations and strategic directions to a live audience of seed industry stakeholders.

For those who were unable to secure a slot this year, we sincerely thank you for your interest and encourage you to look out for future opportunities. The Seed & Tech Showcase remains one of the most dynamic platforms for visibility and engagement at APSA’s flagship event.

Lastly, we invite all members to explore the APSA Seed Academy, an online learning platform developed in collaboration with the Australian Seed Federation. The academy features seven core modules, including Seed 101, Seed Production & Coating, Seed Upgrading, Seed Dormancy, Plant Breeding and Plant Breeding Advanced, and watermelon genomics. For those already enrolled, don’t forget to log in and continue your learning journey. Learn more and register here.

This month, the Special Interest Group on Field Crops (SIG Field Crops)

The SIG Field Crops Committee had a committee meeting this month. One of the key highlights is the Field Crops study tour.

The committee is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Field Crops Study Tour in Hyderabad, India, taking place from November 10–13, 2025. This initiative, led by the committee in collaboration with the National Seed Association of India (NSAI) and the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), offers APSA members a unique opportunity to explore India’s dynamic field crops sector. The program includes visits to world-renowned research institutions such as ICRISAT and CIMMYT, as well as leading seed companies like Nuziveedu Seeds, SeedWorks International, Gubba Cold Storage, and Syngenta India.

Participants will gain firsthand insights into cutting-edge seed technologies, gene banks, and crop innovation strategies, while also engaging in valuable networking with researchers, industry leaders, and fellow APSA members. The tour fee is USD 1,200, covering hotel accommodation, meals, local transport, and materials. Please note that seats are limited and a minimum of 15 participants is required to confirm the tour. If you plan to attend the Asian Seed Congress in Mumbai immediately after, you may use the same business visa for both events.

We encourage all interested members to register as soon as possible to secure a spot. Click here to register and be part of this enriching experience.

Special Interest Group on Vegetables and Ornamentals (SIG V&O)

While there are no major new announcements this month, the SIG on Vegetables and Ornamentals (SIG V&O) remains active behind the scenes. The group is currently coordinating schedules to set the date for its Q4 meeting, which is expected to take place in December. Members will be notified once the date is confirmed. The committee is also continuing to follow up on key action points from its Q3 meeting held on August 13, including the planning of the 2025–2026 study tour to Spain.

The Working Group of Integrated Vegetable Seed Companies or WIC

The WIC has continued its momentum with active follow-up on key action points from recent discussions. Members are encouraged to save the date for the upcoming in-person WIC meeting, scheduled for 16 November 2025 during the Asian Seed Congress in Mumbai, India (closed meeting). More details and the agenda will be shared with WIC members soon.

The Disease Resistance Terminology Working Group (DRT):

The watermelon fusarium wilt subgroup is very pleased to share that all ring test results have been done!  Stay tuned for more updates! The group will soon be having a meeting to see the compile result and form a report. Stay tuned for more updates!

For the R&D Advisory Group,  

The APSA R&D Advisory Group are pleased to introduce the last session of the year, the Breed Better TGIF webinar session 4 – October 24, 2025 | 14:00–16:00 (GMT+7)
Topic: Unlocking Genetic Potential: Expanding Breeding Materials with Gene Editing

In the final session of APSA’s 2025 TGIF “Breed Better” webinar series, we are thrilled to welcome the 2 distinguished speakers as follows:

Explore the Power of Gene Editing with Dr. Masaki Niwa
In the final session of APSA’s 2025 TGIF “Breed Better” webinar series, Dr. Masaki Niwa, CEO and Co-founder of GRA&GREEN Inc. (Japan), will share how gene editing is revolutionizing plant breeding. His presentation will highlight the Smart Breeding Platform, which combines CRISPR-based editing, genomics, and accelerated generation techniques to develop elite crop varieties. With applications across more than 30 varieties, Dr. Niwa will demonstrate how breeders can shift from searching for traits to designing them—unlocking new possibilities for crop improvement.

Gain Insight into New Breeding Technologies with Dr. Ania Lukasiewicz
Dr. Ania Lukasiewicz from Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands) will present a European perspective on New Breeding Technologies (NBTs), including high-throughput phenotyping, genomic selection, and early flowering techniques. Drawing from her research and policy experience, she will discuss how these innovations are being applied in real-world breeding programs and how regulatory frameworks are evolving to support them. This session offers valuable insights for breeders and researchers navigating the future of plant science.

Click here to register.

APSA-WorldVeg Vegetable Breeding Consortium

Special projects announcement

We are excited to inform you on the 3 special project announcements from APSA-WorldVeg Consortium with details as follows. Please note that ONLY the active members of the 2025/2026 APSA-WorldVeg Vegetable Breeding Consortium are eligible to participate in these projects.

1. Genomics-based prediction of heterosis for yield and earliness, and stacking key resistance traits into successful new bitter gourd hybrids (Project duration: 1 November 2025 –31 October 2028 - 3 years)

Registration period: 1 August – 30 September 2025

Objectives:

1. Develop High-Yielding, Early-Maturing, Disease-Resistant Hybrids:
   Combine high yield potential and earliness with resistance to key diseases, including begomovirus, crinivirus, and powdery mildew.
2. Utilize Heterosis to Improve Yield and Earliness:
   1. Identify and exploit heterotic groups among 400 advanced breeding lines using high-density genotypic data (GBS).
   2. Select the best parental lines from complementary heterotic groups to develop superior hybrids.
   3. Evaluate general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability to identify the most promising parent combinations.
3. Conduct Multi-Location Hybrid Evaluation:
   1. In the first year, evaluate parental lines, hybrids, and commercial checks at the World Vegetable Center, Thailand.
   2. Member companies can then conduct multi-location trials to assess hybrid performance and stability across environments and share data for yield and yield related traits for evaluating and selecting best parentals for hybrid crosses.
   3. Delivery of new inbred lines derived from top-performing hybrids and best combiners at the end of the project.
4. Identify Genetic Markers for Key Traits:
   1. Use GBS and phenotypic data of 400 inbred lines in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify major QTLs linked to earliness and other agronomic traits.
   2. Develop molecular tools for marker-assisted selection based on identified QTLs.
5. Enhance Virus and Disease Resistance in Bitter Gourd:
   1. ToLCNDV Resistance: Introgress resistance from AVBG1655 into elite breeding lines across major market segments.
   2. Powdery Mildew Resistance: Develop new hybrids using 20 resistant inbred lines identified during December 2024–March 2025.
   3. Crinivirus Resistance: Screen breeding lines in greenhouse and field conditions. If successful, provide resistant material as an optional project output.

2. High-Performance WorldVeg Tomato F1 Hybrids and Breeding Lines to Accelerate Variety Release (Project duration: 1 October 2025 - 30 September 2027 - 2 years)

Registration period: 1 August – 30 November 2025

Objectives:

1. Rapid Access to Advanced Hybrids: Provide partner companies with ready-to-use F1 hybrids that combine key traits such as yield, fruit quality, heat tolerance, and disease resistance.
2. Direct Access to Parental and Elite Lines: Facilitate the adoption of elite parental lines containing advantageous genetic combinations for targeted market traits and resistances.
3. Delivery of Segregation F2 Populations: Establish F2 populations as genetic reservoirs for partner companies, enabling the creation of innovative and adaptive breeding programs.

Interested companies can get seeds of selected hybrids of their choice for testing at their locations, and obtain information and seeds of the parental lines of the selected hybrids. Seeds of F2 population from each selected hybrid is also available upon request. It is important to note that some of the hybrids share a parent, which means that the same line may have been used as a parent for more than one hybrid.

3. Identifying, Validating, and Deploying TOBRFV-Tolerant Tomato Genetics to Broaden the Genetic Base and Strengthen Breeding Programs (Project duration: 1 January 2026 –31 December 2030 - 5 years)

Registration period: 1 August – 30 November 2025

Objectives:

1. Access to TOBRFV-Tolerant Lines: Delivery of 5–10 pre-screened tomato lines with TOBRFV tolerance abilities for evaluation and potential integration into members’ breeding programs.
2. Multi-Location Performance Validation: Performance and tolerance data from field trials conducted in TOBRFV hotspot regions, supporting informed selection for local adaptation.
3. Distribution of Advanced Breeding Populations: Provision of 10 BC1F2 populations combining TOBRFV tolerance with improved horticultural traits and market-oriented characteristics.
4. Expanded Genetic Base for Long-Term Breeding: Broader and diverse genetic resources to strengthen breeding pipelines and increase resilience to current and future production challenges.
5. Identification of Marker-Linked Traits: Generation of QTL and/or GBS data linked to TOBRFV tolerance, supporting the development of molecular markers for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) to accelerate breeding of tolerant varieties.
6. Annual Project Workshop: Organization of an annual workshop to present results, share updates, and discuss research progress and future directions with project members.

The 2025 APSA WorldVeg Vegetable Breeding Consortium is now open for registration. Join the APSA-WorldVeg Vegetable Breeding Consortium to gain exposure to the latest research and connect with international breeders and scientists. Click here for more information.

This is all for now for the short SC/SIG updates.  Thank you very much and stay tuned for more updates next month. 

 

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Seed Industry News

The following country seed industry news pages have been updated with recent news briefs. To read full briefs, click the respective flag below, which links to the respective national seed industry news landing pages, where you can find all recent news briefs from that country:

Australia

Field Trials Launched To Combat Cockchafer Pest: Farmers in Western Australia’s south-east are grappling with severe crop damage caused by scarab beetle larvae, commonly known as cockchafers . . . Read

Bangladesh

Zoning Ordinance to Safeguard Farmland: The Bangladesh government has drafted the Land Zoning and Agricultural Land Protection Ordinance 2025, which would conserve 80% of the country’s farmland exclusively for agriculture and restrict conversion . . . Read

Cambodia

Rice Prices Hit 20-Year Low: Cambodian rice farmers are facing the lowest paddy prices in two decades, with OM rice falling to 600–700 riel/kg (USD 0.15–0.17), down from over 1,000 riel/kg (USD 0.24) last year . . . Read 

China 

New Measures Protect Farmland: China has introduced new regulations to safeguard 103 million hectares of permanent basic farmland, aiming to strengthen national food security while allowing greater flexibility in land management . . .  Read

 

India

Regulatory Burdens Cost Seed Sector USD 96M Annually, Says FSII: India’s seed industry is urging regulatory reforms to cut compliance costs exceeding INR 800 crore (USD 96 million) each year, according to a new FSII report. Key demands include a unified “One Nation, One Licence” system . . . Read

 

Indonesia

Agriculture Ministry Tightens Seed Licensing Governance:  Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture announced strengthened measures for seed import and export licensing to ensure quality, availability, and sustainability in national agricultural production. . . Read

 

Japan

Rice Prices Near Record High Despite Forecasted Surplus: Retail rice prices in Japan are climbing again, nearing record highs despite forecasts that 2025 production will exceed demand. The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry projects output of 7.28–7.45 million tons against demand of about 7.11 million tons . . . Read

Korea

Korea Seed Association Marks 60th Anniversary, Calls for Industry Revival: The Korea Seed Association celebrated its 60th anniversary in Daejeon, highlighting the need to strengthen domestic seed companies to restore Korea’s leadership in the sector. Officials underscored the seed industry’s role in food security and exports, stressing the importance of scaling up firms . . . Read

Malaysia

Floods Cause Crop Losses in Sabah: Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Ministry reported RM2.2 million (USD 470,000) in preliminary flood damage to Sabah’s agrofood sector, including RM 520,000 (USD 111,000) in losses to paddy fields covering 113 hectares . . . Read

Nepal

Vegetable Prices Double Ahead of Festivals: Prices of green vegetables in Nepal’s Bardibas market have surged by 50–100% ahead of Dashain and Tihar, with pointed gourd rising from Rs 30 to Rs 100/kg (USD 0.23–0.77) and tomatoes and cauliflower reaching Rs 150/kg (USD 1.15) . . . Read

Pakistan

Heat-Tolerant Soybean Varieties Developed: Scientists at the Wheat Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad, have developed local soybean varieties capable of withstanding temperatures up to 45°C . . . Read

 

Philippines

Space Tech to Monitor Rice Farming: The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) have launched a five-year partnership to make rice farming more climate-smart . . . Read

Sri Lanka

Higher Paddy Output Forecasted: Sri Lanka’s central bank reported stronger paddy and coconut production in July, with the Department of Agriculture forecasting 2.2 million tons for the 2025 Yala season . . . Read

 

Thailand

Rice Exports Fall for 10th Straight Month: Thailand’s rice exports fell 30% year-on-year in August to USD 3.94 billion, with volumes down 16.9% to 739,497 tonnes, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Shipments have dropped for 10 consecutive months . . . Read

Vietnam

One-Million-Hectare Low-Emission Rice Project Surpasses Target: Vietnam’s one-million-hectare rice project in the Mekong Delta has expanded faster than planned, with 312,000 hectares already registered in 2025 against a first-phase target of 180,000 hectares . . . Read

 

Seed Industry News by country in alphabetical order

 

Australia	Bangladesh	Cambodia	China	India	Indonesia	Japan	Korea, South
Laos	Malaysia	Myanmar	Nepal	New Zealand	Pakistan	Philippines	Singapore
Sri Lanka	Thailand	Turkiye	Vietnam	Central Asia	Middle East	International

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