AgTech360

Dr. Amy Grunden, professor of microbiology at NC State University, discusses how soil biology and plant–microbe interactions play a critical role in crop resilience under heat, drought, and other climate stresses. She shares insights into how microbial diversity supports nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and overall plant health, and how interdisciplinary research is deepening our understanding of resilient cropping systems. Find out what these discoveries could mean for growers and the future of climate-ready agriculture on this episode.

Dr. Louise Thatcher of CSIRO shares insights into how biological crop protection tools are helping address resistance challenges and support more resilient food systems. The discussion highlights the science behind microbial discovery, the journey from lab to field, and why consistency, grower trust, and regulatory alignment are essential for scaling biologicals globally. The conversation offers a global perspective on how nature-based solutions can play an impactful role in sustainable agriculture.

Isabel Vercauteren, CEO and co-founder of Aphea Bio, shares how microbes are being harnessed to create new biocontrol and biostimulant solutions for agriculture. She explains how Aphea Bio’s advanced R&D platform identifies promising microbial candidates, and discusses the opportunities and challenges of bringing biological products to market. Learn more about the future of biologicals, the evolving regulatory landscape, and how microbial innovations can support more sustainable and resilient crop systems.

GreenLight Biosciences’ CCO Mark Singleton explains how RNA interference (RNAi) technology is opening a new pathway for sustainable crop protection. Learn how RNAi works, why it offers a highly targeted and biodegradable alternative to traditional chemistry, and how the company’s innovations are shaping the future of plant health. Tune in to hear how RNA-based tools are moving from scientific concept to real-world solutions for growers.

CTO Mikael Courbot shares how Micropep is harnessing plant-derived micropeptides —tiny, naturally occurring molecules designed with AI and advanced modeling — to precisely target weeds and diseases. Learn how this breakthrough approach is giving farmers powerful, sustainable biological alternatives to traditional crop protection chemicals.