Seed treatment refers to the application of fungicide, insecticide, or a combination of both, to seeds so as to disinfect them from seed-borne or soil-borne pathogenic organisms and storage insects. The treatment of seeds can be carried out in 3 different methods, such as seed dressing, seed coating, and seed pelleting. In seed dressing, the seed is dressed with a dry formulation or wet treated with a slurry or liquid formulation. Dressings can be applied at farm and industries. Seed coating is used to enhance seed adherence. While seed pelleting is used to change physical shape of a seed to enhance palatability and handling. The aforementioned methods are the most commonly used methods of seed treatment.
Insecticides, fungicides, and other compounds are commonly added to seed treatments. Each year, companies add new fungicides and insecticides to protect them from pests and diseases. Many of these chemicals are marketed as plant health products and even help protect seedlings. These treatments can also help prevent the spread of diseases. In addition to pesticides, seeds are sprayed with microbial products to promote growth and health of crops. A seed treatment help farmers avoid the spread of disease vectors and other insects that affect crops. To prevent bean pod mottle virus, a pest known as bean leaf beetles may contaminate the seed. By treating seeds, farmers can mitigate the risk of diseases and other pests and increase their yields.
Seed treatment fungicides have been a fundamental part of many agricultural systems. They prevent harmful organisms, fungi, and parasites from contaminating both seed and crops. Seed treatment fungicides are used to protect a crop from fungal infections caused by seeds passed on by birds or other animals. A seed treatment can prevent seedling growth or reduce the impact of an infected seedling on an existing crop. Fungicides provide protection against a number of common seed-borne infections (commonly known as bunt, sod, loose leaf, red flag, black spot, white spots, brown patches, and golden bud) and some seedling diseases that can lead to early blight or other damage.
Seed treatment fungicides are used to enhance and protect the seeds. These fungicides are often used to control diseases caused due to soil borne infections, fungal disease, blight and root rot, termite bunt, loose smut, false smut, and others. Seed treatment protect seeds from soil and seed pathogens. Soil-borne pathogens infect the seed or seedling, anchoring the development of both parasitic and non-parasitic diseases. The treatment of seeds can be carried out in three different methods, such as seed dressing, seed coating, and seed pelleting. Many seed treatment fungicides help protect the seed against water mold fungi, such a Pythium or Phytophthora.
According to Coherent Market Insights, global seed treatment market is anticipated to reach US$ 9.8 billion by 2027, in terms of revenue, growing at CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period 2020 to 2027.
The use of seed treatments is a proven method of improving crop yields. This type of treatment is highly effective and convenient and alsoenvironmentally friendly. A good way to start with seed treatment is to consider the seedlings’ potential exposure to pests and diseases. In short, seed treatment plays an important role in protecting the seed and seedlings from seed and soil borne diseases and pests that affect crop emergence and its growth. Moreover, it has emerged as a cost-effective solution as compared to the traditional spraying method as it is less labor-intensive and enhance overall productivity.