Modern Methods of Seed Protection

Modern seed protection uses standardised chemical and physical treatments to improve germination and guard seed against disease, pests and poor storage conditions. Seed treatment (seed dressing) applies an antimicrobial or antifungal chemical to seed before planting, which prevents the spread of plant disease, protects against seedling blights, improves germination, and guards against storage and soil insects. Seed hardening physiologically preconditions seed by soaking it in water or a chemical solution for a set duration in a defined seed-to-solution ratio, then shade-drying it back to its original moisture content; this raises yield, root growth and germination vigour, makes seedling emergence more uniform, brings flowering forward by two to three days, produces more uniform seed-set and maturity, and improves drought tolerance. Seed pelleting encloses the seed in an inert filler material using an adhesive carrying bioactive chemicals, increasing the seed's weight, size and shape so it can be sown and spaced more precisely. Seed coating is a thicker covering that may include fertilizer, growth promoters, rhizobium inoculum, nutrients and repellent agents, again improving seed performance and germination. Bio-priming combines seed hydration (the physiological side of disease …