Concepts and Technologies of Selected Seed Treatments

Seed treatments are used on many crop seeds for a variety of purposes. The greatest use of seed treatments has been to provide an inexpensive insurance against rotting of planted seeds by soil fungi such as Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani. Seed treatments for many other purposes are being de­ veloped and used. Increasingly, commercial seed treaters are beginning to view seed treatments as a means to substantially increase the value of the seed and to improve plant growth and productivity. Examples of other types of seed treatments are: (a) treatment with systemic chemicals that can translocate into the seed to control deep-seated plant pathogens. Several chemicals also translocate to the above-ground portions of the seedling and protect against foliar diseases; (b) treatment with microor­ ganisms that can proliferate on the seed, transfer to the root and fix N2, enhance uptake of nutrients, protect the subterranean plant portions against attack by soil-inhabiting fungi, and/or increase plant growth; (c) physical treatments that control seedbome pathogens; (d) seed coatings or pellets that can improve seed shape for planting or provide other benefits; (e) physiolog­ ical seed treatments that enhance germination rate and plant performance; and (j) various treatments that affect seed moistUre relationships and result in improved seed storability or performance.

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