Seed Treatments as a part of U.S. Agriculture
Seed Treatments are an excellent example of how the seed industry and crop protection industry are innovating for the future of modern agriculture. Seed treatments have significantly increased in importance as companies have worked to breed new, more productive varieties that are tailored to meet farmers’ needs in coping with disease, insects and weeds prominent in their region. Seed treatments act as a delivery mechanism for pest management products to improve the production and yield opportunities of the crop.
Seed treatments are an effective tool for combating the negative impacts of diseases, insects, nematodes and other pests at the time of planting and thereafter, therefore helping America’s farmers produce higher quality crops, while minimizing impact to humans, animals and the environment.
Definition of Seed Treatment
Seed treatment is the application of biological organisms and chemical ingredients to seed to suppress, control, or repel plant pathogens, insects, or other pests that attack seeds, seedlings or plants. Seed applied technologies such as inoculants, herbicide safeners, micronutrients, plant growth regulators, seed coatings, colorants, etc. may also be applied to the seed. Treated seed is intended for planting only and not for food or feed uses.