The
primary way of enhancing seed performance is through the addition of chemicals
to protect the seed from pathogens. These are generally fungicides, although
insecticides and other protecting agents can also be applied in this way.
In recent years, film-coating methods have been developed In film coating, the chemicals are applied in a polymer that is sprayed on the seeds as they fall though a specialized machine. The polymer is rapidly dried, so that the seeds emerge with a complete, dry polymeric coating.
This coating does not rub off the seeds, greatly reducing worker exposure and waste. In addition, colors can be added to the polymers to code different varieties or seed lots. Large-scale units capable of treating large quantities of seeds have been developed, making it feasible to treat high-volume agronomic crops by this method as well.
In recent years, film-coating methods have been developed In film coating, the chemicals are applied in a polymer that is sprayed on the seeds as they fall though a specialized machine. The polymer is rapidly dried, so that the seeds emerge with a complete, dry polymeric coating.
This coating does not rub off the seeds, greatly reducing worker exposure and waste. In addition, colors can be added to the polymers to code different varieties or seed lots. Large-scale units capable of treating large quantities of seeds have been developed, making it feasible to treat high-volume agronomic crops by this method as well.
The coatings are also being used to delay germination after
planting, such as for timing the emergence of parental lines at different times
to ensure synchronous flowering for hybrid seed production.
