What Is a Seed Treatment?

 
Seed Protection

A seed treatment is a product applied to seed before planting to protect the seed and young seedling from diseases, insects, or environmental stress during early establishment.

Treatments may include fungicides, insecticides, biologicals, or coatings that improve handling and performance.

Why are seeds treated?

 

Seeds are treated to:

  • Improve germination and stand establishment
  • Protect seedlings from early-season diseases and insects
  • Reduce the need for foliar or soil-applied pesticides later
  • Increase uniformity, especially under suboptimal conditions

Seed treatments act as insurance during the crop’s most vulnerable growth stage.

What types of seed treatments are commonly used?

 
Fungicide

Fungicide treatments

  • Protect against soilborne pathogens like Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium
  • Reduce damping-off and seed rot
Insecticide

Insecticide treatments

  • Protect against early-season insect pests such as seedcorn maggot and wireworms
  • Most effective when pest pressure is predictable
Biological

Biological treatments

  • Contain beneficial microbes (e.g., Trichoderma, Bacillus)
  • Can enhance root growth and disease suppression
Coating

Polymer coatings

  • Improve seed flow through planters
  • Reduce dust-off
  • Help treatments adhere evenly to the seed

Do seed treatments affect germination?

 

When used correctly, seed treatments do not reduce germination and often improve field emergence, especially in:

Cool soils
Wet conditions
High disease-pressure environments

All commercially treated seed is tested to ensure it meets germination standards.

Are treated seeds safe to handle?

 

Yes, when handled properly.

  • Always follow label instructions
  • Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while handling treated seed
  • Wash hands after use
  • Do not use treated seed for food or feed

Treated seeds are dyed to clearly indicate they are not for consumption.

For more information, please see links below:

 
→  Seed Treatments Protect Crops from Early Harm – Mississippi State University Extension
→  Fungicide Seed Treatment – Iowa State University Extension
What Is a Seed Treatment?

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