Seed treatment is currently a routine practice in modern agriculture, which offers growers and farmers several benefits. Through the use of various chemicals on seeds before planting, plants can be protected from disease, insect infestation, and abiotic stress factors that would otherwise reduce yield. With advances in seed treatment technologies, the advantages to plant growth and disease resistance are increasingly evident, enabling farmers to increase productivity while ensuring sustainable methods.
Seed treatment has one of its key advantages being increased seed germination and initial plant growth. If seeds are treated with the correct agents, they will be less susceptible to attack by soil-borne plant pathogens and insect pests that could hinder their growth. In addition to providing the seeds with immunity from harmful microorganisms, seed treatments also toughen the seeds, allowing them to grow into healthier, stronger plants. Therefore, crops are more resistant to environmental stress, including drought and temperature extremes, resulting in healthier crops that can withstand erratic growing conditions.
Advancements in seed treatment have allowed for more efficient solutions to these issues. Technologies such as biological seed treatments that utilize beneficial microbes are becoming increasingly popular in the agricultural industry. These bioagents stimulate plant growth without increasing the usage of chemical pesticides, which in turn decreases the environmental impact of agriculture. Further, developments in nano-based products and advanced coating technologies have enhanced the accuracy of seed treatment applications, such that the precise dose of nutrient or protective agent is provided to the seed. This particular technique conserves waste, minimizes expenses, and maximizes total efficiency in plant development.
Yet another critical aspect of seed treatment is that it makes seeds more resistant to disease. Fungicide, insecticide, and biological-based seed treatments can provide a lasting impact on various diseases and pests infesting crops. In control of such early-season pests, seed treatment prevents disease spread throughout the crop development period, minimizing the need for ongoing pesticide use and the risk of pest resistance accumulation. It is especially important for high-value crops that are vulnerable to disease, e.g., cereals, vegetables, and legumes.
Also, the environmental aspect of seed treatment is an area that is ever-gaining attention. As the agricultural sector has become green-oriented, eco-friendly modes of treatment are gaining mainstream focus. The use of biological seed treatments that are based on harnessing the capabilities of native organisms to kill germs for the protection of seeds is the most promising means of replacing chemicals as a seed treatment. Such therapies minimize deleterious chemical usage to a point but also maximize healthy microbial life within the soil. Overall minimization of pesticide and herbicide usage means that fewer water supplies are contaminated and have less damaging effects on the environment, positively affecting ecosystems and the surrounding biodiversity.
According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI) projections, the seed treatment industry is projected to register a 9.7% CAGR during the study period. The size of the market is estimated to be US$ 30.76 billion by 2032. This growth is a result of the growing adoption of seed treatment practices due to the demand for enhanced crop yield, disease resistance, and environmental sustainability. As the industry continues to grow, seed treatment technology development will be the key to driving the future of agriculture.
Seed treatment has implications beyond just protecting crops. By improving growth in plants, resistance to disease, and promoting sustainable farming, seed treatment technologies are revolutionizing agriculture today. Through innovation in seed treatment technologies and even greener alternatives, farmers can keep increasing yields with less environmental degradation. This makes seed treatment not only a means to an end in the present but also an essential element in sustainable food production for the future.
Source:
News Outlet: Krishi Seva Kendra
E commerce platform: Verdesian Life Sciences
