SEED HEALTH TREATMENTS IN ORGANIC SEED PRODUCTION

According to various authors, there are several classifications of treatments including physical treatments, application of natural compounds, such as plant extracts and oils, use of inorganic natural products and biological control (use antagonistic microorganisms). Organic production of seed is more subjected to risk of contamination with weed seeds and seed-borne pathogens than conventional seed production. [...]seed-borne pathogens can be accumulated and can become severe problem after several cycles of seed multiplication. According to Emily Gatch, Washington State University (https://eorganic.org/node/749): „The purpose of any seed treatment is to improve seed performance in one or more of the following ways: 1) eradicate seed-borne pathogens or protect from soil-borne pathogens, 2) optimize ease of handling and accuracy of planting (reduce gaps in stand or the need for thinning of seedlings, particularly when mechanical planters are used), and 3) improve germination rates." (2013), the organic seed is produced under the organic system in which seeds are typically treated with materials from organic sources (Table 1). Since it is usually impossible to produce healthy, disease-free seed and since the application of conventional treatments with chemical is not allowed, many studies on alternative seed treatments have been done and are still in progress.