The choice and care of seeds are crucial factors in the success of any agricultural operation. They are the basis for good initial crop development.
In this article, we'll look at modern treatment technologies and the importance of choosing seeds with high germination and vigor, as well as the benefits of adopting practices to protect seeds, from treatment to the field.
Why is protecting seeds essential?
Seeds are the basis of any crop and represent the start of the entire agricultural cycle. Protecting seeds is one of the essential steps that helps them germinate in good conditions, cope with the environment and reach the stage of development necessary for a successful harvest. Without protecting the seeds properly, they are exposed to a series of challenges, such as pests, diseases, excessive humidity or drought, all factors that can compromise the crop.
For a high-quality harvest, it is crucial to choose seeds with high vigor and germination, which ensure the development of uniform and robust plants. In addition, the use of treated seeds is fundamental, as it allows the plants to face the initial growth phases more safely. This helps the plants reach the harvest point in favorable conditions.
What is seed treatment?
Seed treatment is an advanced technology developed for the agricultural sector to strengthen and protect seeds against pests and diseases. This process involves the application of phytosanitary products such as fungicides, insecticides and other protective agents that allow seeds to germinate and develop in safer conditions, facing less interference from external agents that could compromise their initial establishment.
Essential components of seed treatment
One of the techniques used in seed treatment is Film Coating Technology, made up of polymers and drying powders. This technology consists of applying a thin, uniform film around the seeds. This protective layer improves the adherence of the applied products, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. In addition, Film Coating reduces the formation of dust, facilitates handling by improving the fluidity and planting of treated seeds. See below for examples of these products:
LabFix® Polymer Line
The LabFix® line of polymers is one of the main features of seed treatment and has been developed to provide greater adhesion of protection products to the seed. The polymers form a uniform film around the seed, which increases the abrasion resistance and adhesion of the products, preventing leaching losses and improving planting performance. With this protective layer, the farmer can handle the seeds and carry out planting with less loss of the treatment film, which ensures that the products applied, such as fungicides and insecticides, remain active and protect the seeds for longer.
LabSec® Drying Powder
Another essential component in seed treatment is LabSec® drying powder, which helps dry the treatment mixture and improves the fluidity of the seeds, contributing to better singulation during planting and reducing the occurrence of double seeds or failures.
Benefits of protecting seeds with modern treatments
Protecting seeds with modern treatments offers several benefits that have a direct impact on crop establishment. Below are some of the main gains for farmers who adopt these practices.
1. higher germination rate and plant vigor
Well-protected seeds are more likely to germinate and develop vigorous plants. Treatment with polymers and drying powders helps preserve the quality of the seed treatment and prevent external factors from negatively affecting its development.
2. Reducing losses in the field
The application of fungicides, insecticides and polymers reduces the vulnerability of seeds to diseases and pests in the early stages, when the plants are still most susceptible. This reduces the need for replanting, saving resources and increasing the efficiency of the cultivation process.
3. Saving inputs and time
With the right treatment, farmers can reduce the use of pesticides and other inputs in the field, since the seeds are already protected for the start of crop establishment. This saves time and money, as well as contributing to a more sustainable agriculture that is less dependent on chemical products.
4. More uniform planting and high quality harvest
Currently, LabFix® polymer formulations and LabSec® drying powders have flow additives and lubricants in their composition, which provide more uniform sowing, with less risk of failures or double seeds. This translates into a homogeneous crop, with plants that grow in a more balanced way, resulting in a higher quality harvest.
Proper storage to protect seeds
In addition to the treatment, it is important to consider the storage of the seeds to ensure their protection before planting. Seeds should be stored in places with temperature and humidity controls to avoid deterioration. Environments with high temperatures or humidity, for example, can compromise the viability of the seeds.
Other tips for protecting seeds
For seed treatment and protection to be effective, it is important to avoid mistakes that could compromise seed quality and crop productivity.
Proper treatment: ignoring seed treatment with fungicides, insecticides, polymers and drying powders exposes seeds to a number of risks. Investing in quality products, such as those offered by the LabFix® and LabSec® range, guarantees more complete protection.
Assertive application: The application of the products must respect the dosage recommendations described for each product.
Treatment infrastructure: To carry out the treatment, specific equipment developed for the process is needed to ensure better application, distribution and homogenization of all the products on the surface of the seeds without damaging them.
Safety and trained professionals: Seed treatment should always be carried out using the necessary PPE to ensure worker safety, as well as being a practice that should be carried out by professionals who are properly qualified and trained for the operation, and it is essential to have the camp of an agronomist or agricultural technician.
