Seed Filmcoating

Filmcoat

Filmcoat

At Germains we strive to provide our customers with high-quality seed treatments that are safe in use and will help to maximise your crops, success by providing protection from pests and disease. Treatment using seed film-coating is the precision application of substances such as colour pigments, plant protection products, beneficial microorganisms and biologicals to raw seeds or in, or onto, seed pellets.

Filmcoat applications of plant protection products are designed to ensure that the substances are applied at the approved label rate as required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council or other regulations in force.

Benefits of controlling pests and diseases via seed filmcoating treatments

Protecting crops by treating the seed provides a significant reduction of active ingredient loading into the soil when compared to alternatives such as spraying or granule application. Spraying typically covers 100% of the soil surface and may offer potential for drifting, when the active ingredient is applied topically to each seed it is typically represented on less than 1% of the total soil acreage. Targeting treatment on seed also ensures that only the direct environment of the seed where planted is protected, therefore maintaining the biodiversity of the field. As seed is planted in the soil, there is no potential for drift, and film-coating of treatment ensures a dust-free planting.

Seed filmcoat technologies offer many benefits including:

Seed filmcoating process

The seed filmcoating process encases the active ingredients or formulated plant protection products within a thin film of binding materials that improves handling and reduces dust off in use. The filmcoating binders keep the product on the pelleted seed thus maximising the benefit of the plant protection product to protect the seed from pests and diseases and to help facilitate healthy crop development. Some plant protection products are potentially toxic and may cause damage to the seed, under these circumstances, Germains will apply the plant protection product on the outside of the pellet by filmcoating.

Quality control and safety

All of Germains seed film-coat applications are routinely tested by our Quality Control Department to ensure that the application of plant protection products is controlled and complies with regulatory standards in force. Also, to prevent seeds treated with plant protection products from being accidentally consumed by humans or animals, all seeds treated are colour coded.

Contact us for more information

Germains can provide a wide range of treatments for seed across its three European locations, providing a consistently high level of quality treated seed. Germains in the UK and the Netherlands are members of EST, the seed treatment accreditation of the European Seed Association current work is ongoing to gain accreditation for the Spanish facility.

As our offer for seed treatment is extensive, please do contact us with any inquiries you may have for your seed so we may tailor an offer for you.

Microplastic-Free Seed Coating Solutions

Introducing our new Microplastic-free Seed Coating Solutions that are comparable to our current flagship product polyselect® 500 shine polymers.

Trials with various colours and application rates have been conducted on diverse species, including maize, oilseed rape, sunflowers, spinach, onion, brassica and carrots.

Regulatory Compliant. Eco-friendly. Same Quality.

The foundation of this innovative product is a biodegradable, natural substance. Its water solubility ensures compliance with regulations but also our stringent internal benchmarks for performance and sustainability.

This formulation provides dust protection akin to its predecessor while boasting enhanced flowability during drilling with minimal impact on germination.

  • Precise, uniform agrochemical distribution
  • Efficient carrier for seed-applied crop protection
  • Robust binding agent, reduce dust
  • Enhance field visibility, product identification
  • Eco-friendly sustainable Microplastic-free formulation
  • Compliant with EU regulations

Navigating the Future of European Horticulture and Field Crops

New legislations are changing the face of European horticulture & field crops creating huge challenges for seed producers and growers.

The EU Commission and United Nations are focused on reducing the negative impacts of food production on the environment and have put in place several legal directives to drive change that will impact the seed supply chain and the growers we serve.

More Information

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Species availability:
Brassicas, Carrot, Maize, Oilseed rape, Onion, Spinach

Seed Film-coatingPolycote is a precision application of fungicides, insecticides, and other beneficial microorganisms, often adding a coloured layer to the seed. This also enables improved handling and produces dust-free, cosmetically pleasing seed.

Species availability:
Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chard, Coriander, Corn Salad, Courgette, Cucumber, Eggplant, Endive, Gherkin, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Melon, Onion, Parsley, Parsnip, Pepper, Pumpkin, Radish, Red Beet, Salad / Bunching Onion, Spinach, Sweet Pepper, Tomatoes, Turnip, Watermelon, Wild Rocket