How are Biologicals Applied to Seeds?
Biologicals are a buzz word in the agriculture industry these days. Whether they are applied to the plant as a foliar spray, soil amendment or a seed treatment, there is a science behind ensuring that they benefit the end user, the grower producing the crop. For over ten years, Germains Seed Technology has worked closely with AMSAC and SARGAPA establishing criteria and developing organic biological seed treatments that meet the phytosanitary requirements for seed exported to Mexico.
Melon Seed Treated with Organic Biological Seed Treatment
Germains is in full support of adhering to phytosanitary regulations that prevent plant and seed borne diseases from transferring regions. However, the benefits of Germains NOP compliant biological seed treatments extend beyond meeting phytosanitary requirements. Biological seed treatments can offer planted seeds protection from diseases such as Pythium to help improve your final stand.
All of Germains biological seed treatments are applied and tested on every species permitted by the manufacturer label with methods developed by our R&D team to ensure the grower receives a seed treatment that will provide a benefit to their crop. Of course, seed handling and field conditions have an impact on the whether or not the biological will activate.
How are Biologicals Applied to Seeds?
Our customers and the growers will be relieved to hear that Germains takes the following actions to ensure they are receiving a high-quality seed treatment by using the following protocols:
The application of a biological seed treatment requires an understanding of the organism and its ability to survive the seed treatment process. Germains R&D team evaluates the CFU (Colony Forming Units)/ seed application rates so that we may prepare samples of film coating solutions that contain the correct number of CFU per seed and then perform the application to optimize the biological’s performance in the field.
T-22 Trichoderma harzianum | Photo Courtesy Wikipedia
The treated seeds are analyzed in the lab to determine the actual number of viable organisms / CFU on a per seed basis by growing out the biologicals in the lab. Because biological contain living organisms that are sensitive to heat, abrasion, and other chemical constituents, post application following the label rate often leads to a shortage of live organism on the seed.
The objective is to optimize efficacy for the end user by applying the correct number of CFU’s on a per seed basis as directed by the manufacturer’s label. Germains’ R&D team will revise the formulation and increases the concentration of biologicals added to compensate for losses incurred during the application, drying and packaging steps.
Grower Conducting Biological Field Trial | Improve Root Mass & Plant Vigor
Compare this to conventional pesticide chemistry applications where an HPC analysis confirms the right amount of chemical active per seed. If a seed treatment does not have the correct amount of active ingredient, be it a biological or conventional pesticide, then the efficacy of the treatment in the field cannot be assured. By following R&D protocols specifically developed for the application of biological seed treatments, we believe benefits not only the crop but more importantly the grower.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or wish to place an order, please contact us today for assistance. Or visit our website germains.com for more information about the biological seed treatments we offer for a number of vegetable crops.