SEED TREATMENT CONFERENCE

Transcription

1 SEED TREATMENT CONFERENCE June 2003 Bangalore, India ABSTRACTS

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Presentations 1. Operator Safety in Central Seed Treatment Facilities 2. Labelling of Treated Seed and Guidelines for Safe Handling On-farm 3. Waste Management 4. The Impact of Seed Treatment on Seed Quality 5. Disinfection of Seed from Seed Transmitted Diseases 6. Current Status and Future Prospects for Biological Seed Treatments 7. Regulations for Registration and Use of Seed Treatment Products in P.R. China 8. Branding Seeds and Seed Treatment - Adding Value through Dual Branding 9. Minor Use Programmes and Implications for Seed Treatments 10. EU & NAFTA Re-registration Processes and Implications for Seed Treatments Globally 11. Optimisation of Seed Treatment Application Processes and Equipment 12. Seed Treatment Specific Aspects in Developing Countries 13. Seed Treatments - Unique Formulations 14. Seed Treatment as innovative Crop Protection 15. Technical Issues and Seed Treatment Solutions 16. Public Awareness for Small Farmers Posters 17. Application of Sophisticated Insecticides on Lettuce Pellets 18. The Quality of Seed Coatings 19. Poncho Seed Applied Insecticide Results on U.S. Corn 20. Non-Chemical Seed Enhancement Improves Vigor, Stress Tolerance, and Yields 21. Encapsulation and Drying of Pseudomonas fluorescens: A Glimpse into the Capsule 22. Advances in Application Technology in Sugar Beet Seed 23. Biological Seed Treatment in Sugar Beets for the Control of Soil Borne Fungi and Improvement of Field Emergence 24. On-Demand Seed Treating 25. Innovative and Broad Spectrum Control of Cotton Seedling Diseases 26. A Novel Seed Coating to Protect Vegetable Crops Against Nematodes 27. Let s Protect Plants and Respect the Environment at the Same Time: A Brochure to Promote Seed Treatment 28. cc Centricoater (A Continuous Chemical Batch Treater) 29. Influence of Seed Coloring on Seed Quality and Storability in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) 30. Seed Enhancement by Osmo-conditioning in Cotton 31. Impact of Seed Invigouration Treatments on Seed Quality in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) 32. Reforestation Tests on Airplane Sowing Tree Seeds treated with Electrostatic Field in Northern Mountains of China 33. Gaucho An Innovation in Cotton Seed Treatment under African Conditions

3 Operator Safety in Central Seed Treatment Facilities D. P. Deaville Global Regulatory Affairs Manager, Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Basel, Switzerland & Chairman, SeedTropex Seed Treatment Operator Exposure Task Force Seed treatment application of pesticides offers many advantages over foliar or soil uses. These include a limitation in total quantity of active ingredient used; it is targeted to the seed using a closely monitored dose. Application in central treatment facilities is essentially an industrial operation where treatment is made under controlled conditions. It is possible to enhance the quality of treatment and to minimise the possibility of accidental loss to the environment. This paper approaches the issue of worker safety in industrial seed treatment plants from the perspective of pesticide use. Seed companies operating on an industrial scale supply seed in considerable quantities. This seed must be supplied at the right time, at the right place and in the necessary quantity to satisfy demand. Pesticides are but one input to production of that quality seed. Pesticides are registered for use; each registration includes detailed guidance on the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn by workers, to protect from dermal or inhalation exposure during treatment. In addition to specific pesticide rules, there may also be government factory/ industrial legislation impacting on their operation. Exposure of workers to pesticides varies according to the operation being performed; exposure is also affected by the behaviour and hygiene practices of each operator. Experience of the pesticide producers in measuring exposure to pesticides helps in defining key areas for improving operator hygiene standards in the process of treating seeds. This is illustrated by reference to the work of the SeedTropex Operator Exposure Task Force. Improvement of procedures and operator safety is a long-term process. It relies on the commitment of plant managers to improve quality and in the training of motivated and skilled treatment machinery operators.

4 Labelling of Treated Seed and Guidelines for Safe Handling Onfarm G. H. G. Drury Team-leader - Global Regulatory Affairs, Bayer CropScience AG, D Monheim am Rhein, Germany [email protected] Seed treatment is essentially a two-step process: 1. Application of the seed treatment product to the seed 2. Planting (or drilling ) of the treated seed in the field The first step takes place on the plantation/farm or in centralised treatment plants and is equivalent to the application of foliar spray in the field, usually within the scope of pesticide regulation that considers the formulated seed treatment as the end-use product to be regulated not the treated seed. The second step occurs only on the plantation/farm, and is the focus of this presentation. Marketing, sale, transport, storage and planting of the treated seed as a step after application of the regulated end-use product (and associated statutory label) is usually beyond the scope of pesticide-specific regulation. It is often a neglected by the industry, but imperative for individual companies to promote and help ensure best practice by growers to promote the optimal safe use of seed treated with our products. Treated seed whether brought in from outside the farm or treated on the farm is usually handled in bags (sizes typically ranging from 1kg 500kg depending on the crop seeding rate, enterprise size, etc). For the person planting the treated seed particularly when treated off-site - the bag label is the key (and often the only) source of information readily available on: - a) the product trade-name applied to the seed b) the active substance(s) contained c) the manufacturing company and contact details in case of need for further information d) the protective equipment to use when handling of the treated seed e) other precautions to take in the handling of the treated seed f) the shelf-life of the treated seed g) instructions for drill or planter calibration to ensure correct seeding rate In terms of official guidelines relating to treated seed bag labelling, there are currently none under pesticide-specific legislation neither in the EU nor in NAFTA at present. This is due to change in Europe at least, in the next revision of the registration EU directive 91/414 when treated seed will be considered a regulated end-use product within the scope of pesticide legislation. In the UK, a non-statutory voluntary agreement between authorities and industry requires companies to comply with seed bag labelling recommendations resulting from approval of pesticides applied as seed treatments again this is likely to be made a statutory requirement in due course. In the absence of official regulation or guidelines, the industry (STEC) is in the process of drawing up guidelines for minimum information that member companies are recommended to provide for bag labelling to help safe use and handling of the treated seed. The presentation will review current practice for safe handling of treated seed on-farm, together with recommendations for future improvements, consistent with good agricultural practice. In this context - the presentation will also describe, with working examples, the evolution in the labelling systems already planned or in discussion in key countries.

5 Waste Management G. Lamka Quality Supply Manager, Pioneer Hi-Bred International/DuPont, Johnston, IA 50131, USA Periodically Seed Handlers need to dispose of excess, obsolete, or substandard seed that has been treated with crop protection products and/or subjected to processes that make it unfit for the grain channels. Disposal must be done in accordance with the manufacturers product labels, local and federal regulations, and in an environmentally friendly way. Failure to do this may result in fines, penalties, imprisonment, or other legal liabilities. Seed Handlers should take a "cradle to grave" approach to seed treatment products. If the Seed Handler elects to use a Disposal Agent then they should validate that the Agent is properly licensed and has the capacity to handle the discard products properly. Disposal options include such processes as waste management incineration, burial in sanitary landfills, incineration for power, alcohol production, composting, planting for green manure crops, and planting for wildlife habitat.

6 The Impact of Seed Treatment on Seed Quality J. S. Burris Burris Consulting LLC, 1707 Burnett Ave. Ames, IA USA Modern plant breeding has produced an abundance of high yielding varieties which exploit an extended period of development to produce high yields. These new genetics have become more costly and growers expectations have also increased. Because of these factors, seed producers have become much more aware of the potential benefit and impact of any seed amendment on seed quality and storability. Recent advances in seed treatment technology have resulted in the introduction of the seed as a delivery system for many materials including nutrients, fungicides, inoculants and insecticides. This discussion will focus on the factors that contribute to seed quality how they are evaluated and the impact of seed treatments. Examples will include both laboratory and field performance and include several species.

7 Disinfection of Seed from Seed Transmitted Diseases E. Juckers Integrated Product Research, INCOTEC International b.v., 1601 BL Enkhuizen, The Netherlands Many plant pathogens can be seed transmitted. Seed distribution is a very efficient form of plant disease dispersal. In the overall agricultural economy seed forms the basis of a successful crop production. Chemical crop protection, pharmaceutical and seed technology companies service the industry with products and technologies for seed disinfection. Disinfection of seed from seed transmitted diseases often requires specialised products, technology and know-how. Seed cleaning, chemical- and physical-treatments, film coating, pelleting or seed enhancement treatments are used in the industry as tools for seed disinfection. Mostly seed coating with registered and approved pesticides, result in seed surface disinfection or disease suppression. Eradication of pathogens, from the interior of the seed, can only be attained by technologies or processes aimed at targeting the pathogen within the seed. Disinfection technologies or processes that do not discriminate between pathogen or host tissue often have a negative effect on seed quality and may result in a reduction of shelf life. Retention of seed quality and shelf life, obtained through low dosage application, does not always result in effective disinfection, especially in seed lots with high disease infection levels. The advantages and limitations of seed disinfection technologies will be discussed, with reference to their effect on seed quality and effectiveness in the control of seed transmitted diseases.

8 Current Status and Future Prospects for Biological Seed Treatments J. W. Kloepper Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn AL 36849, Alabama. U.S.A Applications of biological agents to crop seeds have focused on root-colonizing bacteria, termed rhizobacteria. PGPR (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) comprise those rhizobacteria that induce beneficial effects on plants during colonization. Benefits of PGPR include promotion of plant growth and biological control of plant diseases. In addition to causing yield increases, specific PGPR often induce early season growth promotion that can be manifested in various forms, including enhanced seedling emergence, increased biomass of roots and/or foliage, and earlier flowering. Biocontrol may result from disease escape, as in the case of enhanced seedling emergence in the presence of seedling diseases. With nematodes and some other root-infecting pathogens, biocontrol may result from tolerance when a given plant has a larger root system. Some PGPR more actively lead to biocontrol by production of antifungal compounds or by triggering induced systemic resistance in the plant. Many different types of bacteria have been found to function as PGPR, but most R & D efforts have involved the fluorescent pseudomonas and the bacilli. More research has been conducted on the pseudomonads, despite their poor survival in commercial formulations. In contrast, the bacilli form endospores, which are tolerant of heat and desiccation, thereby giving the bacteria prolonged viability in many formulations.

9 Regulations for Registration and Use of Seed Treatment Products in P.R. China Li Guoping Senior Engineer, Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals (ICAMA), Ministry of Agriculture, P.R.China Seed coating formulation products were developed in recent years and gained increasingly application in Chinese agriculture. Some regulations have been published which include: 1. Crop protect products must be registered at ICAMA before coming into market. There are some special rules for seed treatment products. a. The minimum contents of some special active ingredients are specified. b. High toxicity active ingredients are limited. c. The national standard guidelines for the field efficiency trials had been published. It clearly regulates the testing method, basic requirements, and evaluation method. 2. The government supervises and inspects the quality of seed coating products. Samples are collected from markets and manufacturers. The testing results are annually reported in nation wide. 3. A national standard, Guidelines on Drafting Standards of Flowable Concentrates for Seed Coating was proclaimed in The national standard Technique requirement of crops coating seed regulates the technique requirements, testing methods, package, transport and storage of coated seed.

10 Branding Seeds and Seed Treatment - Adding Value through Dual Branding M. Johnson Mojo HDM Ltd., London, UK [email protected] The value of strong branding is recognised as a major marketing tool throughout the world of consumer goods. There are strong lessons to be learned and can be applied to this industry. As seed companies develop new products in a highly competitive market, their brand values will become increasingly important both as a means of differentiation and as a means of communicating with distributors and farmers. As manufacturers produce new technologies the opportunity arises to act in partnership with seed companies to produce marketing partnerships that, through strong co-branding, could create increased awareness of these new products and customer confidence in their performance. This short presentation looks at illustrations in consumer goods and some recent developments in seeds and seed treatment marketing and suggests that a new and valuable marketing opportunity exists.

11 Minor Use Programmes and Implications for Seed Treatments W. Pallutt Institute for Integrated Plant Protection, Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (BBA), D Kleinmachnow, Germany. Agrochemical companies are driven by economical reasons to develop plant protection products (ppp) to control major harmful organisms in worldwide important crops such as cereals, corn, rice, rapeseed, soybeans and some others. But plant protection products are also needed in a lot of minor crops, especially in vegetable- and fruit-growing, medicinal and culinary plants, and against minor harmful organisms in major crops, to ensure sustainable and competitive production with integrated plant protection management. There are many pest control gaps in these crops, also called minor use gaps. These are defined as fields of uses (pests, weeds, diseases to be controlled in a special crop or crop group) of minor extent but overall economic significance for which no or only insufficient control methods (including authorized ppp) are available. Germany has introduced a special procedure for closing minor use gaps with the new Plant Protection Act in The preconditions, requirements, limitations, and results of this procedure are described. More than 840 minor use approvals have been granted in the past two years in Germany, among them also such for seed treatment in bulb and spring onions, leek, cucumber, sweet corn, lupines, field beans and peas. Increasing problems with minor use gaps caused by losses of about 350 active substances within the European Union (EU) have forced concerned parties to international co-operation. At the beginning of 2003 the Technical Group on Minor Uses was founded on EU level. It is planned to carry out common projects for efficacy and residue behaviour to get EU-wide approvals for minor uses. Germany is involved in EU minor use test programmes and also in the development of databases for residue and efficacy trials. For several years there has been good cooperation with IR-4-Project in the USA and the Horticulture Development Council in United Kingdom.

12 EU & NAFTA Re-registration Processes and Implications for Seed Treatments Globally P. R. Pritchard Regulatory Affairs Manager,Crompton Europe Ltd. Slough SL3 6EH, UK Seed treatment offers the possibility for cost effective control of a range of seed and soil borne pests and diseases. They are generally perceived as being safe to operators and the environment but do regulators share this perception? The present paper will examine this question in context of current re-registration reviews underway in the EU and NAFTA. It will explore the data requirements compared to other products, considering data waivers and additional studies. The paper will then look at any notable successes and failures in the re-registration process for seed treatment chemicals and the implications for the seed industry. Finally it will look to the future and highlight any changes that are in the pipeline, with specific reference to the international movement of treated seed.

13 Optimisation of Seed Treatment Application Processes and Equipment R. Tilcher KWS SAAT AG, Grimsehlstraße 31, D Einbeck, Germany Seed treatment has multiple objectives, guaranteeing high safety standards for workers, providing seed protection, ensuring high seed germination percentage, uniform plant establishment and high crop yield for the farmer. It includes all aspects of seed dressing, coating, pelleting and drying, and pre-treatment (processing, washing) of seed. Seed treatment methods and equipment are very specialised and represent a valuable contribution by the seed industry to agriculture. Commercial seed treatment equipment faces the challenge of applying accurate amounts of active ingredients to various kinds of seeds, from small quantities of small sized seed of high value (e.g. vegetables) to larger amounts of bigger seeds (e.g. corn, wheat). Loading and distribution of substances is based on the suitability of seed treatment machinery to the different formulation types such as dust, powder, slurry or mist. Seed treatment machinery deals both, with seed batches and continuous flow of seeds. High speed and rotating pelleting systems are developed to improve previous techniques using vertical pelleting drums. Seed treatment processes such as the throughput of seed and coating substances, airflow and temperature are determined and regulated with the help of computer controlled automation systems. Priming represents a special kind of seed treatment and is aimed at high performance of high valuable seed in stressful conditions and requires sophisticated equipment.

14 Seed Treatment Specific Aspects in Developing Countries K. Mueller Syngenta AG, Basel, Switzerland Important contributions to increased agricultural productivity have been made in developing countries over the last decades through the use of improved varieties, hybridisation and GM technologies. However, actual yields remain in many cases far below the genetic potential. Among others, uncontrolled or unrecognised seed- and soilborne diseases as well as early season pests remain major limiting factors. The present paper summarizes the impact of key early-season diseases and pests together with their potential, suitability and challenges for control through seed treatment. Particular reference is given to the situation in mayor crops in Asia and the economic value as well as convenience- and safety advantages that growers can derive from latest technology seed treatments. Secondly, the roles and specific properties of formal and informal seed sectors in developing countries are addressed with respect to issues and approaches towards more use of clean, treated and healthy seed by farmers and the seed industry. Finally, implications of increasing globalisation are discussed with regard to global movement of seed and the increasing pressure on developing countries to pay special attention to seed health.

15 Seed Treatments - Unique Formulations U. Schwiedop Bayer CropScience AG, D Monheim, Germany [email protected] Seed treatments are different from products for foliar use. They are low volume applications with high product concentrations on seeds. All recipe constituents have to be safe to seeds and seedlings. Stable actives offer long lasting protection, but they must be degradable to prevent groundwater contamination. Deposits must resist strong attrition forces and thus formulations must provide strong adherence. Pigments are necessary to identify treated seeds. Formulations must be stable for at least two years under various climatic conditions. They should not cause safety problems like dust or solvent vapours. Liquid and emulsion seed treatments are solvent-based formulations. These solvents must have high flash points and be non-smelling and non-toxic. Dry seed treatments are designed for solid actives. They are economic, and can have a good selectivity. Slurry seed treatments (WS) are dry powders that are used as water based suspensions that do not cause safety problems. Flowable seed treatments (FS) provide superior adherence but require hydrolytically stable and insoluble actives. New product developments like gels offer easy application, homogeneous distribution, high uniformity and high standards of safety. Continuous working at optimised formulations and new formulation types will lead to products with increased biological activity and seed safety.

16 Seed Treatment as Innovative Crop Protection P. Krohn Bayer CropScience AG, D Monheim, Germany Increasing demand for commodity crops and food (quantity, quality) in major areas will lead to further intensification of agricultural production in the most suited areas. The use of quality seed and constant development of new varieties with improved genetic potential by conventional breeding and /or GMO technology is the basis for higher productivity. The agrochemical industry offers tools for modern and efficient crop protection as an integral part of crop management. Seed treatment is an advanced and economic delivery system for crop protection products to protect the genetic potential of the seed against pests and diseases from the moment of sowing, and also partial replacement of conventional foliar and granular application. Seed treatment as the most targeted, cost effective as well as environmentally and user friendly application of crop protection products fits very well with the concept of integrated pest management. To ensure the success of seed treatments and to meet the demands and expectations of growers, especially for value added products, a close cooperation of the seed industry, the manufacturers of professional treatment equipment, and the agrochemical industry as the developer and provider of modern seed treatment products is necessary. Such cooperation ensures the use of quality seed, appropriate product formulations, accurate application techniques, as well as quality assurance systems and is the basis for safe and reliable performance of modern seed treatment products for the benefit of the farming industry. GMO technology (e.g. BT cotton) in the defence against pests and diseases, and seed treatment as modern chemical crop protection are a valuable contribution to ecologically orientated, sustainable agriculture and are complementary. Seed treatment has established itself principally in crops grown from high quality seed in intensive production systems. The importance of seed treatment will further increase, especially due to the introduction of innovative value added products (fungicides, insecticides, biologicals), and an increase in the proportion of treated seed.

17 Technical Issues and Seed Treatment Solutions A. Kapur Managing Director, Nunhems Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Dhumaspur Road, Badshahpur, Gurgaon, India The basic objective of the seed treatment is to protect seed, seedlings and young growing plants from pests, fungi, bacteria or viruses. The treatments are used to protect elite genetics and seed companies differentiate their product by giving higher value to the growers. The major shift in recent years in seed treatment is that the geneticist, plant breeders, pathologist and chemical industries are working together to give healthy crop to the growers. The infection comes to the seed either through the diseased seed crop, infected soil or crude seed extraction methods or during post harvest handling. Breeding for resistant varieties is the key focus for geneticist and they are able to achieve success in few crops with few diseases like fusarium in some crops, nematodes, bacterial wilt where genetic resistance is incorporated. The new chemicals which have unique mode of action characterised by penetration and translocation into the seed. These chemicals control the seed and soil borne diseases that are responsible for damping off and resulting in poor plant emergence. The new chemical coating technologies are developed which allows uniform coating of the seed with chemicals and also extremely safe chemicals are developed for seed treatment. The systemic chemicals like APRON for Oomycetes fungi and Gaucho for sucking pest give advantages to the seed to control soil borne and early protection to the young plants from pests. The new family of molecules strobilurius to be used as fungicide seed treatment to control Rhizoctaria solani for which genetic resistance is not available in crops like Cotton and Okra. Systemic insecticide treatment for the seed to control sucking pest attack to the young crop is of great advantage for the grower. The physico-chemical properties of neonicotinoids as active ingredients ensures fast uptake by germinating seed and young plants. The development of chemical seed treatment technologies needs special seed coating equipment and expertise. Coating right dose of chemical on each seed is a challenge. The other challenge is the safety of these chemicals to the seed and its germinative capabilities and its viability during storage. It is important to have collaboration between the seed and the seed treatment industries to provide better solution to the growers for their production problem and also ensure safety of the environment and growers by avoiding exposure to spray chemicals.

18 Public Awareness for Small Farmers S. Anand Head Marketing, Bayer (India) Limited, Bayer House, Central Avenue, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai Mumbai , India With fast widening gap between population growth and food grain production, we need to increase the food production at the rate of 2% per annum to remain in comfort zone. So far, the focus was by and large on big and medium farmers. But the crop area held by small and marginal farmers is quite sizable and is increasing at a brisk pace along with the number of holdings in this category. Especially in developing countries like India with huge population and high dependency on agriculture, small and marginal farmers draw special attention. Small farmers are large in number and scattered through out different socio-cultural strata. Low literacy, many languages, poor infrastructure and remoteness make it even more difficult to reach them. Lack of awareness and low disposable income compels them to abstain from using latest technological know-how. Although various Government agencies, financial institutions, NGOs, and Corporate are working in tandem to provide input support and education to small farmers in order to make their agrarian profession a profitable business and bring them into the main stream, efforts are far from satisfaction level. Time has come to realize for all concern that only way to minimize the social disparity and uplift the economy is to involve small farmers who are the building blocks of our society.

19 Application of Sophisticated Insecticides on Lettuce Pellets F. Tetteroo Integrated Product Research, INCOTEC International b.v., 1601 BL Enkhuizen, The Netherlands Recently, more and more sophisticated systemic insecticides such as the neo-nicotinoids, which can be used as seed treatment, are developed and marketed. Examples of these insecticides are Cruiser from Syngenta and Gaucho from Bayer. Plants from treated seeds will be protected against pests for a large part of their primary growth period. However, the dosages of these types of insecticides are much higher compared to the old fashioned pesticides. Insecticides are mostly phytotoxic for seeds, not only due to the active ingredient but also due to the other components in the formulations. Therefore the insecticides applied on seeds can affect the germination and the subsequent growth of the seedlings. In this poster we will show the possible influence of insecticides such as Cruiser and Gaucho coated on lettuce pellets on germination, growth and shelf life. It is also demonstrated that plant-raising methods becomes more important. The insecticide coated seeds become much more sensitive to stress conditions. Seed enhancement technologies like priming in combination with special modified coating methods have been established to circumvent some of these negative effects. The effects of priming lettuce on the germination of insecticide treated pellets will be shown. To optimise the quality of the coated lettuce seeds, measured as amount of active ingredient per seed and the recovery of active ingredient, and the resulting seedlings we will show that innovative coating methods can be very helpful.

20 The Quality of Seed Coatings Bob Legro Integrated Product Research, INCOTEC International b.v., 1601 BL Enkhuizen, The Netherlands In modern crop production the film coating of seeds has become a well established and increasingly recognized technology, which can add further value to seeds. Arguments for seed coatings can be based on a straightforward desire for an improvement of the seed appearance, on the more functional demand for the improvement of the plantability, on the growing need for effective and efficient application of seed protectants or based on combinations of these objectives. Whatever reason for seed coating, all players involved from seed company to the end-user will be looking for the best pricequality they can obtain and the expectations for a high quality seed coating are high. In this poster we will define the quality aspects of the appearance (e.g. colour, coverage), plantability (e.g. flowability, dust fixation) and carrier function of the seed coatings with special emphasis on the incorporation of seed protectants such as fungicides and insecticides in coatings (e.g. phytotoxicity, recovery, release). Besides, we will discuss the various parameters that determine or influence the final seed coating quality with emphasis on the seed characteristics (e.g. surface properties, colour), the pesticide characteristics (e.g. powder, colour, solvent), the coating formulation (e.g. polymer, colorants) and application technology (e.g. batch, drying). Where possible and functional we will refer to cases (no commercial names will be used) and include pictures, graphics or drawings to support the various aspects of seed coating quality and parameters involved to obtain the final seed coating quality.

21 Poncho Seed Applied Insecticide Results on U.S. Corn J. T. Pitts Gustafson LLC, Plano TX 75093, USA Poncho is a new chloro-nicotinyl (CNI) seed treatment insecticide under development for use on corn in the United States with EPA registration expected in the 2 nd quarter of Poncho is more efficacious than other CNI or Neonicotinoid compounds when applied as a seed treatment against many of the key insect problems on corn such as wireworm, cutworm, grape colaspis, billbug, and corn rootworm. Poncho is to be applied by commercial seed companies at rates of 0.25 and 1.25 mg a.i. per seed. Poncho 250 (0.25 mg a.i. per seed) provides seedling protection against secondary insects such as wireworm, white grub, cutworm, seed corn maggot, chinch bugs, and grape colaspis. Poncho 1250 (1.25 mg a.i. per seed) also provides protection against these insects as well as corn rootworm and southern corn billbug. Poncho 1250 and 250 have consistently provided improved stand and yield in controlled tests through out the U. S. Average yields in field trials in 2001 and 2002 showed Poncho 250 improved yields by 8.43 bushels per acre and Poncho 1250 improved yields by bushels per acre over the fungicide control.

22 Non-Chemical Seed Enhancement Improves Vigor, Stress Tolerance, and Yields J. Burke Pro Seed Technologies Inc., Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA Molecular Impulse Response (MIR) is a patented, non-chemical, energy-based seed enhancement. Marketed under the trade name StressGuard, it can provide improved tolerance to drought and flood, heat and cold, acid soil, and other stress effects, often increasing germination, accelerating maturity, and raising yields. Weak seed lots can often be improved, and there is no maximum shelf life for the seed. MIR uses an extremely low energy electron shower to create a short-term rise in free radical levels inside the cells of the seed. This causes the cell s natural defenses to produce more anti-oxidants. These disable the free radicals, and leave the cell with less free radicals and more anti-oxidants than before the process began. (In principle, it is comparable to the way a vaccination or inoculation works for disease.) Now the cell is better able to resist these damaging free radicals in the future. Since virtually all environmental stresses do their damage at the cell level primarily by increasing free radicals, MIR produces a seed and subsequent plant that is better able to resist the damaging effects of stress. Common results of this include better early and late vigor, increased uniformity, accelerated maturity, and better yields. Since no foreign material is added to the seed, it is ideal for use in organic agriculture.

23 Encapsulation and Drying of Pseudomonas fluorescens: A Glimpse into the Capsule A. V. Patel, M. Bublitz, K-D. Vorlop Institute of Technology and Biosystems Engineering, Federal Agricultural Research Centre (FAL), D Braunschweig, Germany [email protected] During the incorporation of pseudomonads into sugar beet pills, the highly sensitive vegetative cells are killed by the harsh pelleting conditions. The idea of this work is to encapsulate pseudomonads with the JetCutter technology into capsules <1000 µm. After drying, the resulting powder formulation is incorporated in sugar beet pills. Preliminary results indicated that only 0.1 % of free cells survived pelleting. In contrast, the survival of cells, which were encapsulated and dried before pelleting, went up to 50 % [1]. The main problem is the loss of cells during the drying of the capsules. Here we present data regarding the encapsulation and drying of P. fluorescens BA2002 in alginate capsules. First, the influence of culture age on survival after capsule drying was determined. It was observed that there was no significant influence for culture ages ranging from h. The following experiments were carried out with 48 h old cells (stationary phase). The influence of an optimised capsule additive on survival was investigated. It was observed that cells in alginate capsules without the additive died within the first hour whereas the survival rate in capsules with the additive was reproducibly 25 % after several hours of drying. First morphological observations on free and encapsulated cells will be shown. [1] Patel, A.V., Tilcher, R., Vorlop, K. D. (2002). Drying and incorporation of encapsulated pseudomonads into sugar beet pills: preliminary results. Biospektrum (special edition) 48

24 Advances in Application Technology in Sugar Beet Seed R. Tilcher, B-F. Peter KWS SAAT AG, D Einbeck, Germany Sugar beet seeds are pelleted and / or film coated in order to protect them from pests and diseases, to ensure good plant establishment and high sugar yield. As a requirement for the pelleting process seeds have to be processed. KWS established a module-based seed processing system in 1996/97, which is Europe s most modern plant. Seed processing comprises different phases of polishing, sieving, separating and calibrating to produce seeds of defined size, weight and shape. Washing improves the quality of processed seeds and is a prerequisite to start the pelleting process. Due to pretests time and intensity of the washing process is optimised for different seed batches. In the seed technology department of KWS a new pelleting method was developed and patented. With the help of a computer controlled automation system the process efficiency is maximized. Advantages of the new system are: shorter process time, higher yield (share of pills calibrated for commercial use), less working-over steps (necessary for small pills), rounder pills and compact pills. Pills consisting of solid substances and liquid-based adhesives are mixed alternately in a batch process. Both solid substances and binders are subjects of continuous research with the aim to achieve optimal technical application, biological benefit whilst minimizing manufacturing costs. In order to guarantee scale-up of the process from experimental trials to commercial application KWS uses high speed pelleters for batches of 0.7 to 45 units (1 unit = seeds). Controlled drying processes using fluidised bed systems are used to diminish moisture content of the pills from % to <10%. Online measuring and regulation of air temperature for drying and of moisture content of the pills prevent damages during drying. Applications of fungicides and insecticides are performed with the same fluidised bed filmcoating process at KWS. Beside complete cover of the seed and avoidance of dust or abrasion the process results in a correct quantitative application and a uniform distribution of active substances on the seed surface. The latter is controlled by the KWS laboratory for chemical analysis, which is specialised on analysis of specific pesticides applied in seed treatment. Directly after application of pesticides a second film-coating process ensures application of a formulated pigment. Installation of filters, analysing of industrial effluents and controlled elimination of all solid, liquid and gaseous substances arising during the application processes exclude any environmental contamination. Beside technical aspects the impact of all methods and materials is subject of biological tests (germinability, emergence in lab and field) with freshly pelleted seeds as well as with pills stored for 6 and 12 months.

25 Biological Seed Treatment in Sugar Beets for the Control of Soil Borne Fungi and Improvement of Field Emergence R. Tilcher KWS SAAT AG, D Einbeck, Germany In conventional farming systems phytopathological problems, which might occur during germination and emergence of sugar beet seed, are controlled by seed treatments with fungicides (mainly Thiram, Hymexazol) and insecticides (mainly Imidacloprid, Tefluthrin). During the last years experiments were performed by KWS or in the framework of external projects (e.g. IMPROBIOSEED promoted by the EU) in order to investigate the abilities of microbial antagonists to supplement or replace fungicides. In the mid-term a commercial application of biocontrol methods in conventional and ecological farming is planned. The application of antagonists is mainly focused on the suppression of pathogenic fungi causing seedling damping-off (mainly Pythium ultimum, Aphanomyces cochlioides, Rhizoctonia solani, Phoma betae) and the protection of the sensitive developmental stages of germination and emergence. Nevertheless at most of the field trial locations it is not possible to proof a direct suppression of plant pathogens. Therefore counting of emerged seedlings (early and final count) represents the most important parameter for effectivity. Strains of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens provided by different commercial and scientific partners (e.g. FZB Biotechnik, Germany; BioAgri AB, Sweden; MicroBio Ltd., UK; University of Göttingen, Germany) represented the main beneficial microorganisms, which were used in the experiments. Antagonistic organisms were mixed into the seed pellet or into a layer surrounding the pill. Pelleting material was examined for the impact on adhesion and survival of antagonistic bacteria. Additionally pills applied with antagonists were investigated for effects on physical (e.g. hardness, roundness) and biological (e.g. germinability, vigour) characteristics of the pill. Results: Physical properties of the sugar beet pill were not negatively influenced by integration of antagonists. Combination treatments of antagonists and pesticides were generally effective. Soil moisture content and temperature during the germination and emergence processes influenced activity of antagonists applied to pills. Field results of different years and locations demonstrated that antagonists bear the potential to accelerate early emergence in the field. Application of antagonists without fungicidal supplementation will result in non-maximal final emergence values compared with conventionally pesticide treated seeds. Nevertheless in terms of integrated pest management (diminished concentration of pesticides) and ecological farming application of microbial antagonists holds the perspective to be a reliable component of plant protection and growth promotion. Efficacy persistence in the field - concerning pathogen control and impact on emergence - remains as the hurdle, which hinders a broader commercial application at present.

26 On-Demand Seed Treating C. Lindholm Gustafson LLC, Plano TX 75093, USA With the invention of new problem solving products over the past years growers now have many options to solve their individual disease or insect problems. These new products offer disease and insect control never before available in a seed applied product. Individual growers, basing their needs on their specific problems, make the decision for what product is used. They have many different products that they need to have available for their customers. Many of the products that are used have different rates. These rates are based on the specific problem, or degree of the problem, or the actual amount of product per seed or acre. The on demand need for specific products by the growers have made it necessary to develop a system that could offer many products, many different rates, all at the touch of a button. The On-Demand treating system solves the application problem for the seed conditioner and allows the grower to receive the exact products and rates required, in one closed application system. The On-Demand Seed Treating System is also designed to keep the operator safe, reducing worker exposure potential. The products to be applied are mixed through a special mixing system just prior to the application on the seed, so worker exposure is greatly reduced from the old mixing and application systems. Product usage reports are printed after each lot of seed giving the operator the amount of seed treated, the amount of each chemical applied to that seed and all with better than +/- 2% accuracy.

27 Innovative and Broad Spectrum Control of Cotton Seedling Diseases F. Brandl 1 and D. Long 2 1 Syngenta Crop Protection AG, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland 2 Syngenta Crop Protection Inc., Greensboro NC , USA [email protected] Cotton seedling diseases are a serious threat to global economic cotton production. Diseases caused by seed-borne and soil-borne fungi such as Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium spp. and other common seed rotting fungi can affect cotton in most growing regions worldwide. Damage caused by these pathogens not only include preand post-emergence damping-off, seed rots, delayed emergence and reduced vigor, but also delayed boll setting that consequently reduces the yield and quality potential of the cotton crop. In today s economic environment only the best production practices are successful and it is a must to maximize yield and quality. The crucial first step to achieve this target is to use high quality seed combined with the protection of an effective seed treatment. To meet this challenge, the crop protection research and field development of SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION AG has designed and developed a 3-way mixture that blends the unique strengths of the individual compounds Fludioxonil (MAXIM ), Mefenoxam (APRON XL ) and Azoxystrobin (DYNASTY TM ). Fludioxonil is a new class of chemistry that provides effective control of key plant pathogens such as Fusarium spp. and pre-emergence Rhizoctonia at very low use rates. Mefenoxam is considered the unrivalled technology for reliable control of Pythium spp. that can become a serious threat in cold and wet soils. Azoxystrobin is the first strobilurin compound developed for seed treatment use. This leading strobilurin offers outstanding and long-lasting activity against pre- and post-emergence damping-off caused by R. solani. Damping-off incited by R. solani is one of the most serious diseases of cotton worldwide because it not only can kill the seedling, but it also can cause sub-lethal root infections that subsequently reduces vigor, yield and fiber quality. This new innovative combination of three leading active ingredients from SYNGENTA will be introduced into the cottonseed treatment market under the brand name DYNASTY CST TM. This new product is a modern water-based white-colored flowable with a use rate of 200 ml/100 kg seeds delivering 2.5 g Fludioxonil, 7.5 g Mefenoxam and 15 g Azoxystrobin per 100 kg cottonseed. DYNASTY CST TM offers an excellent safety profile for the seed, applicators and farmers. It can be combined with different colorants according the needs of the customers. It is also fully compatible with CRUISER - the leading cottonseed treatment insecticide from SYNGENTA. Worldwide registrations will offer the opportunity to move treated seeds globally. TM = registered trademark of Syngenta Crop Protection AG = Registered trademark of Syngenta Crop Protection AG

28 A Novel Seed Coating to Protect Vegetable Crops Against Nematodes D. Hofer and A. du Rieu Syngenta Crop Protection AG, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland By utilizing seed coating technology Syngenta has developed a novel solution to protect against plant parasitic nematode damage. Results from greenhouse and field trials conducted by independent and in-house scientists have demonstrated that the seed coating greatly reduced early root penetration and consequent damage by various plant parasitic nematodes on vegetable crops. The protection of young seedlings resulted in significant plant growth and yield increases in short season crops. Currently registered organophosphate and carbamate nematicides pose potential environmental problems that will further limit their use. This targeted solution will result in application rates significantly lower than conventional soil-applied nematicides. This approach is a very significant development in nematode crop protection.

29 Let s Protect Plants and Respect the Environment at the Same Time: A Brochure to Promote Seed Treatment M. Marchand 1 and N. Marquet 2 1 French Maize Seed Association (SEPROMA), Paris, France 2 French Plant Protection Association (UIPP), Paris, France [email protected] In France, in a climate of controversy for some seed treatments, the seed industry (CFS) and the plant protection industry (UIPP) have led together a discussion that held to the elaboration in April 2002 of a brochure to promote and defend the seed treatment, pointing out the main advantages for environment, farmers and crop quality. This brochure is composed of a 4-page leaflet titled Let s Protect Plants and Respect the Environment at the Same Time completed by 5 thematic 2-page leaflets: Crop protection is essential for a quality harvest Seeds: a potential to protect Greater safety and comfort for farmers Less active substance for more environmentally friendly result An official marketing authorisation exemplars have been distributed in 2002 to the staff of the seed and plant protection industries personnel from - Regulatory bodies - the Administration - Technical institutes

30 cc CENTRICOATER (A Continuous Chemical Batch Treater) N. V. Olsen CIMBRIA HEID GmbH, Heid-Werkstrasse 4, 2000 Stockerau, Austria The CIMBRIA HEID CENTRICOATER is designed for the application of coating value added seeds with costly seed treating materials. The system is a continuous batch operation utilising a highly accurate electronic scale together with a highly accurate chemical dosing system controlled by a PLC. The system provides improved seed coverage and a more uniform distribution of treatment materials on the seed as compared to traditional continuous operating drum type treaters. Tests evaluated 1/3 of the deviations reached with a traditional treater. The advantages of a batch type treater compared with a traditional type treater are: The centrifugal force in the mixing chamber allows a thinner layer of the coating materials to adhere to the seed surface; therefore less water or liquid is needed to achieve complete coverage. Each batch has the correct amount of chemicals necessary and a very accurate and even distribution is ensured on each seed kernel (tests have shown that there can be as much as 33% deviations attained with a traditional type treater). The mixing chamber is self- cleaning and any seeds or chemicals remaining in the chamber can be easily cleaned and removed after treating each seed lot. Chemicals are individually dosed into the mixing chamber, which eliminates the need for pre- mixing tanks and the treating recipe can be changed at any time (this eliminates the possibility of any surplus materials). Different layers of liquid or powder chemical can be independently applied (giving operational flexibility). Electronic scale, liquid flow- meter for the liquid chemicals or sight- glass cylinders (fitted with level controls) ensures a very high accuracy of chemical application to the seed. The complete unit is PLC controlled, which gives any indication of errors in the application process. This also assists and facilitates ease of operation for the operator. The whole process can be monitored and the relevant operational information can be transmitted to any other computer. This reporting facility is necessary for compliance with Quality Standards to ISO The heart of the CENTRICOATER is the mixing chamber, consisting of a stainless steel cylindrical housing with a rotation bottom or internal rotor. The seed is gently dropped from the continuous batch electronic scale into the chamber onto the rotor. This rotor moves the seed gently up the stationary chamber sidewall causing a folding of seed from outward to inward in the chamber. A spinning disk in the centre of the mixing chamber, on which the treating materials are delivered from the PLC controlled dosing system, atomises the liquid treating materials into the vertical seed layer. This provides a highly intensive uniform application of seed treatments on each kernel of seed. All kind of treating materials, liquids and powders, can be applied effectively in this system

31 Influence of Seed Coloring on Seed Quality and Storability in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) R Gowda and B. N. Shobha Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore , INDIA [email protected] A study was envisaged to know the effect of seed colorants (dyes) with and without Thiram on seed quality and storability of two cultivars of soybean at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. Seeds of two soybean cultivars (MACS 124 and KB 79) were treated with four dyes viz., Amido Black, Brilliant Green, Basic Fuchsin and Crystal Violet at 0.5 and 1.0% along with Thiram at 2g/kg. The uncolored seeds were treated as control. Then they were packed in cloth bag and stored for a period of eight months from January to August 2002 under ambient conditions of Bangalore. The results revealed that seeds treated with indicator dyes showed differential response to storage potential. Basic Fuchsine at 1.0% combined with Thiram at 2g/kg recorded higher germination (84%), seedling vigour index (3051) and field emergence (65 %) compared to uncolored seeds. However, among cultivars, MACS 124 stored better over KB 79 that recorded 82 per cent of germination at the end of eight months of storage. The major storage fungi recorded were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp., Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp. although cultivar differences were noticed for the occurrence of seed mycoflora. The seeds colored with Crystal Violet either at 0.5 or 1.0% without Thiram recorded an infection of 25% compared to control (40%). However, the seeds colored with other dyes had completely protected the seeds from storage fungi throughout the storage period. The dyes also differed significantly for membrane degradation. The seeds treated with Basic Fuchsin at 1.0 per cent recorded lower EC (620 ds/m) over others and further the dehydrogenase activity was much higher in the seeds treated with Basic Fuchsin at 1.0% combined with Thiram at 2g/kg over the rest of the treatments which suggested that seed coloring with indicator dyes had no deleterious effect on seed quality and subsequent storability of soybeans.

32 Seed Enhancement by Osmo-conditioning in Cotton C. Mohana Kumari and R Gowda Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore , INDIA [email protected] An investigation was carried out to know the impact of osmo-conditioning on seed quality improvement in NHH - 44-hybrid cotton. The laboratory experiments were conducted in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, India during The materials used for the investigation involved nine lots of cottonseeds having different germination levels (30 90 %). They were primed using PEG 6000 with four concentrations (-5, -10, -15 bars) for a period 24, 48 and 72 hours and at three temperatures (15, 20, and 25 C). The results of study revealed that all the treatment combinations registered better seed quality parameters viz., mean germination percent, root and shoot lengths, seedling dry weight seedling vigour index and total dehydrogenase activity. However, such osmoconditioned seeds recorded significantly lower electrical conductivity compared to untreated ones, which suggested that the cell membrane integrity of primed seeds restored even in low quality seed lots of cotton. On the other hand significant improvement (85%) in germination was noticed when seeds were treated with 15 bars of polyethylene glycol at 15 C for 72 hours. Further the storage potential of primed seeds indicated that they could be stored better further for a period of 30 to 45 days under cool and dry conditions with out drastic reduction in germination.

33 Impact of Seed Invigouration Treatments on Seed Quality in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Mrutunjaya and R Gowda Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore , INDIA [email protected] Studies on seed invigorations by various means to improve the planting value and storability of sunflower seed lots (KBSH-1, CMS 234A and 6D-1: 77%). having different levels of germination (77 to 85%) were undertaken in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India during High, medium and low vigour seed lots of these three genotypes were subjected to various invigouration treatments viz., hydration-dehydration, PEG 1.5 MPa for 7 days at 10 and 15 C and dry permeation with vitamin E, BHT at 1%). The study suggested that germination (%), seedling vigour index and field emergence (%) were significantly higher in all the treatments compared to control. PEG -1.5 MPa at 15 C for 7 days showed superiority over the rest of the treatments Among the genotypes, KBSH 1 hybrid recorded highest germination (91%) when treated with 1.5 MPa at 15 C followed by CMS 234A (91%) and 6D-1 (89%). Further the primed seeds were aged at 40 C and 85 % RH for 5 days to know their relative storability. High vigour seed lots retained better germination followed by medium and low vigour.

34 Reforestation Tests on Airplane Sowing Tree Seeds treated with Electrostatic Field in Northern Mountains of China Zhibin Gui*, Wu Shengdi** and Limin Qiao* *Microelectronics Institute, Xidian University, Xian , China **Airplane Sowing Seeds Divison of Shaanxi, , China Sustainable forest regeneration depends on fast establishment of young tree seedling by sowing tree seeds in mountain, or in nurseries for direct seeding. The establishment success of a young tree seedling from a tree seed in the nursery, or in mountain, depends on the quality of the seed lot, such as, the developmental degree of the embryo, the viability, dormant degree of seeds, as well as selecting pretreatment method, such as Electrostatic Field, Microwave treatment, and so on. In order to reforest in mountain, some pine seeds and other tree seeds were treated directly by means of Direct Current Filed (Electrostatic Field). The germination tests in the room, sowing tests by hand in some mountains, and reforestation tests by aerial sowing seeds have been made. The experimental results showed that succeed to forest not only depending on good quality of tree seeds, but also effective treatment method of tree seeds selected. For electrostatic field treatment, the time of improving germination was 1-2 days. Temperature difference of the seeds before treatment and after treatment was a little. Percentage of improving germination was 10~57% more than control group respectively. Maximum percentage of increasing young seedling of treatment group was one time in northern-west mountains of Shaanxi of China. Key words: Direct Current Field; electrostatic field; Pine tree seeds treatment; germination; reforestation by aerial sowing; young seedlings

35 Gaucho An Innovation in Cotton Seed Treatment under African Conditions R Altmann, E Salmon, R Gallow Bayer CropScience, Alfred-Nobel-Straße 50, D Monheim, Germany Gaucho has been very successfully introduced in many countries worldwide. The range of crops on which the product can be used extends from cotton in the USA and more than 20 other cotton countries, to sugar beets, cereals, and corn in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Gaucho, based on the active ingredient imidacloprid, is a user friendly, biologically highly effective product with excellent root systemic activity. In trials performed under practical conditions in co-operation with local ginneries and cotton research organisations in African cotton growing areas, Gaucho showed impressive biological efficacy against all-important early pests, including aphids, white flies, jassids and thrips. The results and trends observed in these trials reflected exactly the findings in the laboratory and in scientifically executed field trials, namely long-lasting protection, effects on growth, and increases in yield. The findings demonstrated clearly that the use of this product and its associated technologies was decidedly profitable for both the cotton growers and the ginning companies. The full potential of the product is achieved when the recommended rate is applied uniformly to the seed. Further posters show how Bayer CropScience offer advice, assistance and support to different stakeholders in their investment decision and in the implementation of this technology. Maximisation of product performance in practice is achieved when seed of a high quality, and suitable seed dressing equipment, is used. In numerous field trials in many African cotton-growing areas, Gaucho showed yield increases of 20 % (+200 kg seed cotton/ha), and frequently higher, relative to the standard insecticidal programmes. Gaucho offers cotton growers around the world, including Africa, a technology that is ideally suited to IPM and resistance management programmes. The product is particularly suitable to African cotton growing conditions because of it s environmental profile, it s harmlessness to beneficial organisms, it s efficacy against all important early season cotton pests, and the fact that treated seed can be hand planted without risk to the farmer. Furthermore it replaces two or more of the foliar sprays normally applied thereby decreasing the workload in the first part of the season, and simplifying early season crop management. Key words: Gaucho, imidacloprid, cotton, field trials, yield, results, Africa