Non-chemical Seed Treatment in the Control of Seed-Borne Pathogens

Non-chemical seed treatments include physical treatments, microbial treatments and treatments with other agents of natural origin like plant powders or extracts. Physical treatments with hot water, aerated steam, or dry heat have successfully been applied to a range of crops against a range of target pathogens and are in commercial use primarily for vegetable seeds. They can be very effective but need to be optimised on a per seed lot basis.