Seed Treatment

Bulletin 638

Maintaining the quality of seed is dependent on many factors. Some of which are moisture, temperature, humidity and storage conditions.

Even though the factors listed above are properly taken care of, all seed may contain seed borne diseases and they are subject to damage or destruction by insects and other pests. Research has shown that treating seed with one or more pesticides is the most economical and efficient way to protect seed from these pests. Since pesticides are poisonous, extra care and safety precautions must be taken when applying them and in handling the seed after they have been treated.

1. Definition Of Treated Seed
   • Seed Normally Treated
   • Pests Commonly Associated With Seed
     • Diseases
     • Disease Organisms
     • Cereal Grain Insects
       • Granary Weevil
       • Angoumois Grain Moth
       • Lesser Grain Borer
       • Cadelle Beetle
       • Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle
       • Confused Flour Beetle
       • Flat Grain Beetle
       • Indian-Meal Moth
2. Pesticide Labels
   • Seed Treatment Pesticides
     • Fungicides
     • Insecticides
3. Seed Treatment Equipment
   • Dust Treater
   • Slurry Seed Treater
   • Direct Treaters
   • Panogen Seed Treater
   • Mist-O-Matic Seed Treater
4. Calibrating A Slurry Or Liquid Seed Treater For The Correct Dosage
5. Requirements Under The Federal And State Seed Laws For Labeling Of Treated Seed
6. Coloring Grain Seed Treated With Poisonous Substances:
   • Pesticide Carriers, Binders And Stickers
7. Safety Precautions:
   • A. Hazards associated with handling, sorting, mixing and storage of treated seed.
   • B. Hazards associated with the use of treated seed and the disposal of unused treated seed and empty pesticide and treated seed containers.

Copyright © The Ohio State University 1988