Organic Seed Treatments

Priming
This is the activation of the germination process which leads to accelerated rates of uniform emergence. Primed seed may be coated or pelleted. Elsoms prime seed using the Drum Process.

White Coating on Organic Seeds
Exclusively for the organic sector, Bejo Zaden has developed a new organic ‘colour coating’. The suspension used for the white coating is recognised according to EU and NOP organic regulations for application in our organic operation.

With this new ‘colour coating’ Bejo is addressing an important problem that is faced by organic growers; the difficulty of finding the naturally brown or black coloured seeds in the soil after sowing and not being able to check drill depth and sowing rates. The new white film coating will also smooth the seeds and therefore makes drilling easier with modern pneumatic precision drills. Last season Bejo started to produce and deliver the white coloured seeds. For spring sowing 2010 most carrot, onion and red beet seeds for the organic grower will have the unique white colour film coating.

Hot Water Treatment
Bejo Zaden are seeking further improvements in the processing of seed for organic cultivation. Seed treatments can safeguard the seed health and protect the seedling against soil and seedling diseases. These seed treatments can be physical in nature such as disinfection with warm water or dry hot air. Bejo has developed its own equipment to apply these treatments on a commercial scale. In addition to this we are investigating the possibility of organic seed coatings, for example, with micro-organisms. Research is not solely focused on the control of soil and seedling diseases, but also on substances that promote the development of the seedlings natural resistance system. The protocols for special product forms, such as primed seed, are calibrated to be within organic certification guidelines.