General Rationale

The department uses a range of treatments to eradicate or significantly reduce the incidence of seed borne pathogens. Seed borne pathogens may occur on the surface of seed, hidden in cracks or crevices of seed, or as infections inside the seed. The choice of seed treatment is dictated by whether the pathogen is borne externally or internally.

Chemical treatments such as fungicides and bleach are used to eliminate pathogens living on the surface of the seed. Fungicides are also used to protect the seed or seedling from soil borne pathogens during growth in quarantine.

Hot water and hot air treatments are used to eliminate pathogens within and on the seed.

If importers are concerned about potential adverse effects of any prescribed treatments, the department recommends they conduct their own trials prior to importing any seed.