Editorial

Hubert Lybeert
Researcher, seed pathology
HM Clause

« Selling a healthy seed, free from any parasite that may develop from the seedling to its harvest stage, is a major concern of a seed company. Indeed, the financial implications would be disastrous if a pathogen, by virtue of this vertical transmission path, would annihilate a crop, or even touch those of the surrounding plots.

Without obtaining new varieties that would resist these parasites genetically, two solutions are available to the seed providers: disinfection and seed treatment.

Disadvantages and advantages of the two processes intersect rather well and they are very often associated. However, two major elements remain worrying.

1. The use of "chemical" products is increasingly regulated, and the permissible uses are increasingly reduced. In this area, anything that is not allowed is prohibited.

2. To make a seed perfectly "clean", the whole seed microbiota is set aside while it would have a beneficial action on its protection and perhaps on the bio-stimulation of the development of the seedling.

Seed producers, and more generally agriculture, need innovative products that combine efficiency and respect for human health and the environment. Bio-control of pathogens is being studied (plant extracts, bacteria, products derived from bacteria or yeasts ...); this is an essential solution for tomorrow. Genomic research on microflora associated with seeds should not be left out because of their "upstream" aspect. These two paths to explore are not only solutions for cleaner agriculture, they will bring about a necessary evolution. »