Thermal treatment of seeds - comparison of different methods for eradicating seedborne fungi

摘要

Chemical seed dressing is nowadays the most frequently applied measure to reduce yield losses through infection of seed and seedlings by pathogens. One possible alternative to eliminate seedborne pathogens on and in seeds are thermal processes. Winter wheat seed artificially infected with Fusarium culmorum was treated with hot water, hot air and microwave radiation. The results show that a complete destruction of the pathogen while preserving germination is feasible with all processes. However microwave treatment in particular, owing to very short application periods and dispensable redrying, provides an interesting alternative.