The Hidden Dangers: Why Sowing Untreated Cereal Seed in the UK is a Risky Business

For many cereal farmers in the UK, the annual sowing season is a time of hope and anticipation. The promise of a bountiful harvest begins with those first seeds nestled into the soil. However, a critical decision made at this stage can have far-reaching consequences: to sow, or not to sow untreated cereal seed. While the appeal of cutting costs might tempt some, the risks associated with untreated seed far outweigh any perceived savings, threatening not only individual yields but also the broader agricultural landscape.

A cocktail of threats: what untreated seed harbours

Untreated cereal seeds are a potential breeding ground for a host of unwelcome guests – fungal diseases and pests. These microscopic or tiny adversaries can wreak havoc, from the moment of germination right through to harvest.

• Fungal diseases: Diseases like Fusarium, Smuts, and Bunts are particularly insidious. They can lead to poor establishment, stunted growth, reduced tillering, and ultimately, significant yield losses. Some, like Fusarium, can also produce mycotoxins, contaminate the grain and making it unsuitable for human or animal consumption, leading to rejection and financial penalties.
• Pests: While seed treatments are primarily focused on fungal diseases, some also offer early protection against soil-borne pests that can damage emerging seedlings, further compromising crop establishment.

The ripple effect: beyond your own field

The decision to sow untreated seed doesn’t just impact your farm; it has wider implications for the UK’s agricultural sector:

• Increased disease pressure: When diseases are allowed to proliferate due to untreated seed, they build up in the soil and on crop residues, increasing the overall disease pressure for subsequent crops, not just on your land but potentially on neighbouring farms as well. This can lead to a reliance on more intensive fungicide applications later in the season, adding to costs and potentially contributing to fungicide resistance.
• Reduced national yields and food security: Widespread use of untreated seed could lead to a noticeable drop in national cereal yields. NIAB are already seeing an increased presence of harmful disease pathogens in the environment and the continued incidence of ergot is also partly attributed to seed being sown without an SPD. 

The economic reality: short-term savings, long-term losses

While the upfront cost of treated seed might seem higher, consider the long-term financial implications of untreated seed:

• Yield loss: The most obvious impact is a reduced harvest, directly hitting your bottom line.
• Increased input costs later on: Dealing with established diseases or pest infestations often requires more expensive and less effective curative treatments, such as multiple fungicide sprays, which add to your operational costs.
• Grain rejection: If mycotoxin levels are too high due to fungal contamination, your grain could be rejected, resulting in a complete loss of revenue for that portion of your crop.

The responsible choice: investing in your future

Sowing treated cereal seed is an investment – an investment in your crop’s health, your farm’s profitability, and the broader health of UK agriculture. Seed treatments provide a crucial first line of defence, giving your seedlings the best possible start and protecting them during their most vulnerable stage. They are a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way to mitigate significant risks.

Before you make your sowing decisions this year, weigh the true costs and benefits. The hidden dangers of untreated cereal seed are simply not worth the gamble. Choose responsible practices, protect your yields, and contribute to a healthy and prosperous agricultural future for the UK.