Seed Health
Seeds — a key factor in food security
Seeds are the foundation of agricultural production and a key factor in food security. Their quality determines yield, disease resistance, and the efficiency of the agricultural sector.
Seed-borne pathogens cause significant damage: up to 60% of cereal crop diseases are associated with them. Even a single seed infection complex can reduce germination by 35% and yield by 30–70%.
Some microorganisms not only weaken plants but also accumulate toxins that are dangerous to animals and humans.
Therefore, phytosanitary inspection is of critical importance. Detecting hidden pathogens helps prevent disease outbreaks, preserve harvests, and ensure high germination rates.
The Laboratory of Phytopathology plays a crucial role in identifying, diagnosing, and classifying pathogens.
Kazakhstan's Transition
to Managed Seed Production
This is a strategic step towards stable yields, clean fields, and a healthy nation.
Comparison of Seed Condition Before and After Treatment
Economic Performance Indicators of Treated Seeds
The application of phytosanitary inspection and seed health treatments has comprehensive effects:
- Increased yield (due to reduced losses from harmful organisms and healthier plants)
- Reduced seed consumption (due to lower seeding rates)
- Reduced pesticide use (due to fewer treatments during the growing season)
- Lower pesticide pressure (due to fewer treatments during the growing season)
Cereal Crops (wheat, barley)
Yield: 2.20 t/ha (+30%) vs 1.54 t/ha
Increase: 123,600 ₸/ha
Seeding rate: 160 kg/ha → 180 kg/ha
Seed savings: 2,600 ₸/ha
Treatment cost: 10,500 ₸ vs 38,800 ₸
Savings: 23,300 ₸/ha
Legume Crops (soybean, southern region)
Yield: 4.50 t/ha (+30%) vs 3.15 t/ha
Increase: 421,200 ₸/ha
Seeding rate: 90 kg/ha → 100 kg/ha
Seed savings: 3,000 ₸/ha
Treatment cost: 10,472 ₸ vs 29,352 ₸
Savings: 18,880 ₸/ha
Vegetable Crops (tomato, open field)
Yield: 30 t/ha (+30%) vs 21 t/ha
Increase: 2,700,000 ₸/ha
Seeding rate: 0.30 → 0.33
Seed savings: 750 ₸/ha
Treatment cost: 41,032 ₸ vs 121,032 ₸
Savings: 80,000 ₸/ha