Bejo introduces new sustainable seed coating

As a leading breeder of vegetable seeds, Bejo is always looking for ways to stay innovative. Our researchers and breeders are continuously working on the development of new varieties. The most modern cleaning and processing techniques and the newest equipment make sure our customers only receive our best seeds. Bejo also innovates in other fields, including seed coating. Now Bejo is proud to introduce a seed coating made entirely of sustainable materials.

Seed coating ensures a better protection in the first stage of life. And there are more advantages: the smoother surface of the seed improves the sowability and the added colour makes the seeds more visible in the ground.

Bejo has been searching the market for a more sustainable coating and has found a recipe entirely composed of natural materials. That means the coating will decompose completely in the ground. In addition, the new coating has a much shorter drying time: for conventional seeds, this will be reduced from 15 to 5 minutes. The decrease in drying time means lower energy consumption and therefore a reduction in environmental impact.

We also expect that the shorter drying time will decrease the negative influence of drying on seed vitality. The coating’s higher moisture permeability contributes to this expectation.

The implementation will take place in phases. The new coating is already being used for beetroot. After some intensive testing we expect to be able to implement it for other crops as well, starting with carrot, onion and spinach.

The coating liquid is fully accepted by SKAL and meets all requirements for organic coating. The preparations to use the new coating on our organic assortment have started as well. We expect implementation in 2019. In time, our organic seeds will have their own distinguishing colour as well.