New Zealand's seed health

Abstract

Seed pathology, which has at least a 120- year history in New Zealand, began with experiments for the control of cereal smuts. A brief history of seed pathology in New Zealand for the eras pre-1930, 1930-1960, 1960-1980, 1980-2000 is presented. New Zealand seed pathology has concentrated on diseases of the Poaceae and large-seeded legumes. Little is known of the occurrence or significance of seed-borne pathogens of other species, particularly vegetables. The New Zealand seed trade has for many years relied on fungicide seed treatment to control seed-borne pathogens of cereals, peas and brassicas, but currently there are problems with Fusarium spp. in cereals. New Zealand, as a biosecurity conscious nation, has strict measures in place to prevent the unwanted introduction of new plant pests. These requirements are briefly discussed. However seed health testing is carried out routinely only for seed lots requiring evidence of freedom from seed-borne pathogens for export phytosanitary requirements. In many cases knowledge of the health status of seed lots sown in New Zealand would enable better informed crop management decisions. Keywords: seed-borne diseases, seed pathology, seed health testing, seed treatment