Description of the measure

If seed coatings are not prepared in the right manner, the pesticide may abrade during drilling of the seeds, which can result in drift of pesticide dust. Bees can be exposed to the dust, either by direct impaction or by secondary pick-up of the dust from plants.

The registration authority can therefore require that the pesticide can only be registered if seed coating is of high quality, in order to reduce abrasion of seeds, and subsequent drift of dust, during drilling.

Some countries have set maximum permissible values for dust generation by treated seed. In addition, the European Seed Treatment Assurance Industry Scheme (ESTA) developed an industry-based standard. 

Conditions for effective implementation

High quality seed coatings should be available on the market for the pesticide to be registered.

Estimated risk reduction potential

By combining good quality seed coatings and drilling equipment, a 90% reduction in dust dispersion on the ground is expected to be achieved.

Potential constraints

High quality seed coatings and drilling equipment may be more costly than lower quality coated seed and machinery.

Further information

More details about standards for seed coatings and seed drilling equipment can be found in the following documents:

• Pollinator Protection – Reducing risks from treated seeds. Health Canada – Pest Management Regulatory Agency.
• ISO 17962:2015. Agricultural machinery – Equipment for sowing – Minimization of the environmental effects of fan exhaust from pneumatic systems. International Standards Organization.
• The European Seed Treatment Assurance Industry Scheme (ESTA).