Seed Disinfection
Disinfection is the elimination of a pathogen which has penetrated into the
living cells of the seed, infected it and become established. Examples of this
are blackleg and black rot of crucifers, late blight of celery, barley stripe, and
loose smut of cereals. Heat (hot water) treatment for loose smut of wheat and
barley has been used for many years. Hot water treatment has also been
adapted for use with several vegetable seed.