The British Crop Protection Council (BCPC) is organising its fourth technical Symposium Seed Production and Treatment in a Changing Environment on 24-25 February.

Since the BCPC organised its third Symposium on seed health and treatment back in 2001, major changes have taken place in technology and the markets which have affected arable and horticultural production.

In particular, there has been increasing pressure for better crop protection management and husbandry techniques to produce and treat seed to ensure the reliable production of economically viable crops.

The event will examine the latest developments and the effects of the current and future legislation on seed production in the UK and Europe and will be held at the Belfry Hotel, Wishaw, West Midlands, UK.

Dr Anthony Biddle, chairman of the programme committee, said: “Over the past three years there has been more information available on the technology of seed treatment. There has also been improved interpretation of seed testing, a better understanding of the technology of seed testing, as well as sampling of seeds and production methods which lessen the risk of pest or pathogen attack.

“During the two days of the symposium, we have an international panel of speakers who will provide a highly topical and exciting programme on a wide range of issues affecting seed health and crop establishment in a rapidly changing agricultural environment which is currently suffering severe economic challenges,” he said.

The event will be sponsored by Bayer CropScience. The campaigns manager for combinable crop seed protection said: “This symposium offers a very innovative programme and provides the only international forum devoted to seed production and treatment, and that is why we are pleased to be associated with it. So much depends on good seed health and treatment to ensure successful crop establishment and optimum production.

“And today, with increasing demands to provide quality crops in a highly stewarded environment, we need to ensure that seed is appropriately tested and treated in order to maximise its potential and reduce the risk of pest and pathogen attack.

“This symposium will tackle some of the latest issues and look at some of the new products and technologies being developed in this rapidly changing agricultural environment.”

The symposium commences mid-morning on Tuesday, February 24.

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