Global seed treatment market expected to grow by more than 10%

Valued at $4.82 billion in 2014, the seed treatment market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8 percent by 2020, according to a recently released report from research firm, MarketsandMarkets.

The “Seed Treatment Market - Global Trends & Forecast to 2020" report said North America led the global seed treatment market in 2014, with the U.S. as a major producer.

With regard to the application of seed treatment, Latin America was second and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1 percent by 2020. 

Seed treatments are used to conduct integrated pest management program for sustainable agriculture since they target the pests and diseases without introducing their active ingredients into the atmosphere. Without the use of seed treatment, growers would have difficulty controlling certain seed- and soil-borne pests and diseases

The expected growth in the seed treatment market is tied to the increasing global population and food requirements, rise in cost of fertilizers and pesticides, and easier residue management. 

The leading players in the market include Syngenta AG in Switzerland; Bayer CropScience AG and BASF SE, both in Germany; Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd in Japan; Nufarm Ltd. in Australia; and Platform Specialty Products Ltd. in the U.S.