Copasem and Abrates launch book on seed pathology.

The Seed Pathology Committee (Copasem), a technical body of the Brazilian Seed Technology Association (Abrates), launched this week the digital book Seed Pathology: The Basic Science, considered the most up-to-date and comprehensive material ever published in Brazil on the subject. The work is available for free on the Abrates website.

The launch comes at a time of increasing demand for more stringent standards of sanitary quality and sustainability in agricultural production, especially in the seed sector, which plays a central role in the productivity and phytosanitary safety of crops.

With 13 chapters and contributions from over 50 experts from different institutions, the book covers everything from the historical and conceptual foundations of seed pathology to advanced diagnostic methodologies, pathogen identification, and management strategies. The content encompasses topics such as the pathogen-seed relationship, laboratory techniques, disease management in the field and post-harvest, as well as seed treatment—a step considered crucial for ensuring the quality, productivity, and profitability of agricultural systems.

At the time the work was prepared, the coordination of Copasem was the responsibility of Ellen Noly Barrocas and Evelyn Koch. According to the researchers, the initiative arose from the need to gather and disseminate updated information, serving professionals from different links in the agribusiness sector. In total, 29 private companies supported the publication.

For Ellen, seed health is one of the pillars of modern agriculture. "It helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases, reduces the use of pesticides and production costs, and promotes more sustainable agriculture aligned with food security," she states. Evelyn highlights that the book presents updated methodologies and essential content to strengthen good practices in the sector. "The work expands technical knowledge and contributes to the evolution of the seed sector," she emphasizes.

The current coordinator of Copasem, Norimar D'Ávila Denardin, emphasizes that the publication acts on two strategic fronts: the consolidation of scientific knowledge and methodological standardization. “The book brings together the experience of specialists and contributes both to the training of new professionals and to the standardization of seed health analyses, offering technical support for future regulations and increasing the rigor of tests carried out in the country,” she explains.

Although Brazil already has official standards, such as the Ministry of Agriculture's Seed Sanitary Analysis Manual, Norimar believes that this work complements and strengthens existing standards. Another advantage, according to her, is the expanded access to the content. "The free digital format allows it to reach everyone from large companies to small producers, broadening the dissemination of science in agribusiness."

According to the president of Abrates, researcher Fernando Henning, the book represents a milestone for the national seed sector. "It is a relevant technical contribution, with updated, accessible content aligned with the contemporary demands of seed production in Brazil," he states. He adds that the free nature of the work reinforces the organization's commitment to disseminating knowledge and providing continuing education for professionals, researchers, students, and laboratories.