Sustainable University

Heat Instead of Chemicals: Researchers from BUT Unveil Equipment for More Environmentally Friendly Seed Treatment for the First Time

Researchers from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering BUT, together with their industrial partners, are presenting for the first time a functional device capable of treating seeds without the use of chemical agents at the Země živitelka agricultural fair in České Budějovice. The pilot-scale unit, housed inside a shipping container, uses high temperatures to reduce pathogens and offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical seed treatment. Until now, the team of scientists and industry representatives had presented the technology only through animations; they have now brought a fully functional unit.

At the “Země živitelka” fair, researchers will unveil for the first time a functional, semi-commercial unit for the thermal sanitization of seeds. | Author: Pavel Skryja

The technology removes harmful fungi, bacteria, and pests from the surface of seeds without the use of chemical agents. At the same time, the precisely controlled process maintains high germination rates and seed vitality. By relying on physical processes, the technology leaves no chemical residues in the seeds and does not burden the soil, making it suitable for both organic and conventional agriculture.

The technology is the result of a three-year collaboration between the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering BUT and the companies Agricultural Research Troubsko and SEED SERVICE. The project was financially supported by the Czech Ministry of Agriculture under the ZEMĚ programme.

“We want to demonstrate that thermal sanitation is a fully viable alternative to chemical seed treatment and reach growers, plant breeders, and distributors looking for more environmentally friendly and legislatively safe solutions. We are happy to explain the principle, effectiveness, and practical advantages of the method. Above all, it is a clean and sustainable process that leaves no residues and meets strict seed quality requirements,” said researcher Pavel Skryja from the Institute of Process Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering BUT.

Researcher Pavel Skryja from the Institute of Process Engineering. | Author: Václav Široký

The research team developed this device in response, among other factors, to increasingly stringent legislation governing the use of chemical products in agriculture.

From Animation to a Functional Pilot-Scale Unit

This year's Země živitelka fair marks an important milestone for the project. Until now, the team had been able to present the technology to the public only through animations. Researchers have now developed and built a fully functional pilot-scale unit, which they are bringing to the exhibition for the first time and demonstrating in operation to visitors.

“The technology is integrated into a mobile system housed inside a shipping container with two entrances. This allows us to demonstrate directly to visitors how the unit operates,” explained researcher Jiří Bojanovský, also from the Institute of Process Engineering. The device is expected to contribute to more stable crop yields and improved crop health.

In the future, the principle of thermal sanitation could be applied not only to seed treatment. Researchers also foresee its potential use, for example, in cereal processing within the food industry.

The functional pilot-scale unit will be on display at the Země živitelka fair from 20 to 25 August at the SEED SERVICE stand, located between Halls Z and T.

Source: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering BUT

Author Mgr. Radka Španihelová
Published
Link https://www.vut.cz/en/sustainability/f163596/d357262

Responsibility: Bc. Tereza Kučerová