The total area under rapeseed in Latvia is becoming more volatile and has declined in recent years. The crop is increasingly concentrated in large farms that have the necessary resources and technology. Last year's review by the Central Statistical Bureau shows that in 2024 the area under rapeseed shrank substantially, to 122.5 thousand hectares. Of that total, 93% is on large farms. This trend means that growing importance attaches not to increasing the area but to improving the yield from each hectare. As rapeseed growing volumes fall, it becomes ever more important to use the existing area as efficiently as possible. One of the most significant tools for improving yields right at the outset is high-quality seed treatment before sowing.

Rapeseed seed treatment, or dressing, means that before sowing the seeds are coated with a special protective, growth-promoting layer. Put simply, it is like a "starter kit" for the plant. This layer contains various substances that help the seed survive and develop strongly and evenly from the very first days after sowing. To understand why rapeseed seed treatment before sowing is so important, and what should be applied to the seeds so that they germinate and develop better, experts from Germany also visited SIA "Linas Agro"'s winter rapeseed field trial at SIA Kalnāji in Slampe parish.

The trial concluded that one of the key groups of substances is microorganisms, or "good bacteria". They enter the soil together with the seed material and begin to live around the plant's roots. The bacteria help the plant fight disease and at the same time promote the uptake of nutrients from the soil. In practice this means the plant is better able to use what is already present in the soil and, accordingly, grows healthier.

The second important component is biostimulants. These are naturally derived compounds that help the plant cope with unfavourable conditions such as drought, cold or sharp changes in the weather. They can be compared to "immunity boosters" for plants – they do not feed the plant directly, but help it become more resilient and develop roots faster.

The third significant group is pest control products, or insecticides. These protect young, newly germinated plants from insects that can damage or even destroy them right at the start. In the Baltic region this risk is particularly relevant, so protection is often decisive in establishing an even crop stand. The combination of all these elements ensures that rapeseed develops more evenly and more strongly as early as the autumn period. In the case of winter rapeseed this is especially important, because the plant has to be able to overwinter successfully. The better it has developed in the autumn, the greater the chance that it will survive the winter and give a good yield the following year.

These solutions are not chosen at random; they are based on trials under a range of conditions across Europe, including the Baltics. This makes it possible to tailor seed treatment to the particular climate, soil and risks. Practical results show that treated seeds form a stronger root system and promote more even plant development across the whole field. An important indicator of a successful crop stand is the number of plants per square metre – ideally around 20–30 plants. This means each plant has enough space and resources to develop, while at the same time the field is dense enough to ensure a good overall yield.

Overall, the main recommendation is to choose a seed dressing to suit the specific conditions. If there is a greater pest risk or more difficult growing conditions, it is worth using more comprehensive solutions with a full protection and development package. In more favourable conditions, meanwhile, a simpler treatment may suffice. The main benefit of high-quality seed treatment is a strong, healthy plant with a well-developed root system. This means the plant is better able to use the nutrients available in the soil, to overcome stress more easily and, ultimately, to deliver a higher and more stable yield.