S eeds of field-sown crops often are exposed to adverse environmental conditions during germination, emergence, and seedling development. Several environmental and seed physiological factors interact with these growth stages and contribute to the relative success of crop production. Advances in seed priming, coating, pathogen control, and various combinations of other presowing seed treatments show promise for improvement of crop stand establishment. The need for reliable and uniform crop establishment in horticultural production systems is well recognized (Herner, 1986; Heydecker and Coolbear, 1977; Gray, 1978; Matthewsand Powell, 1986). After the many steps involved in seed production, harvesting, milling, and storage, the ultimate indicator of a seedlot’s quality is its performance upon sowing in the field or greenhouse. Factors that limit stand establishment includesoil crusting, poor seed/soil contact, excessively high or low temperatures, seed-borne/soil-borne pathogens, and deficient or excessive soil moisture. In the face of these environmental stresses, achieving acceptable seed germination and emergence (and transplant survival) is no small task in stand establishment. This paper discusses the scope and impact of several types of seed treatments that can improve crop establishment.