A recent PhD study by Kim Magnée at Wageningen University has highlighted the challenges faced by spinach farmers due to the cancellation of various crop protection products, leading to increased diseases like 'drop-out disease.' The research reveals significant variation in disease resistance among spinach seeds, with age and size being key factors. Darker, smaller, and more mature seeds have shown greater tolerance to Pythium ultimum. Furthermore, the study has identified hydropriming and dehulling as effective methods to enhance seed disease tolerance, improving the germination rate and reducing disease susceptibility in young plants. However, the research also underscores the need for further investigation into the potential genetic factors contributing to seed disease resistance.