Health and vigorous seeds are essential for providing the potentials of irrigation, fertilizer and pesticides utilized for obtaining high crop production. The yields of many crops are reduced by seed-borne pathogens. The environmental conditions of the Brasilian arid and semi-arid regions usually favor the production of healthy seeds. lnfluences of different methods of irrigation on economnic, agronomic and plant protection aspects are discussed. Results of seed healthly research projects are mentioned. Some priorities of seed health research are also suggested.