A method of improving the growth of a plant is provided, comprising the steps of applying an effective amount of a base treatment composition and an effective amount of a second treatment composition to seeds prior to planting, either simultaneously or separately in succession. The base treatment composition comprises at least one fungicide that is different from hymexazol and the second treatment composition comprises a first component comprising a neonicotinoid such as clothianidin and, optionally, but preferably, a synthetic pyrethroid such as beta-cyfluthrin, and a second component comprising hymexazol as at least one of its active ingredients.