The aim of the study was to assess how synthetic seed dressings, effective microorganisms (EM) and the combination of both influenced the development and the health status of wheat, barley and rye at early phases of their growth. The following seed dressings were used in a greenhouse experiment: EM MG, Astep 225 FS, Baytan Trio 180 FS and Vibrance Gold 100 FS. They were applied individually and in combination with EM MG. The emergence of plants, the percentage of plants with blight symptoms, the fresh and dry weight as well as the length of the aerial part and roots were assessed at the phase of 9 leaves (BBCH 19). There were significant differences in the number of infested winter wheat and winter barley plants between the combinations with seed treated seeds and the control variant. The greatest increase in the fresh and dry weight as well as the length of the aerial part of winter wheat and winter barley plants was observed when their seeds were dressed with Astep 225 FS, Baytan Trio 180 FS and Baytan Trio 180 FS with EM MG.