Seed testing can either be arranged with your Mobile Seed Processor
or direct with a particular Seed Laboratory of your choice.
The choice will depend upon a variety of factors, such as laboratory
location and competence; the type of service offered by the seed
processor; the range of tests and for which crops, the quantity
of seed to be processed; and whether you prefer to be independent
or not.
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Typical Tests for Cereals
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Normal Duration (during season)
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As Grown Germination
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The most accurate assessment of seeds' ability to produce
normal seedlings under lab. conditions.
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10-14 days
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Vitascope 'Germination'
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Cheap & cheerful but with limitations
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1-2 days
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Rapid Seed Viability (+ Vigour)
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More sophisticated and accurate version of Vitascope, (+
with Vigour score)
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2-3 days
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1000 Grain Wt
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Essential if planting by seeds/sq.m
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1-2 days
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Grain Moisture
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Seed should be treated at 16% MC or below
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1-2 days
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Admix/Purity
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Assess Seed for species or weed purity
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1-2 days
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Seed Borne Diseases where there is particular concern
about quality.
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Barley
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Loose Smut, Leaf Stripe, Net Blotch
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8 days
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Wheat
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Bunt, Microdochium, Septoria
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8 days
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Where varietal purity is important, perhaps for
a particular end market; the following assessments can be
made:
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Varietal Identity
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Electrophoresis to identify unknown variety
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2-3 days
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Varietal Purity
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Phenol + Electrophoresis to check purity of a known variety
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2-3 days
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Typical Tests for Peas
& Beans
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Normal Duration
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As Grown Germination
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The most accurate assessment of seeds' ability to produce
normal seedlings under lab. conditions.
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8-12 days
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1000 Grain Weight
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Essential if planting by seeds/sq.m
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2 days
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Ascochyta
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Strongly advised for Peas & Beans to determine seed treatment
required
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7-10 days
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Stem & Bulb Nematode
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Strongly advised for all Beans, but not a requirement of
Seed Cert. Scheme
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2-3 days
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Pea Bacterial Blight
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Previously recommended by DEFRA, due to N.Z. research, but
not appearing as UK threat
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1 month
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Typical Tests for Oilseed
Rape
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Normal Duration
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As Grown Germination
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Most accurate method of assessment, essential where Pre-Harvest
treatment used.
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7-10 days
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Rapid TZ (& Vigour)
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Quality 'Quick' germination assessment
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2-3 days
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1000 Grain Weight
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Essential if planting by seeds/sq.m
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1 day
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Schlerotinia Search
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Advisable in a 'schlerotinia risk' situation
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1 day
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Oilseed Rape Disease
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Alternaria & Phoma can be tested if concerned about seed
quality
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7 days
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There are more tests available