Sample the Seed Lot

Samples that are non-certified or ISTA Blue can be sent to the Lab for seed testing by the customer.  

Where do I find sampling manuals? 

For detailed sampling procedures you may want to check the AOSA Rules for Testing Seed, ISTA International Rules for Testing Seeds, ISTA Handbook on Seed Sampling, American Association of Seed Control Officials (AASCO) Handbook on Seed Sampling, or the Oregon Seed Certification Service Guide for Certification Samplers and Taggers. You may also contact us directly.

How do I prepare a sample?

Samples are submitted in secure bags or envelopes. Each sample should have a Seed Sample Certificate or Seed Testing Order Form (short or long version) attached which properly identifies the crop kind, tests requested, identification (lot or reference number), and any treatment used. To avoid spillage in transport, place the sample bag inside a Ziploc or plastic bag.  Samples for moisture testing must be submitted in a sealed Ziploc bag to avoid moisture exchange. Live plant materials for grow-out need to be submitted with wet paper towels to protect the root system, and transported using the fastest service. Please attach the Sample order form/Sample Certificate to the outside of the sample bag(s). 

How much seed should be submitted?

A minimum of 2500 seeds is required by both AOSA and ISTA for a purity test. Any bulk exam such as noxious or ISTA complete OSD requires 25,000 seeds. Germination requires 400 seeds; TZ requires 200 for AOSA and 400 for ISTA. These are minimums; in practice at least 10% more seed is needed, and viability testing may require two or three times the minimum in some situations. For a complete set of common tests (purity, noxious, germ), the following are guidelines for common seeds. Please caontact us if you have any questions or need more specific information.

Suggested Sample Weights
Crop type Sample Weight
Small-seeded grasses (bentgrass, bluegrass), fine fescue, orchardgrass, small clovers (e.g. alsike, white) 60g
Large-seeded grasses (tall fescue, ryegrass), crimson clover, rape, canola, millet, flax, or seeds of similar size 150g
Alfalfa and red clover 150g (1000g for Certified seed)
Proso millet, sudangrass, hemp, or seeds of similar size 500g
Cereal grains, vetches, sorghums 1000g
Large-seeded vegetables (beans, corn, squash, beets, etc.) 550g

Small-seeded vegetables (broccoli, tomato, pepper, onion, etc.).  Varies by species.  

Typically 60g for purity & noxious exam

800 seeds min. for germination
Medium-seeded vegetables (spinach, etc.).  Varies by species.

Typically 260g for purity & noxious exam

800 seeds min. for germination

 

 

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