xray-insect

Performed in the Special Testing Unit:

Seed Moisture Content: This test determines the percentage by weight of moisture content in seeds. Seed moisture content affects the capacity of seeds to stay alive and maintain germinability and vigor over time. *ISTA Accredited Test

Oil and Protein: Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry (NMR), we can determine oil, protein, and moisture content in seeds of various oil crops. The test is non-destructive and the machine can be calibrated for a wide range of crops. Read more.

X-ray: A test to reveal the internal tissues of seeds including any abnormalities, empty seeds, absence of embryos, mechanical and internal damages, and insect infestation. It is particularly useful for native species, trees, shrubs, and nuts, which can be observed internally without breaking the shell.

fast-green-testChemical tests to detect mechanical damage and seed coat injuries: Fast green, Ferric chloride and Indoxyl acetate tests are used to reveal mechanical injuries and physical fractures in seed coats of corn, soybeans, and other seeds.

Thermogradient Germination Test

  • Identifies the optimum germination temperatures for various crops.
  • Screens varieties for cold and/or heat tolerance.
  • Determines the relative quality of different seed lots.

Performed in the Purity Unit:

Test Weight

  • Weight per bushel (lbs/bu)
  • Seed count (1000 seed wt, seeds per pound, etc) *ISTA Accredited Test

Seed weight can indicate seed size, density, and the presence of shriveled, small, less developed seeds in a lot. Depending on the variety, production site, and rainfall during the growing season, there can be significant differences in the number of seeds per pound. This test helps in determining the seeding rate.