Seed Testing Services

Physical Purity Testing

Physical purity testing is the process for distinguishing the amount and type of impurities in a seed sample. This test determines the percentage (by weight) of pure seed, other crop seed, weed seed, and inert matter respectively, within a given seed lot sample. The components of the sample can be screened by naked eyes or using hand magnifiers, microscopes, or semi-automatic inspection stations. Usually, blowers and sieves are used to facilitate the separation of inert matter and weed seeds (and/or other crop seed) from pure seeds, based on their difference in density and size.

Genetic Purity Testing

Genetic purity testing refers to the analysis for detecting the existence of transgenic events in seeds, or to evaluate the degree of contamination caused by undesired genetic varieties. Genetic purity can be detected not only by morphological, chemical, and other phenotypical characteristics, but can also be identified through DNA marker methods and protein-based isozyme electrophoresis, two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing.

Seed Germination Testing

Germination is defined as the ability of a seed embryo to grow into a normal plant under favorable conditions. The germination test aims to evaluate the germination potential of a seed lot and to determine how well they will perform when planted in specific fields, such as gardens and seedling nurseries. Usually, 200 or 400 pure seed samples are placed under optimal moist conditions on paper towels, blotters, soil, or sand to test the seed germination rate.

Seed Vigor Testing

Seed vigor testing aims to measure the ability of the seed to perform well under unfavorable conditions. Seed vigor refers to the sum of all essential properties that determine the potential for rapid, uniform germination, as well as the ability to develop into normal seedlings under a wide range of field conditions. It can be evaluated by multiple methods such as accelerated aging test, conductivity test, cold test, saturated cold test, controlled deterioration test, tetrazolium vigor test, cool germination test, brick grit test, osmotic stress, respiration rate, and so on.

Tetrazolium Testing

Tetrazolium (TZ) testing provides a quick estimate of seed viability. The TZ test is based on the presence of dehydrogenase activity in viable seed tissues during the respiration process. Dehydrogenase can catalyze the colorless 2, 3-5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride solution into a red dye formazan. Therefore, living tissues of seeds that imbibe tetrazolium chloride will be stained red, while dead tissues will retain their natural color. TZ testing not only allows seed scientists to assess germination potential by staining seed tissues, but also provides valuable insights into frost damage detection, vigor evaluation, and seed lot problems diagnosis.

Seed Health Testing

Seed health testing plays important roles in ensuring the seedling establishment, as well as in minimizing transmission of pathogens from seeds to adult plants. We provide hundreds of pathogen testing services against virus, bacteria, and fungi, using a variety of methods including field inspection, visual examination, incubation tests, grow-out tests, indicator tests, phage-plaque techniques, serological diagnostic techniques, and DNA techniques.

Seed Moisture Content Testing

Moisture content refers to the proportion of water held by the seed. It is a key factor for the determination of seed harvest time, storage conditions, as well as seed lifespan. Moisture content can be measured directly by quantifying water loss from dried seeds. Alternatively, it can be measured based on specific physical and/or chemical characteristics of seeds or the interseed environment which are associated with moisture content.

Seeds Propagation and Production

Ideal propagation method allows production of plants with favorable properties. We provide both field seeding operations and greenhouse transplant production systems to produce agronomic, forestry, vegetable, and flowering bedding plants. Our greenhouse facilities hold great planting capacities, and are under the stringent control of light, temperature, and humidity conditions, ensuring optimal seed propagations for a variety of plant species.