Seed Germination Testing

Germination is defined as the emergence and development of specific biological structures, which indicate a seed’s ability to grow into a normal plant under favorable conditions. Seed germination testing aims to determine how seeds will perform under certain growth conditions, based on which the planters can plan for the number of seeds to plant. Moreover, seed germination testing can also be informative for labeling and marketing purposes.

Lifeasible is equipped with an excellent seed laboratory. We offer cutting-edge technologies and customized seed germination analysis on a variety of substratum and treatment conditions.

• The basic paper test. The test can be performed on multiple types of papers, including:
• Blotters (Figure 1A): primarily used for small-seeded species and seed that require light for germination.
• Paper towels (Figure 1B): the most popular substratum for germinating seeds, especially for large-seeded species.
• Filter papers (Figure 1C): often applied in petri dish tests or larger germination boxes.
• Creped cellulose papers (Figure 1D): primarily used for large-seeded species such as soybean, velvetbean, field and sweet corn, lima bean, broad bean, and several large-seeded tree species.
• Pleated papers (Figure 1E): provide greater contact area for seeds throughout the critical early stages of imbibitions and germination.
• The sand or soil test (Figure 1F). Some seeds, like peanuts and malabar spinach, which don't germinate well in papers, can be germinated in sand or soil.
• Other tests. For seeds such as Echinacea, tomatoes, peppers, and certain flowers that are uneasy to germinate, many methods like scarification, pre-chilling, pre-drying, or chemical treatment can be used to improve germination.

Figure 1. Different substratums for seed germination testing (Elias et al., 2012).

At Lifeasible seed Lab, we ensure that all substratum, containers and moistening agents are sterile and free of phytotoxic properties. Following high-quality seed germination testing assays, we will provide our customers with a detailed report regarding:

• % germination: The percentage of seeds that develop essential structures which indicate they can grow into mature plants under favorable conditions.
• % abnormal germination: The proportion of seedlings that exhibit some feature of germination, but without normal plant structures (such as missing roots or shoots), and are unable to produce a healthy plant.
• % fresh seeds: The ratio of seeds that have imbibed water but fail to germinate.
• % hard seeds: The percentage of seeds with impermeable seed coats which inhibit water absorption and therefore they stay hard throughout the test period
• % dormant seeds: The ratio of viable seeds (other than hard seeds) that fail to germinate under the test conditions.
• % dead seeds: The proportion of seeds that cannot produce any part of a seedling.

At the seed laboratory of Lifeasible, we are committed to exceeding your expectations by offering the highest-quality seed germination testing services. Welcome to contact us for technical inquiries, collaborations, and more informations.