Seed Testing Information

The Colorado Seed Laboratory is an official AOSA (Association of Official Seed Analysts) laboratory, but we also perform seed tests according to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) and Canadian standards.  Simply specify your desired method(s) and we will accommodate your needs.

The Colorado Seed Laboratory (CSL) is powered by Pure Harvest.  Customers can be notified via email when their samples arrive, when preliminary results are available (including the 1st, 2nd, and subsequent germination counts), and when final reports are issued.  In addition to sending a paper copy, we also email a legal, signed lab report in a .PDF format--this report can be printed immediately from your computer.

Purity Analysis Testing (for more information see: Purity Analysis)

"The analysis is performed, on the kind in question, to determine the percentage of pure seed, other
crop seed, weed seed and inert material present in the seed lot." - AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds

Return to Top

Germination Testing  (for more information see:  Germination Testing)

Seed germination in laboratory practice is defined as "the emergence from the seed embryo of those essential structures which, for the kind in question, are indicative of the ability to produce a normal plant under favorable conditions." - AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds

Ungerminated seeds at the end of the test are examined for dormancy with TZ testing.

Return to Top

Tetrazolium (TZ) Testing  (for more information see:  Tetrazolium (TZ) Testing)

When a quick estimate of the total viability is needed, a tetrazolium test
should be requested.  The test usually takes 24 hours to complete, but with native species this may take 48 hours or longer.

Return to Top

Noxious Weed Examination

All samples given a purity analysis will receive an examination for Colorado noxious weeds seeds unless other states are specified. The cost for this service is included in the purity charges.

There is no extra charge for additional states requested or for an "ALL STATES" exam.

Return to Top

Bioassay

The Colorado Seed Laboratory is certified by BASF to perform the CLEARFIELD CONFIRM Test for winter wheat containing the CLEARFIELD® trait.

Return to Top

Additional Seed Tests

Caryopsis Count

This test is used to determine the average number of caryopsis contained in each burr
of buffalograss, and is reported as "caryopsis per burr".

Seed Cut Test

This test is used to determine the percentage of 4-wing saltbush fruits (utricles) that actually
contain a true seed. The results are reported as "percent full".

Seed Export Exam for Millet

This is a special purity examination for millet seed that is to be shipped
overseas for feeding purposes.

Seed Moisture Test

This is conducted using the oven method according to the ISTA Rules for Testing Seeds.

Poa annua (Annual bluegrass) Seed Exam

When requested, a search will be made for Poa annua.

Sand Germination Test

This test is conducted under the same temperature regime as a germination test,
but sand is used as the substratum.

Seeds Per Pound

This procedure determines number of seeds per pound.

Seed Test Weight (Lbs/Bushel)

This test is used to determine the relative density of the seed.

Return to Top