The New York State Seed Testing Laboratory (NYSSTL) is the Official seed testing facility for New York State. The procedures and tolerances used are prescribed by the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA). The laboratory is staffed by seed analysts who have been tested and certified by the AOSA.  The NYSSTL offers specialized tests for New York growers as well as Routine tests for seed quality. Seed testing services are offered to residents, growers, food processors, seed companies andgovernment agencies on a fee basis.

Please note:  NYSSTL no longer accepts samples from out-of-state sources

Mail to:

New York State Seed Testing Laboratory
Department of Horticultural Sciences -Sturtevant Hall
New York State Agricultural Experiment Station
630 W. North Street
Geneva, NY14456

Call: 315-787-2242
Fax: 315-787-2320

Walk in:
Office hours:
8:00 - 12:00 & 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday
8:00 - 12:00 & 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Friday

Note: A seed drop is located in the left front door of the entrance to Sturtevant Hall.

Samples may be deposited here before or after office hours and on weekends.

Questions:

We invite you to contact us immediately if you have any questions or concerns about your testing needs or results. If you can not contact us during our office hours, please feel free to leave a message on our answering service.

Sender identification information needed:

Name

Address

Telephone number

Seed Sample information needed:

• Identification
• Variety
• Lot Number
• Seed Treatment: Note - Samples submitted for testing must be labeled if they are treated with any seed treatment. This information is essential for both handling and testing procedures. Testing procedures for some crops are determined by the seed treatment present.
• Type of test or analysis desired
• Special instructions for testing, reporting or billing.

Routine tests:

Routine tests for seed quality include: Germination, Moisture, Purity and Vigor. In addition to providing labeling information and germination potential, these tests can also be used for diagnostic testing to determine adulterated samples, causes of seed deterioration and fungicide efficacy. For more information about the tests available, or for a current price schedule, please contact the laboratory.

Specialized tests:

Tests have been developed by the NYSSTL for the New York State growers and processors to provide more information about a seed lot than is provided by the Germination test alone. Germination tests provide information for use in labeling, comparing seed lots, and for making carry-over decisions. They do not predict field performance. For a more accurate assessment of seed quality the following tests are available: The Breakdown Test for Beans, the Sand Test for Beets, the Necrosis Test for Lettuce.

Carry-over seed:

Seed that did not get planted last year should be tested before planting this year. Generally, the germination percentage on the seed label is valid for 9 months only and seed quality can deteriorate in storage if conditions are less than ideal.

Time Required for Testing:

Two factors determine the amount of time required for completing a seed analysis or test.  One factor is the number of other samples being received by the laboratory at the time the sample arrives. The second factor is the time required for that crop kind. Some crop kinds require a week while others require a month or more for completion.

IN A HURRY?

• Send Priority Mail.
• Request Rush Service:  Rush service guarantees that the sample will be the next sample analyzed or put on for testing ahead of other samples already submitted. It may be on the day it is submitted but most likely the first thing the following day. Samples must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday or 2:00 p.m. Friday. Note additional charge of $6.00 extra and $10.00 extra for certified grains.
• Request Same Day Service: Same day service guarantees that the sample will be analyzed or put on for testing on that day. Samples must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday or 2:00p.m. Friday. Note additional charge of $10.00 extra and $20.00 extra for certified grains.

Reporting Results:

Results will be sent by mail as soon as tests are completed. They also may be faxed upon request. Results may be reported by phone at customer expense only. If an 800 number is supplied, or instructions given for calling collect, results may also be phoned.

Charges:

Payment is not required when the sample is submitted, but is within 30 days after invoicing. Please make checks payable to the NYS Seed Testing Laboratory and include test numbers on the check. *The Fee Schedule is available on the Testing page.

Mail payment to:

NYSAES/Seed Testing Lab
Cornell University
PO BOX 576
Ithaca, NY14851

Remember: Seed quality should be known before seed is planted.

Download this information via pdf file