Tests performed on Certified grains:

1. Purity: The sample is analyzed and divided into four components: pure seed, other crop, inert matter and weed seed. Noxious weed seed identification is included (Noxious Weed Seeds of New York).
2. Germination: Seed germination: In seed laboratory practice, germination is defined as the emergence and development from the seed embryo of those essential structures which, for the kind of seed in question, are indicative of the ability to produce a normal plant under favorable conditions. Note: In laboratory practice tests are under optimal conditions. This may not be how the lot will perform under field conditions.
3. Pre-chill: A cold moist treatment applied to seeds to overcome dormancy prior to the germination test. The pre-chill varies among species, but is usually performed by holding imbibed seeds at a low temperature for a specified period of time.

Complete Information:

• Tests Performed on Certified and Non-Certified Grains (PDF)
• Approximate Amounts of Seed Needed For Testing (PDF)
• Fee Schedule (PDF) - Updated 1 April 2010
• Service Test Request Form (PDF)
• Article 9: NYS Seed Law (PDF)