Questions and Answers
What is primarily assessed through seed testing?
Which organization is responsible for publishing the rules for seed testing in the United States?
Which of the following characteristics directly relates to the quality of a seed lot?
What must be included on the label provided by the shipper of commercially produced seeds?
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What is recommended for seeds that have been stored for an extended period?
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Study Notes
Overview of Seed Testing
- Seed testing is essential to ensure compliance with legal standards, assess seed quality, and determine appropriate sowing rates for seedlings.
- Retesting of stored seeds is recommended after extended storage durations to verify viability.
Regulatory Bodies
- The Association of Official Seed Analysts, Inc. publishes seed testing rules for major edible crops and various ornamental plants.
- The International Seed Testing Association releases global seed testing standards, enhancing consistency across regions.
Characteristics of High-Quality Seed Lots
- Germination (Viability): Indicates the seed's ability to sprout and grow into healthy plants.
- Purity: Reflects the percentage of pure seeds free from contaminants and other species.
- Vigor: Describes the strength and robustness of the seeds during germination.
- Seed Health: Assesses the presence of diseases or pathogens that may affect plant growth.
- Noxious Weed Seed Contamination: Measures the amount of undesirable weed seeds in the lot, which can affect crop growth.
Seed Label Requirements
- Shippers of commercially produced seeds must provide a detailed label that includes:
- Name: Specifies the species and cultivars of the seeds.
- Origin: Indicates where the seeds were produced.
- Germination Percentage: Shows the expected sprouting rate of the seeds.
- Percentage of Pure Seed: Denotes the proportion of clean seed in the lot.
- Other Seed Included: Lists additional seeds present, particularly weeds.
- Inert Materials: Accounts for non-seed materials such as rocks and dirt.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of seed testing, including its role in meeting legal standards, determining seed quality, and optimal sowing rates. This quiz covers guidelines published by the Association of Official Seed Analysts and international rules applicable to various plant species.
