Purity analysis
Germination analysis
Weed search
Seed identification
Weight determination
Tetrazolium
Sprouting test
Moisture content
Vigour
Quarantine inspection

Purity Analysis

The purity analysis infers the physical quality of an entire seed lot by defining

1. the percentage composition by weight of the sample being tested
2. the identity and legislative status of any other seeds and
3. the identity of inert particles such as stones, soil or de-coated seed, constituting the sample.

Germination Analysis

The germination analysis determines the maximum germination potential of a seed lot as an estimate of its field planting value. To overcome the unreliability of testing under field conditions and to facilitate the reproduction of test results, standardised laboratory procedures have been developed by ISTA. These methods promote the most regular, rapid and complete germination for most seeds of commonly cultivated species.

Germination analysis defines:

1. Normal seedlings, those which can be expected to develop into healthy and productive plants in the field,
2. Abnormal seedlings, those which are not expected to develop into productive plants. For example seedlings with defects such as lack of a functional root or shoot system or broken growths.
3. Hard and dead seed, and those seeds which have taken in water but are slow to develop, known as fresh un-germinated seed.

A germination test result can also give clues as to the history of a seed lot .

For example, symptoms of mechanical, chemical, heat or frost damage can be seen in germination tests . In some cases germination test results can also indicate the presence of disease.

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Weed Seed Search

• Detection of a specified weed specie or species. 
• A number per kg can be determined. 
• Useful as a guide to the presence of toxic or troublesome weeds, protection for stock and pastures.

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Seed Identification

Seed Services Australia offers accurate identification of weed and other species. We have an extensive seed specimen collection enabling accurate identification of a range of species. The laboratory also has access to other seed collections and participates in a seed exchange program to regularly update this important state resource.

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Weight Determination

The results from 1,000 seed weight determination are used to calculate sowing rates.

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Tetrazolium

The germination test is the most commonly used measure of seed viability, however the bio-chemical tetrazolium test is widely recognised as a rapid, reliable means of estimating seed viability in particular those species which exhibit high levels of dormant seed.

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Sprouting Test

The sprouting test is designed for species traded in the 'fresh sprout' market eg. lucerne, mung bean, radish, peas. This test is distinct from a germination analysis as seedlings are assessed as to their acceptability for the culinary market. This is not an ISTA accredited test, and results should not be used as a guide to sowing potential.

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Moisture Content

This test is performed according to the ISTA oven method.

Seed viability and vigour is very much influenced by storage conditions. Seed moisture plays a major role in seed storage, as high seed moisture is the greatest single factor causing loss of viability and vigour in seed lots. In seed quality control programs it is vital to accurately measure the moisture content of seed lots and to use these results to assist the maintenance of seed viability and vigour.

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Vigour

Available for canola only, a vigour test provides a more sensitive index of seed quality than the germination analysis and provides a ranking of the seed lot in terms of it's potential field performance.

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Quarantine Inspection

Seed Services Australia’s Seed Testing laboratory is a Quarantine approved laboratory (QAP). Imorted and export seed consignments are checked for the prescence of prohibited organisms,noxious weed seeds insects and soil.Seed lots not meeting AQIS requirements are not permitted entry into Australia.

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