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Weather conditions in Scotland mean that in most years cereal seed quality is variable and an accurate assessment of a seed stock's germination potential is best made by trained and experienced seed analysts. Our analysts use internationally agreed testing methods and are trained to recognise seedling abnormalities caused by disease, drying, mechanical, sprouting, and Round-up damage: 5 major causes of low cereal seed germination in Scotland.
Germination tests for cereals take varying lengths of time depending on the depth of the natural dormancy of Scottish cereal seed and the dormancy breaking pre-treatments that have to be applied. Most tests should be completed in 12-14 days. Do-it-yourself germination tests are not recommended. These tests are rarely sophisticated enough to break dormancy and can seriously undervalue a seed lot's potential.
If you require a more rapid indication of potential germination our TETRAZOLIUM test can provide results in 24 hours. Our test involves a detailed microscopic examination of stained seed embryos for damage to the essential structures. It is quite unlike the quick "stain test" maltsters use or almost instant "Vitascope" staining tests. These tests are not appropriate for seed and can substantially overestimate germination since they do not identify drying damage and embryo abnormality.
The relationship between our tetrazolium test and the full germination test is excellent for barley. With winter wheat, seed infection with Microdochium nivale (formerly Fusarium nivale) and/or Septoria nodorum can affect the germination of untreated seed. The tetrazolium result indicates the germination potential of the seed after appropriate chemical seed treatment. The tetrazolium test is particularly useful in seasons where there is a combination of dormancy, seed-borne disease and drying damage. A tetrazolium result of 92%, or above, should ensure a germination that meets certification standards provided: the seed is treated with an appropriate chemical seed treatment; there is no evidence of drying damage; and the seed crop has not suffered from "Round-up" (glyphosate) damage.
In addition to newly harvested seed, germination or tetrazolium tests are found to be useful where seed has been held over between seasons, especially if the original germination of the seed is unknown, or if the storage conditions are not perfect.
If required, Caroline Cadger
(Phone 0131-244 8908) or Ronnie Don
(Phone 0131-244 8891) can advise you on you testing requirements and help you interpret your germination and tetrazolium test results. |
