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The OSTS offers a wide range of laboratory tests that provide practical and reliable information for merchants and growers on the quality of seed intended for sowing. Tests are made in carefully controlled conditions by trained and experienced analysts, using internationally approved methods.
A programme of research and development aims to improve testing methods and enhance the interpretation and application of test results.
The OSTS organises formal and informal training courses in seed testing and seed sampling.
For further information contact Ronald Don
Information on some of the tests and services we provide and contact information
SEED CERTIFICATION
SASA is the Certifying Authority for seed produced in Scotland. Prior to certification, seed of most crop species must be officially tested to ensure that certain minimum standards are met. The OSTS undertakes some of the official testing of seed intended for certification and also supervises all official tests made in licensed seed testing stations. In this way, the high quality of Scottish certified seed is maintained.
The OSTS also offers a range of tests that can be used by the trade to evaluate seed prior to processing or by growers who save their own seed.
For further information contact Caroline Cadger
Please remember that most kinds of agricultural seeds cannot be sold unless they have been officially certified.
GERMINATION
Germination is one of the most important aspects of seed quality and low germination is probably the biggest cause of poor quality in seed produced in Scotland. Our analysts use internationally agreed testing methods and are trained to recognise seedling abnormalities caused by disease, drying, mechanical and sprouting damage: 4 major causes of low germination in Scotland.
Our advisory germination test will provide a reliable estimate of seeds potential to develop into plants in the field. The advisory germination test is also useful where seed has been held over between seasons, especially if the original germination of the seed is not known, or if storage conditions are not perfect.
For further information contact Gillian McLaren
TETRAZOLIUM
Germination tests on cereal seed take up to 3 weeks to complete because of the time required for growth and the pre-treatments applied to break the natural dormancy of the seed. The tetrazolium test used by the OSTS can give a very reliable estimate of potential germination in 24 Hours. The test involves the careful examination of seeds under a microscope to determine whether they are capable of developing into seedlings able to sustain growth in the field. It is particularly useful for winter cereals where there is a short period between harvest and sowing. In seed lots infected with Fusarium the tetrazolium test gives the potential of the seed lot once an appropriate chemical seed treatment is applied.
Damage during drying is one of the principal causes of low germination in Scottish cereal seed and the tetrazolium test can indicate whether drying damage has occurred. It especially useful in determining whether drying damage is present in barley intended for malting.
For further information contact Ronald Don
SEED PURITY
A purity test will provide information on the composition of a seed sample and provide details of the contaminants. Searches of larger samples can also be made to determine the extent of contamination with weed, other crop seeds and ergot.
For further information contact Jean Hall
SEED HEALTH
Seed-borne diseases can seriously affect the quality of both certified and farm-saved seed. In certification schemes disease is usually controlled during seed production by using appropriate chemical seed treatments. Seed-borne diseases can multiply rapidly from one generation to the next and seed crops can also become infected from neighbouring, diseased fields. It is extremely inadvisable to sow untreated cereal seed if it has not been tested for seed-borne diseases.
In some circumstances, the choice of seed treatment may depend on the results of tests for seed-borne diseases. A loose smut test can determine the incidence of smut infection in certified or farm-saved wheat or barley and a barley leaf stripe test will determine whether infection is present. The results of these tests can be used to decide upon to control measures and seed treatment strategies.
Seed-borne Microdochium (Fusarium) nivale and Septoria nodorum can reduce germination and emergence of winter wheat seed. Microdochium nivale can also affect oat seed germination and emergence. Our agar plate test will determine whether Microdochium nivale or Septoria nodorum infection is present and aid seed treatment decisions. Barley is much less susceptible to Microdochium nivale and seed-borne infection has relatively little effect on emergence when seed is sown during normal winter and spring sowing times.
Bunt is still relatively uncommon on wheat produced in Scotland, but if you are considering sowing untreated wheat seed for more than one generation, or if you think your seed is at risk from using contaminated equipment, then a bunt test is advisable.
Germination and emergence can be reduced in field peas and beans by seed-borne Ascochyta infection that can also spread and cause disease in growing crops. Seed treatments to control Ascochyta are more expensive than conventional protectant fungicides. An Ascochyta test will determine whether infection is present and aid seed treatment decisions.
For further information contact Valerie Cockerell or Margaret Jacks
ORGANIC FARMING
Seed intended for sowing without seed treatment chemicals, in an organic farming situation, must be of high germination and be relatively free from seed-borne diseases. The OSTS can offer a special package of tests for seed intended for organic farming and information can be given on the risks associated with sowing untreated seed.
For further information contact Valerie Cockerell
MOISTURE CONTENT
Moisture content is a factor that determines seed storage potential and can also influence germination after chemical treatment. The OSTS can undertake moisture content tests using the internationally accepted oven method.
For further information contact Jean Hall
SEED SIZE AND THOUSAND SEED WEIGHT
A thousand seed weight test is available to help determine seed rates for precision sowing.
For further information contact Caroline Cadger
VISITORS
The OSTS is pleased to organise visits to the station for groups with interests in seed quality.
For further information contact Caroline Cadger
PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING SAMPLES
Samples of seed submitted for testing must be representative of the lot or bulk from which they are taken. To take a representative sample, select a number of small samples from several bags, or from different parts of the bulk. Do not keep seed samples in warm or damp conditions prior to testing. Seed samples for certification testing must be drawn by official or licensed samplers. The station can provide detailed information on seed sampling procedures and equipment. Courses for seed samplers are held each year.
For further information contact Ken Pearson or Russell Thomson
Sample packets and bags can be supplied on request.
Direct your requests to Caroline Cadger
PAYMENT
Our price lists are updated each year and accounts are sent out when tests have been completed so please do not enclose payment with your seed.
For copies of our price list and details of the tests we offer contact Caroline Cadger
CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone
For direct line dial รข??
UK 0131 244 and one of the following numbers
International +44 131 244 and one of the following numbers
Ronald Don* (Chief Officer) 8891
Valerie Cockerell* (Seed Pathologist) 8900
Caroline Cadger* (Laboratory Manager) 8908
Jean Hall (Purity and Germination Lab Manager) 8803
Margaret Jacks (Health Lab Manager) 8803
Gillian McLaren* (Purity and Germination Lab Manager) 8851
Administration 8869*
Ken Pearson* (Herbage and Vegetable Crops Section) 8885
Russell Thomson* (Herbage and Vegetable Crops Section) 8899
*Voicemail answering machines
FAX:
The Official Seed Testing Station 8971
SASA 8940
E-mail
Staff can be contacted by:
Firstname.Surname@sasa.gsi.gov.uk
Postal Address
The Official Seed Testing Station
Scottish Agricultural Science Agency Headquarters
1 Roddinglaw Road
EDINBURGH
EH12 9FJ
Web Address
http://www.sasa.gov.uk | 
