Purity

4 part purity determines the percentage of pure seed, inert matter, other crop seed, weed seed, and all-states noxious weed seed (except Hawaii and Undesirable Grass Seed).

ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) purity and/or germ

Purity and/or germ tested and reported according to the ISTA Rules for Testing Seed.

Canada purity and/or germ

Purity and/or germ tested and reported according to the Canadian Methods and Procedures for Testing Seed.

Crop and Weed Exam

Determines the presence and rate of all crops and weeds including noxious. Performed on the standard bulk amount or larger amount if requested.

Undesirable Grass Seeds (USG):

The following seeds are considered UGS in some eastern states: Bermudagrass, Annual Bluegrass. Rough Bluegrass, Bentgrass, Meadow Fescue, Tall Fescue, Orchardgrass, Timothy and Velvetgrass. The UGS found and the number per pound is reported in the Noxious section of the Analysis report when a purity is conducted or in the Other Seed Determinations section.

All States Noxious Exam:

To determine the presence of all states (except HI; excludes UGS) noxious weeds and the estimated rate of occurrence in the seed lot based on a minimum of 25,000 seeds. This test is conducted when an AOSA purity is requested.

Seed Count

To determine the approximate number of seeds per pound.

Mill Check:

A quick test to determine inert matter percentage for setting the cleaner.  Based on 1/2 the purity amount, a 4 part separation to check for quality as well as 1/2 the bulk amount to check for noxious weeds before conditioning to final quality.

Ryegrass Flourescence:

To distinguish the percentage of perennial vs. annual. This test is required for labeling ryegrass. A fluorescence test is automatically conducted when a germ is requested, if a purity test has been conducted or requested at the same time.

Germination Test (400 seeds)

To determine the ability of a seed to produce a normal plant under favorable conditions.

Tetrazolium Chloride (TZ) Test (200 seeds)

Often referred to as a "quick test" since it can be completed in 24 to 48 hours.  Used to estimate the viability of a seed lot.  Can also be used to determine the viability of ungerminated seeds or the percentage of dormant seed when used in conjunction with a germination test.

Purity on Pelleted, Encrusted or Coated Seed:

The weight of the working sample is determined separately for each lot following the AOSA rules. Seed is washed, dried overnight and purity rules followed. Percentage of coating material is reported under Other Determinations on the Report of Analysis.