Corn Germination

Corn Services

Corn Germination testing using Top Crepe Cellulose paper

Method

Testing is conducted according to the Association Official Seed Analysts (AOSA), International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Rules for testing seeds or Canada Methods and Procedures (Canada M&P) based on customer need. Each germination test consists of four hundred seeds. When testing Refuge in a Bag (RIB) blends, four hundred seeds of the major component and two hundred seeds of minor component, or refuge are tested. The Test utilizes Top Crepe Cellulose paper (TC) or Sand (S or TCS) as the media.

What is Reported

Percentage of normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings, and dead seeds are reported. Comments regarding growth characteristics and type of abnormal seedlings observed in test (physical or physiological) are documented. A rating of sugar leakage, fungal and bacteria species present are also reported. See "Analysis Report Index Table" PDF.

Value of Results

The standard germination test is required by the Federal Seed Act (FSA) for labeling. The report of analysis will contain germination percentage and date of test utilized for labeling. Commonly, testing is conducted on inventory, new crop and for “Date Testing” (November or December) to have a date that allows shipping corn across state lines until the end of April or May, respectively. See FSA for specifics.