Seed Testing
Seed testing provides reliable, quantitative information about the physiological and physical quality of seed lots. Through standardized laboratory methods, key attributes such as germination capacity, seedling vigor, purity, moisture content, and the presence of seed-borne pathogens can be accurately assessed. These measurements support evidence-based decisions in seed production, quality assurance, and crop management by establishing how a seed lot is likely to perform under field or storage conditions. Objective seed testing data also contribute to compliance with regulatory standards, certification programs, and research needs across agricultural systems.
Seed Testing Definitions
Standardized terminology is essential for interpreting seed analysis results and for ensuring consistency across laboratories, regulatory programs, and industry practices. The definitions used in seed testing describe specific components of purity analysis, germination and viability evaluations, sampling procedures, and other core elements of the AOSA/SCST testing framework. This section provides an overview of the terms most commonly referenced in seed quality assessments, helping users understand how analytical results are generated and reported.
A complete set of formal definitions, including those adopted in the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds, can be accessed in the accompanying Definitions PDF.
A complete set of formal definitions, including those adopted in the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds, can be accessed in the accompanying Definitions PDF.
Test Methods for Species Without Rules
Suggested purity and/or germination testing methods for species without AOSA Rules testing procedures. The protocols listed are NOT official AOSA Rules methodology.
PLEASE NOTE: The following material represents genera and species that are not covered by AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds. These procedures and information were contributed for the purpose of providing a source of purity and/or germination methods for those species not included in the “Rules”, of which there may be valuable need for. Contributed information is cited by laboratory or publication in “References”.
The methods listed are not official AOSA Rules protocols.
Any additional contributions will be greatly appreciated. Please include primary source reference when available.
Original database: Ellen Chirco and Terry Turner. 1986. Species without AOSA Testing Procedures. The Newsletter of the Association of Official Seed Analysts. Vol 60 (2: 2-66).
Original database: Ellen Chirco and Terry Turner. 1986. Species without AOSA Testing Procedures. The Newsletter of the Association of Official Seed Analysts. Vol 60 (2: 2-66).
These documents should be used appropriately. Some species listed have been added to the Rules since the publication of this document. Any established Rules shall take precedent to any method described here.
Guide for Interpreting a Report of Analysis
Understanding a seed Report of Analysis (ROA) is essential for accurately interpreting laboratory results and making informed decisions about seed quality. The guide provides clear explanations of the elements commonly found on an ROA, outlines how results are presented, and clarifies the roles of accredited analysts who issue these reports.
Use this resource to become familiar with how seed testing information is structured and how to read the data reported by seed laboratories. The full guide can be downloaded below.
Use this resource to become familiar with how seed testing information is structured and how to read the data reported by seed laboratories. The full guide can be downloaded below.
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