When the seed is sent for testing, it can be useful—and avoid a lot of confusion—if
an Analysis Label is tied to the seed bag.
Analysis Label Ɣ
Name:
Address:
Crop:
Variety:
Ref No.:
Total weight:
Germination (Min.): %. Inert Matter (Max.): %
Hard Seed (Max.): %. Other crop seed (Max.): %
Purity (Min.): %. Weed seed (Max.) %
Dates of test: start.......... finish..........
Origin:
For distribution in:
Seed Treatment/Dressing:
Weight of this sample: ......kg
Comments:Acceptable Germination Rates
Seed Vigour and Viability
Seed which has approximately 70% or higher germination rate is said to be viable. The
speed with which the seed germinates determines its vigour.
The chart below shows this difference between the vigour and the viability of a seed
lot:
Seed Lot 10 °C 25°CA. Low Vigour % germination
T 50 *82.5 85.3
12.1 2.8
B.High Vigour % germination
T 50 *81.2 84.5
5.2 2.3
* T 50 is the time taken, in days, for 50% of the seed to germinate.50 TONY WINCH
rates according to UK law: Wheat and barley 90%, oats 85%, peas and rye 80%, maize
This percentage varies according to the law of the country in which the seed is sold.
A few examples are given below of the “acceptable”, ie legal minimum, germination
or Grade 1 wheat seed, 90% for “emergency”/for free distribution wheat seed.
75% and carrots 60%. The rate is different for each category of seed eg 98% for “Basic”