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Seed Testing

AGWEST Plant Laboratories

AGWEST Plant Laboratories Seed Testing Station provides tests to indicate the quality of a seed lot.

Clients include growers, seed sellers, seed brokers, exporters, importers. Results can be used to determine the suitability of the seed for sowing quality (to determine seeding rates), buying, selling, exporting, importing, quarantine surveillance, etc.

The Seed Testing Station is an accredited member of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) - the only laboratory in WA whose methods and procedures provide a basis for the testing undertaken. Being an accredited member laboratory also allows us to issue ISTA export certificates.

Tests available

Quality tests available include:-

  • Germination (this provides the maximum germination potential of a seed lot and this can be used to compare the quality of different seed lots and also estimate the field planting value).
  • Pure Seed Content (Purity test). This gives the proportion of pure seed, proportion of inert matter (non-seed material), and the proportion of other seeds (including crop and weed seeds).
  • Determination of Other Seeds by Number (Weed seed check) which lists all the other seeds present in a defined weight.
  • 1000 Seed Weight provides the average weight of 1000 seeds (used to establish the target plant density).
  • Cultivar identification to confirm variety of the seed (available for cereals and subterranean clover only).
  • Disease tests on seed. There are a number of tests available, including Anthracnose, Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), Ascochyta blight, Blackspot, Grey mould, Chocolate spot.
  • Vigour testing on Canola.
  • Other tests are available, upon enquiry.


Useful downloads for Seed Testing




For more information regarding Seed Testing contact:

Marcia Vistisen

Marcia Vistisen

Senior Seed Analyst
+61 (8) 93683844
mvistisen@agric.wa.gov.au


Page Updated: July 2008