How is a test Conducted?

1. First a representative sample is pulled on the specific lot.
2. Sample is divided.
3. Purity analysis is conducted - with the findings recorded.
4. Germination test prepared - Germination test findings recorded.
5. Final results reported - Report published.

First a representative sample is pulled on the specific lot. Depending on the size of the lot, a "Sample" is drawn from a representative number of bags using a specially designed seed probe. Approximately 1-2 lbs of seed are then placed in a sample bag and the lot number recorded to identify the sample.

The representative "Sample" is then divided using a mechanical device such as the one pictured below. This allows the technologist to make a "working sample" to be used for the various purity, germination and weed identification tests that he/she must conduct.

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Purity analysis is conducted -Next the analysis conducts a purity examination, first using a blower (right image-above) to separate  the lighter (undeveloped) seeds and trash from the sample... then taking the remaining part of the sample and hand working the sample into various components using tweezers.

After the components are separated and classified all are weighted on scales (image below) and the results calculated in percentages... Then the analysis records his/her findings.

The next step is to prepare a portion of the sample for a Germination test. Generally 100 seeds are selected and placed on special germination type paper. Then the sample is placed in a germination unit (see picture on labortory page), and the test begins, by appling water, light, and various hot and cold temperatures that mimic the normal growing cycle for the selected seeds. At the end of a specified period of time (28 days for bahiagrass seed), the seeds are examined and those that have germinated are counted. If 80 of the 100 seeds have sprouted (germinated)... then a report of 80% germination percentage is reported. of the sample for a Germination test. Generally 100 seeds are selected and placed on special germination type paper. Then the sample is placed in a germination unit (see picture on laboratory page), and the test begins, by applying water, light, and various hot and cold temperatures that mimic the normal growing cycle for the selected seeds. At the end of a specified period of time (28 days for Bahiagrass seed), the seeds are examined and those that have germinated are counted. If 80 of the 100 seeds have sprouted (germinated)... then a report of 80% germination percentage is reported.

The remaining 20 seeds that have not germinated are examined also, depending on the kind of seed being tested. In Bahiagrass, some seeds do not sprout immediately and are may be those called dormant or hard seeds... These are seeds that have not deteareated, and appear to be capable of germination at a later date. Dormant seed are natures way of making sure that a species survives by not allowing all seeds to immediately germinate when favorable conditions are present. Both the dormant (hard) and the actual germination counts are added together to report the percentage of seeds that should germinate under favorable conditions. At this time the percentage is recorded on the test records.

Final results reported once all the various analysis tests are complete... thus giving a report similar to the sample report results displayed for a lot of Pensacola Bahiagrass examined and tested by Hulsey Seed Laboratory.