RNGR.net is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and Southern Regional Extension Forestry and is a colloborative effort between these two agencies.

U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Forest Service Southern Regional Extension Forestry Southern Regional Extension Forestry

Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Home → Native Plant Network → Journal → Articles → Seed quality testing of native species

Native Plants Journal - Article

Seed quality testing of native species

Abstract:

Testing native seed quality before planting cannot be overemphasized. Planting high quality seeds is the cornerstone for successful field emergence. The increasing use of seed certification for native species further emphasizes the need for accurate seed testing. Our objective in this article is to provide a summary of principles and procedures for some useful seed quality tests for natives and other species. Testing for physical purity and viability of seeds are the two most important tests needed to avoid weed problems and poor stand establishment. Other seed quality tests such as vigor tests, x-ray, and seed moisture content provide useful information about the quality of the seeds.

Elias S, Garay A, Schweitzer L, Hanning S. 2006. Seed quality testing of native species. Native Plants Journal 7(1):15-19.

Issue & Pages:

Spring 2006 Pages: 15-19

Article Download:

7-1NPJ15-19.pdf (PDF document)

Authors:

  • Sabry Elias
  • Adriel Garay
  • Lee Schweitzer
  • Sherry Henning

Keywords:

tetrazolium test, ploidy by cytometry, cold test, electric conductivity test, accelerated aging test