Seed Testing Laboratory

The department's Seed Testing Laboratory (STL) is part of the Plant Science Division in Backweston. It conducts tests on a wide range of species and is the national seed testing lab providing seed testing and expertise to DAFM control divisions, seed merchants, farmers, growers and forest nurseries.

The species tested include:

• cereals
• grasses (including mixtures)
• oil/fibre
• vegetable seeds
• pulses
• legumes
• tree seeds
• wildflower seeds

The major tests are as follows:

• Germination Test: The best indicator of field emergence
• Purity : Indicates the percentage of pure seed in the lot
• Tetrazolium Test : Rapid indicator of potential germination in cereals
• Flourescence Test: Indicates the presence of Lolium multiflorum in Lolium perenne using ultra violet light
• International Certificate Test: Used when seed is being exported
• Moisture Test: Oven method for determining the moisture content of seed or malt
• 1000 Seed Weight Test: Determines the weight of 1000 seeds
• Hectolitre Weight: A measure of grain density
• Other Seed Determination: Used to determine the number of seeds other than the stated species
• Seed Health Tests: These include Microdochium species and Total Fusarium in cereal crops and Leaf Stripe/Net Blotch in barley

Barley can be tested for Loose Smut. Beans and Peas can be tested for Ascochyta spp. and Botrytis spp.

It is vitally important that submitted samples are representative of the lots from which they are drawn, otherwise calculations based on test result information may be inaccurate and lead to costly errors. In the case of certified seed, trained officers of the Department of Agriculture using specified procedures conduct sampling. Official sample envelopes are supplied by applying to the Laboratory in writing. For privately submitted samples envelopes can be supplied by applying to the Laboratory.

Below are listed some of the more common species tested and the minimum recommended sample weights for submission. As a rough guide a mug full of barley seed weighs approximately 200g.

Minimum recommended sample weights:

Please see Testing Fee section for further information on sample weights

What to do if you wish to submit a sample for testing:

Fill a suitable container with the minimum sample weight, ensuring that the sample is representative of the lot.

• indicate the type of test or tests you want
• include the appropriate fee
• fill in your name, address and sample details
• post or deliver the sample to the address at the bottom of the page

The appropriate fee may be forwarded with the sample.

For card payment over the phone, please contact the Laboratory on 01-6157506 / 01-6157518.

An advance arrangement can be made with the laboratory for payment on account.