Determination of other seeds by number

These tests provide information concerning the precise number of seeds of other plants (weeds, other cultivated species) present in a sample of seeds. This type of analysis is often carried out in complement to purity tests.

Determination of other seeds by number involves looking for and quantifying (number of foreign seeds within the sample).

The analysts will look for species provided by the French regulations, that in some cases set a threshold (eg. maximum number of wild oats, dodder… tolerated), or for specific species indicated by the customer. This type of analysis is carried out on a sample of around 25000 seeds in accordance to ISTA guidelines.

All foreign species present can also be quantifieed if necessary. This is often required for prebasic seed and basic seed batches.

Other related tests and services

This type of analysis is often carried out as part of a full analysis on samples taken from raw seed batches, but can also be requested in connection with evaluation of purchased seed batches, of seed batches from experimental plots orpost seed processing to check that cleaning has been carried out to a satisfactory level.