The Department of Agriculture, Western Australia is concerned over the lack of seed testing this season.

The AGWEST Plant Laboratories at the Department has received 30 per cent fewer samples for testing and laboratory manager Mark Holland said he was very concerned about what that means.

“Growers are reportedly reducing their investment due to the forecast of an average year.

“However, with the recent good rains the season outlook has improved for many and there is still time to ensure their crop performs at its best by using high quality clean, tested seed.  A 1000 seed weight and germination test cost 40 cents per hectare and is the minimum information required to ensure crops come up at the desired density. 

Mr Holland warned farmers the quality or germination of seed could not be determined just by looking at it.

 “Sowing of contaminated seed could result in costly weed, herbicide resistance or disease problems or seed that fails to germinate at all.”

He said before purchase, the Seed Analysis Statement of the seed lot should be checked to ensure it met the needs of the grower.  It is also good practice when buying seed to check the infection levels of seed borne virus and fungal diseases. 

“For example narrow leaf lupin seed should be tested for anthracnose and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), chickpea seed for ascochyta blight and pea for peas seed borne mosaic virus.“

Growers are also reminded that they must comply with their End Point Royalty and Plant Breeders Rights obligations. 

More information about seed testing or sample submission forms is available from AGWEST Plant Laboratories by calling 9368 3721 or faxing 9474 2658; agwestplantlabs@agric.wa.gov.au.

Document in PDF format: Understanding your seed analysis report
A seed analysis report can tell you whether the seed meets your needs.
http://www.seedquest.com/News/releases/2005/pdf/11893.pdf