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Laboratory services
 The
lab is equipped with modern testing equipment necessary to
perform tests on seeds of all kind of horticultural and
agricultural crops.
The lab is staffed with experienced,
technically trained analysts using specialised technology
and growth substrates. All analyses performed are based on
the principles of accuracy and reproducibility described by
the International Seed Testing Associated (ISTA) rules.
Sampling
 As this is the first step in seed
testing, it is essential to obtain a sample of correct size
to meet testing requirements and which is representative of
the whole seedlot.
KKS
personnel are trained qualified samplers to ensure that the
test results reflect the quality of the whole seedlot.
Tests available
Analytical purity
Normal seeds of the desired species
are seperated from the various impurities (such as
weeds, other crop seeds and inert matter) and weighed to
determine the % purity of the sample. Identification is
made of other crop and weed seeds found and reported.
Special care is given to harmful
impurities such as noxious weeds.
Moisture content
The official method for moisture
determination is by oven drying using specific
temperatures and periods of drying (according to ISTA
rules) Moisture content is represented as a % of the
sample weight.
 Germination
Test determines percentage of normal
seedlings that develop under ideal growing conditions.
Percentage of hard or dormant seeds are also determined
when present and reported as a portion of the the viable
percentage. Incubators used are designed to control
heat, air, moisture and light as to comply to the rules
as specified by ISTA. In cases of dormancy, seed may be
pre-chilled, pre-heated or treated with either potassium
nitrate of giberellic acid before the actual germination
test commences. Dormancy breaking method would depend on
the species to be tested.
Tetrazolium test
In cases where a more rapid
indication of germination potential is required, a
tetrazolium test, where the stained seed embryos are
examined, can provide a result in a matter of days.
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