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AOSA announces the availability of the 2008 updated AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds. The Rules are published electronically, on CD, and consists of four books: The Rules for Testing Seeds, The Seedling Evaluation Handbook, The Uniform Classification of Crop and Weed Seeds, and the Uniform Blowing Procedure. Together these publications set the standard for seed testing in North America and are recognized internationally. The Rules CD is updated annually on October 1st and contains progressive techniques researched and developed by the expert members of AOSA and SCST. Updates to the 2008 Rules include a greatly expanded section on Tetrazolium Testing as well as tolerance tables for TZ tests, an updated noxious weed seed tolerance tables, the addition of several testing methods for new species and a number of clarification to sections of the designed to make them easier to use. Seed testing has been developed to aid agriculture in avoiding some of the hazards of crop production by furnishing needed information about seeds that are to be used for planting purposes. This information may be desired for the seed producer or seed dealer in connection with seed conditioning or merchandising; as a guide to the person who will plant the seed; or for seed control purposes. In all these cases the ultimate purpose of making the test is to determine the value of the seed for planting. There has been developed, especially in connection with the enforcement of labeling laws, a standard analysis that furnishes information as to the composition of the seed sample and of the ability of the seed to produce plants. It is desirable to have definitions and fundamental procedures agreed upon that are based on a thorough knowledge of the principles involved. The following rules attempt to summarize and make useful the accumulated experience of seed analysts, and are to be followed as a matter of routine. When samples appear to require special treatment resulting in deviations from the rules, a statement of the method used should be made on the laboratory report. This document constitutes the official AOSA statement regarding seed testing procedures. AOSA Publications Order Form (EXCEL Format) AOSA Publications Order Form (PDF Format)
New crop cultivars are continually developed and released. In addition, the methods for development of new cultivars are changing. Recent advances in biotechnology (molecular genetics) promise to add significant diversity to current crop germplasm. These advancements have led to an increasing dilemma for breeders, the seed industry, certification agencies, and seed enforcement individuals in their attempt(s) to assure maintenance of genetic integrity for these improved agricultural products. Traditional approaches utilizing plant morphological traits have proven limiting and often fail to provide the speed of identification essential for the movement of seed in commerce. As a result, there is a greater need to explore alternative methods to characterize crop cultivars. This AOSA Cultivar Purity Testing Handbook is, in part, a response to that request. This Handbook collates cultivar purity information from various sources into one common reference. As with any Handbook, continuing research, development, and refinements in testing techniques are expected to culminate in new test methodologies and present test revisions. To accommodate these modifications, this Handbook has been prepared in loose-leaf format so that new sections can be added when appropriate. Color photographs are presented to depict differences among cultivars. Color slides of these same traits are also available from the AOSA Secretary. AOSA Publications Order Form (EXCEL Format) AOSA Publications Order Form (PDF Format)
AOSA Announces a new
and comprehensive Seed Moisture Testing Handbook!
This innovative handbook provides
standardized procedures for testing moisture and enhances
the value of the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds. Seed
moisture content is an important aspect of seed quality.
It influences production decisions related to harvest,
conditioning, and storage. Knowledge of seed moisture
content prior to treatment is essential for optimum seed
enhancement protocols such as priming, pelleting,
coatings, etc. Seed moisture must be monitored during
storage to minimize microorganism development, maintain
seed quality, and assist inventory management. Seed
moisture also influences germination with respect to
imbibitional damage, speed of germination and seedling
development.
Seed Technologist Training Manual- published by the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists- download order form- Word download order form- PDF 
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