A laboratory assay is available at ICIA to determine the fertility/sterility percentage of a seed lot. The test is rapid, accurate and reliable and can replace the traditional grow out.   

Background:
A minimum portion of fertile seeds is required in order to provide sufficient pollen in a mixed seed lot.  Traditionally, fertility/sterility percentage of a seed lot is determined via field grow out trial. Grow-out trial is time-consuming, conducted postseason and affected by environmental factors.  Molecular markers specific for S, C and T male sterile cytoplasm types, the three major types of maize cytoplasmic male sterility in the corn seed industry, are available at ICIA.  A single-seed, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been developed to distinguish the three major types of maize cytoplasmic male sterility.

    
         Fertile                          Sterile                                   Fertile and Sterile segregating

 Sample Size:             90 seeds (please send us 200~500 seeds) 
Result Provided:       Fertile/Sterile percentage 
Fee:                            $175.00/sample
 
Contact Information: ICIA has a confidentiality policy for all services offered by the association. For more information about this new testing program contact Dr. Rick Vierling - by phone: 765-523-2535 or email Vierling@indianacrop.org.