Warm Germination

Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) Germination Definition: The emergence and development from the seed embryo, those essential structures, which, for the kind of seed in question, are indicative of the ability to produce a normal plant under favorable conditions.

When Should I Use This Test?
The Warm germination test is used to determine under optimum conditions, the percentage of seed able to germinate in a given lot.

What Technique is Used?  Rolled Towel Method: The technician layers one heavy weight (76#) towel, one light weight (38#) towel and a sheet of waterproof paper.  400 seeds are laid on towels; 4-8 reps, depending on the crop. The rolled towels are placed in germination baskets, and placed in the germinator for the applicable length of time by crop. The towels remain in the germinator at 25ºC (77ºF) for 6 days (corn), 7 days (soybeans), 7 days (sorghum), and 20ºC (68ºF) for 7 days for wheat and small grains. Seedlings are evaluated on the final day.  
* Small seeds, forbes, natives, wildflowers and vegetables are handled separately - planted, grown and evaluated according to the protocols specific to the species.

What Do the Results Mean?  Results are reported as a percentage, which represents the number of seedlings categorized as normal out of the 400 seed test. During analysis, the technician records the number of normal, abnormal and dead seedlings.A good warm germ result is 93% or higher. The germination percent is used for tagging and labeling purposes as determined by state, national and international seed law.

Take a look at the Warm Germination Process Video