Saturated Cold Testing for Farmers
With the constraints of labor and timing, we will no longer be offering farmers the Saturated Cold Test. The Saturated Cold Test is one of the most labor-intensive tests we offer. It requires seed to be manually planted, embryo down, over a special grid, towel, and soil apparatus. The method does not represent a saturated field but a temporary zero-oxygen environment. Once the radicle extends, allowing the seed to breathe, it is similar to a standard cold test.
Farmer customers who are testing seeds at the farm gate should consider a Cold Test along with a Standard (warm) Germination. The Cold Test is a good measure of vigor that can then be compared to a standard germination test (viability) or the labeled germination rate.
This notice is specific to farmers and the Saturated Cold Test offered by the Illinois Crop Improvement’s Seed Laboratory. Our other services, such as the Standard (warm) Germinations, Cold Tests, Seed Count, Pericarp Damage (fast green), and similar testing under the Association of Official Seed Analysts Rules and recommended procedures, are still available to the public.
We appreciate your business and will continue providing accurate and timely test results. Thank you for your understanding.
Doug Miller, CEO