CSD provides a free seed germination testing service for both growers and agents.
This allows any seed which may have been surplus to requirements of the previous season, to be tested for germination under standardised laboratory conditions.
As part of this service, only agents can submit samples for testing.
Why test carryover seed?
Due to cotton seed being a living organism, germination rate will decline over time. Storage conditions such as exposure to high temperatures and humidity can accelerate loss of quality having an impact on germination rate.
When should carryover seed be tested?
The germination testing procedure involves a 10-20-day cycle (depending on if the sample requires a retest). May – June is the ideal time for samples to arrive at CSD as this enables sufficient time for processing and analysis.
The volume of new seed requiring testing prior to dispatch, climbs exponentially from July onwards. For this reason, it is important that carryover samples are received at CSD prior to mid-July, otherwise the grower or agent may face lengthy delays.
Seed Sampling Procedure
Follow the steps below or download the procedure as PDF
The Agent is to sample correctly using a sampling spear according to the intensity outlined in the table below.
| Number of bags | Sampling intensity |
| 1-20 bags | Subsample from every bag & combine into one 300g sample. |
| 21-300 bags | Subsample every 20 bags, or one in every four bags (whichever is greater) and combine in one 300g sample. |
Note: Poor sampling can affect the likelihood of achieving repeatable results.
1. The sample needs to be packaged correctly using a supplied snap lock bag (with air expelled) and marked with the below details:
- Agent Name
- Grower Name
- AUS Lot No
- Treatment
- Variety
- Quantity (kg) of AUS Lot
2. Insert the sampling spear into the bag with the angle facing downward. When inserted, rotate the spear so the angle is then facing upward. Withdraw spear slowly, capturing the seed into a bag or container. Place a supplied “Sampled by CSD Agent” sticker over the hole in each bag.
3. Mix the pooled sample well, take a subsample of no less than 300g and place into the detailed snap lock bag. Samples should be packaged using protective material such as bubble wrap.
4. Paperwork is required to be filled in and shipped with the packaged sample (or emailed to the CSD Laboratory). This can be found on the CSD Website > Agent Portal > Downloads > “Agency Carryover Seed Germination Testing Report”.
Note:
- A separate sample is required for each variety and AUS Lot, please do not send more than one sample per AUS Lot unless they have been stored separately, and this is clearly marked on the sample bag and paperwork.
- Do not supply seed in any other type of container bar a snap lock bag.
- Avoid having the sample sit in the sun or left in high temperatures of a vehicle for any length of time.
5. Attention your samples to CSD Quality and Research Laboratory.
Cotton Seed Distributors
“Shenstone” Culgoora Road, Wee Waa, NSW 2388.
OR
P.O. Box 117, Wee Waa, NSW 2388