By Chase Mowry, Seed Laboratory Manager
And so, it began. . . .
With spring comes a daunting workload for a seed analyst. As one expects, samples have started to roll in for testing. Because of this, I will keep the lab update short and sweet so that I can get back to testing and stay afloat.
In terms of samples received, we are two to three weeks ahead of where we were at this time last year. Overall, purities and germination tests have continued to be of high quality, except, perhaps, for some drought-stressed soybeans. Diseased seed has also continued to be minimal.
Except for a written SCST proficiency test due in May, we have submitted all other tests for the year. The lab recently received a new microscope and magnifying lens with light for conducting purity and noxious exams. We are still awaiting a new germination chamber.
As no two days are the same in the lab, we hope sample throughput remains high to provide you with results in a timely manner.