Time to Test Your Seed
The Seed Laboratory is busy, and it will take at least 7 days to get test results before issuing final reports, bulk certificates, and tags. So, have your seed tested now. You don’t want to be waiting for a test when it is planting time.
A few other items to keep in mind:
- Update your germination. If you have carryover seed, be sure the label has a germination test date that complies with the seed law.
- Submit a Sampling Report with all samples, complete with field numbers, lot size, number of bags or totes, and tests requested.
- Be sure you received a passed seed certification report before any tags or bulk certificates are issued.
- Always tag or issue bulk certificates for the seed you distribute.
- Resolve any issues about eligibility of seed source before planting.
- Retain your tags or bulk certificate as proof of seed source for your field inspection application.
Submitting Samples to the Seed Lab
To ensure that your samples arrive in good condition use a good quality, leak-proof bag and quality packaging. For fragile seeds (like soybeans) use a sturdy box and use packing material to keep them from getting bounced around during shipping. You may want to write ‘Fragile’ on the package.
Repackaging Certified Seed Procedures
When repackaging certified seed and retesting is required, follow the procedures described in the Seed Certification Handbook, pages 18 through 19.
When repackaging certified seed and retesting is not required, a Lot Number Change Request Form must be submitted in order for certification to be valid on the repackaged lot. This form can be found on the Client Resources page: www.mncia.org/resources. Look under Certification Services, Seed Certification Program, Labeling & Transferring Seed.
For seed certified by another state, be sure to include the original certification label and analysis results showing a MN Noxious Weed Exam or All-States Noxious Weed Exam was completed. A MN Noxious Weed Exam is required on Minnesota certified seed.
The MCIA staff is available to answer any questions you have. Please contact the MCIA Office or your field supervisor.