Print This PageQuality Assurance
Health, Purity and Vigor
Seminis completes nearly 500,000 quality checks on our seed each year. This rigorous testing is the centerpiece of our comprehensive quality assurance system. A single seed lot can be subjected to several dozen quality measurements. All commercially sold seed by Seminis is tested every six months for germination.
Several of our labs have been accredited by government auditors, such as the National Seed Health System in the United States and Naktuinbouw, the Dutch Inspection Service for Horticulture. To earn this prestigious status we have proven that our test results are reliable, reproducible and independent from commercial influence.
Germination and Vigor Testing
Completed in specialized growth chambers and greenhouses, these tests provide one of the most important quality measurements of seeds. High germination percentages are indicative of health, vigor and the overall quality of the seeds. Our procedures meet or exceed international standards.
Physical Purity
Using magnifiers and microscopes, technicians examine seed lots to detect weed seeds or other impurities. Any irregularities are documented and the seed re-conditioned or discarded, if needed.
Identity and Purity Testing
It is impossible to identify a plant variety simply by looking at its seed. With 3,500+ products, Seminis has developed highly accurate methods to confirm identity and measure the percentage of hybridity of harvested seeds. Using equipment similar to what is found in sophisticated medical labs, Seminis technicians can even identify specific products via their DNA fingerprint. When needed, field tests, called "grow-outs", are used to visually confirm that the plants have the right phenotype.
Seed Health
Destructive bacteria and plant viruses can be transmitted on seeds and Seminis takes extreme caution to prevent infection during seed production and afterwards. Random samples of seeds (usually 30,000 or 50,000 seeds per lot) are drawn from seed lots and tested for the presence of pathogens that are known to be problematic. While it is not possible to guarantee disease-free seed, Seminis' tests provide an extremely high degree of certainty.
In addition to grow-outs, where seeds are planted in greenhouses and tested for disease symptoms, the team uses a number of highly sensitive tests to find seeds that may carry pathogens. This may include enzyme-based ELISA assays and DNA-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests. Seminis has made many breakthroughs in the area of seed health, and for the benefit of the industry has often shared that knowledge.
Quality Assurance Research
Seminis has a special team of quality experts whose job is to find new and innovative ways to improve the health and quality of seed. They study the physiological, horticultural and genetic factors that affect seed quality. We then use this information to guide our product development as well as the processes and technologies employed in seed production and operations.
Non-Biotech Seed
Our seed quality systems are also designed to guard against the presence of unintended or unapproved biotech (bioengineered) materials. When applicable or required, our seed is further tested for the presence of unintended biotech components.
