Is sprouting good or a bad? The answer depends on the application. For most of us, sprouted wheat is on our mind – which is bad. But we can learn something from the malting industry where sprout is a good thing. Malt is a result of sprouted barley. Barley is exposed to all the conditions… Continue reading
Tetrazolium Test (TZ Test) using Triphenyl Chloride The TZ test is a quick, mostly 24-hour test used to estimate germination and seed lot vigor. Farmers will request this TZ test in conjunction with a germination test, theoretically both ending test results should be similar. First the seeds are imbibed with water, then soaked in a… Continue reading
Black Nightshade is a weed that you do not want in your field as a producer in the Seed Industry. Above are pictures of Nightshade at three different growth stages that found in soybean fields last inspection season. A very distinct description of this weed is the berries on the plant, along with white/light pink… Continue reading
An AA Test is very complex, yet simple. The test implies exactly how the name is portrayed; artificially ages seeds by exposing them to a stressful environment allowing seed respiration levels to increase. The AA Test can be used to predict storability of a seed lot, as well as, determining the vigor of a seed… Continue reading
What does a Germination test tell you? More than you think. There is a forensic science of seed germination. Sometimes non-viable seed is an indication of what is going on in the seed lot. It could be mechanical damage, seed treatment toxicity, old dead seed, or storage mold due to higher seed moisture contents or… Continue reading
Michigan is home to the SEED corn capitol of the world – Constantine, Michigan. People often think of Iowa, Illinois, or Indiana when they think of corn because of the vast acres of the crop. However, a good SEED production environment is not always the same as that for crop production. Corn SEED production is… Continue reading
Lauren Mezo is the new weed free guru for MCIA. At times there are markets for straw, used as mulch on new grass seedings, to be certified free of noxious weeds. An inspection in a wheat field can be made prior to harvest (and baling) to verify straw is clean. This certification is complete with… Continue reading
Wanting to start a garden but no greenhouse? Look no further – all you need is seeds, water, paper towel, zip lock bag, and an instant pot! The video is a few minutes long and gives step by step instructions how to germinate your seeds using an instant pot. Props to the woman who thought… Continue reading
The graphs below show the percent of corn and soybean acres that have been planted in Michigan, as of May 3rd. A good amount of winter wheat is in overall better condition than last year. We hope that everyone has had a safe and successful #Plant21 thus far! Source: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service Great… Continue reading
Fresh air and exercise are an important component for healthy living. Seed inspectors have a unique opportunity to walk fields (exercise) in the fresh air. For some this may sound like a foreign concept, but inspection principles are easily learned. Individuals attend training sessions, are taught one on one, and have immediate access to questions… Continue reading