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
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
The warm, summer weather means family gatherings and potlucks! Here is a delicious baked bean recipe from Joyce Hiebert, MCIAs Lab Technician and Data Specialist. Make sure to support Michigan Agriculture and purchase Great Northern Beans grown right in our Great Lakes State! Baked Beans 1 lb dry Great Northern beans 1 cup finely chopped… 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
There is no doubt about it – these shoes have seen their better days. One might look at these shoes and say they need to be thrown in the trash or never worn again. Contrary, another person might take a deeper approach and think these shoes have a number, probably thousands of miles under their… Continue reading
Out with the old and in with the new…mill that is! A lot of action happening here last week – the warehouse got a new air screen cleaner (seed processing mill); we are all very excited to get this machine up and running!
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