What
is
a priming indicator test ?
The
priming indicator test helps SDI understand how a particular
lot of lettuce seed might stand up to the rigors of priming as
well as give an indication of seed lot storage and performance
potential. The priming indicator test protocols are trade
secret.
Are
there different shelf life expectations with regard to
conventionally pelleted vs. primed and pelleted lettuce
seed ?
Yes.
Generally speaking, in optimum storage conditions, one should
expect non-primed seed to store better than primed seed . SDI
has a unique system referred to as "batch track"
designed to help us keep our customers aware of the condition
of primed and processed seed after it has left our plant. In
the event that processed seed health deteriorates more rapidly
than expected SDI will notify the customer via the SDI STAT
(Seed Track Analysis Test) report.
How
does
batch track work ?
Samples
are taken from each primed batch of processed seed
which are then stored on SDI premises. They are then analyzed
for emergence potential on a regular basis for up to a year
depending on the product and process. If, during the normal
life expectancy of the processed seed our seed track analysis
test reveals premature deterioration of seed lot health, an
assessment can be made as to whether that seed in it’s
entirety or just the individual batch should be recalled. Each
packaged unit is marked with it’s batch track number which
enables customers to segregate by unit or batch upon
notification (STAT report) by SDI quality assurance personnel.
On the 13th month after processing a final STAT report is
issued with the relevant germination data and a
reminder to evaluate the seed lot for emergence potential
before each use.
Can
I send processed seed samples from my inventory to SDI for an
update on emergence potential and if so how much will it cost?
Yes.
We will assess your inventory samples for you. If your
inventory samples are from seed that has been processed by SDI
the service is free. We encourage our customers and end
users to send in samples as often as it takes to maintain
their confidence that the product will meet expectations. It’s
important to note that this policy is inclusive of customers
of customers (supply chain) who hold inventory of seed
processed by SDI. There is a nominal fee charged for
"seed emergence potential analysis" on seed
processed by others.
What
is the normal life expectancy
of processed lettuce seed?
Generally
speaking, if lettuce seed before processing is marked [ Approved:
] on the lab analysis, processed seed should have acceptable
viability for a year or more depending on several factors
including but not limited to storage conditions, variety,
process, planting area and season.
How
often do you have to notify a customer of premature
deterioration?
It
is not a very common occurrence. In the rare event that it
does happen, more often than not the seed has been planted
with no ill effect long before the analysis showed the
potential for deterioration.
What
are some of the things considered when analyzing lettuce seed
for a specific process?
There
are several important factors (qualitative and quantitative)
in addition to germination percentage that are considered
during an analysis. These considerations vary by process and
include, variety, uniformity, vigor, seedling health, degree
of light sensitivity, sensitivity to heat, planting region,
and planting season.
There
are four check boxes on the laboratory analysis sheet with
regard to the approval of lettuce seed for processing:
1. APPROVED
2. APPROVED: Lot may be prone to thermal or post coating
dormancy.
3. APPROVED: Carry over inventory not advised.
4. NOT APPROVED
What do the different boxes delineate?
The
analysis enables SDI to differentiate and forecast certain
potential post processing affects on the seed, as well as
inventory and field performance tendencies. A checked box
indicates specific characteristics important to proper storage
and handling of the processed inventory.
- APPROVED:
"Indicates that under generally good
and accepted cultural practices and conditions for the area
the seed will germinate as expected."
