Montana State Seed Lab

One of the most important steps in seed testing is obtaining a representative sample. Incorrect sampling can cause inaccurate test results.

Sampling Bulk Seed (as in a bin)
-equal portions should be collected from evenly distributed areas.
-bins need to be probed from the entire depth with several probes being taken in different parts of the bin
-it is generally more convenient to sample the seed as it goes into or out of a bin or during conditioning

Sampling from Bags
-follow different paths for each probe or take handfuls from well-separated points.
-in lots of 6 bags or less, sample all bags.
-in lots of more than 6 bags, sample a minimum of 5 bags plus 10% of the number of bags in the lot.
-Do not sample more than 30 bags

The most common mistake in sampling is to take a sample as it is entering the bin and place the sample in a convenient place to request a test at a later date. Factors such as heating or insects in a bin could reflect changes that are not representative of the sample that is submitted.

Montana State Seed Testing Laboratory
Department of Plant Sciences/Plant Pathology
Room 40 Marsh Lab
P.O. Box 173145
Bozeman,MT 59715-3145
(406) 994-2141