Seed samples sent for pathogen testing must be representative of the seed lot.  See below for lot sampling procedures and follow the instructions precisely for the best testing 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