Post Office Box 1136, Moses Lake, WA, 98837 U.S.A • Tel: (509) 765-1816 • Fax: (509) 765-1817
 

Laboratory Tests at Brotherton Seed Co., Inc. Germination Laboratory

Peas

  • Moisture content (Method Pfeuffer, after harvest for each field lot)
    When moisture>14%: Take immediate action.
  • 1000 Average Seeds/lb.
  • germ = germination in wet paper, untreated, (2 x 100 seeds) and also treated with common treatment (when repeated: in soil).
    If need be controlled, test by ''USDA''.
  • Electrical conductivity
  • Technical purity (accord. ISTA)
  • Judgement of seed (visual by experienced experts)
  • PSbMV-test (Pea Seed-borne Mosaic Virus - for export purposes)
    Visual and serological test by PGRO, UK.
  • Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi Test by USDA, when questionable after field inspection

Electrical Conductivity for Peas

Relation between E.C. und field emergence
Basis: Soaking of pea seed in water and the diffusion of salts and carbonhydrates from seeds.

Measuring unit

means
24 µS or less: earlier sowing time under unfavorable weather conditions is possible.
25-29 µS: peas can be planted early. Risk of poor emergence under unfavorable conditions.
30-43 µS: peas may not be suited for an early planting (under unfavorable conditions).
44 µS and more: peas are not suitable for planting.

Reason for high conductivity:

small cracks in seed skin, fungus infection, "Hollow heart" (physiological disorder, occurs during germination in the adaxial surfaces of the cotyledons as a result of the collapse of dead cells) or "Marsh-spot" (Manganese deficiency at pH above 6,8; necrotic spots on the adaxial surfaces of the cotyledons).

Consequence:

penetration of disease pathogens, for ex. Pythium spp.
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