Anyone with seed left over from last season should send it for testing as soon as possible to avoid a delay in results coming back.

Many farmers may have winter seed in sheds that they did not get to sow last year due to the poor weather conditions.

Seed that has been stored in the shed for a year may be impacted by storage and germination levels can be impacted. The minimum germination for certified seed is 85%. If you're below this level seed rates will need to be changed.

The Department of Agriculture’s seed testing laboratory will test for germination and this will allow you to make decisions on seeding rates accordingly. If you leave it too long the results may be delayed.

Those planning to home-save seed can also use this service. Other tests such as thousand grain weight which is essential to calculate seed rate can be carried out.

Tests for moisture, hectolitre weight, and seed health can also be carried out.

Seed health tests include Michrodochium, total Fusarium and net blotch in barley. Barley can also be tested for loose smut and beans can be tested for Ascochyta.

Seed sample

The seed sample is very important. Make sure it is a representative sample. In general, samples need to be about 1kg in size.

Cost

As a guide on pricing, a germination tests costs €14.76/sample (including VAT), a moisture test costs €11.07/sample and thousand grain weight and hectolitre weight tests cost €6.77/sample each.

The seed health test costs €31.98/sample and a 200g sample is needed for this. You can see more on the Seed Testing Laboratory on the Department’s website.

You can send the payment with the sample to Seed Testing Laboratory, DAFM Laboratories, Backweston, Celbridge, Co Kildare, W23X3PH. You can also pay over the phone. The laboratory can be contacted on 01-6157506.