CFR > Title 7 - Agriculture > SUBTITLE B—Regulations of the Department of Agriculture > CHAPTER I—AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (parts 27 to 206) > SUBCHAPTER K—FEDERAL SEED ACT (parts 201 to 203) > PART 201—FEDERAL SEED ACT REGULATIONS > 201.58—Substrata, temperature, duration of test, and certain other specific directions for testing for germination and hard seed.

201.58—Substrata, temperature, duration of test, and certain other specific directions for testing for germination and hard seed.

Specific germination requirements are set forth in table 2 to which the following paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) are applicable.
(a) Definitions and explainations applicable to table 2— (1) Duration of tests. The following deviations are permitted from the specified duration of tests: Any test may be terminated prior to the number of days listed under “Final count” if the miximum germination of the sample has then been determined. The number of days stated for the first count is approximate and a deviatioon of 1 to 3 days is permitted. If at the time of the prescribed test period the seedlings are not sufficiently developed for positive evaluation, it is possible to extend the time of the test period two additional days. (Also, see paragraph (a)(5) of this section and 201.57.)
(2) Light. Cool white fluorescent light shall be provided where light is required in table 2. The light intensity shall be 75 to 125 foot-candles (750-1,250 lux). (The light intensity for nondormant seed and during seedling development may be as low as 25 foot-candles to enable the essential structures to be evaluated with greater certainty.) The seeds shall be illuminated for at least 8 hours every 24 hours except when transferred to a low temperature germinator during the weekend. When seeds are germinated at alternating temperatures they shall be illuminated during high temperature periods. Seeds for which light is prescribed shall be germinated on top of the substratum except for ryegrass fluorescence tests.
(3) Moisture-on-dry-side. This term means that the moistened substratum should be pressed against a dry absorbent surface such as a dry paper towel or blotter to remove excess moisture. The moisture content thus obtained should be maintained throughout the germination test period.
(4) Potassium nitrate (KNO3 ). These terms mean a two-tenths (0.2) percent solution of potassium nitrate (KNO3) shall be used in moistening the substratum. Such solution is prepared by dissolving 2 grams of KNO3 in 1,000 ml. of distilled water. The grade of the potassium nitrate shall meet A.C.S. specifications.
(5) Prechill. The term “prechill” means a cold, moist treatment applied to seeds to overcome dormancy prior to the germination test. The prechill method varies among kinds, but is usually performed by holding imbibed seeds at a low temperature for a specified period of time. The prechill period is not included in the duration of tests given in table 2, unless otherwise specified.
(6) Predry. The term “predry” means to place the seed in a shallow layer at a temperature of 35 ° to 40 °C. for a period of 5 to 7 days, with provisions for circulation of the air.
(7) Substrata (Kinds ). The symbols used for substrata are:
B= between blotters
TB= top of blotters
T= paper toweling, used either as folded towel tests or as roll towel tests in horizontal or vertical position
S= sand or soil where soil is an artificial planting mix of shredded peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite
TS= top of sand or soil
P= covered Petri dishes: with two layers of blotters; with one layer of absorbent cotton; with five layers of paper toweling; with three thicknesses of filter paper; or with sand or soil
C= creped cellulose paper wadding (0.3-inch thick Kimpak or equivalent) covered with a single thickness of blotter through which holes are punched for the seed that are pressed for about one-half their thickness into the paper wadding
TC= on top of creped cellulose paper without a blotter
RB= blotters with raised covers, prepared by folding up the edges of the blotter to form a good support for the upper fold which serves as a cover, preventing the top from making direct contact with the seeds.
(8) Temperature. A single numeral indicates a constant temperature. Two numerals separated by a dash indicate an alternation of temperature, the test to be held at the first temperature for approximately 16 hours and at the second temperature for approximately 8 hours per day. The temperature shall be determined at the substratum level and shall be as uniform as possible throughout the germination chamber. (A sharp alternation of temperature, such as obtained by hand transfer, may be beneficial in breaking dormancy.) If tests are not subjected to alternating temperatures over weekends and on holidays, they are to be held at the first-mentioned temperature during this time. In cases where two temperatures are indicated (separated by a semicolon) the first temperature shall be regarded as the regular method and the second as an alternate method.
(9) Paper substrata must be free of chemicals toxic to germinating seed and seedling growth. If root injury occurs from toxicity of a paper substratum or from the use of potassium nitrate, retests shall be made on soil or on a substratum moistened with water.
(10) Ethephon. This term means a 29 parts per million (0.0029 percent) solution of ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] which shall be used to moisten the substratum. This solution is prepared by mixing 0.6 ml of a stock solution with 5,000 ml of distilled water. The stock solution contains 24 grams of active material per 100 ml of propylene glycol or two pounds of active material per gallon. A solution which is five times this concentration (5×29 ppm) may be used for extremely dormant seeds, provided seeds are transferred to substratum moistened with water after 1 to 3 days.
(11) Ethylene. This term means that five (5) ml of ethylene gas per cubic foot (176.57 ml/m 3) of germinator space is injected into a germinator in which peanut seeds in moist rolled towels have been placed. Following injection of the ethylene, the germinator is kept closed until the first count (5 days). If the germinator door is opened for the purpose of checking or rewetting the samples, another injection of ethylene at the same rate shall be made.
(b) Special procedures and alternate methods for germination referred to in table 2— (1) Alyceclover; swollen seeds. At the conclusion of the 21-day test period, carefully pierce the seed coat with a sharp instrument and continue the test for 5 additional days. Alternate method: The swollen seeds may be placed at 20 °C for 48 hours and then at 35 °C for 3 additional days.
(2) Bahiagrass; removal of glumes. On all varieties except “Pensacola,” remove the enclosing structures (glumes, lemma, and palea) from the caryopsis with the aid of a sharp scalpel. If the seed is fresh or dormant, lightly scratch the surface of the caryopsis.
(3) Beet, Swiss chard; preparation of seed for test. Before the seeds are placed on the germination substratum, they shall be soaked in water for 2 hours, using at least 250 ml of water per 100 seeds, then washed in running water and the excess water blotted off. The temperature of the soaking and washing water should be no lower than 20 °C. Samples producing excessive discoloration of the hypocotyl or root should be retested in soil or by washing in running water for 3 hours and testing on “Kimpak,” keeping the seed covered with slightly moist blotters. Sugar beets may require 16 hours soaking in water at 25 °C, followed by rinsing and then drying for 2 hours at room temperature.
(4) Buffelgrass; alternate method for dormant seed. The caryopses shall be removed from the fascicles and placed on blotters moistened with a 0.2 percent solution of KNO3, in petri dishes. The seeds from a fascicle should be arranged so they will not be confused with seeds from other fascicles during the test. The seeds are then prechilled at 5 °C for 7 days and tested at 30 °C in light for 21 additional days. Firm ungerminated seeds remaining at the conclusion of the test should be scratched lightly and left in test for 7 additional days.
(5) Cotton (Gossypium spp.); dormant samples. Samples of cottonseed which do not respond to the usual method should be placed in a closed container with water and shaken until the lint is thoroughly wet. The excess moisture should then be blotted off.
(6) Endive (Cichorium endivia); dormant samples. Add about 1/8 inch of tap water at the beginning of the test and remove excess water after 24 hours.
(7) Green needlegrass; two test methods as prescribed in table 2 shall be used on each sample:
(i) For method 1, acid scarify 400 seeds for 10 minutes in concentrated sulfuric acid (95 to 98 percent H2 SO4 ). Rinse seeds and dry on blotters for 16 hours, then place seeds on blotters moistened with a solution of 0.055 percent (500 ppm gibberellic acid GA3) and 0.46 percent (3,000 ppm) thiram and germinate 14 days.
(ii) For method 2, plant 400 seeds on blotters moistened with a 0.2 percent solution of KNO3 and germinate 14 days. Refer to § 201.57a(c).
(iii) Report the results of method 2 as the percentage germination. If the number in method 2 is less than method 1, subtract the results of method 2 from method 1 and report the difference as dormant seed.
(8) Rescue grass (Bromus catharticus ); dormant samples. Wash for 48 hours in running water, or soak for 48 hours, changing the water and rinsing each morning and night.
(9) Rice (Oryza sativa )—Alternate method. Plant the seeds in moist sand. On the seventh day of the test add water to a depth of one-fourth inch above the sand level and leave for the remainder of the test. Only a final count is made. Dormant seeds: Presoak 24 to 48 hours in 40 °C. water. For deeply dormant seeds, presoak 24 hours in 1,000 p.p.m. ethylene chlorohydrin or 5 percent solution of sodium hypochlorite (clorox at bottle strength).
(10) Ryegrass; fluorescence test. The germination test for fluorescence of ryegrass shall be conducted in light [not to exceed 100 foot candles (1,076 lux)] with white filter paper as the substratum. The white filter paper should be nontoxic to the roots of ryegrass and of a texture that will resist penetration of ryegrass roots. Distilled or deionized water shall be used to moisten the filter paper. The test shall be conducted in a manner that will prevent the contact of roots of different seedlings. Roots of some seedlings produce fluorescent lines on white filter paper when viewed under ultraviolet light. First counts shall not be made before the eighth day; at that time remove only normal fluorescent seedlings. Evaluation of fluorescence shall be made under F15T8-BLB or comparable ultraviolet tubes in an area where light from other sources is excluded. If there are over 75 percent normal fluorescent seedlings present at the time of the first count, break the contact of the roots of the nonfluorescent seedlings from the substratum and reread the fluorescence at the time of the final count. At the final count, lift each remaining seedling, observing the path of each root since sometimes faint fluorescence will show on the substratum as the root is lifted. Abnormal seedlings and dead seeds are not evaluated for fluorescence. See § 201.58a(a).
(11) Trifolium, Medicago, Melilotus, and Vicia faba; temperature requirements. A temperature of 18 °C. is desirable for Trifolium spp., Medicago spp., Melilotus spp., and Vicia faba.
(12) Garden bean; use of calcium nitrate. If hypocotyl collar rot is observed on seedlings, the sample involved shall be retested using a 0.3 to 0.6 percent solution of calcium nitrate (CaNO3) to moisten the substratum.
(13) Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canscens); preparation of seed for test. DE-wing seeds and soak for 2 hours in 3 leters of water after which rince with approximately 3 leters of distilled water. Remove excess water, air dry for 7 days at room temperature, then test for germination as indicated in Table 2.
(c) Procedures for coated seed. (1) Germination tests on coated seed shall be conducted in accordance with methods in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. However, kinds for which soaking or washing is specified in paragraph (b) shall not be soaked or washed in the case of coated seed.
(i) Coated seed units shall be placed on the substratum in the condition in which they are received without rinsing, soaking, or any other pretreatment.
(ii) Coated seed units in mixtures which are color coded or can otherwise be separated by kinds shall be germinated as separate kinds without removing the coating material.
(iii) Coated seed units in mixtures which cannot be separated by kinds without removing the coating material shall be de-coated and germinated as separate kinds. The coating material shall be removed in a manner that will not affect the germination capacity of the seeds.
(2) The moisture level of the substratum is important. It may depend on the water-absorbing capacity of the coating material. A retest may be necessary before satisfactory germination of the sample is achieved.
(3) Phytotoxic symptoms may be evident when germinating coated seeds in paper substrata. In such cases a retest in sand or soil may be necessary.
Table 2—Germination Requirements for Indicated Kinds




Name of seed Substrata Temperature (°C) First count days Final count days Additional directions
Specific requirements Fresh and dormant seed
AGRICULTURAL SEED
Agrotricum B, T, S 20; 15 4 7 Prechill at 5 or 10 °C for 5 days.
Alfalfa B, T, S 20 4 17 See ¶ (b)(11)
Alfilaria B, T 20-30 3 14 Clip seeds
Alyceclover B, T 35 4 121 See ¶ (b)(1) for swollen seeds
Bahiagrass:
Var. Pensacola P, S 20-35 7 28 Light; see ¶ (b)(2) See § 201.57a
All other vars. P 30-35 3 21 Light; remove glumes; see ¶ (b)(2) Scratch caryopses; KNO3; see § 201.57a
Barley B, T, S 20; 15 4 7 Prechill 5 days at 5 or 10 °C or predry
Barrelclover B, T 20 4 114 Remove seeds from bur; see ¶ (b)(11)
Bean:
Adzuki B, T, S 20-30 4 110
Field B, T, S, TC 20-30; 25 5 18
Mung B, T, S 20-30 3 17
Beet, field B, T, S 20-30 3 14 See ¶ (b)(3)
Beet, sugar B, T, S 20-30; 20 3 10 See ¶ (b)(3)
Beggarweed, Florida B, T 30 5 128
Bentgrass:
Colonial P 15-30; 10-30; 15-25 7 28 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 5 or 10 °C for 7 days.
Creeping P 15-30; 10-30; 15-25 7 28 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 5 or 10 °C for 7 days.
Velvet P 15-25; 20-30 7 21 Light; KNO3
Bermudagrass P 20-35 7 21 Light; KNO3; see ¶ (a)(9)
Bermudagrass, giant P 20-35 7 21 Light; KNO3; see ¶ (a)(9) Prechill at 10 °C for 7 days and then test at 20-35 °C; continue tests of hulled seed for 14 days and of unhulled seed for 21 days
Bluegrass:
Annual P 20-30 7 21 Light
Bulbous P, S 10 10 35 KNO3 or soil Prechill all samples at 5 °C for 7 days.
Canada P 15-25; 15-30 10 28 Light; KNO3 10-30 °C.
Glaucantha P 15-25; 15-30 10 28 Light; KNO3
Kentucky P 15-25; 15-30 10 28 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 10 °C for 5 days.
Nevada P 20-30 7 21 Light; KNO3
Rough P 20-30 7 21 Light
Texas P 20-30 7 28 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 5 °C for 2 weeks.
Wood P 20-30 7 28 Light
Bluejoint TB, P 15-25 10 21 Light and KNO3 optional Prechill at 5 °C for 5 days
Bluestem:
Big P, TS 20-30 7 14 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 5 °C for 2 weeks; see § 201.57a .
Little P, TS 20-30 7 14 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 5 °C for 2 weeks; see § 201.57a .
Sand P, TS 20-30 7 14 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 5 °C for 2 weeks; see § 201.57a .
Yellow P, TS 20-30 5 14 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 5 °C for 2 weeks; see § 201.57a .
Bottlebrush-squirreltail P, B 20; 15 10 14 See § 201.57a .
Brome:
Code of Federal Regulations 363
Field P, TB 15-25; 20-30 6 14 Light Prechill at 10 °C for 5 days.
Meadow B, T, TB 20-30 6 14 Light optional
Mountain P 20-30 6 14 Light.
Smooth P, B, TB 20-30 6 14 Light optional Prechill at 5 or 10 °C for 5 days, then test at 30 °C for 9 additional days.
Broomcorn B, T, S 20-30 3 10
Buckwheat B, T 20-30 3 6
Buffalograss:
(Burs) P,TB,TS 20-35 7 14 Light;KNO3 Prechill at 5 °C for 2 weeks; See § 201.57a .
(Caryopses) P 20-35 5 14 Light;KNO3
Buffelgrass S 30 7 28 Light; press fascicles into well-packed soil and prechill at 5 °C for 7 days See ¶ (b)(4); see § 201.57a .
Burclover, California B, T 20 4 1 14 Remove seeds from bur; see ¶ (b)(11)
Burclover, spotted B, T 20 4 1 14 Remove seeds from bur; see ¶ (b)(11)
Burnet, littler B, T 15 5 14
Buttonclover B, T 20 4 1 10 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Canarygrass B, T 20-30 3 7
Canarygrass, reed P 20-30 5 21 Light; KNO3
Carpetgrass P 20-35 10 21 Light KNO3.
Castorbean T, S 20-30 7 14 Remove caruncle if mold interferes with test
Chess, soft P 20-30 7 14 Light Prechill at 5 or 10 °C for 7 days.
Chickpea T,S 20-30 3 1 17
Clover:
Alsike B, T, S 20 3 1 7 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Arrowleaf B, T 20; 15 4 1 14 See ¶ (b)(11)
Berseem B, T, S 20 3 1 7 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Cluster B, T 20 4 1 10 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Crimson B, T, S 20 4 1 7 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Kenya B, T, S 20 3 17
Ladino B, T, S 20 3 1 7 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Lappa B, T 20 3 1 7 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Large hop B, T 20 4 1 14 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Persian B, T 20 3 1 7 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Red B, T, S 20 4 1 7 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Rose B, T 20 4 1 10 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Small hop B, T 20 4 1 14 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Strawberry B, T 20 3 1 7 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Sub B, T 20 4 1 14 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
White B, T, S 20 3 1 7 See ¶ (b)(11) 15 °C.
Corn:
Field B, T, S, TC 20-30; 25 4 7
Pop B, T, S, TC 20-30; 25 4 7
Cotton B, T, S 20-30; 30 4 1 12 Test by alternate method; see ¶ (b)(5).
Cowpea B, T, S 20-30 5 1 8
Crambe T,B 20;25 4 7 KNO3
Crested dogtail P 20-30 10 21 Light Prechill at 5 ° or 10 °C for 3 days.
Code of Federal Regulations 364
Crotalaria:
Lance B, T, S 20-30 4 1 10
Showy B, T, S 20-30 4 1 10
Slenderleaf B, T, S 20-30 4 1 10
Striped B, T, S 20-30 4 1 10
Sunn B, T, S 20-30 4 1 10
Crownvetch B,T,TB,S 20 7 1 14
Dallisgrass P 20-35 7 21 Light; KNO3
Dichondra B, T 20-30 7 1 28
Drop seed, sand P 5-35; 15-35 5 14 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 5 °C for 4 weeks; see § 201.57a .
Emmer B, T, S 20; 15 4 7 Prechill at 5 or 10 °C for 5 days or predry.
Fescue:
Chewings P 15-25 7 21 Light and KNO3 optional Prechill at 5 or 10 °C for 5 days.
Hair P 10-25 10 28 KNO3
Hard P 15-25 7 21 Light and KNO3 optional
Meadow P 15-25; 20-30 5 14 Light and KNO3 optional
Red P 15-25 7 21 Light and KNO3 optional
Sheep P 15-25 7 21 Light and KNO3 optional
Tall P 15-25; 20-30 5 14 Light and KNO3 optional Prechill at 5 or 10 °C for 5 days and test for 21 days.
Flatpea T 15-25;20 14 1 28
Flax B, T, S 20-30 3 7
Foxtail, creeping P 15-30 7 21 Light;KNO3
Foxtail, meadow P 20-30 7 14 Light
Galletagrass P, B 20; 25; 20-30 4 10 See § 201.57a
Grama:
Blue P, TB 20-30 7 14 Light KNO3; see § 201.57a .
Side-oats P 15-30 7 14 Light; KNO3 See § 201.57a .
Guar B, T, S 30; 20-30 5 1 14
Guineagrass P 15-35 10 28 Light; KNO3 optional
Hardinggrass P 10-30 7 28 Light KNO3.
Alternate method P 15-25 7 14 Light; presoak at 15 °C for 24 hrs
Hemp B, T 20-30 3 7
Indiangrass, yellow P, TS 20-30 7 14 Light; KNO3 Prechill at 5 °C for 2 weeks; see § 201.57a .
Indigo, hairy B, T 20-30 5 1 14
Japanese lawngrass P 35-20 10 28 Light; KNO3
Johnsongrass P 20-35 7 35 Light KNO3; see § 201.57a .
Kenaf T, B 20-30 4 1 8
Kochia, forage P 20 4 14 See § 201.57a .
Kudzu B, T 20-30 5 1 14
Lentil B, T 20 5 1 10
Lespedeza:
Korean B, T, S 20-35 5 1 14
Sericea