THE PURPOSE OF SEED CERTIFICATION

The purpose of seed certification is to maintain and make available to the public sources of high quality seeds and propagating materials of superior varieties so grown and distributed as to insure genetic identity and purity.

New varieties developed by plant breeders must be increased from a small quantity to an adequate supply for commercial planting by Tennessee farmers. Also, other varieties that have been in use for several years must be kept genetically pure from year to year.

Varietal purity is the first consideration in seed certification but other factors, such as weeds, viability, mechanical purity and grading are also important. Laboratory analysis for purity and germination is required and each lot of seed is labeled accordingly. Planting clean seed can reduce the adverse effects of weeds and plant diseases. Properly cleaned and graded seed can be planted more accurately to a desired and uniform stand.