Seed Germination and Purity Analysis— 2002 CoNN s Bulletin 983 BY SHARON M. DOUGLAS AND MARY K. INMAN October 2002 Official samples of 370 vegetable, 14 lawn, and 6 crop seed were collected by inspectors from the Bureau of Regulation and Inspection of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture for testing in 2002. As the official seed testing laboratory, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station performed germination and purity analyses for compliance with the Connecticut Seed Law Regulations and the Federal Seed Act. Table 1 shows the results of germination tests for individual vegetable seed samples from 15 companies. Results are presented by plant type, variety, germination found, germination standard, and compliance with the standard. Germination standards are set by the Federal Seed Act. The categories for label compliance are: 1) seeds meet label claims for germination and 2) seeds do not meet label claims for germination within allowable tolerance. All tests were replicated twice. In addition, seedlings must also appear "normal", i.e., they have to be free from decay, have well-developed primary root systems, have well-developed and intact hypocotyls and/or epicotyls, and have healthy cotyledons. Of the 370 vegetable seed samples tested, two did not meet their label claims for germination. Four additional samples did not meet their label claims but were not retested because of insufficient numbers of seeds. Seed samples were also examined for prohibited noxious weed seeds. No vegetable samples contained weed contaminants. The total number of germination claims and the percentage of claims that met or failed label claims are summarized for each vegetable seed company in Table 2. Table 3 summarizes the total number of samples tested and the average germination for each type of vegetable. Table 4 shows the results of purity and germination tests for individual lawn grass seed samples. These are presented by company, brand name and/or seed type or variety mixture. The categories for both purity and germination are as previously described for vegetable seeds. Lawn seed samples that were labeled with several varieties within a species or with several species within a genus were separated by genus. Purity and germination results are therefore reported as the sum for that genus. The label claim is met as long as this sum equals or exceeds the sum of the individual components for a genus listed on the label. Four of the 14 lawn seed samples tested met label claims for both purity and germination. Eight samples did not meet claims for purity but passed label claims for germination. Two samples failed label claims for both purity and germination. In addition to germination and purity tests, label claims for the percentages of inert matter, crop seed (other than lawn seed), weed seed, and the presence of noxious weeds were also evaluated. All samples met label claims for these criteria. Table 5 shows the results of purity and germination tests for crop seed samples. All six samples met label claims for germination and purity. Analyses were performed by Mary K. Inman and Dr. Sharon M. Douglas. Samples were collected by Alton Van Dyke, Seed Control Official and John Schneider. The Seed Law is administered by the Seed Control Official for the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture. Sharon M. Douglas Seed Germination and Purity Analysis 2002 Table 1. Germination of vegetable seeds. Standards are provided by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. * = Does not meet label claim. H= Seeds remained hard at the end of the test period because they did not absorb water due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination Plant Variety Seed Company Standard Found Artichoke Green Globe Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 60 78 Asparagus Mary Washington Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 70 97 Asparagus Mary Washington NK. Lawn and Garden Co. 70 89 Basil Large Leaf Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 60 98 Basil Sweet Genovese Comstock, Ferre and Co. 60 80 Basil Lettuce Leaf New England Seed Co. 60 90 Basil Italian Sweet NK Lawn and Garden Co. 60 88 Basil Sweet Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 60 85 Basil Lettuce Leaf Lake Valley Seed 60 89 Basil Sweet American Seed 60 91 Basil Genovese Ferry-Morse Seed Co./ Source of Nature (organic) 60 90 Basil Sweet Freedonia Seeds 60 70 Basil Sweet Dani Agway, Inc. 60 86 Basil Italian, Fino Verde Compatto Shepherd's Garden Seeds 60 87 Basil Lemon Botanical Interests, Inc. 60 85 Bean Blue Lake Pole Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 70 81+1 1H Bean Bountiful Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 70 84 Bean Gold Crop Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 70 82 Bean Kentucky Wonder Green Comstock, Ferre and Co. 70 84 Bean Cherokee Wax Bush Comstock, Ferre and Co. 70 97 Bean Imperial Golden Wax New England Seed Co. 70 89 Bean Commodore Bush New England Seed Co. 70 88 Bean Blue Lake Stringless NK Lawn and Garden Co. 70 71+22H Bean Kentucky Wonder NK Lawn and Garden Co. 70 97 Bean Bush Romano #14 Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 70 89 Bean Tendergreen Improved Lake Valley Seed 70 99 Bean Tendergreen Improved American Seed 70 95 Bean Contender Ferry-Morse Seed Co./ Source of Nature (organic) 70 85 Bean Green Crop Freedonia Seeds 70 79 Bean Burpee's Stringless Green Pod W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 70 98 Bean Romano Italian Pole W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 70 93 Bean French Horticultural Agway, Inc. 70 91 Bean Golden Butterwax Agway, Inc. 70 100 Bean Roc d'Or Shepherd's Garden Seeds 70 100 Bean Montpellier Bush Botanical Interests, Inc. 70 93 Bean Scarlet Emperor Botanical Interests, Inc. 70 100 Bean, lima Fordhook 242 New England Seed Co. 70 89 Bean, lima Fordhook 242 Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 70 70 Beet Detroit Dark Red Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 65 96 Beet Cylindra Comstock, Ferre and Co. 65 88 Beet Early Wonder Green Top New England Seed Co. 65 92 Beet Ruby Queen NK Lawn and Garden Co. 65 90 Beet Tall Top Early Wonder Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 65 89 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 983 Table 1 (continued). Germination of vegetable seeds. Standards are provided by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. * = Does not meet label claim. H= Seeds remained hard at the end of the test period because they did not absorb water due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination Plant Variety Seed Company Standard Found Beet Beet Beet Beet Beet Detroit Dark Red Detroit Dark Red Early Wonder Smooth Leaf Golden Beet Detroit Dark Red Lake Valley Seed Freedonia Seeds Agway, Inc. Shepherd's Garden Seeds Botanical Interests, Inc. 65 65 65 65 65 92 87 63 58 91 Broccoli Broccoli Broccoli Broccoli Broccoli Broccoli Broccoli Broccoli Waltham Premium Crop Hybrid DeCicco Small Miracle Calabrese Improved Green Sprouting Green Goliath Southern Comet Charles C. Hart Seed Co. New England Seed Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Lake Valley Seed American Seed Freedonia Seeds W. Atlee Burpee and Co. Agway, Inc. 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 94 94 96 98 79 84 91 88 Broccoliraab Broccoliraab Spring Spring Comstock, Ferre and Co. W. Atlee Burpee and Co./ Burpee's Heirlooms 75 75 98 96 Brussels Brussels Brussels Brussels Brussels Brussels Brussels Cabbage Cabbage Cabbage Cabbage Cabbage Cabbage Cabbage Cabbage Cabbage Cantaloupe Cantaloupe Cantaloupe Cantaloupe Carrot Carrot Carrot Carrot Carrot Carrot Carrot Carrot sprouts sprouts sprouts sprouts sprouts sprouts sprouts Long Island Improved Long Island Improved Jade Cross Hybrid Catskill Long Island Improved Long Island Improved Catskill Early Jersey Wakefield Savoy Chieftain Danish Ballhead Ferry's Round Dutch Copenhagen Market Early Golden Acre Ireland Hybrid Red Acre Discovery Iroquois Delicious 51 Hales Best Jumbo Sierra Gold Danvers Half Long Danvers 126 Chantenay Red Core Tendersweet Long Imperator Royal Chantenay Nantes Coreless Nantes Scarlet Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Lake Valley Seed W. Atlee Burpee and Co. Agway, Inc. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Lake Valley Seed American Seed W. Atlee Burpee and Co. Agway, Inc. Botanical Interests, Inc. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. NK Lawn and Garden Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. NK Lawn and Garden Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Lake Valley Seed American Seed Freedonia Seeds 70 94 70 98 70 84 70 93 70 93 70 87 70 84 75 91 75 97 75 97 75 96 75 96 75 96 75 89 75 67 75 76 75 83 75 80 75 89 75 90 55 83 55 80 55 89 55 90 55 82 55 85 55 63 55 85 Seed Germination and Purity Analysis 2002 Table 1 (continued). Germination of vegetable seeds. Standards are provided by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. * = Does not meet label claim. H= Seeds remained hard at the end of the test period because they did not absorb water due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination Plant Variety Seed Company Standard Found W. Atlee Burpee and Co. Agway, Inc. Shepherd's Garden Seeds Botanical Interests, Inc. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Lake Valley Seed American Seed Shepherd's Garden Seeds Carrot Short'n Sweet Carrot Nandrin Carrot Parmex Baby Round Carrot Healthm aster Cauliflower Early Snowball Cauliflower Snowball Improved Cauliflower Early Snowball Cauliflower Early Snowball A Cauliflower Early Snowball Cauliflower Snowball X Cauliflower Early Dawn 55 72 55 62 55 86 55 83 75 96 75 96 75 90 75 97 75 90 75 77 75 92 Celeriac Giant Smooth Prague Comstock, Ferre and Co. 55 61 Celery Giant Pascal Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 55 69 Celery Golden Self Blanching Comstock, Ferre and Co. 55 78 Celery Utah New England Seed Co. 55 60 Chicory Witloof Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 65 77 Chicory Verona Red Radicchio Comstock, Ferre and Co. 65 85 Chicory Verona Red Radicchio New England Seed Co. 65 86 Chinese cabbage Michili New England Seed Co. 75 86 Chinese cabbage Jade Pagoda Agway, Inc. 75 95 Chinese cabbage Bok choy, White Stem Botanical Interests, Inc. 75 80 Collards Georgia Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 80 95 Collards Georgia New England Seed Co. 80 96 Collards Georgia Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 80 97 Collards Vates Agway, Inc. 80 90 Corn Classic Touch Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 75 87 Corn Golden Bantam, 8-Row Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 75 97 Corn Butter and Sugar Comstock, Ferre and Co. 75 100 Corn Golden Bantam Comstock, Ferre and Co. 75 96 Corn Peaches and Cream New England Seed Co. 75 88 Corn Alpine New England Seed Co. 75 86 Corn NK 199 Hybrid NK Lawn and Garden Co. 75 99 Corn Silver Queen Hybrid Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 75 99 Corn Early Sunglow Lake Valley Seed 75 95 Com Early Golden Bantam American Seed 75 99 Corn Butter and Sugar Freedonia Seeds 75 98 Corn Breeder's Choice W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 75 94 Cora Early Sunglow W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 75 95 Corn Country Gentleman W. Atlee Burpee and Co./ Burpee's Heirlooms 75 93 Corn Butter and Sugar Agway, Inc. 75 99 Com Silver Queen Agway, Inc. 75 98 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 983 Table 1 (continued). Germination of vegetable seeds. Standards are provided by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. * = Does not meet label claim. H= Seeds remained hard at the end of the test period because they did not absorb water due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination Plant Variety Seed Company Standard Found Cornsalad Cornsalad Cornsalad Large Dutch Mache Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Botanical Interests, Inc. 70 86 70 87 70 71 Cowpea Pinkeye Purple Hull Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 75 78 Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Bush Crop Marketmore 76 Boston Pickling Spacemaster Early Surecrop Hybrid Boston Pickling Poinsett 76 Marketmore 76 Straight Eight National Pickling Straight Eight Straight Eight Marketmore 76 Homemade Pickles Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. New England Seed Co. NK Lawn and Garden Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Lake Valley Seed American Seed Freedonia Seeds W. Atlee Burpee and Co. Agway, Inc. Botanical Interests, Inc. 80 98 80 100 80 96 80 97 80 93 80 96 80 91 80 94 80 99 80 86 80 98 80 99 80 96 80 96 Dill Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 60 57 Eggplant Black Beauty Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Eggplant Black Beauty Comstock, Ferre and Co. Eggplant Black Beauty New England Seed Co. Eggplant Black Beauty Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Eggplant Long Purple Lake Valley Seed Eggplant High Bush Select Agway, Inc. Eggplant Rosa Bianca Shepherd's Garden Seeds Endive Green Curled Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Endive Salad King Comstock, Ferre and Co. Endive Batavian Full Heart New England Seed Co. Endive Crispy Green Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Endive Full Heart Batavian Plantation Products Inc. Endive Green Ruffle Agway, Inc. Endive Tres Fine Maraichere Botanical Interests, Inc. Kale Blue Vates Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Kale Vates, Dwarf Blue Curled Comstock, Ferre and Co. Kale Vates Dwarf Blue Curled Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Kale Blue Scotch Agway, Inc. Kale Red Russian Shepherd's Garden Seeds Kohlrabi White Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Kohlrabi Early Purple Vienna Comstock, Ferre and Co. Kohlrabi Early White Vienna NK Lawn and Garden Co Kohlrabi Early Purple Vienna Agway, Inc. 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 59 90 69 0* 59 81 70 82 79 86 87 69 89 94 94 96 92 97 96 91 92 84 94 Seed Germination and Purity Analysis 2002 Table 1 (continued). Germination of vegetable seeds. Standards are provided by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. * = Does not meet label claim. H= Seeds remained hard at the end of the test period because they did not absorb water due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination Plant Variety Seed Company Standard Found Leek Leek Leek Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce American Flag American Broad Flag Otina Bibb Iceberg Mesclun Mixture Buttercrunch Black Seeded Simpson Big Boston Romaine, Paris Island Cos Oakleaf Bibb Great Lakes 1 1 8 Iceberg Iceberg Grand Rapids Marvel of Four Seasons Grand Rapids Little Caesar Romaine Mesclun Salad Mix Marvel of Four Seasons Tom Thumb Butterhead Lettuce Buttercrunch Lettuce Summertime Lettuce Cocarde Looseleaf Lettuce Little Gem Romaine Lettuce Red Sails Mustard Florida Broadleaf Mustard Mizuna Mustard Green Wave Mustard Spinach, Tendergreen Mustard Mizuna New Zealand spinach New Zealand spinach New Zealand spinach Okra Long Green Okra Clemson Spineless Okra Clemson Spineless Okra Clemson Spineless Okra Clemson Spineless Onion Yellow Sweet Spanish Onion White Portugal Onion Candy Charles C. Hart Seed Co. New England Seed Co. Shepherd's Garden Seeds Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. New England Seed Co. NK Lawn and Garden Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Lake Valley Seed American Seed American Seed Ferry-Morse Seed Co./ Source of Nature (organic) Freedonia Seeds W. Atlee Burpee and Co. W. Atlee Burpee and Co. W. Atlee Burpee and Co./ Burpee's Heirlooms W. Atlee Burpee and Co./ Burpee's Heirlooms Agway, Inc. Agway, Inc. Shepherd's Garden Seeds Shepherd's Garden Seeds Botanical Interests, Inc. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. NK Lawn and Garden Co. Botanical Interests, Inc. Comstock, Ferre and Co. Agway, Inc. Botanical Interests, Inc. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. W. Atlee Burpee and Co. Agway, Inc. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. 60 93 60 93 60 81 80 91 80 85 80 90 80 95 80 89 80 88 80 95 80 94 80 99 80 91 80 90 80 93 80 88 80 92 80 93 80 98 80 88 80 98 80 93 80 95 80 95 80 74 80 84 75 96 75 96 75 12* 75 75 75 98 40 70 40 76 40 90 50 41+48H 50 63 50 72 50 82 50 72 70 76 70 78 70 85 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 983 Table 1 (continued). Germination of vegetable seeds. Standards are provided by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. * = Does not meet label claim. H= Seeds remained hard at the end of the test period because they did not absorb water due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination Plant Variety Seed Company Standard Found Onion Wethersfield Red Comstock, Ferre and Co. 70 69 Onion Utah Yellow Spanish New England Seed Co. 70 47* Onion Hardy White Bunching New England Seed Co. 70 92 Onion White Lisbon NK Lawn and Garden Co. 70 99 Onion Evergreen Bunching Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 70 94 Onion White Lisbon Bunching American Seed 70 63 Onion White Lisbon Bunching Freedonia Seeds 70 97 Onion Florence Red W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 70 89 Onion Candy Agway, Inc. 70 95 Onion Rossa Lunga di Firenze Botanical Interests, Inc. 70 93 Onion Walla Walla Botanical Interests, Inc. 70 44* Oregano Vulgari Comstock, Ferre and Co. 60 81 Oregano New England Seed Co. 60 89 Oregano NK Lawn and Garden Co. 60 73 Oregano Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 60 83 Oregano True Greek Lake Valley Seed 60 84 Oregano W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 60 81 Oregano Agway, Inc. 60 97 Oregano True Greek Shepherd's Garden Seeds 60 75 Oregano Greek Botanical Interests, Inc. 60 80 Parsley Moss Curled Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 60 85 Parsley Hamburg Rooted Comstock, Ferre and Co. 60 68 Parsley Moss Curled American Seed 60 84 Parsley Moss Curled Ferry-Morse Seed Co./ Source of Nature (organic) 60 61 Parsley Italian Plain Leaf Agway, Inc. 60 84 Parsley Italian Dark Green Flat Botanical Interests, Inc. 60 6* Parsnip Hollow Crown Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 60 93 Parsnip All American New England Seed Co. 60 89 Parsnip Harris Model Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 60 87 Parsnip Hollow Crown W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 60 85 Parsnip All American Agway, Inc. 60 87 Pea Freezonia Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 80 94 Pea Oregon Sugar Pod Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 80 91 Pea Mammoth Melting Sugar Comstock, Ferre and Co. 80 92 Pea Wando Comstock, Ferre and Co. 80 88 Pea Sugar Snap New England Seed Co. 80 91 Pea Laxton's Progress 20 Inch New England Seed Co. 80 97 Pea Little Marvel NK Lawn and Garden Co. 80 91 Pea Oregon Sugar Pod II NK Lawn and Garden Co. 80 88 Pea Little Marvel Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 80 92 Pea Sugar Snap Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 80 86 Pea Dwarf Gray Sugar Lake Valley Seed 80 97 Pea Alaska American Seed 80 91 Pea Sugar Snap Freedonia Seeds 80 67* Pea Garden Sweet W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 80 82 Seed Germination and Purity Analysis 2002 Table 1 (continued). Germination of vegetable seeds. Standards are provided by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. * = Does not meet label claim. H= Seeds remained hard at the end of the test period because they did not absorb water due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination Plant Variety Seed Company Standard Found Pea Sugar Snap Pea Thomas Laxton Pea Freezonia Pea Sugar Daddy Pea Precovelle Petit Pois Pea Cascadia Pepper Sweet Hungarian Wax Pepper Cayenne Pepper Scotch Bonnet Pepper Early Jalapeno Pepper Pretty Purple Pepper Large Hot Red Cherry Pepper Golden Calwonder Pepper Early Jalapeno Pepper Red Beauty Pepper Sweet Banana Pepper Thai Dragon Pepper Red Beauty Pepper Jalapeno Pepper Anaheim Pepper Jalapeno Pepper California Wonder Pepper Cayenne Slim Pepper California Wonder Pepper Serrano Pepper Sweet Banana Pepper Jalapeno Pepper Sweet Banana Pepper San Luis Pablano Pepper Early Jalapeno Pumpkin Small Sugar Pumpkin Jack Be Little Pumpkin Connecticut Field Pumpkin Big Max Pumpkin Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin Baby Pam Pumpkin The Great Pumpkin Radish Champion Radish Champion Radish French Breakfast Radish White Icicle Radish Early Scarlet Globe Radish Chinese White Winter Radish French Breakfast W. Atlee Burpee and Co. W. Atlee Burpee and Co./ Burpee's Heirlooms Agway, Inc. Agway, Inc. Shepherd's Garden Seeds Botanical Interests, Inc. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. New England Seed Co. New England Seed Co. New England Seed Co. NK Lawn and Garden Co. NK Lawn and Garden Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Lake Valley Seed American Seed Ferry-Morse Seed Co./ Source of Nature (organic) Freedonia Seeds Plantation Products Inc. W. Atlee Burpee and Co. W. Atlee Burpee and Co. Agway, Inc. Shepherd's Garden Seeds Botanical Interests, Inc. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. New England Seed Co. American Seed Agway, Inc. Shepherd's Garden Seeds Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre and Co. New England Seed Co. NK Lawn and Garden Co. American Seed Agway, Inc. Botanical Interests, Inc. f^ 80 80 80 80 80 80 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 91 95 97 92 98 81 65 58 60 83 65 77 64 62 88 61 76 52 77 54 87 65 65 64 55 63 65 83 55 77 88 95 70 94 100 77 89 66 92 81 88 97 94 92 82 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 983 Table 1 (continued). Germination of vegetable seeds. Standards are provided by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. * = Does not meet label claim. H= Seeds remained hard at the end of the test period because they did not absorb water due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination Plant Variety Seed Company Standard Found Rutabaga American Purple Top Yellow Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 75 94 Rutabaga American Purple Top Agway, Inc. 75 98 Sage Broadleaf Comstock, Ferre and Co. 60 62 Sage Broadleaf New England Seed Co. 60 91 Sage Broadleaf NK Lawn and Garden Co. 60 69 Sage Broadleaf Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 60 94 Sage W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 60 89 Sage Broadleaf Agway, Inc. 60 93 Sage Shepherd's Garden Seeds 60 86 Sage Broadleaf Botanical Interests, Inc. 60 83 Salsify Mammoth Sandwich Island Comstock, Ferre and Co. 75 75 Spinach Bloomsdale Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 60 83 Spinach Melody Comstock, Ferre and Co. 60 90 Spinach Bloomsdale Savoy New England Seed Co. 60 86 Spinach Indian Summer Hybrid NK Lawn and Garden Co. 60 77 Spinach Giant Noble American Seed 60 71 Spinach Bloomsdale Longstanding Freedonia Seeds 60 81 Spinach Teton Hybrid W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 60 95 Spinach Nordic IV Shepherd's Garden Seeds 60 86 Squash Early Crookneck Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 75 90 Squash Buttercup Burgess Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 75 98 Squash Crookneck Bush Comstock, Ferre and Co. 75 96 Squash Acorn, Cream of the Crop Comstock, Ferre and Co. 75 88 Squash Butternut, Early Comstock, Ferre and Co. 75 98 Squash Early Prolific Straightneck New England Seed Co. 75 96 Squash Table Queen New England Seed Co. 75 91 Squash Spaghetti New England Seed Co. 75 90 Squash Buttercup NK Lawn and Garden Co. 75 98 Squash Early Prolific Straightneck NK Lawn and Garden Co. 75 90 Squash Early White Bush Scallop Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 75 95 Squash Acorn, Table Queen Lake Valley Seed 75 98 Squash Zucchini, Black Beauty Freedonia Seeds 75 81 Squash Spaghetti Plantation Products Inc. 75 88 Squash Early Prolific Straightneck Agway, Inc. 75 97 Squash Butternut, Puritan Agway, Inc. 75 94 Squash Delicata Shepherd's Garden Seeds 75 93 Squash Early Yellow Crookneck Botanical Interests, Inc. 75 95 Swiss chard Fordhook Giant Comstock, Ferre and Co. 65 83 Swiss chard Lucullus New England Seed Co. 65 80 Swiss chard Bright Lights NK Lawn and Garden Co. 65 84 Swiss chard Ruby Red Agway, Inc. 65 89 Swiss chard Bright Lights Botanical Interests, Inc. 65 80 Tomatillo Toma Verde Comstock, Ferre and Co. 50 98 Tomatillo Lake Valley Seed 50 81 Seed Germination and Purity Analysis 2002 11 Table 1 (continued). Germination of vegetable seeds. Standards are provided by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. * = Does not meet label claim. H= Seeds remained hard at the end of the test period because they did not absorb water due to an impermeable seed coat. Germination Plant Variety Seed Company Standard Found Tomato Jet Star Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 75 89 Tomato Marglobe Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 75 65 Tomato Big Boy Comstock, Ferre and Co. 75 85 Tomato Rutgers Comstock, Ferre and Co. 75 83 Tomato Patio Hybrid New England Seed Co. 75 75 Tomato Roma VF New England Seed Co. 75 88 Tomato Lemon Boy New England Seed Co. 75 79 Tomato Celebrity Hybrid NK Lawn and Garden Co. 75 74 Tomato Roma VF Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 75 91 Tomato Super Beefsteak W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 75 84 Tomato Roma W. Atlee Burpee and Co. 75 87 Tomato 1370 Shepherd's Garden Seeds 75 90 Tomato Brandywine Shepherd's Garden Seeds 75 83 Tomato Amish Paste Botanical Interests, Inc. 75 91 Turnip White Egg Comstock, Ferre and Co. 80 92 Turnip Seven Top New England Seed Co. 80 97 Turnip Seven Top American Seed 80 99 Turnip Purple Top White Globe Botanical Interests, Inc. 80 93 Watercress Truewater Ferry-Morse Seed Co. 40 93 Watercress Shepherd's Garden Seeds 40 89 Watermelon Sugar Baby Charles C. Hart Seed Co. 70 99 Watermelon Crimson Sweet Comstock, Ferre and Co. 70 93 Watermelon Sugar Baby New England Seed Co. 70 96 Watermelon Sugar Baby NK Lawn and Garden Co. 70 88 Watermelon Sugar Baby Agway, Inc. 70 98 12 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 983 Table 2. Summary for each seed company of total number of germination claims and the percentage that met or failed label claims. Seed Company Agway, Inc. American Seed Botanical Interests, Inc. Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Comstock, Ferre & Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co. Ferry-Morse Seed Co./ Source of Nature (organic) Freedonia Seeds Lake Valley Seed New England Seed Co. NK Lawn and Garden Co. Plantation Products Shepherd's Garden Seeds W. Atlee Burpee and Co. W. Atlee Burpee and Co./ Burpee's Heirlooms Total Number of Claims 36 % Meeting Claims 100 % Not Meeting Claims 0 18 100 0 25 92 8 50 100 0 50 100 0 29 97 3 5 100 0 13 92 8 17 100 0 50 96 4 26 100 0 3 100 0 20 100 0 23 100 0 5 100 0 Seed Germination and Purity Analysis 2002 Table 3. Summary by vegetable type of number of samples tested, average percent germination found, and germination standards. Standards are provided for by the rules and regulations of the Federal Seed Act. Plant Artichoke Asparagus Basil Bean Bean, lima Beet Broccoli Broccoliraab Brussels sprouts Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Celeriac Celery Chicory Chinese cabbage Collards Corn Cornsalad Cowpea Cucumber Dill Eggplant Endive Kale Kohlrabi Leek Lettuce Mustard New Zealand spinach Okra Onion Oregano Parsley Parsnip Pea Pepper Pumpkin Radish Rutabaga Sage Salsify Spinach Squash Swiss chard Tomatillo Tomato Turnip Watercress Watermelon Samples Germination Tested Standard i Wen 1 60 78 2 70 93 12 60 87 19 70 92 2 70 80 10 65 85 8 75 91 2 75 97 7 70 90 9 75 89 4 75 86 12 55 80 7 75 91 1 55 61 3 55 69 3 65 83 3 75 87 4 80 95 16 75 95 70 81 1 75 78 14 80 96 1 60 57 7 60 61 7 70 84 5 75 95 4 75 90 3 60 89 23 80 91 5 75 75 3 40 79 4 50 76 14 70 80 9 60 83 6 60 65 5 60 88 20 80 90 24 55 68 8 75 85 7 75 89 2 75 96 8 60 83 1 75 75 8 60 84 18 75 93 5 65 83 2 50 90 14 75 83 4 80 95 2 40 91 5 70 95 14 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 983 Table 4. Germination and purity of lawn seed. Results for purity and germination are for seeds separated by genus and not by species or variety are reported for that genus. Tolerance is calculated according to the rules for seed testing published by the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA). Variance is calculated as Purity Found minus Purity Claimed. Germination Claimed; Germination Found. * = Does not meet label claim. Purity Germination Seed Company/Seed Mixture Claim Found Variance Tolerance Claim Found Blue Seals Feeds Blue Seal Play Area Lawn Mixture Kentucky Bluegrass 9.94 13.10 3.16 1.47* 85 90 Top Hat Perennial Rye grass 9.73 12.40 2.67 2.77 90 94 Creeping Red Fescue 24.71 23.59 -1.12 3.04 85 89 Veranda Tall Fescue 34.76 85 89 Tall Fescue 19.90 85 89 total Tall Fescue 54.66 50.04 -4.62 3.83* AMS 679 Westerly Agway Landscapers Mixture Kentucky Bluegrass 12.75 17.61 4.86 1.86* 85 85 Perennial Ryegrass 69.30 65.39 -3.91 3.34* 90 96 Creeping Red Fescue 14.55 12.92 1.63 2.36 90 64* New England Seed Co. Turf Club Mix Kentucky Bluegrass 9.89 12.12 2.23 1.50* 85 84 Perennial Ryegrass 14.44 90 94 Annual Ryegrass 39.69 90 94 total Ryegrass 54.13 54.00 -0.13 3.83 Creeping Red Fescue 34.47 30.84 -3.63 3.29* 85 80 New England Seed Co. New England Pasture Perfect/Show Horse Sidekick Kentucky Bluegrass 4.94 9.75 4.81 1.20* 85 87 Tonga Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 29.82 85 96 Abundant Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass 9.98 85 96 total Ryegrass 39.18 34.48 -5.32 4.32* Branson Tall Fescue 19.81 17.95 -1.86 3.94 85 74* Takena Orchardgrass 28.00 27.76 -0.24 3.12 85 90 Timothy 4.98 7.04 2.06 1.10* 85 93 New England Seed Co. New England Shade Racer Perennial Ryegrass 29.66 27.94 -1.72 3.72 90 91 Creeping Red Fescue 39.50 85 89 Chewings Fescue 29.58 85 89 69.01 -0.07 3.78 The Scotts Company Scotts Sun and Shade Clearwater Kentucky Bluegrass 19.34 Pearl Perennial Ryegrass 61.89 Boreal Creeping Red Fescue 14.29 Lesco Inc. Lesco Team Mates Plus Mixture Shamrock Kentucky Bluegrass 9.90 _ Assure Perennial Ryegrass 19.81 ' Stetson Tall Fescue 29.85 Laramie Tall Fescue 29.28 Lancer-E Tall Fescue 9.97 total Tall Fescue 69.10 21.21 1.87 85 89 63.46 1.57 90 90 14.11 -0.18 85 92 12.00 2.10 1.45 90 92 19.90 -0.09 3.35 90 90 85 90 90 90 90 90 66.42 -2.68 3.34 Seed Germination and Purity Analysis 2002 15 Table 4 (continued). Germination and purity of lawn seed. Results for purity and germination are for seeds separated by genus and not by species or variety are reported for that genus. Tolerance is calculated according to the rules for seed testing published by the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA). Variance is calculated as Purity Found minus Purity Claimed. Germination Claimed; Germination Found. * = Does not meet label claim. Seed Company/Seed Mixture Lesco Inc. Lesco Double Eagle Blend Allsport Perennial Ryegrass Linedrive Perennial Ryegrass Wilmington Perennial Ryegrass total Perennial Ryegrass Purity Claim Found 36.74 30.93 30.40 98.07 98.55 Variance Tolerance Germination Claim Found 90 90 90 90 90 90 0.48 0.89 The Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Kentucky Bluegrass Elf Perennial Ryegrass Express Perennial Ryegrass total Perennial Ryegrass Creeping Red Fescue Holdridge Custom All Purpose Mixture 14.27 16.13 1.86 34.58 29.34 63.92 60.17 -3.75 19.51 18.16 -1.35 1.87 3.70* 2.76 85 90 90 85 93 96 96 93 The Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Kentucky Bluegrass Perennial Ryegrass Annual Ryegrass total Ryegrass Holdridge Contractors Lawn Seed Mixture 8.86 10.74 1.88 1.30* 80 9.81 90 78.56 90 88.37 87.01 -1.36 1.66 82 93 93 The Scotts Company Scotts Turf Builder Sun and Shade Mix Famous Kentucky Bluegrass 19.34 24.59 5.25 Affinity Perennial Ryegrass 61.89 62.73 0.84 Boreal Creeping Red Fescue 14.29 11.36 -2.93 2.49* 3.94 2.36* 85 90 85 86 94 95 Lesco Inc. Lesco Premium Sun and Shade Mixture Shamrock Kentucky Bluegrass 19.48 Linedrive Perennial Ryegrass 29.21 Brittany Chewings Fescue 24.76 Creeping Red Fescue 24.27 total Fine Fescue 49.03 18.70 23.03 55.45 -0.78 -6.18 6.42 2.25 4.25* 3.79* 90 90 90 90 91 89 85 85 Blue Seal Feeds Inc. Kentucky Bluegrass Perennial Ryegrass Annual Ryegrass total Ryegrass Creeping Red Fescue Blue Seal Early Green Lawn Mixture 14.72 18.89 48.88 9.85 58.73 59.91 24.46 19.80 4.17 1.18 -4.66 2.07* 4.19 2.96* 86 90 90 85 88 96 96 82 Southern States Coop. Inc. Agway Professional Green Grass Seed Mixture Famous Kentucky Bluegrass 29.64 Marquis Kentucky Bluegrass 19.70 total Kentucky Bluegrass 49.34 56.17 6.83 Enchanted Perennial Ryegrass 29.25 25.36 -3.89 Chewings Fine Fescue 19.69 15.87 -3.82 5.11* 5.42 3.83 85 85 90 85 87 87 96 93 1 6 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 983 Table 5. Germination and purity of crop seed. Seed Mixture Seed Company Common Rye Agway, Inc. White Winter Wheat Agway, Inc. Oats Agway, Inc. Rye, New Crop Small Berry Crop Production Services, Inc. Winter Rye Ventura Grain Co. Inc. Rye, New Crop Small Berry Crop Production Services Inc. Purity Germination Claim Found Claim Found 96.0 98.1 93 90 94.0 97.3 92 89 98.9 99.0 88 91 98.7 98.4 82 95 95.0 99.5 85 97 98.7 98.0 82 92 The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, religious creed, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, criminal conviction record, genetic information, learning disability, present or past history of mental disability, mental retardation or physical disability including but not limited to blindness, or marital or family status. To file a complaint of discrimination, write Director, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, P.O. Box 1106, New Haven, CT 06504, or call (203) 974-8440. CAES is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Persons with disabilities who require alternate means of communication of program information should contact the Station Editor at (203) 974-8446 (voice); (203) 974-8502 (FAX); or paul.gough@po. state. ct.us. University of Connecticut Libraries 39153027735184