When it comes to seed testing, it’s not just about size or germination rates. It’s about understanding the true potential of a seed under real-world conditions. That’s where vigour testing comes in.
For years, germination testing has been the gold standard. It’s straightforward: plant seeds in the perfect environment, see how many sprout, and take that as the seed’s maximum potential. But what about when conditions aren’t ideal? What about the unpredictable weather, fluctuating temperatures, or stressors that seeds face once they’re in the ground? That’s where germination falls short. It’s a good indicator of potential — under ideal circumstances — but it doesn’t tell you much about how a seed will perform in the field.
That’s exactly what vigour testing addresses. It’s a way of simulating stress — like cold, heat, or drought — and seeing how quickly, uniformly, and reliably seeds emerge in those less-than-perfect conditions. It’s a more practical, more honest measure of how your seed will behave in the real world.
SeedCheck uses a vigour testing method called radical emergence, which is recognized by the international seed testing rules. It’s a tool that farmers and seed companies alike should be paying attention to — because it can be a real game-changer.
Why isn’t everyone doing it? Partly because it’s new, partly because it sounds complicated, and partly because many think size and germination are enough. But anyone who’s been in the field knows that’s not true. You can have a seed lot with 95 per cent germination, but if it has poor vigour, you’ll end up with uneven emergence, slow crop development, and surprises that cost you money.
Vigour testing isn’t just about avoiding bad lots — it’s about selecting the best seed for specific environmental conditions. That’s how you plant smarter and reduce risk.
Despite its clear benefits, vigour testing still faces resistance. Some see it as an extra step or worry about how to interpret the results. But our approach has always been: educate the customer.
Size might be the headline, but vigour is what determines whether that seed actually turns into a healthy plant. It’s about working smarter, not just bigger. And if we truly want to optimize our breeding, our planting, and ultimately our yields, then vigour testing isn’t just an option — it’s essential.
