b'PARTNER CONTENTRadicle Emergence Testing: Measure Seed Vigour to Set Your Company ApartA s planting season approaches, youre no doubtThe execution of this test requires precision and asking yourself how you can set yourself apart fromexperience from analysts who play a crucial role in the competition. ensuring consistent and accurate results. The test As a seed analyst, one of the most exciting and inno- involves maintaining specific temperature conditions vative tests I know of that enables customer competi- (such as 20 C for canola) with a precise margin of error. tiveness is the radicle emergence test, which measuresThe measurement of the radicle (the embryonic root) is the speed and uniformity of root protrusion from thethe key parameter.seed. This test has many advantages over traditionalTraining analysts to measure radicles quickly and vigour tests, such as being more cost-effective, repeat- accurately is essential for reliable results. The process Morgan Webb,able, and predictive of field performance. demands expertise and adherence to standardized President, SeedThe radicle emergence test is not just a measuremethods, ensuring consistency across different batches.Check of crop emergence; it gauges vigour and resilience ofI believe that radicle emergence testing is a seeds. Unlike germination tests, which measure the per- game-changer for seed quality assessment; it unlocks centage of seeds that germinate after a certain period,agricultural potential by providing valuable insights into the radicle emergence test measures the percentage ofhow different crops respond to environmental conditions seeds that break through their seed coat within a speci- during their early stages.fied time frame. The faster and more uniform this occurs,It can also set your company apart in a competitive the more vigorous the seed. market by highlighting your superior seed products.The radicle emergence test is especially useful for early crops such as corn, brassicas, soybeans, and canola, which have high variability in germination rates due to environmental factors such as temperature and moisture. The test can also be applied to a wide range of crops, including soybeans and forage/turf crops, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness.This test is not only a tool for quality assessment;2 REASONS TO MAKE USE OF it is also a tool for differentiation. While germination and purity tests are necessities for selling seed, radicleRADICLE EMERGENCE TESTINGemergence testing serves as a quality parameter that allows companies to showcase their superior vigourA radicle emergence test is a method of measuring the products. This gives them a competitive edge in thevigour of seeds by observing how fast and uniformly market. they emerge from the soil. Vigour is an important Companies can use this test not only to rank theirfactor for seed quality, as it indicates the potential for seed lots internally but also to compare themselvesgermination, growth, and yield. A radicle emergence against competitors. This information is valuable fortest can make your seed company more competitive by:demonstrating high vigour, guiding sales strategies, and ensuring that the best-performing lots are prioritized for Providing a reliable and objective way of assessing distribution. Its a strategic tool that goes beyond meet- the vigour of different seed lots, which can help you ing regulatory standards; it focuses on the quality of theselect the best seeds for your customers and avoid product itself. losses due to poor germination or low performance.Precision and ExperienceEnhancing your reputation as a leader in seed The radicle emergence test has evolved from beingquality and innovation, as you offer a cutting-edge mainly used by cereals producers to being adoptedtechnology that can differentiate your products from by other crop sectors as well. The International Seedothers in the market.Testing Association (ISTA) has also approved this test as an official method.MARCH 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 33'