Seed health testing
Ensuring healthy seeds and true-to-type varieties through advanced microbiological and molecular testing
What is seed health testing?
Seed health testing identifies seed-transmitted diseases and verifies the genetic identity of seed lots. Using validated laboratory methods (ISF, ISTA, EPPO) that are GSPP compliant, Eurofins Agro Testing provides fast, reliable results that help prevent the spread of pathogens and ensure seed quality.
Our team continuously updates its protocols to align with new scientific insights, emerging diseases and industry requirements, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability.
Why test seeds?
Seed-borne pathogens and genetic variation can have major consequences for growers, breeders and producers. Testing provides:
- Early detection of seed-transmitted fungi, bacteria and viruses
- Confidence in seed purity before commercial use
- Prevention of disease introduction into greenhouses or fields
- Verification of genotype identity for breeding lines and seed lots
- Support for certification, quality schemes and research programmes
Healthy, genetically consistent seeds form the foundation for strong and uniform crops.
Available analyses
Seed health testing
Validated microbiology and molecular protocols detect a wide range of seed-transmitted pathogens efficiently and reliably.
Genetic purity and fingerprinting
Molecular markers compare plant genotypes to verify the purity and identity of seed lots. This avoids the need for grow-out trials and speeds up decision-making.
Marker assisted selection (MAS)
Molecular markers identify plants that carry desired traits such as disease resistance or specific phenotypic characteristics. This allows selection before traits are expressed, accelerating breeding progress.
When to use seed health testing
Seed health testing is suitable when:
- Introducing new seed lots
- Evaluating genetic uniformity
- Screening for seed-transmitted diseases
- Supporting breeding programmes with MAS
- Verifying the identity of varieties
- Ensuring pathogen-free production material
These analyses support seed companies, breeders, nurseries and growers who rely on high-quality starting material.
Parameters analysed in seed health testing
Seed health testing assesses seed-transmitted pathogens and genetic markers relevant to purity, identity and trait selection. The exact parameters depend on the selected test package, using a combination of microbiological and DNA-based methods.