Request testing of seed samples

About
What you should do
How long does it take
How much does it cost
Forms to complete
Who to contact

 

 

About testing of official seed samples on request

To have official seed samples tested for physical purity, germination and/or viability, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development samplers must draw the samples.

The official seed samples must comply with Plant Improvement Act (PIA) standards. If seed does not comply, they must be withdrawn for sale or re-labelled.

What you should do

  1. Regional samplers from offices of the department will randomly draw samples from trade control (TC) and imported seed (IS) from persons, i.e. organisations, institutes, companies, co-operatives and farmers that sell seed.
  2. All available seed lots, commercial and certified seed, are taken into consideration.
  3. Seed lots to be sampled are chosen as follows:
    • a random choice of seed lots
    • suspect seed lots
    • problematic crop types.
  4. Samples are tested for compliance with the provisions of the PIA.

Note: Reports on tests conducted are sent to the sampler who drew the sample. If you want these results, you must pay the applicable tariff and a seed analysis report will be issued.

Banking details:
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch name: Arcadia
Branch code: 01-08-45
Account number: 011244887
Account name: NDA- Seed Testing Services.

Remember to include the invoice number for reference purposes. Pay the seed testing tariff and send proof of payment to OSTL for the release of the report.

How long does it take

The various crop types have different test conditions and the duration of a test can vary from a few days to a few weeks.

How much does it cost

Tariffs for 2023/24

Forms to complete

There are no forms to complete.

Who to contact

 

Tel: 012 3196262/6311
Fax: 012  319 6372 
E-mail: BeckyM@daff.gov.za / AngelMab@daff.gov.za

Physical address: Official Seed Testing Laboratory, Directorate: Plant Production, Plant genetic Resource Centre, Kwamhlanga Road
Postal Address: Private Bag x250, Pretoria 0001

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