About us
Agricultural Laboratory Services is an independent seed testing laboratory that provides accurate, reliable, and timely results to help our clients make informed decisions about their seed production and distribution. Our laboratory is a DEFRA licensed seed testing station, and our team of qualified seed analysts has a combined 49 years of experience. Our new, modern laboratory is equipped with the latest equipment and we use verified and recognized test methods to ensure that our results are accurate and delivered in the fastest possible time.
As a licensed seed testing station, we adhere to strict quality standards and regulations to ensure the reliability of our results. Our quality assurance program includes regular audits by DEFRA and participation in proficiency testing programs.
Our Services
At Agricultural Laboratory Services, we offer a range of seed analysis services to meet the unique needs of our clients. Each of our services is designed to provide accurate, reliable results that help our clients make informed decisions about their seed production and distribution.
Seed Germination Testing
Seed germination testing is essential for determining the viability and quality of a seed lot. Our germination test follows the rules established by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and provides a reliable assessment of the percentage of viable seeds in a given sample.
TZ Rapid Germination Testing
TZ (tetrazolium) testing is a rapid method for assessing seed viability which can give results in 24-48 hours. We offer TZ testing on all cereal species. This analysis involves bio-chemical staining the living tissue of the seed embyro. Evaluation of the seed's viability is then performed by a qualified analyst using our state of the art Mantis binocular microscope. TZ testing is recognised as equally accurate as a regular grow on germination.
Please note: TZ testing is not suitable for seed which has been treated with glyphosate. The grow on germination should be used for glyphosate treated seed.
Purity and Other Species Testing
Purity testing is essential for determining the quality of a seed lot and detecting the presence of weeds, other crop species, and inert matter. Our purity testing is conducted in accordance with ISTA rules and by qualified seed analysts, providing our clients with accurate and reliable results. Other species testing will test a larger sample for other crop species and weed seeds only.
Seed Health Testing
Seed health testing is essential for detecting the presence of pathogens or diseases that may impact the growth and yield of a seed lot. We perform stem nematode, ascochyta, and ergot testing in house and offer a full range of disease tests in conjunction with a third-party provider.
Mycotoxin Testing
Mycotoxin testing is a requirement for all grain intakes for human consumption grain and is recommended for animal feed to ensure a safe feed stock. We offer Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Zearalenone (ZON) and Ochratoxin (OTA) on all cereals, including maize, using lateral flow immunochromatographic assay.
Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Zearalenone (ZON) testing are required by NABIM as standard for intakes into mills. Ochratoxin is recommended for grain that has been kept in storage, especially barley for malt.
Moisture Testing
Moisture testing is essential when selling grain to processors and merchants, and also when storing seed, as high moisture content can cause deterioration of the seed.
Rapid moisture testing by NIR gives fast and reliable results for your own information.
Oven moisture testing by ISO methods is invaluable for verifying accuracy of your own moisture meters and in the event of disputes/claims.
Infestation Testing and Insect Identification
Detection and identification of common grain store pests, including weevils, grain damaging beetles, mites and insect larvae. We use microscopic examination to distinguish between injurious and harmless insects found in grain and identify mite infestations which are not visible to the naked eye.
Statutory Seed Testing
We are a licensed seed testing station, and offer statutory testing for all cereals including triticale, fodder pulses and STZ on cereals.
We also offer analysis equivalent to the statutory tests, for preliminary germination testing on seed intended for use on official seed lots.
Crop Inspection
We can also offer independent crop inspection services for statutory cereal seed crops in the Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire area.
Other Testing
We can also offer a range of other testing on request, including Conductivity, Volume Weight, Screening, Gluten Testing, Malting/Milling Quality, NIR Grain Protein/Nitrogen, Ergot, and many other seed tests, please contact us with your requirements.