Testing Overview
Duration: Approximately 10 days
The Accelerated Aging (AA) test is a vigor test used to evaluate a seed lot's ability to withstand stressful conditions. Seeds are exposed to high temperature and relative humidity for a specified period before being tested for germination.
Seed lots that maintain a high percentage of normal seedlings following accelerated aging are generally considered more vigorous and better able to tolerate environmental stress. The test may also provide useful information about relative storability.
AA testing is available for a wide range of crop and vegetable species.
Test Details
Seeds are placed on an elevated screen inside a sealed aging box containing water. The boxes are held at high temperature and relative humidity for a prescribed aging period based on the species being tested.
Following the aging period, seeds are promptly planted and evaluated using procedures similar to a standard germination test. Results are reported as the percentage of normal seedlings after accelerated aging.
AA results are most useful when considered together with the standard germination result. Lots with similar germination percentages may perform differently following accelerated aging, providing additional information about differences in seed vigor.
Sample Requirements
Please submit a minimum of 300 seeds for Accelerated Aging testing. Additional seed is required if other tests are requested on the same sample.