Test Overview
Duration: Approximately 1–2 weeks
Blotter tests are widely used to detect seedborne fungi. The test allows fungi associated with the seed to develop under controlled conditions so they can be detected and identified.
Testing conditions and sample size may vary depending on the crop and target pathogen.
Test Details
Whole seeds are placed on moist blotter paper and incubated under controlled conditions for approximately 7–14 days. During incubation, fungi present on or within infected seed may develop characteristic structures or growth.
Following incubation, seeds are examined for the presence of target fungi. Identification is based on fungal growth and characteristics associated with the target organism. Additional testing may be performed when necessary to confirm identification.
Sample Requirements
Sample requirements vary by crop and target pathogen. Typically, 400–1,000 seeds are required for blotter testing.
Additional seed may be required when multiple tests are requested on the same sample.