Research has been the way to improve seed testing services in the OSU Seed Laboratory since 1909. It has been used to validate existing methods, to propose testing rule changes and to develop internal procedures that contribute to accurate, timely and cost effective services. The innovation through research and development coupled with the continuous training and educational programs for our staff has made it possible to respond effectively to the changing needs of the seed industry. To carry out its objectives, the lab cooperates with other scientists on campus and at other laboratories. 

R&D at the OSU Seed Lab focuses on three crucial quality areas: 

Mechanical Purity: To develop and/or improve the equipment, methods and procedures for accurate and timely purity testing and to provide purity enhancement technologies. 

Viability: To develop/improve methods and procedures (e.g., TZ and germination) for accurate and timely measuring of seed viability, and to provide viability enhancement technologies. 

Genetic purity: To develop methods and procedures for accurate and timely testing of genetic traits (e.g., fluorescence, ploidy determination, GMO’s, etc.) and to provide genetic purity enhancement technologies.  Progress Status 

1. Development of the Flow Cytometry method to determine the ploidy level in ryegrass: It measures the nuclear DNA content of plant cells to distinguish between ryegrass cultivars of different ploidy levels. This research was done in cooperation with Dr. Reed Barker of the NFSPRC of the USDA. Based on the findings, the OSU Seed Lab developed a protocol to determine the ploidy level of ryegrass seedlings. This test is fast, accurate, and repeatable. Using this method, the ploidy level can be measured at any stage of plant development (i.e., germinating seedlings, or green leaves from the greenhouse or field). The flow cytometer has been used for differentiating between tetraploid and diploid ryegrasses in the OSU Seed Lab since February 1999. In June 2000, the AOSA accepted proposal from the OSU Seed Lab to add the Flow Cytometry as an alternative method to the Chromosome count test of ryegrass in the AOSA Cultivar Purity Handbook No. 33.

2. The use of the flow cytometer to distinguish between grass seed species that are morphologically similar: For example, fine fescue species with different chromosome numbers such as strong creeping fescue (56 chromosomes), chewing fescue (42 chromosomes), and sheep fescue (28 chromosomes) were easily separated using the flow cytometer. 

3. National Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG) Referee Study: The objective of this project was to investigate the minimum period of time needed to complete a standard germination test of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). The study was coordinated by the OSU Seed Lab and involved thirteen different seed labs from both producing and consuming states.  The results of the study showed no significant differences in the germination percentage after three or four weeks of germination. These results confirmed similar findings and supported an AOSA rule change to shorten the germination period of KBG from 28 to 21 days. 

The implication of this research is to obtain faster germination test results, which can be used as a market tool to help seed producers and buyers. 

4. Grow-out test for ryegrass: The OSU Seed Lab has developed a protocol for testing the annuality/perenniality of ryegrass cultivar in the greenhouse. This test provides more realistic results than the fluorescence test and the leaf vernation test for the true annual/perennial percentage in ryegrass seed samples. 

1.  Video Enhanced Purity Station: The OSU Seed Lab is in the research and development stage of developing an enhanced seed purity testing system that includes high optic magnification power and enhanced video images that provide accurate, faster testing results than the conventional hand lenses, which are currently used. The new system should improve the ergonomics level and decrease the work related health problems for purity seed analysts. 

2. Breaking dormancy in Kentucky bluegrass: Currently, we are searching new faster, more effective methods of breaking the dormancy of Kentucky bluegrass to achieve quicker standard germination test results. If successful, some of these methods may be useful for commercial quality enhancement. 

1.   Optimization of grow-out test for ryegrass: The OSU Seed Lab has developed a protocol for testing the annuality/prenniality of ryegrass cultivar in the greenhouse using a 16-hr daylength period. However, because the photoperiod, light intensity and quality are critical factors in the gene expression of the annuality/prenniality of ryegrass, the Seed Lab will conduct a study to compare 16-hr with 24-hr daylength period with different light sources. An effective grow-out test will make it possible to verify if plants are perennial type or annual type.

2.  Computer image analysis for seed separation. Proposal being prepared.  

3. Comparison of AOSA and ISTA purity test methods in various grass species (e.g., tall fescue, ryegrass, etc). This research is in support of the Purity and Germination Subcommittees of AOSA. It will determine if the AOSA or the ISTA methods for assessment of purity are more effective for various grass seeds.  

4. Effectiveness of TZ on assessment of viability of dormant grass seeds: The study will use the already existing TZ and germination data for different grass seeds that were tested at the OSU Seed Lab in the last several years. 

5. Trends and frequencies of weed seed contamination in some grass seed species in Oregon. This study will use the already available data at the OSU Seed Lab from several years of testing to determine which weed seeds contaminate a particular grass species and the frequency of that contamination and whether there is a trend over the years. The practical application is to help seed growers identify and control the weed problem in their production fields.  

6. Measure the effectiveness of the flow-cytometry technique in differentiating Creeping and Colonial Bentgrass species. This research will determine if the flow-cytometry method is more effective than the physical seed separation based on morphological differences.  

For more information contact Dr. Adriel Garay or Dr. Sabry Elias at 541-737-4464