World SeedHow to read an ISTA seed analysis report
An ISTA-format seed analysis report is a one-page document with a fixed layout: lot identification at the top, purity components in the middle, germination classes below and moisture and other determinations at the foot. Read in that order it tells an importer what is in the bag, how much of it will grow and whether it will keep. This guide walks through each block using an alfalfa export lot as the example.
1. Lot identification
The header carries the species (botanical and common name), variety, lot number, number and type of containers, declared lot weight, the date the sample was drawn and by whom, and the date the tests were completed. Check that the lot number matches the bag labels and the phytosanitary certificate (see the phytosanitary table), and that the lot weight does not exceed the ISTA maximum lot size (10,000 kg for alfalfa and clovers, 25,000 kg for cereals; a 20-ft container of alfalfa is usually two lots). A report is only valid for the lot named on it. The terms used below are defined in the standards guide.
2. Purity analysis
Four percentages by weight, adding to 100.0: pure seed, other crop seed, weed seed and inert matter. Below them the report names the other seeds found and their count per working sample. For an alfalfa lot a typical line reads "Pure seed 99.4, other crop 0.2 (Trifolium alexandrinum 3), weed 0.1 (Chenopodium album 2), inert 0.3". The names matter more than the numbers: a single seed of dodder (Cuscuta) or Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) can bar entry to some countries regardless of percentage. The dodder guide explains why.
| Line | Example (alfalfa KN92) | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Pure seed | 99.4 % | Meets contract minimum (99.0 %) |
| Other crop seed | 0.2 % — Trifolium alexandrinum 3 | Species acceptable in destination |
| Weed seed | 0.1 % — Chenopodium album 2 | No prohibited species listed |
| Inert matter | 0.3 % | Below contract maximum (1.0 %) |
| Cuscuta spp. | Nil in 100 g | Required by Gulf, Australia, Türkiye |
3. Germination
The germination block gives the substrate and temperature used, the test duration, and five percentages: normal seedlings, hard seed, fresh ungerminated seed, abnormal seedlings and dead seed, adding to 100. "Germination" on the certificate means normal seedlings. A report showing 86 % normal, 8 % hard, 1 % fresh, 3 % abnormal and 2 % dead describes a good alfalfa lot: 86 % will emerge promptly and a further 8 % later. If hard seed is high (above 15 %) ask for scarification; if abnormal seedlings are high (above 8 %) the lot may have been mechanically damaged or stored too warm. Any pre-treatment, such as pre-chilling or scarification, must be stated.
4. Moisture and other determinations
Moisture is reported to one decimal place by the oven method. Compare it with the storage guide: 10 % or below for legumes, 12 % for cereals, 6 % for oilseeds, 8–9 % for spices. The foot of the report may carry additional determinations ordered by the buyer: thousand-seed weight (useful for calculating seeds per kilogram and sowing rate), other seed determination on a larger sample for named species, tetrazolium viability, hybridity or a seed health test. Each is dated and signed by the analyst.
Finally check the signature block. An ISTA Orange International Certificate is issued only by an ISTA-accredited laboratory and carries the ISTA logo and certificate number; an ISTA-format report from a company laboratory follows the same rules and layout but is not an Orange certificate. Kohenoor issues ISTA-format reports with every lot and arranges an Orange certificate where a destination requires it.
Worked example
The report below is a typical result for a 20 MT alfalfa shipment, split into two 10 MT lots. Both lots pass the contract standard of 99/85, and the moisture of 8.9 % gives a comfortable margin for a 30-day voyage.
| Determination | Lot KN92-24-117 | Lot KN92-24-118 | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure seed | 99.4 % | 99.2 % | 99.0 % min |
| Other crop seed | 0.2 % | 0.3 % | 0.5 % max |
| Weed seed | 0.1 % | 0.1 % | 0.1 % max |
| Inert matter | 0.3 % | 0.4 % | 1.0 % max |
| Normal seedlings | 86 % | 88 % | 85 % min |
| Hard seed | 8 % | 6 % | 10 % max |
| Moisture | 8.9 % | 9.1 % | 10 % max |
| Cuscuta spp. | Nil / 100 g | Nil / 100 g | Nil |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an ISTA-format report and an ISTA Orange certificate?
An Orange International Certificate is issued only by an ISTA-accredited laboratory after sampling by an ISTA-authorised sampler, and is recognised by all ISTA member governments. An ISTA-format report uses the same methods and layout but is issued by a company or non-accredited laboratory. Most commercial contracts accept the ISTA-format report; some governments require an Orange certificate.
Which number is 'germination'?
The percentage of normal seedlings. Hard seed, fresh ungerminated, abnormal and dead seed are reported separately so that the buyer can see why the lot did not reach 100 %.
Why are there two lots for one container?
ISTA sets a maximum lot size per species so that a sample can represent the lot: 10,000 kg for alfalfa and clovers, 25,000 kg for cereals. A 20 MT container of alfalfa is therefore two lots, each with its own report.
How long is a germination report valid?
There is no fixed validity, but germination declines in storage. Most importers require a test dated within six months of shipment; some Gulf and Australian buyers require three months. Kohenoor retests lots older than six months before loading.
What if the report lists a weed species I do not recognise?
Look it up against the importing country's prohibited or quarantine weed list before the shipment leaves. The phytosanitary requirements table on this site lists the authority for each country; their quarantine weed schedules are public.
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