Seed Germination Testing and Seed Storage: Controlled Conditions for Seed Science
- Germination testing to standard protocols
- Seed vigour and ageing tests
- Dormancy and after-ripening studies
- Breeding line evaluation
- Working seed collections
- Seedling establishment
What Seed Germination and Storage Need
Prescribed temperatures
Defined light
Many replicates
Humidity
Cool, dry storage
Records
Seed Germination and Storage Chambers
| Model | Shelves | Light (µmol/m²/s) | Temperature (°C) | Volume (m³) | Shelf area (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JKG-66LGR | 15 | 120 | 5–44 ± 0.5 | 1.8 | 14.2 |
| GR-36L | 15 | 140 | 5–44 ± 0.5 | 0.8 | 7.1 |
| GR-41L | 15 | 120 | 5–44 ± 0.5 | 1.1 | 9 |
| GR-66L | 15 | 120 | 5–44 ± 0.5 | 1.8 | 14.2 |
| SS-36NL (seed storage) | 6 | No light | 2–44 ± 0.5 | 0.8 | 3 |
Completing a Seed Laboratory
Catalogues and Compliance Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does a seed germination test need?
Germination tests follow prescribed temperatures, light and duration for each species, often a constant temperature or an alternating day–night regime with light during the warmer period. A germination chamber holds those conditions on every shelf so results are comparable between tests and laboratories.
Why does a germination chamber have so many shelves?
Germination tests use many small trays or Petri dishes but need little height. Fifteen closely spaced, lit shelves fit far more replicates into one chamber than a plant growth chamber would.
Can one chamber run alternating temperatures?
Yes. Programmable day–night set points and photoperiods let one chamber run alternating regimes such as a warm lit period and a cooler dark period.
How should seed be stored between tests?
Cool and dry. Lower temperature and lower seed moisture both extend seed life. The SS-36NL seed storage chamber provides a cool, dry environment with an extended low-humidity range for working collections.
Which model should I choose?
The JKG-66 in its GR configuration (JKG-66LGR) and the Percival GR-41L and GR-66L give the most shelf area; the GR-36L suits smaller laboratories.
Can germination chambers be used for seedling growth?
Yes, for early seedling stages. For growth beyond a few centimetres, move seedlings to a plant growth chamber with more height.