Author:
Allen Van Deynze, University of California, Davis
Image Credit: The Seed Biotechnology Center at UC Davis.
This page summarizes storage and conservation information that was developed by the Seed Biotechnology Center at UC Davis for SeedQuest and aggregated for eXtension.
Genetic Purity
Genetic purity is a measure of seed quality based on contamination by other varieties and species. Genetic impurities occur when seed becomes contaminated with seeds of other species and when the seed itself has resulted from pollen contamination. For more information, see genetic purity.
Hybridity Test
Hybridity tests are used to determine parentage and purity of hybrid seeds. Hybrid seeds are produced by controlled pollination between parental varieties. Hybrids are often have improved vigor compared to their parents and are commonly favored in agriculture and gardening. Hybrids are not true-breeding, meaning the offspring of hybrid plants do not have the same characteristics as their hybrid parents. Therefore, hybrid seed must be purchased each growing season. Hybridity and varietal purity tests ensure that hybrid seeds are of good quality. For more information, see hybridity test.
External Links
- Seed Biotechnology Center [Online]. UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. Available at: http://sbc.ucdavis.edu/index.htm (verified 24 Mar 2012).
- SeedQuest [Online]. SeedQuest. Available at: http://www.seedquest.com/ (verified 24 Mar 2012).
Funding Statement
Development of this page was supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Solanaceae Coordinated Agricultural Project, agreement 2009-85606-05673, administered by Michigan State University. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the United States Department of Agriculture.
PBGworks 988