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The Seed Viability Team conducts the following activities: 

Services

  • Germination testing of seed increased at the station. 
     
  • Viability monitoring of distribution lots every 5 to 10 years. 
     
  • Tetrazolium testing of hard to germinate seeds. 
     
  • Notifying curators of the viability status of their collections.
     
  • Work with curators on special needs projects.

Research

  • Research published papers for proven methods to break seed dormancy. 
     
  • Plan and conduct experiments to discover methods to break seed dormancy. 
     
  • Investigate methods of drying seeds to prolong seed life; this may include genera that are suspected of being recalcitrant. 
     
  • Investigate methods of eliminating insect infestations in seed lots.