Iowa State University Seed Testing Laboratory

Internationally Recognized as a Leader in Seed

Seed Lab Scientists

OVER 100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN SEED TESTING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Iowa State University has a proud history of excellence in agricultural technology. From the early research of George Washington Carver, to today's biotech seeds that feed, fuel, and supply the world, Iowa State University time and again has proven itself as a leader.

At the Iowa State University Seed Laboratory we are not only proud of this heritage of excellence, but are pleased to offer cutting-edge seed analysis technologies and services. Our broad range of testing options, high throughput of samples, accurate results, and unmatched customer service—combined with our years of experience and expert staff—make us a leader in the seed testing industry.

The Iowa State Seed Testing Lab

  • Is the largest public seed testing laboratory in the world 
  • Offers testing services for more than 300 species of crops, vegetables, flowers, and trees
  • Tests for more than 350 pathogens (fungi, bacteria, and viruses)
  • Employs staff certified in purity, germination, and testing of biotech traits
  • Is a reputable industry source for workshops and short courses on seed quality and conditioning
  • Utilizes the resources of Iowa State University experts in the fields of Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Entomology, and more
  • Has served as an industry leader in testing, research, and in offering workshops for more than 100 years


Call Us Today and Let Us Demonstrate the Many Ways That We Will Exceed Your Seed Testing Expectations.

 

Log On To Seed Lab Online Services

Click Here

New

NOW AVAILABLE!!!
SOCIETY OF COMMERCIAL SEED TECHNOLOGIST MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND EXAMINATION FORMS


HOW DO I SUBMIT A SAMPLE?
Place your samples in a padded box or envelope and ship to: ISU Seed Laboratory, 109 Seed Science Center, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3228. For more info Click Here

 

TRY OUR NEW SAMPLE SUBMISSION FORM (in .xls | .xlsx | and .pdf | formats and visit our News/FAQs page for more information about how it works.)

Mike Stahr Manager
Manager's Corner
Click Here to read the latest news and commentary from Seed Lab Manager Mike Stahr.

What Sets ISU Apart?

The ISU Seed Lab

 

News/Upcoming Events
Lateral Test Strips

TESTING FOR AFLATOXIN

This summer’s drought has increased concerns for aflatoxin in grain and seeds. The ISU Seed Lab has offered testing for aflatoxin and mycotoxins, but now has increased its capabilities with the purchase of a reader that will give quantitative results. The reader also adds to options for testing for the adventitious presence of biotech traits. Contact Customer Care for more information about aflatoxin testing.

Phytosanitary Testing

A LEADER IN PHYTOSANITARY TESTING

National Seed Health System Certified and internationally recognized for excellence and testing for over 350 pathogens, the Seed Health Lab at Iowa State University is ready to assist you with moving your seed lots. Lisa Shepherd, Acting National Seed Health System Administrative Director, is recognized for her expertise in testing fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Biotech Trait Testing

ISU SEED LAB CERTIFIED TO TEST FOR BIOTECH TRAITS The ISU Seed Lab has been certified by trait providers to test for all biotech traits available for corn and soybeans. Trait testing coordinator Christa Hoffman is a Registered Genetic Technologist. ISU offers testing by herbicide bioassay, ELISA, lateral flow strips, isoelectric focusing Electrophoresis and quantitative real-time PCR screening for biotech traits.

Seed Test

HAVE A QUESTION ON TESTING METHODS? NEED MORE INFORMATION?Have a question on testing methods? Simply click on "Methods" at the top of this page.  Need information on submitting samples or additional information on testing methods? Click on the "News/FAQs" tab above.  If you still can't find what you need, contact ISU Customer Care at seedlab@iastate.edu or call 515-294-6826.

Iowa State University Seed Testing Laboratory, 109 Seed Science Center, Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011. Mike Stahr: Manager. Ph. 515-294-6826, Fax: 515-294-8303,
email: seedlab@iastate.edu