Roadside Revegetation

IMPLEMENTATION GUIDES
debris are separated from the bulk seed. Understanding the cleaning operation is important
because viable seeds can be damaged or discarded during this process.
Dry cleaned seed should be packaged in “breathable” woven poly bags at uniform weights.
Industry standards are 25 or 50 lb bags. Bags of seed must be clearly identified (labeled by
stencil or permanent marking pens, with characters at least 1 inch in size) with the Government’s
source seedlot identification. In addition, all bags should have an affixed tag stating the
species name (scientific and common), seedlot identification, percent germination, percent
purity (including other crop seed, weed seed, and noxious weeds), date of seed test, and seed
producer’s name. Additional labeling information may be requested, such as project name,
National Forest or BLM office, or seed owner name.
Seed Testing and Acceptance – The contract must state the minimum acceptable standards
for each species and seedlot. Acceptance and payment should be based on meeting the
standards set for:
◾◾
Germination
◾◾
Purity
◾◾
Weeds
◾◾
Moisture content
Figure 10-68 | Seed
harvesting and drying
Seed is harvested and dried prior to
cleaning and storage. This photograph
shows a recently harvested seedlot
in drying trays prior to being set on a
forced air drier. Seed ID tags are attached
to the side of each seed drying bin.
Seed testing is typically the responsibility of the contractor. Seed samples used for testing and
contract performance must be taken by a certification agency representative or the contract
inspector. Samples must be tested by a state certified seed laboratory (see Section 10.2.1.7,
Clean and Test Seeds). Seed test results must be identified by the seed source identification
and task order number. Test results must be satisfactory to the Government before final
acceptance of the seed is made.
Establishing minimum germination and purity rates can be based on averages obtained from
commonly produced species shown in Table 10-14 or through discussion with seed extractory
managers. The contract should address what actions the contractor can take to increase
either germination or purity, if these rates fall below the standards. Lower purity rates can be
accepted if seed will be used in a hydroseeder (see Section 10.3.2, Hydroseeding). A TZ test may
be made in lieu of a germination test for a seed viability test depending on time constraints
and species involved. All-State Noxious Weed examinations are required and if any of these
species are present, then the seedlot is either rejected or recleaned. Seed moisture test must
also be conducted and seed must not exceed 10 percent moisture.
Administer Contract
Seed producers are required to maintain adequate records to allow the Government to
monitor contract progress. Records should include information and dates of field preparation,
seed sowing, field treatments, fertilization, seed harvest, cleaning, storage, seed yields, and
any other activity relating to seed production. It is a good practice to make contact either by
phone or by visiting the seed producers two to three times a year to go over the progress of
the contract. The best time of year for field visits is just prior to or during seed harvest. A visit
or phone contact in fall is important to discuss the potential of keeping seedlots additional
years. Unless it is stated in the contract, seedlots are likely to be plowed under once the seed
orders have been met. Visiting in the late summer or fall is also a good time to observe the
seed extraction and cleaning processes.
During these visits, it is important to note the condition of the seedlots and how they are being
identified throughout the process; are there clear labels stating the seedlot identification in
the field, during drying, extraction, and storage? Are seed harvest and extraction equipment
being thoroughly cleaned between seedlots or are there remnant seeds remaining in the
equipment that can contaminate the next seedlot being processed? Note the condition of
Figure 10-69 | Visit seed producers
to assess crop quality
It is important to visit seed producers
to assess isolation distances, noxious
weeds, culturing practices (e.g., irrigation,
fertilization), and expected seed
yields. The best period to visit is during
seed ripening and seed harvest.
Roadside Revegetation: An Integrated Approach to Establishing Native Plants and Pollinator Habitat
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