International Rules for Seed Testing, Chapter 2, i–2-46 (54)

[Link]

International Rules for

Seed Testing
2026

Chapter 2: Sampling

Including changes and editorial corrections adopted at the

Ordinary General Meeting 2025 in Christchurch, New Zealand

Effective from 1 January 2026

Note on the use of the translations

The electronic version of the International Rules for Seed Testing includes the English,
French, German and Spanish versions. If there are any questions on interpretation of the
ISTA Rules, the English version is the definitive version.

Published by
The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)
Richtiarkade 18, CH-8304 Wallisellen, Switzerland

© 2026 International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)

Online ISSN 2310-3655

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from ISTA.
International Rules for Seed Testing Contents

Contents

Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules ............. v 2.5.3 Storage of samples after testing ....................... 2-8
2.5.4 Conditions for issuing Orange International
Chapter 2: Sampling .................................................. 2-1 Seed Lot Certificates ............................................. 2-8
2.1 Object ..................................................................... 2-1 [Link] Seed lot size .............................................. 2-8
2.2 Definitions .............................................................. 2-1 [Link] Large seed lots of Poaceae ........................ 2-9
2.2.1 Seed lot ............................................................. 2-1 [Link].1 Definitions ........................................... 2-9
2.2.2 Sublot ............................................................... 2-1 [Link].2 Approval .............................................. 2-9
2.2.3 Primary sample ................................................ 2-1 [Link].3 Check sampling and testing ................ 2-9
2.2.4 Composite sample ............................................ 2-1 [Link].4 Withdrawal of approval ....................... 2-9
2.2.5 Subsample ........................................................ 2-1 [Link].5 Responsibility .................................... 2-11
2.2.6 Submitted sample ............................................. 2-1 [Link] Marking/labelling and sealing of
2.2.7 Duplicate sample .............................................. 2-1 containers ......................................................... 2-11
2.2.8 Working sample ............................................... 2-1 [Link] Sampling from the seed lot ...................... 2-11
2.2.9 Sealed ............................................................... 2-1 [Link] Submitted sample ................................... 2-11
2.2.10 Self-sealing containers ................................... 2-1 [Link] Sample reduction .................................... 2-12
2.2.11 Marked/labelled .............................................. 2-2 [Link] Storage of submitted samples after
2.2.12 Treated seed ................................................... 2-2 testing ............................................................... 2-12
2.2.13 Coated seeds ................................................... 2-2 2.6 Calculation and expression of results ................... 2-12
2.2.14 Small seed lots ............................................... 2-2 2.7 Reporting of results .............................................. 2-12
2.3 General principles ................................................... 2-2 2.8 Tables for lot size and sample sizes ...................... 2-12
2.4 Apparatus ................................................................ 2-2 Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes ..  2-13
2.5 Procedures ............................................................. 2-3 Table 2D Part 1. Sample sizes (numbers of seeds) for
2.5.1 Procedures for sampling a seed lot .................. 2-3 pelleted seeds, encrusted seed and seed granules ..  2-36
[Link] Preparation of a seed lot and conditions Table 2D Part 2. Sample sizes (number of seeds) for
for sampling ....................................................... 2-3 seed tapes and mats ..  2-36
[Link] Minimum sampling intensity ..................... 2-3 2.9 Heterogeneity testing for seed lots in multiple
[Link] Taking primary samples ............................. 2-3 containers ................................................................ 2-37
[Link] Obtaining the composite sample ................ 2-5 2.9.1 The H value test ............................................. 2-37
[Link] Obtaining the submitted sample ................ 2-5 [Link] Definitions of terms and symbols ............ 2-37
[Link].1 Obtaining the submitted sample for [Link] Sampling the lot ....................................... 2-38
all tests ............................................................ 2-5 [Link] Testing procedure ..................................... 2-38
[Link].2 Obtaining the submitted sample for [Link] Use of Table 2F ........................................ 2-39
determination of moisture content ................. 2-5 [Link] Reporting results ...................................... 2-39
[Link].3 Obtaining duplicate samples ............... 2-5 2.9.2 The R value test .............................................. 2-39
[Link] Packing and dispatch of the submitted [Link] Definitions of terms and symbols ............ 2-39
sample ................................................................ 2-5 [Link] Sampling the lot ....................................... 2-39
[Link] Storage of submitted samples before [Link] Testing procedure ..................................... 2-39
testing ................................................................. 2-6 [Link] Use of tables ............................................ 2-40
2.5.2 Procedures for obtaining the submitted and [Link] Reporting results ...................................... 2-40
working sample ...................................................... 2-6 2.9.3 Interpretation of results .................................. 2-40
[Link] Minimum size of working sample ............. 2-6
[Link] Sample reduction methods ......................... 2-6
[Link].1 Mechanical divider method ................. 2-6
[Link].2 Modified halving method .................... 2-7
[Link].3 Spoon method ...................................... 2-7
[Link].4 The hand halving method .................... 2-8
Contents

Effective 1 January 2026 iii

International Rules for Seed Testing Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules

Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules

Since 2014, the International Rules for Seed Testing Details of changes
(ISTA Rules) are primarily available in electronic format.
The ISTA Rules can be downloaded as a complete PDF The 2026 changes are editorial corrections or Rules
file or as individual chapters from: changes adopted at the Ordinary General Meeting held
[Link]/content/ista/rules in Christchurch, New Zealand in May 2025. Edits were
If required, users of the ISTA Rules can print their own made in Adobe InDesign by Vanessa Sutcliffe of Heart-
copies. For further information on the ISTA Rules, see: Wood Editorial ([Link]).
[Link]/en/publications/international The changes in the text content from the previous
-[Link] edition of the ISTA Rules are listed below. They can be
The electronic version includes the English, French, Ger- displayed with yellow highlight boxes as a ‘layer’ over
man and Spanish versions of the ISTA Rules. If there are the English version within the electronic copy, with com-
any questions on interpretation of the ISTA Rules, the ments on what has changed.
English version is the definitive version.
Jodi Keeling, ISTA Rules Committee Chair

Seed health testing methods Janek Bartel, ISTA Rules Committee Vice-Chair

Previously, the seed health testing methods were ISTA Secretariat

published as a separate Annexe to Chapter 7 of the ISTA
Rules. They are now available as separate method sheets
from the ISTA website at:
[Link]/en/international-rules-for-seed
-[Link]

Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules

Effective 1 January 2026 v

 Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules International Rules for Seed Testing

Changes to the ISTA Rules for 2026

Chapter 1 al submitted by Nomenclature TCOM and approved

by ISTA Rules TCOM.
1.3: Consequential change due to revision of sublot al- Table 2C: Nomenclature changes according to ISTA List
lowance for Solanum lycopersicum and other fleshy of Stabilised Plant Names, 8th edition (2026). Propos-
vegetable species. New species added to 20 sublot op- al submitted by Nomenclature TCOM and approved
tion; maximum seed lot size for 20 sublots restricted by ISTA Rules TCOM.
to 1000 kg. Proposal developed in consultation with Table 2C: Addition of new species to ISTA Rules.
Bulking & Sampling and Purity TCOMs and sup- Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. belongs to Brassicaceae
ported by new experimental data from testing of seed family, traded as a vegetable (wild rocket). ISTA Cer-
lots and species, with summary report and analysis tificates necessary for trade. Validation study done for
supplied by Statistics TCOM. Approved by Statistics germination test. Calculator for adding new species
TCOM and majority vote of Bulking & Sampling used for working weight; calculator results checked
TCOM and ECOM–Vegetable Seed Industry working by Statistics TCOM. Proposal discussed and voted in
group. Purity TCOM with majority vote; proposal submitted
[Link]: Consequential change due to change in mini- by Germination TCOM and supported by method val-
mum number of seeds required for tetrazolium test, idation report and vote within Germination TCOM.
taking account of species with large seeds and species Table 2C: Maximum seed lot size for Solanum
for which it is challenging to obtain 400 seeds. New lycopersicum (and linked Lycopersicon group of spe-
tolerance tables developed for new testing schemes by cies) reset to 10 000 kg. Proposal developed in consul-
Statistics TCOM. tation with Bulking & Sampling and Purity TCOMs
[Link]: Consequential change due to complete revision and supported by new experimental data from test-
of Chapter 16. ing of seed lots and species, with summary report
[Link].2, [Link].3: Consequential change due to and analysis supplied by Statistics TCOM. Approved
updates in Chapter 19, clarifying conditions under by Statistics TCOM and majority vote of Bulking &
which GMO test results can refer to either seed lot Sampling TCOM and ECOM–Vegetable Seed Indus-
or seed sample, and therefore are reported on either try working group.
Orange or Blue International Certificates. Proposal
discussed and finally approved by majority vote of
GMO TCOM. Chapter 3

Table 3B Part 1: Nomenclature changes according

Chapter 2 to ISTA List of Stabilised Plant Names, 8th edition
(2026). Proposal submitted by Nomenclature TCOM
Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules

2.2.2: Revision of sublot allowance for Solanum and approved by ISTA Rules TCOM.
lycopersicum and other fleshy vegetable species. New Table 3B Part 1: Addition of new species to ISTA Rules.
species added to 20 sublot option; maximum seed Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. belongs to Brassicaceae
lot size for 20 sublots restricted to 1000 kg. Proposal family, traded as a vegetable (wild rocket). ISTA Cer-
developed in consultation with Bulking & Sampling tificates necessary for trade. Validation study done for
and Purity TCOMs and supported by new experimen- germination test. Calculator for adding new species
tal data from testing of seed lots and species, with used for working weight; calculator results checked
summary report and analysis supplied by Statistics by Statistics TCOM. Proposal discussed and voted in
TCOM. Approved by Statistics TCOM and majority Purity TCOM with majority vote; proposal submitted
vote of Bulking & Sampling TCOM and ECOM–Veg- by Germination TCOM and supported by method val-
etable Seed Industry working group. idation report and vote within Germination TCOM.
[Link].4: Editorial change to remove erroneously added
genus Juglans from list of tree and shrub genera for
which hand halving is allowed under ISTA Rules.
[Link].1: Nomenclature changes according to ISTA List
of Stabilised Plant Names, 8th edition (2026). Propos-

vi Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules

Chapter 5 Table 6A Parts 1 and 2: Nomenclature changes accord-

ing to ISTA List of Stabilised Plant Names, 8th edition
[Link]: Change to allow solutions up to 0.2 % potas- (2026). Proposal submitted by Nomenclature TCOM
sium nitrate (KNO3) to be used in germination test to and approved by ISTA Rules TCOM.
break physiological dormancy. Laboratories will state Tables 6B–6D: Change in minimum number of seeds re-
percentage KNO3 used on ISTA Certificates. Proposal quired for tetrazolium test, taking account of species
originates from question asked by ISTA Accreditation with large seeds and species for which it is challeng-
and Technical department and is supported by Germi- ing to obtain 400 seeds. New tolerance tables devel-
nation TCOM. oped for new testing schemes by Statistics TCOM.
5.6.4: Wording updated, clarifying that first count can
be postponed or omitted. Paragraph split for readabil-
ity. Proposal originates from ISTA Accreditation and Chapter 7
Technical department and is supported by Germina-
tion TCOM. Method 7-034: New method for detection of Fusarium
5.10: Consequential change due to update of 5.6.4, oxysporum [Link]. lycopersici in Solanum lycopersicum
clarifying that first count can be postponed or omit- (tomato) seed, including a plating method with a mo-
ted. Proposal originates from ISTA Accreditation and lecular detection PCR and an optional test to confirm
Technical department and is supported by Germina- pathogenicity of isolates.
tion TCOM.
5.10: Consequential change due to update of [Link] to
allow solutions up to 0.2 % potassium nitrate (KNO3) Chapter 9
to be used in germination test to break physiological
dormancy. Proposal originates from ISTA Accredita- [Link]: Clarification of appropriate period between
tion and Technical department and is supported by sampling and moisture testing. Problem mentioned
Germination TCOM. by an ISTA auditor; proposal developed and approved
Table 5A Part 1: Addition of new species to ISTA Rules. by Moisture TCOM.
Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. belongs to Brassicaceae [Link]: Editorial change to correct diameter of 8 cm
family, traded as a vegetable (wild rocket). ISTA Cer- screen from ‘greater than’ to ‘greater than or equal to’.
tificates necessary for trade. Validation study done for Change submitted by Moisture TCOM.
germination test. Calculator for adding new species Table 9A: Alignment with Table 2C, as master table for
used for working weight; calculator results checked ISTA Rules. Only species listed in Table 2C should
by Statistics TCOM. Proposal discussed and voted in be included. Nomenclature updated according to ISTA
Purity TCOM with majority vote; proposal submitted List of Stabilised Plant Names, 8th edition (2026);
by Germination TCOM and supported by method val- proposal submitted by Nomenclature TCOM and
idation report and vote within Germination TCOM. approved by ISTA Rules TCOM. Inconsistencies

Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules

Table 5A Parts 1 and 2: Nomenclature changes accord- between tables found and mentioned by ISTA mem-
ing to ISTA List of Stabilised Plant Names, 8th edition bers; proposal developed and approved by Moisture
(2026). Proposal submitted by Nomenclature TCOM TCOM.
and approved by ISTA Rules TCOM.

Chapter 13
Chapter 6
Table 13A: Nomenclature changes according to ISTA
6.5.1, 6.7, 6.9: Change in minimum number of seeds re- List of Stabilised Plant Names, 8th edition (2026).
quired for tetrazolium test, taking account of species Proposal submitted by Nomenclature TCOM and ap-
with large seeds and species for which it is challeng- proved by ISTA Rules TCOM.
ing to obtain 400 seeds. New tolerance tables devel-
oped for new testing schemes by Statistics TCOM.
6.6.1 (new section): Addition of section on rounding
results. Proposal developed by Tetrazolium TCOM
with scope of aligning rounding results of viability
test with categories of germination test.
Figures 6.3a,b: Editorial change submitted by Tetrazo-
lium TCOM to add ‘with seminal roots’ to evaluation
guide for cereals.

Effective 1 January 2026 vii

 Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules International Rules for Seed Testing

Chapter 15 Chapter 16

15.3: Addition of Glycine max and Brassica spp. as spe- Complete revision of chapter including deletion of
cies to which radicle emergence test can be applied. requirement for airtight bag for sample submitted for
Editorial change to put list in alphabetical order. Pro- analysis; revision and more detailed description of
posals submitted by ISTA Rules TCOM Chair and procedure; harmonisation with other chapters of ISTA
Vigour TCOM, supported by validation report. Rules.
[Link]: Correction of text regarding tolerances for con-
ductivity test. Change submitted by Vigour TCOM.
[Link].1: Precision of temperature for accelerated age- Chapter 19
ing chambers. Change submitted by Vigour TCOM.
[Link].2: Addition of ±0.5 g to give accuracy to non- 19.2.15, 19.7.2, 19.7.3: Clarification on conditions under
acceptable seed weights after ageing. Change submit- which GMO test results can refer to either seed lot
ted by Vigour TCOM. or seed sample, and therefore are reported on either
Table 15B: Addition of Brassica spp. as species to which Orange or Blue International Certificates. Proposal
radicle emergence test can be applied, with specifi- discussed and finally approved by majority vote of
cation for B. napus. Proposal submitted by Vigour GMO TCOM.
TCOM and supported by validation report.
Preface to the 2026 edition of the ISTA Rules

viii Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Chapter 2: Sampling

2.1 Object 2.2.6 Submitted sample

The object of sampling is to obtain a sample of a size A submitted sample is a sample that is to be submitted to
suitable for tests, in which the probability of a constituent the testing laboratory and may comprise either the whole
being present is determined only by its level of occur- of the composite sample or a subsample thereof. The sub-
rence in the seed lot. mitted sample may be divided into subsamples packed
in different material meeting conditions for specific tests
(e.g. moisture or health).
2.2 Definitions
2.2.1 Seed lot 2.2.7 Duplicate sample

A seed lot is a specified quantity of seed that is physically A duplicate sample is another sample obtained for sub-
and uniquely identifiable. mission from the same composite sample and marked
‘Duplicate sample’.

2.2.2 Sublot
2.2.8 Working sample
A sublot is a portion of the seed lot. Each container of a
sublot must be marked with the identification of the seed The working sample is the whole of the submitted sam-
lot. A sublot may not be less than 20 % of the weight of ple or a subsample thereof, on which one of the quality
the original seed lot where up to five sublot certificates tests described in these ISTA Rules is made and must be
can be issued, and 5 % of the weight of the original seed at least the weight prescribed by the ISTA Rules for the
lot for those species and seed lots for which up to 20 sub- particular test.
lots are allowed (see section 1.3i).

2.2.9 Sealed
2.2.3 Primary sample
Sealed means that a container in which seed is held is
A primary sample is a portion taken from the seed lot dur- closed in such a way, that it cannot be opened to gain
ing one single sampling action. access to the seed and closed again, without either de-
stroying the seal or leaving evidence of tampering. This
definition refers to the sealing of seed lots, as well as of
2.2.4 Composite sample seed samples.

The composite sample is formed by combining and mix-

ing all the primary samples taken from the seed lot. 2.2.10 Self-sealing containers

The ‘valve-pack’ bag is a specific type of self-sealing

2.2.5 Subsample container. It is filled through a sleeve-shaped valve which
is automatically closed by the completion of filling the
A subsample is a portion of a sample obtained by reduc- bag.
Chapter 2: Sampling

ing a sample.

Effective 1 January 2026 2-1

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

2.2.11 Marked/labelled Seed granules. Units more or less cylindrical, including

types with more than one seed per granule.
A container of a seed lot can be considered as marked or
labelled when there is a unique identification mark on the Seed tapes. Narrow bands of material, such as paper or
container, which defines the seed lot to which the contain- other degradable material, with seeds spaced random-
er belongs. All containers of a seed lot must be marked ly, in groups or in a single row.
with the same unique seed lot designation (numbers,
characters or combination of both). Should the unique Seed mats. Broad sheets of material, such as paper or
identification mark be indicated on a label attached to other degradable material, with seeds placed in rows,
the container, it must not be possible to remove the label groups or at random throughout the sheets.
and replace it with another label without showing signs
of tampering. Marking of samples and subsamples must
ensure that there is always an unambiguous link between 2.2.14 Small seed lots
the seed lot and the samples and subsamples.
Small seed lots are seed lots of high-value seed, where
obtaining a submitted sample of standard size could
2.2.12 Treated seed have a substantial effect on the quantity of the remaining
seed lot. High-value seed includes, but is not limited to,
‘Seed treatment’ is a generic term which indicates that a hybrid vegetable seeds that are sold per seed, or seed that
seed lot has been subjected to: is not commercially available and is used for research or
a. the application of a compound including film coat- for higher generation multiplication.
ings, polymers, pesticides, fungicides, biologicals,
identifying colourants, dyes and/or other additives;
b. the application of a biological product including 2.3 General principles
microorganisms;
c. a process including wetting and drying; or A composite sample is obtained from the seed lot by tak-
d. an energy form including heat, radiation, electricity ing primary samples from different positions in the whole
or magnetism; seed lot and combining them. From this composite sam-
but does not specify the application method. ple, subsamples are obtained by sample reduction proce-
dures at one or more stages forming the submitted sample
Seed treatment does not significantly change the shape and finally the working samples for testing. For issuing
and the general size of the untreated seed with only a min- ISTA Certificates, specific requirements have to be ful-
imal weight gain. Treated seeds are usually tested without filled as given under 2.5.4. Further information on seed
removing the treatment and according to the same rules sampling can be found in the current ISTA Handbook on
as untreated seeds. Seed Sampling.

2.2.13 Coated seeds 2.4 Apparatus

Coated seeds are seeds covered with material in such Sampling and sample reduction must be performed using
a way that in most cases the seeds cannot be identified appropriate techniques and equipment that is clean and in
without removing the covering material. The material good condition as described in 2.5.1 and [Link].
may contain pesticides, fungicides, biologicals, identify- Containers used to collect primary samples, com-
ing colourants, dyes and/or other additives. The follow- posite samples and during mixing and dividing must be
ing types of coated seeds are defined: static-free to avoid chaff or small seeds adhering to the
inside of the containers.
Chapter 2: Sampling

Seed pellets. More or less spherical units, usually incor-

porating a single seed with the size and shape of the
seed no longer readily evident.

Encrusted seed. Units more or less retaining the shape

of the seed with the size and weight changed to a
measurable extent.

2-2 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

2.5 Procedures Table 2A. Minimum sampling intensity for seed lots in
containers holding up to and including 100 kg seed
2.5.1 Procedures for sampling a seed lot
Number of Minimum number of primary samples to be taken
containers
[Link] Preparation of a seed lot and
1–4 3 primary samples from each container
conditions for sampling
5–8 2 primary samples from each container
9–15 1 primary sample from each container
At the time of sampling, the seed lot must be as uniform 16–30 15 primary samples, one each from 15 different
as practicable. If the seed lot is found to be obviously containers
heterogeneous, sampling must be refused or stopped. In 31–59 20 primary samples, one each from 20 different
cases of doubt heterogeneity can be determined as de- containers
scribed under 2.9. 60 or more 30 primary samples, one each from 30 different
containers
Seed may be sampled in containers or from the seed
stream, either before or when it enters containers. The
containers in which seed is held must be fit for purpose, When sampling seed in containers holding more than
i.e. must not damage the seed, must be clean to avoid 100 kg of seed, or from streams of seed entering contain-
cross contamination, and must be sealable. The contain- ers, the sampling intensity according to Table 2B must be
ers must be labelled or marked before or just after sam- regarded as the minimum requirement.
pling is completed.
The seed lot must be so arranged that each part of the Table 2B. Minimum number of primary samples to be
seed lot is conveniently accessible. taken from seed lots in containers holding more than
100 kg of seed, or from seed streams

[Link] Minimum sampling intensity Seed lot size Number of primary samples to be taken
Up to 500 kg At least five primary samples
For seed lots in containers holding up to and including 501–3 000 kg One primary sample for each 300 kg, but
not less than five
100 kg, the minimum sampling intensity is the following:
3 001–20 000 kg One primary sample for each 500 kg, but
a. For containers holding between 15 kg and 100 kg (in- not less than 10
clusive) of seed, the number of primary samples ac- 20 001 kg and One primary sample for each 700 kg, but
cording to Table 2A. above not less than 40
b. For containers holding less than 15 kg of seed, con-
tainers must be combined into sampling units not ex-
ceeding 100 kg, e.g. 20 containers of 5 kg, 33 contain-
ers of 3 kg or 100 containers of 1 kg. The sampling When sampling a seed lot of up to 15 containers, regard-
units must be regarded as containers as described in less of their size, the same number of primary samples
Table 2A. must be taken from each container.
c. For seed pellets, seed granules, seed tapes and seed Sampling intensity for coated seeds is as described in
mats, containers of less than 300 000 seed units Tables 2A and 2B.
must be combined to sampling units not exceeding
2 000 000 seeds. The sampling units must be regarded
as containers as described in Table 2A. [Link] Taking primary samples

When defining the number and/or the size of primary

samples, the seed sampler needs to ensure (besides meet-
ing the minimum sampling intensity) that the minimum
amount of seed required for the requested test(s) is sent to
Chapter 2: Sampling

the testing laboratory and enough seed remains available

for obtaining duplicate samples if requested.
Primary samples of approximately equal size must be
taken from a seed lot, irrespective of where in the lot or
container the primary sample is taken.
When the seed lot is in containers, the containers to
be sampled must be selected at random or according to a
systematic plan throughout the seed lot. Primary samples

Effective 1 January 2026 2-3

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

must be drawn from the top, middle and bottom of con- mum inside diameter should be wide enough to allow
tainers, but not necessarily from more than one position the smooth and free flow of seed and contaminants
in any container, unless so specified in Tables 2A and 2B. into the sampling stick.
When the seed is in bulk or in large containers, the When using the sampling stick, insert it in the closed
primary samples must be drawn from random positions. position into the container, gently push it so that the
Containers must be opened or pierced for abstraction point reaches the required position, open the sampling
of primary samples. The sampled containers must then be stick, agitate it slightly to allow it to fill completely,
closed or the contents transferred to new containers. gently close and withdraw it and empty the primary
When seed is to be packed in special types of contain- sample into a container. Care should be exercised
ers (e.g. small, not penetrable, or moisture-proof contain- in closing the sampling stick so that seeds are not
ers), it should be sampled, if possible, either before or damaged.
during the filling of the containers. d. Nobbe trier. The Nobbe trier (dynamic spear) is a
Sampling seed lots of seed tapes and seed mats should pointed tube with an opening near the pointed end.
be done by taking packets or pieces of tape or mat. Seed passes through the tube and is collected in a con-
The instruments being used must neither damage the tainer. The minimum internal diameter of the Nobbe
seed nor select according to seed size, shape, density, trier should be wide enough to allow the smooth and
chaffiness or any other quality trait. All sampling appa- free flow of seed and contaminants through the trier.
ratus must be clean before use to prevent cross contami- When using the Nobbe trier, insert it at an angle of
nations. Triers must be long enough so that the opening about 30° to the horizontal plane with the opening fac-
at the tip reaches at least half of the diameter of the con- ing down, push the trier until it reaches the required
tainer. When the container is not accessible from opposite position and revolve it through 180°. Withdraw it with
sides, the trier must be long enough to reach the opposite decreasing speed from the container, gently agitating
side. the trier to help maintain an even flow of seed, and
collect the seed sample coming from the trier in a suit-
Sampling seed lots may be done by one of the methods able container.
listed below. e. Cargo sampler. The cargo sampler (bulk sampler)
a. Automatic sampling from a seed stream. Seed may consists of a special type of chamber that is fixed to
be sampled by automatic sampling devices, provided a shaft. The lower part of the chamber is cone-shaped
that the instrument uniformly samples the cross sec- with a pointed end. To reach a greater depth, the shaft
tion of the seed stream and the material entering the may be lengthened by screwing on successive exten-
instrument does not bounce out again. It may be op- sions. There is a closing system in the chamber that
erated either under manual or automatic control. The may be a collar on the outside of the instrument, a
intervals between taking primary samples should be wing connected to a door or a valve with a spring.
constant. Some cargo samplers can be closed before they are
b. Manual sampling from a seed stream. Seed streams drawn back from the sampling position; others can-
may also be sampled by using manual instruments not be closed, so that the filled chamber is open dur-
when fulfilling the requirements listed under ‘a’. ing withdrawal. For all species, the minimum inside
c. Sampling stick. The sampling stick (e.g. stick trier, diameter can be about 35 mm and the depth 75 mm.
sleeve type trier, spiral trier) consists of two parts, When using the cargo sampler, insert it in the closed
one of which fits loosely inside the other, but tightly position into the container, gently push it vertically
enough so that seed or impurities do not slip between into the seed so that the point reaches the required po-
them. The outer part has a solid pointed end. Both sition, pull the cargo sampler back about 10 cm or turn
parts have slots in their walls so that the cavity of the it (depending on the closing system), agitate it slightly
inner part can be opened and closed by moving the to allow it to fill completely, gently close if possible
two parts against each other by either a twisting or a and withdraw it and empty the primary sample into
push-pull motion. a container. Care should be exercised in closing the
Chapter 2: Sampling

The sampling stick may be used horizontally, diago- cargo sampler, so that the seeds are not damaged.
nally or vertically. The spiral trier has slots in a spiral f. Sampling by hand. This method can be used for all
arrangement for their subsequent opening from the tip species and may be the most suitable method for seed
to the handle and may only be used for seeds of a size that may be damaged by the use of triers, seeds with
smaller than Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum. wings, seeds with low moisture content, seed tapes
However, when used vertically or diagonally down- and seed mats.
wards, the sampling stick must either have partitions For hand sampling seed in containers, all positions
dividing the instrument into a number of compart- inside the containers must be accessible. Containers
ments or have slots in a spiral arrangement. The mini- with layers which are not accessible from the regu-

2-4 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

lar opening may have to be cut open, sampled and [Link].2 Obtaining the submitted sample for
repackaged. Containers may also be partially or com- determination of moisture content
pletely emptied during the sampling process to gain
access to all positions in the containers. For sampling Obtaining submitted samples of the required size for
by hand, clean the hand and roll the sleeve up if nec- moisture testing must be carried out in such a way that
essary, insert the open hand into the container to the changes in moisture content are minimal.
required position, close and withdraw the hand, taking Samples must be taken in the following way from the
great care that the fingers remain tightly closed about composite sample: first, mix the composite sample by
the seeds so none may escape, and empty the hand either stirring it or by passing it through a mechanical
into a receiving pan. divider and combining preferably once but not more than
three times. Then, take a minimum of three subsamples
from different positions and combine them to create the
[Link] Obtaining the composite sample submitted sample for moisture testing.

Where possible, the primary samples are compared with

each other during sampling. The primary samples can [Link].3 Obtaining duplicate samples
only be combined to form the composite sample if they
appear to be uniform. If not, the sampling procedure must Duplicate samples, which were requested no later than at
be stopped. When primary samples are collected directly the time of sampling, must be prepared in the same way
into one container, the content of this container may be as the submitted sample.
regarded as the composite sample only if it appears uni-
form. If not, it must not be used for obtaining a submitted
sample. [Link] Packing and dispatch of the submitted
sample

[Link] Obtaining the submitted sample The submitted sample must be marked with the same
identification as the seed lot. For an Orange International
The composite sample can be submitted to the seed test- Seed Lot Certificate, the sample must be sealed, if it is not
ing laboratory if it is of appropriate size for the tests to delivered personally by the sampler to the laboratory on
be conducted, or if it is difficult to mix and reduce the the same premises (see [Link]). The additional informa-
composite sample properly under warehouse conditions. tion required according to 1.4.2 as well as the name of
any chemical treatment applied must be provided.
Submitted samples must be packed so as to prevent
[Link].1 Obtaining the submitted sample for all tests damage during transit. Submitted samples should be
packed in breathable containers.
If the composite sample is too big, the submitted sample Submitted samples for moisture testing, and samples
must be obtained by reducing the composite sample to from seed lots which have been dried to low moisture
an appropriate size by one of the methods referred to in content, must be packed in moisture-proof containers
[Link]. In the case of very large composite samples, a which contain as little air as possible. Submitted samples
method according to [Link] may also be used. for germination tests, viability tests and health tests may
only be packed in moisture-proof containers if suitable
storage conditions can be assured.
Submitted samples must be dispatched to the seed
testing laboratory without delay.
Chapter 2: Sampling

Effective 1 January 2026 2-5

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

[Link] Storage of submitted samples before [Link] Sample reduction methods

testing
If the seed sample needs to be reduced to a size equal to
Every effort must be made to start testing a submitted or greater than the size prescribed, the seed sample must
sample on the day of receipt. Storage of orthodox seeds, first be thoroughly mixed for all dividers and methods
when necessary, should be in a cool, well-ventilated excluding the Variable sample divider and Rotary divid-
room. er, where mixing takes place during the dividing process.
Non-orthodox (i.e. recalcitrant or intermediate) seeds The submitted/working sample must then be obtained
should be tested as soon as possible after obtaining the either by repeated halving or by abstracting and subse-
submitted sample from the composite sample without any quently combining small random portions. The appara-
storage. Handling of the submitted sample and, if neces- tus and methods for sample reduction are described in
sary, storage should be done under species specific opti- [Link].1 to [Link].4. One, two or more of these methods
mum conditions. may be used in one sample reduction procedure. When
using one of the dividers described for seed pellets the
distance of fall must not exceed 250 mm.
2.5.2 Procedures for obtaining the After obtaining a working sample the remainder must
submitted and working sample be re-mixed before a second working sample is obtained.
Except in the case of seed health, the method of hand
[Link] Minimum size of working sample halving must be restricted to certain genera listed in
[Link].4. Only the spoon method and the hand halving
Minimum sizes of working samples are prescribed in the method may be used in the laboratory to obtain work-
appropriate chapter for each test. The working sample ing samples for seed health testing where other samples
weights for purity analyses given in Table 2C are calcu- or equipment may be contaminated by spores or other
lated to contain at least 2500 seeds. These weights are propagating material.
recommended for normal use in purity tests, see 3.5.1. For seed tapes and mats take pieces of tape or mat at
The sample weights in column 5 of Table 2C, for oth- random, to provide sufficient seeds for the test.
er seed determination (OSD) are 10 times the weights in
column 4, subject to a maximum of 1000 g. These weights
are recommended for normal use in OSD, see 4.5.1. [Link].1 Mechanical divider method
Where the seed weight obviously deviates from the
purity working sample weight listed in column 4 or the This method is suitable for all kinds of seeds except some
OSD working sample weight listed in column 5 for the very chaffy seeds. The apparatus divides a sample passed
taxon concerned, conduct and analyse an experiment for through it into two or more approximately equal parts.
assessing multiple sources of variation of 100-seed unit The submitted sample can be mixed by passing it through
weights. Guidelines for the experimental design and data the divider, recombining the parts and passing the whole
analysis for deriving the minimum 2500 or 25 000 seed sample through a second time, and similarly, a third time
weight are provided in the ‘Calculator for adding working if necessary. The sample is reduced by passing the seed
weights to Table 2C’, available from the ISTA website. through repeatedly and removing parts on each occasion.
Working samples of all coated seeds except those de- This process of reduction is continued until a working
fined as treated seed in 2.2.12 must contain at least the sample of approximately, but not less than, the required
number of pellets, seeds or granules indicated in col- size is obtained.
umn 3 of Table 2D, Part 1 and Part 2. If a smaller sample
is used, the actual number of pellets, seeds or granules in a. Conical divider. The conical divider (Boerner type)
the sample must be reported. consists of a hopper, cone and a series of baffles di-
recting the seed into two spouts. The baffles form
alternate channels and spaces of equal width. They
Chapter 2: Sampling

are arranged in a circle and are directed inward and

downward, the channels leading to one spout and the
spaces to an opposite spout. A valve or gate at the
base of the hopper retains the seed. When the valve is
opened the seed falls by gravity over the cone where it
is evenly distributed to the channels and spaces, then
passes through the spouts into the seed pans.

2-6 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Channels and spaces must be wide enough to allow e. Variable sample divider. The variable sample divider
the smooth free flow of seed and contaminants. The consists of a pouring hopper and a rotating tube un-
more channels and spaces, the better the accuracy. derneath. The tube distributes the seed stream from
Typical commercial conical dividers have about 15 the pouring hopper onto the inner surface of a further
channels and 15 spaces. hopper, which is well fitted into a third hopper, all
b. Soil divider. The soil divider (riffle divider) consists being concentric. In the second and the third hopper
of a hopper with attached channels or ducts alternate- there are slots that can be twisted against each other
ly leading to opposite sides. Channels must be wide resulting in wider or narrower slots. The effect is that
enough to allow the smooth free flow of seed and con- variable proportions will pass through the slots. The
taminants. The more channels, the better the accuracy. position of the hoppers in relation to each other can be
A minimum of 10 channels is required. adjusted accurately, resulting in predetermined sam-
In using the divider the seed is placed evenly into a ple sizes.
pouring pan and then poured in the hopper at approxi- Depending on the design, the sample poured into the
mately equal rates along the entire length. The seed hopper can be divided into one or up to eight sub-
passes through the channels and is collected in two samples. The operation of these types of dividers can
receiving pans. be controlled with computer software, which enables
c. Centrifugal divider. In the centrifugal divider (Gamet it to provide two or more subsamples with different
type) the seed flows downward through a hopper onto predetermined sizes, in one operation.
a shallow cup or spinner. Upon rotation of the spinner For this type of divider, mixing and dividing takes
by an electric motor the seeds are thrown out by cen- place in one operation.
trifugal force and fall downward. The circle or area
where the seeds fall is equally divided into two parts [Link].2 Modified halving method
by a stationary baffle so that approximately half the
seeds fall in one spout and half in the other spout. The apparatus comprises a tray into which fits a grid of
The centrifugal divider tends to give variable results equal-sized cubical cells, open at the top and every al-
unless the spinner is operated after having poured the ternate one having no bottom. After preliminary mixing,
seed centrally into the hopper. the seed is poured evenly over the grid. When the grid is
d. Rotary divider. The rotary divider comprises a rotat- lifted, approximately half the sample remains on the tray.
ing crown or base unit usually with 6 to 32 attached The submitted sample is successively halved in this way
subsample containers, a vibration chute and a hopper. until a working sample, of approximately but not less
In using the divider the seed is poured into the hop- than the required size, is obtained.
per and the rotary divider is switched on so that the
crown or base unit with the containers rotates with
high speed and the vibration chute starts to feed the [Link].3 Spoon method
seed into the inlet cylinder of the rotating crown/base
unit. The longer the duration of the dividing opera- The spoon method is restricted to species with seeds
tion, the better the accuracy. smaller than Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum, to the
The feeding rate and therefore the duration of the genera Arachis, Glycine and Phaseolus, and to tree gen-
dividing operation can be adjusted by the distance era Abies, Cedrus and Pseudotsuga. For all other species
between the funnel of the hopper and chute, and the it can only be used to obtain working samples in the labo-
vibration intensity of the chute. ratory for seed health tests (7.4.1).
There are two principles: (i) the inlet cylinder feeds A tray, a spatula and a spoon with a straight edge are
the seed centrally onto a distributor within the rotating required. After preliminary mixing, pour the seed evenly
crown or base unit, distributing the seed to all contain- over the tray; do not shake the tray thereafter. With the
ers simultaneously; and (ii) the inlet cylinder feeds the spoon in one hand, the spatula in the other, and using
seed de-centrally into the inlets of the containers ro- both, remove small portions of seed from not less than
Chapter 2: Sampling

tating underneath the inlet cylinder so that the seed five random places. Sufficient portions of seed are taken
stream is subdivided into a lot of subsamples. to constitute a subsample of the required size.
For this type of divider, mixing and dividing takes
place in one operation.

Effective 1 January 2026 2-7

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

[Link].4 The hand halving method ability depends on the fungal status and to some extent
whether the seed is dormant or not. All factors pertain-
This method is restricted to the following genera of ing to storage need to be determined on a species basis.
chaffy seeds: Protection against insects and rodents may be necessary.
Agrimonia, Andropogon, Anthoxanthum, Arrhenath­ To provide for re-testing by the original or by another
erum, Astrebla, Beckmannia, Bouteloua, Briza, Cenchrus, seed testing laboratory, samples on which ISTA Certif-
Chloris, Dichanthium, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Ehrharta, icates have been issued must be stored at least for one
Elymus, Eragrostis, Gomphrena, Gossypium (linted year from the receipt of the sample. Submitted samples
seed only), Melinis, Oryza, Pennisetum (non glaucum), in moisture proof containers, and samples of recalcitrant
Psathyrostachys, Scabiosa, Sorghastrum, Stylosanthes or intermediate species, must be stored under appropriate
(non guianensis), Trisetum, Urochloa; conditions for as long as it can be expected that the results
of a re-test are not affected by the storage.
to the following genera of easily damaged fragile seeds: When a re-test in a different testing laboratory is re-
Arachis, Glycine and Phaseolus; quired, a portion must be drawn from the stored sample
in accordance with [Link], and submitted to the desig-
and to the following genera and species of tree and shrub nated testing laboratory. The remainder must be retained
seeds: in store.
Acer, Aesculus, Ailanthus, Castanea, Cedrela,
Corylus, Fagus, Fraxinus, Liriodendron, Pinus cembra,
Pinus pinea, Platanus, Populus, Quercus, Salix, Tectona, 2.5.4 Conditions for issuing Orange
Ulmus. International Seed Lot Certificates
The hand halving method can also be used with the spe- The sampling methods laid down in the ISTA Rules must
cies where all other dividing me­thods are extremely dif- be followed when seed samples are drawn for the issue of
ficult or impossible to use. Orange International Seed Lot Certificates. Further con-
For all other species it can be used only to obtain ditions have to be fulfilled as listed below.
working samples in the laboratory for seed health tests
(7.4.1).
For applying the hand halving method, pour the sam- [Link] Seed lot size
ple evenly onto a smooth clean surface, thoroughly mix
the seed into a mound with a flat-edged spatula, divide The seed lot must not exceed the quantity indicated in
the mound into half and halve each half again – giving column 2 of Table 2C, subject to a tolerance of 5 % with
four portions – and halve each portion again – giving the exception of:
eight portions, arrange the portions in two rows of four, a. seed being transported loose in bulk containers. The
combine and retain alternate portions: e.g. combine the conditions under which this exception may be permit-
first and third portions in the first row with the second and ted are laid down in Chapter 17.
fourth in the second row, remove the remaining four por- b. seed pellets, seed granules, seed tapes or seed mats.
tions. Repeat the procedure using the retained portions The maximum number of seeds that a seed lot of seed
until obtaining the required sample size. pellets, seed granules, seed tapes or seed mats may
contain is 1 000 000 000 (10 000 units of 100 000) ex-
cept that the weight of the seed lot, including the coat-
2.5.3 Storage of samples after testing ing material may not exceed 40 000 kg subject to a
tolerance of 5 % (42 000 kg).
The primary aim of storage of samples after testing is to be c. seed lots of species of Poaceae produced in a seed
able to repeat the original tests carried out on the submit- company that has been approved to make larger seed
ted sample. Therefore, storage conditions should be such lots. The conditions under which this may be permit-
Chapter 2: Sampling

that changes in the seed quality traits tested are minimal. ted are laid down in [Link].
For example, in the case of the purity test or other seed d. seed lots of species of Poaceae produced in a seed
count, the sample should be stored in such a way that the company that has applied for approval to make larger
physical identity is kept (see 3.5.2 and 4.5.2). In the case seed lots according to [Link]. The heterogeneity of
of germination, viability or health test of orthodox seeds the seed lot must be tested according to 2.9 and the
the sample should be stored under cool and dry condi- seed lot must not show significant heterogeneity.
tions. For such tests in recalcitrant and intermediate seeds
of tropical and subtropical species, long term storage is
not possible. For such seed of temperate species stor-

2-8 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Maximum lot size for treated and encrusted seeds is de- [Link].2 Approval
fined by applying the quantities indicated in Table 2C to
the seeds without coating material. Approval is granted after heterogeneity testing of six
A seed lot in excess of the prescribed quantity must large seed lots of the species group or individual spe-
be subdivided into seed lots not larger than the prescribed cies for which the approval is requested. Heterogeneity
quantity, each of which must be labelled or marked with testing must be carried out according to 2.9, and must
a separate seed lot identification. as a minimum be based on purity and other seed count.
At least five of the six tested seed lots must have a non-
significant level of heterogeneity.
[Link] Large seed lots of Poaceae

[Link].1 Definitions [Link].3 Check sampling and testing

Large seed lots of Poaceae species may have a maximum After approval, the large seed lots of a production plant
size of 25 000 kg (with a 5 % tolerance), if produced by must be monitored by check sampling and further hetero-
an approved production plant. geneity testing, according to 2.9, and as a minimum based
For the purposes of large seed lots of Poaceae species, on purity and other seed count.
the following species with similar characteristics are re- Of the first 100 large seed lots per species group, 4
garded as two species groups: are randomly selected (4 % check sampling) and tested
for heterogeneity. If none of these are heterogeneous, the
Species group 1: check-sampling rate is reduced to 3 % for the following
Lolium perenne, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium ×hybri- 100 lots, and to 2 % for subsequent lots.
dum, ×Festulolium, Festuca pratensis, Festuca arundi- However, if a check sample is found to show signifi-
nacea and Phleum pratense. cant heterogeneity, the check-sampling rate must remain
at 4 %, or again be increased from 3 to 4 % or from 2 to
Species group 2: 3 %, as applicable (Fig. 2.1).
Festuca rubra, Festuca ovina, Festuca filiformis, Fes- In six consecutive check samples tested, a maximum
tuca heterophylla, Festuca trachyphylla, Dactylis glom- of one sample may show significant heterogeneity.
erata, Poa pratensis and Poa trivialis. Hence, a heterogeneous sample must be followed by
at least five non-heterogeneous samples in order for ap-
Approval which was granted following heterogeneity proval to be retained (Fig. 2.1).
testing of any species of a group is also valid for all other
species of the same group.
For all other species of Poaceae, approval must be [Link].4 Withdrawal of approval
requested and granted separately for each individual
species. If more than one of the last six consecutive check samples
tested shows significant heterogeneity, approval must be
withdrawn for the species or species group and produc-
tion plant concerned, and the company must re-apply for
approval (Fig. 2.1).
Chapter 2: Sampling

Effective 1 January 2026 2-9

 Chapter 2: Sampling
Chapter 2: Sampling
International Rules for Seed Testing
International Rules for Seed Testing

START

6 large seed lots are tested for

heterogeneity
Yes

At least 5 lots acceptable? No Reapply for approval? No END

Yes

Approval granted

Check sample Check sample

No
APPROVAL
Homogeneous? Homogeneous? No
WITHDRAWN
Yes Yes
(4 random samples from 100 large lots)

Check sample No Check sample

APPROVAL
Homogeneous? Homogeneous? No
WITHDRAWN
Yes Yes

Check sample No Check sample

APPROVAL
Homogeneous? Homogeneous? No
WITHDRAWN
Yes Yes

Check sample No Check sample

APPROVAL
Homogeneous? Homogeneous? No
WITHDRAWN
Yes Yes

No
Check sample Check sample APPROVAL
WITHDRAWN
No
Check sample
Homogeneous? Homogeneous?
(3 random samples from 100 large lots)

APPROVAL
Yes Yes Homogeneous? No
WITHDRAWN
No Yes

Check sample APPROVAL RETAINED Check sample

APPROVAL
Homogeneous? Homogeneous? No
WITHDRAWN
Yes Yes

Check sample No Check sample

APPROVAL
Homogeneous? Homogeneous? No
WITHDRAWN
Yes Yes

Check sample Check sample

(2 random samples from 100 large

APPROVAL
Homogeneous? No Homogeneous? No
WITHDRAWN
Chapter 2: Sampling
Chapter 2: Sampling

Yes Yes

Check sample Check sample

lots)

APPROVAL
Homogeneous? No Homogeneous? No
WITHDRAWN

Yes Yes
APPROVAL RETAINED

Figure 2.1.
Figure Flow
2.1. chart
Flow describing
chart describingthethe
approval procedure
approval and
procedure check-sampling
and programme
check-sampling with
programme regard
with to large
regard seed
to large lotslots
seed
of of
Poaceae species ([Link].2–4).
Poaceae species ([Link].2–4).

2-10
2-10 Effective 1 January 2026
International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

[Link].5 Responsibility An Orange International Seed Lot Certificate issued on

a seed lot (see 2.2.1) is still valid after re-packaging the
The Certifying or Designated Authority in a country is seed lot in new containers provided that:
responsible for: a. The identity of the seed in the initial seed lot is
• the decision of approval of the seed company (pro- preserved.
duction plant); b. The seed lot designation (see 2.2.11) is not changed.
• ensuring that each production plant is approved sepa- c. The moving of the seed into the new containers is
rately, if a seed company has more than one produc- done under the control of an ISTA seed sampler.
tion plant; d. There is no processing of the seed during filling of the
• ensuring that the testing is done by an ISTA-accredit- new containers.
ed laboratory;
• the check-sampling programme.
[Link] Submitted sample

[Link] Marking/labelling and sealing of The minimum sizes of submitted samples are as follows:
containers • If a determination of other seeds by number is re-
quired: the weight prescribed in Table 2C, column 3;
The seed lot must be in marked/labelled containers which or
are self-sealing, sealed (or capable of being sealed) or un- • If a determination of other seeds by number is not re-
der the control of the seed sampler. quired: the weight prescribed for the working sample
Where the seed lot is already marked/labelled and for purity analysis in Table 2C, column 4, or in 3.5.1.
sealed before sampling, the seed sampler must verify the
marking/labelling and sealing on the containers. Other- If the sample is smaller than prescribed above, the sam-
wise the sampler has to mark/label the containers and pler must be notified accordingly and analysis withheld
must seal every container before the seed lot leaves their until sufficient seed is received in a single submitted sam-
control. ple. This also applies to the weights of the exceptions
The samplers are personally responsible for the seals, listed below. For certain tests or under certain conditions,
labels and bags supplied to them and it is their duty to en- the following exceptions apply:
sure that primary, composite or submitted samples must a. For coated seeds, if a determination of other seeds
never be left in the hands of persons not authorised by the by number or size grading is required: the number of
seed testing laboratory unless they are sealed in such a seeds indicated in Table 2D, Parts 1 and 2, column 2.
way that they cannot be tampered with. b. For coated seeds, if a determination of other seeds by
number or size grading is not required: the number
of seeds indicated for the working sample for purity
[Link] Sampling from the seed lot analysis in Table 2D, Parts 1 and 2, column 3.
c. When moisture meters are to be used for testing, a
For sampling from the seed lot methods listed under 2.5.1 larger sample size may be necessary. Contact the ac-
must be used. Automatic seed samplers must be approved credited ISTA laboratory for specific instructions.
by the ISTA seed testing laboratory according to the ‘Pro- d. For verification of species and variety: as prescribed
tocol for the approval of automatic seed samplers’ as ap- in Chapter 8.
proved by the ISTA membership and published on the e. For germination or viability tests of small seed lots
ISTA website. (2.2.14): the number of seeds required to complete
one of these tests plus 25 seeds for identity assurance.
f. For determination of other seeds of small seed lots
(2.2.14): the amount necessary to complete this test
according to Chapter 4.
Chapter 2: Sampling

The submitted sample must be sealed and labelled or

marked.

Effective 1 January 2026 2-11

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

[Link] Sample reduction 2.8 Tables for lot size and sample
sizes
For sample reduction, methods listed under [Link] must
be used. Table 2C is referred to in various chapters of the ISTA
Rules and indicates weights of lots and samples for differ-
ent species, and the specific names to be used in reporting
[Link] Storage of submitted samples after test results. Each sample size is derived from a nominal
testing thousand-seed weight (TSW) for each species which, on
the available evidence, is expected to be adequate for the
Submitted samples on which ISTA Certificates have been majority of samples tested.
issued must be stored. In the case of small seed lots (see Where a weight is not given in the table and a count
2.2.14), the remainder of the submitted sample, minus of other species is requested, the submitted sample must
25 seeds for assurance of identity, may be sent back to contain a minimum of 25 000 seeds.
the applicant. The seed testing laboratory cannot be held
responsible for any deterioration of the sample during Note 1: Not all names are included in the ISTA List of
storage. Stabilised Plant Names (e.g. some generic names such as
Pyrus spp. are conserved by the International Botanical
Congress and are listed in the International Code of No-
2.6 Calculation and expression of menclature). Changes in the Stabilised List agreed at the
results 2025 ISTA Congress are included in this version of Table
2C. Where plant names have been changed, the old name
No specific calculation or expression of results required is included with a cross reference to the new name. This
except under 2.9 for heterogeneity tests. applies only to 2025 ISTA Congress changes; previous
cross references have been removed.

2.7 Reporting of results Note 2: For all species the maximum seed lot size stated
can be exceeded by no more than 5 %, except for:
No specific calculation or expression of results required a. seed being transported loose in bulk containers. The
except under 2.9 for heterogeneity tests. conditions under which this exception may be per-
mitted are stated in Chapter 17;
b. s eed pellets, seed granules, seed tapes or seed mats
(see [Link]);
c. species of Poaceae listed in Table 2C (see [Link]).
For production plants approved under [Link], the maxi-
mum seed lot weight for Poaceae species listed in Table
2C is 25 000 kg (with a 5 % tolerance).
Chapter 2: Sampling

2-12 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) 20 000 1 000   140 1 000 N/A
Moench
Abies alba Mill. 1 000   240   120 – 50
Abies amabilis [Link] 1 000   200   100 – 50
Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Abies cephalonica Loudon 1 000   360   180 – 50
Abies cilicica (Antoine & Kotschy) 1 000 1 000   500 – 50
Carrière
Abies concolor (Gordon & Glend.) 1 000   160    80 – 50
Lindl. ex Hildebr.
Abies firma Siebold & Zucc. 1 000   200   100 – 50
Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Abies grandis (Douglas ex [Link]) 1 000   100    50 – 50
Lindl.
Abies homolepis Siebold & Zucc. 1 000    80    40 – 50
Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt. 1 000    50    25 – 50
Abies magnifica [Link] bis 1 000   400   200 – 50
Abies nordmanniana (Steven) 1 000   360   180 – 50
Spach
Abies numidica de Lannoy ex 1 000   500   250 – 50
Carrière
Abies pinsapo Boiss. 1 000   320   160 – 50
Abies procera Rehder 1 000   160    80 – 50
Abies sachalinensis ([Link]) 1 000    60    30 – 50
Mast.
Abies veitchii Lindl. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Abutilon ×hybridum hort. ex Voss 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Acacia spp. 1 000    70    35 – 100
Acer campestre L. 1 000   400   200 – 100
Acer negundo L.    500   200   100 – 100
Acer palmatum Thunb.    500   100    50 – 100
Acer platanoides L.    500   700   350 – 100
Acer pseudoplatanus L.    500   600   300 – 100
Acer rubrum L.    500   100    50 – 100
Acer saccharinum L.    500 1 000   500 – 100
Acer saccharum Marshall    500   360   180 – 100
Achillea clavennae L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Achillea filipendulina Lam. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Achillea millefolium L. 10 000     5     0.5     5 N/A
Achillea ptarmica L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Achillea umbellata Sm. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Adonis vernalis L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Aeschynomene americana L. 10 000   120    12   120 N/A
Aesculus hippocastanum L. 5 000   500 seeds   500 seeds – 50
Chapter 2: Sampling

Ageratum houstonianum Mill. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A

Agrimonia eupatoria L. 5 000   200    50 – N/A
Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. 10 000    40     4    40 N/A
Agropyron desertorum (Fisch. ex 10 000    60     6    60 N/A
Link) Schult.
Agrostis canina L. 10 000     5     0.25     2.5 50
Agrostis capillaris L. 10 000     5     0.25     2.5 50
Agrostis gigantea Roth 10 000     5     0.25     2.5 50

Effective 1 January 2026 2-13

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Agrostis stolonifera L. (includes 10 000     5     0.25     2.5 50
A. palustris Huds.)
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle 1 000   160    80 – 100
Alcea rosea L. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Allium cepa L. 10 000    80     8    80 50
Allium fistulosum L. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Allium porrum L. 10 000    70     7    70 50
Allium schoenoprasum L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Allium tuberosum Rottler ex 10 000   100    10   100 50
Spreng.
Alnus cordata (Loisel.) Duby 1 000    12     6 – 50
Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. 1 000     8     4 – 50
Alnus incana (L.) Moench 1 000     4     2 – 50
Alnus rubra Bong. 1 000     4     2 – 50
Alopecurus pratensis L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Althaea hybrids 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Althaea officinalis L. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC. 10 000    40     4    40 N/A
Alyssum argenteum All. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Alyssum montanum L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Amaranthus caudatus L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Amaranthus cruentus L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Amaranthus hybridus L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Amaranthus tricolor L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Amberboa moschata (L.) DC. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Ammobium alatum [Link]. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Amorpha fruticosa L. 1 000 1 000   150 – 100
Anchusa azurea Mill. 5 000   100    25 – N/A
Anchusa capensis Thunb. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Andropogon gayanus Kunth 10 000    80     8    80 N/A
Andropogon gerardi Vitman 10 000    70     7    70 N/A
Andropogon hallii Hack. 10 000   100    10   100 N/A
Anemone coronaria L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Anemone pulsatilla L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Anemone sylvestris L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Anethum graveolens L. 10 000    40     4    40 50
Angelica archangelica L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Anthoxanthum odoratum L. 10 000    20     2    20 50
Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm. 10 000    60     6    60 50
Anthyllis vulneraria L. 10 000    60     6    60 N/A
Antirrhinum majus L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Apium graveolens L. 10 000    10     1    10 50
Aquilegia alpina L. 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Aquilegia canadensis L. 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Aquilegia chrysantha [Link] 5 000    20     4 – N/A

Aquilegia ×cultorum Bergmans 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Aquilegia vulgaris L. 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Arabis alpina L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Arabis alpina L. subsp. alpina 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Arabis alpina L. subsp. caucasica 5 000    10     2 – N/A
(Willd.) Briq.
Arabis ×arendsii [Link]. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Arabis blepharophylla Hook. & Arn. 5 000    10     2 – N/A

2-14 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Arabis procurrens Waldst. & Kit. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Arabis scopoliana Boiss. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Arachis hypogaea L. 30 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 50
Arctium lappa L. 10 000    50     5    50 N/A
Arctotis venusta Norl. 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Armeria maritima (Mill.) Willd. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) 10 000    80     8    80 50
[Link]. ex [Link] & [Link]
Artemisia absinthium L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Artemisia dracunculus L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Artemisia maritima L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Artemisia vulgaris L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Asclepias tuberosa L. 5 000   130    13 – N/A
Asparagus aethiopicus L. 10 000   200    60 – N/A
Asparagus officinalis L. 20 000 1 000   100 1 000 50
Asparagus plumosus Baker 10 000   200    50 – N/A
Aster alpinus L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Aster amellus L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Astragalus cicer L. 10 000    90     9    90 N/A
Astrebla lappacea (Lindl.) Domin 10 000   200    20   200 N/A
Atriplex hortensis L. 5 000    10     2.5 – N/A
Atropa belladonna L. 10 000    30     3    30 N/A
Aubrieta deltoidea (L.) DC. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
(includes A. graeca Griseb.)
Aurinia saxatilis (L.) Desv. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Avena nuda L. 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
Avena sativa L. 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
Avena strigosa Schreb. 30 000   500    50   500 100
Avenella flexuosa (L.) Parl. 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
Axonopus compressus (Sw.) 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
[Link].
Axonopus fissifolius (Raddi) 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
Kuhlm.
Bassia scoparia (L.) [Link] 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Beckmannia eruciformis (L.) Host 10 000    20     2    20 N/A
Begonia Semperflorens-Cultorum 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
Group
Begonia ×tuberhybrida Voss 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
Bellis perennis L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
(Berberis aquifolium Pursh see – – – – N/A
Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh)
Nutt.)
Beta vulgaris L. (mono-germ 20 000   500    30   300 50
varieties)
Chapter 2: Sampling

Beta vulgaris L. (multi-germ 20 000   500    50   500 50

varieties)
Betonica macrantha [Link] 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Betula papyrifera Marshall    300    10     3 – 50
Betula pendula Roth    300    10     1 – 50
Betula pubescens Ehrh.    300    10     1 – 50
Borago officinalis L. 10 000   450    45   450 N/A
Bothriochloa insculpta (Hochst. ex 10 000    20     2    20 N/A
[Link].) [Link]

Effective 1 January 2026 2-15

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Bothriochloa pertusa (L.) [Link] 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
Bouteloua gracilis (Kunth) Lag. ex 10 000    60     6    60 N/A
Griffiths
Brachyscome iberidifolia Benth. 5 000     5     0.3 – N/A
Brassica carinata [Link] 10 000   100    10   100 50
Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. 10 000    40     4    40 50
Brassica napus L. 10 000   100    10   100 50
(Brassica napus L. var. – – – – N/A
napobrassica (L.) Rchb. see
Brassica napus L. subsp.
rapifera Metzg.)
Brassica napus L. subsp. rapifera 10 000   100    10   100 50
Metzg.
Brassica nigra (L.) [Link] 10 000    40     4    40 50
Brassica oleracea L. (all varieties) 10 000   100    10   100 50
Brassica rapa L. (includes 10 000    70     7    70 50
B. campestris L., B. perviridis
([Link]) [Link])
Briza maxima L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Bromus arvensis L. 10 000    60     6    60 50
Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn. 10 000   200    20   200 50
Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn. 10 000   200    20   200 50
var. carinatus
Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn. 10 000   200    20   200 50
var. marginatus (Steud.)
Barkworth & Anderton
Bromus catharticus Vahl 10 000   200    20   200 50
Bromus erectus Huds. 10 000   100    10   100 50
Bromus hordeaceus L. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Bromus inermis Leyss. 10 000    90     9    90 50
Bromus riparius Rehmann 10 000    90     9    90 50
Bromus sitchensis Trin. 10 000   200    20   200 50
Browallia viscosa Kunth 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Brunnera macrophylla (Adams) 5 000    40    10 – N/A
[Link].
Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth 20 000 1 000   300 1 000 N/A
Calceolaria ×herbeohybrida Voss 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
Calceolaria polyrhiza Cav. 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
Calendula officinalis L. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.) Florin    300   160    80 – 100
Calopogonium mucunoides Desv. 20 000   400    40   400 N/A
Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz 10 000    40     4    40 50
Campanula carpatica Jacq. 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Campanula fragilis Cirillo 5 000     5     1 – N/A

Campanula garganica Ten. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Campanula glomerata L. 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Campanula lactiflora [Link]. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Campanula medium L. 5 000     5     0.6 – N/A
Campanula persicifolia L. 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Campanula portenschlagiana 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Schult.
Campanula pyramidalis L. 5 000     5     1 – N/A

2-16 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Campanula rapunculus L. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Cannabis sativa L. 10 000   600    60   600 50
Capsicum spp. 10 000   150    15   150 50
Caragana arborescens Lam. 1 000   160    80 – 100
Carica papaya L. 1 000   100    50 – 50
Carpinus betulus L. 1 000   500   250 – 100
Carthamus tinctorius L. 25 000   900    90   900 N/A
Carum carvi L. 10 000    80     8    80 50
Castanea sativa Mill. 5 000   500 seeds   500 seeds – 50
Catalpa spp. 1 000   120    60 – 100
Cedrela spp. 1 000    80    40 – 50
Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) [Link] 1 000   400   200 – 50
ex Carrière
Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex [Link]) 1 000   600   300 – 50
[Link]
Cedrus libani [Link]. 1 000   400   200 – 50
Celosia argentea L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Cenchrus ciliaris L. (fascicles) 10 000    60     6    60 50
Cenchrus setigerus Vahl 20 000   150    15   150 50
Centaurea benedicta (L.) L. 5 000   300    75 – N/A
Centaurea cyanus L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Centaurea gymnocarpa Moris & 5 000    40    10 – N/A
De Not.
Centaurea imperialis Hausskn. ex 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Bornm.
Centaurea macrocephala Muss. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Puschk. ex Willd.
Centaurea montana L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Centaurea ragusina L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Centrosema molle Mart. ex Benth. 20 000   600    60   600 N/A
Centrosema pascuorum Mart. ex 20 000   550    55   550 N/A
Benth.
Cerastium tomentosum L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Chamaecrista rotundifolia (Pers.) 10 000   100    10   100 N/A
Greene
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 1 000    20     6 – 50
[Link] bis) Parl.
Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & 1 000    12     6 – 50
Zucc.) Endl.
Chamaecyparis pisifera (Siebold & 1 000    10     3 – 50
Zucc.) Endl.
Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) 1 000    10     3 – 50
Britton et al.
Chelidonium majus L. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Chenopodium quinoa Willd. 10 000   100    10   100 N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Chloris gayana Kunth 10 000    10     1    10 50

Chrysanthemum indicum L. 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Cicer arietinum L. 30 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 100
Cichorium endivia L. 10 000    40     4    40 50
Cichorium intybus L. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. 20 000 1 000   250 1 000 100
& Nakai

Effective 1 January 2026 2-17

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Clarkia amoena (Lehm.) [Link] 5 000     5     1 – N/A
& [Link].
Clarkia pulchella Pursh 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Clarkia unguiculata Lindl. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Claytonia perfoliata Donn ex Willd. 10 000    20     2    20 N/A
(Cleome hassleriana Chodat see – – – – N/A
Tarenaya houtteana (Schltdl.)
Soares Neto & Roalson)
Cleretum bellidiforme (Burm.f.) 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
[Link]
Cobaea scandens Cav. 5 000   200    50 – N/A
Coix lacryma-jobi L. 5 000   600   150 – N/A
Coleostephus multicaulis (Desf.) 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Durieu
Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
(previously Plectranthus
scutellarioides (L.) [Link].)
Consolida ajacis (L.) Schur 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Consolida regalis Gray 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Convolvulus tricolor L. 5 000   100    25 – N/A
Corchorus capsularis L. 10 000   150    15   150 N/A
Corchorus olitorius L. 10 000   150    15   150 N/A
Coreopsis basalis ([Link].) 5 000    20     5 – N/A
[Link]
(Coreopsis drummondii ([Link]) – – – – N/A
Torr. & [Link] see C. basalis
([Link].) [Link])
Coreopsis lanceolata L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Coreopsis maritima (Nutt.) Hook.f. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Coriandrum sativum L. 10 000   400    40   400 N/A
Cornus mas L. 1 000 1 000   600 – 100
Cornus sanguinea L. 1 000   300   150 – 100
Corylus avellana L. 5 000   500 fruits   500 fruits – 50
Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) 1 000    40    15 – 50
[Link] & [Link]
Corymbia ficifolia ([Link].) 1 000    40    15 – 50
[Link] & [Link]
Corymbia maculata (Hook.) 1 000    40    15 – 50
[Link] & [Link]
Cosmos bipinnatus Cav. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Cosmos sulphureus Cav. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Cotoneaster spp. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Crambe hispanica L. subsp. 10 000   200    20   200 N/A
abyssinica (Hochst. ex [Link].)
Chapter 2: Sampling

Prina
Crataegus monogyna Jacq. 1 000   400   200 – 100
Crotalaria brevidens Benth. 10 000   150    15   150 N/A
(includes C. intermedia Kotschy)
Crotalaria juncea L. 10 000   700    70   700 N/A
Crotalaria lanceolata [Link]. 10 000    70     7    70 N/A
Crotalaria pallida Aiton 10 000   150    15   150 N/A
Crotalaria spectabilis Roth 10 000   350    35   350 N/A
Cryptomeria japonica (L.f.) [Link] 1 000    20    10 – 50

2-18 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Cucumis spp. 10 000   150    70 – 50
Cucumis melo L. 10 000   150    70 – 50
Cucumis sativus L. 10 000   150    70 – 50
Cucurbita spp. 10 000   350   180 – 50
Cucurbita hybrids 10 000   350   180 – 50
Cucurbita maxima Duchesne 20 000 1 000   700 1 000 50
Cucurbita moschata Duchesne 10 000   350   180 – 50
Cucurbita pepo L. 20 000 1 000   700 1 000 50
Cuminum cyminum L. 10 000    60     6    60 50
Cupressus arizonica Greene 1 000    60    30 – 50
Cupressus macrocarpa Hartw. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Cupressus nootkatensis [Link] 1 000    20    10 – 50
Cupressus sempervirens L. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) 20 000 1 000   100 1 000 N/A
Taub.
Cyclamen persicum Mill. 5 000   100    30 – N/A
Cydonia oblonga Mill. 1 000    50    25 – 50
Cymbalaria muralis [Link]. et 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
al.
Cynara cardunculus L. 10 000   900    90   900 N/A
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. 10 000    10     1    10 50
Cynoglossum amabile Stapf & 5 000    40    10 – N/A
[Link].
Cynosurus cristatus L. 10 000    20     2    20 50
Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link 1 000    40    20 – 100
Dactylis glomerata L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Dahlia pinnata Cav. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Datura metel L. 5 000   100    25 – N/A
Datura stramonium L. 5 000   100    25 – N/A
Daucus carota L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Delphinium ×belladonna hort. ex 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Bergmans
Delphinium ×cultorum Voss 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Delphinium cardinale Hook. 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Delphinium formosum Boiss. & 5 000    20     4 – N/A
[Link]
Delphinium grandiflorum L. 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) 10 000    10     1    10 50
[Link].
Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. 10 000    40     4    40 N/A
Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) 20 000   120    12   120 N/A
DC.
Dianthus barbatus L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Dianthus caryophyllus L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Dianthus chinensis L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A

Dianthus deltoides L. 5 000    20     0.5 – N/A
Dianthus plumarius L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Dichanthium aristatum (Poir.) 10 000    30     3    30 N/A
[Link].
Dichondra micrantha Urb. 10 000    50     5    50 N/A
Digitalis lanata Ehrh. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Digitalis purpurea L. 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A

Effective 1 January 2026 2-19

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
(Digitaria decumbens Stent see – – – – N/A
Digitaria eriantha Steud.)
Digitaria eriantha Steud. 10 000    12     1.2    12 N/A
Dimorphotheca ecklonis DC. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Dimorphotheca pluvialis (L.) 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Moench
Dimorphotheca tragus (Aiton) DC. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. 10 000     8     0.8     8 N/A
Doronicum orientale Hoffm. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) 10 000    80     8    80 N/A
[Link].
Echinops ritro L. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Echium candicans L.f. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Echium plantagineum L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Ehrharta calycina Sm. 10 000    40     4    40 N/A
Elaeagnus angustifolia L. 1 000   800   400 – 100
Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. 10 000    60     6    60 N/A
Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & 10 000    80     8    80 50
[Link].) Gould
Elymus repens (L.) Gould 10 000   100    10   100 50
Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould 10 000    80     8    80 50
Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
Erigeron speciosus (Lindl.) DC. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav. subsp. 10 000    40     4    40 N/A
sativa (Mill.) Thell.
Erysimum cheiri (L.) Crantz 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Erysimum ×marshallii (Henfr.) Bois 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Erythranthe cardinalis (Douglas 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
ex Benth.) Spach (previously
Mimulus cardinalis Douglas ex
Benth.)
Erythranthe cuprea (hort. 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
ex Dombrain) [Link]
(previously Mimulus cupreus
hort. ex Dombrain)
Erythranthe ×hybrida (hort. ex 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Voss) Silverside (previously
Mimulus ×hybridus hort. ex
Voss)
Erythranthe lutea (L.) [Link] 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
(previously Mimulus luteus L.)
Eschscholzia californica Cham. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Eucalyptus astringens (Maiden) 1 000    40    15 – 50
Chapter 2: Sampling

Maiden
Eucalyptus botryoides Sm. 1 000    15     5 – 50
Eucalyptus bridgesiana [Link] 1 000    30    10 – 50
Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. 1 000    15     5 – 50
Eucalyptus cinerea [Link]. ex 1 000    30    10 – 50
Benth.
Eucalyptus cladocalyx [Link]. 1 000    40    15 – 50
Eucalyptus cloeziana [Link]. 1 000    40    15 – 50

2-20 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Eucalyptus cypellocarpa 1 000    30    10 – 50
[Link]
Eucalyptus dalrympleana Maiden 1 000    30    10 – 50
Eucalyptus deanei Maiden 1 000    15     5 – 50
Eucalyptus deglupta Blume 1 000    10     2 – 50
Eucalyptus delegatensis [Link] 1 000    40    15 – 50
Eucalyptus elata Dehnh. 1 000    40    15 – 50
Eucalyptus fastigata [Link] & 1 000    40    15 – 50
Maiden
Eucalyptus glaucescens Maiden & 1 000    40    15 – 50
Blakely
Eucalyptus globulus Labill. 1 000    60    20 – 50
Eucalyptus grandis [Link] ex 1 000    15     5 – 50
Maiden
Eucalyptus gunnii Hook.f. 1 000    15     5 – 50
Eucalyptus largiflorens [Link]. 1 000    15     5 – 50
Eucalyptus leucoxylon [Link]. 1 000    30    10 – 50
Eucalyptus macrorhyncha [Link]. 1 000    40    15 – 50
ex Benth.
Eucalyptus maidenii [Link]. 1 000    60    20 – 50
Eucalyptus mannifera Mudie 1 000    15     5 – 50
Eucalyptus melliodora [Link]. ex 1 000    30    10 – 50
Schauer
Eucalyptus microtheca [Link]. 1 000    15     5 – 50
Eucalyptus moluccana Roxb. 1 000    30    10 – 50
Eucalyptus muelleriana [Link] 1 000    60    20 – 50
Eucalyptus nitens ([Link] & 1 000    30    10 – 50
Maiden) Maiden
Eucalyptus pauciflora Sieber ex 1 000    60    20 – 50
Spreng. (includes E. niphophila
Maiden & Blakely)
Eucalyptus pilularis Sm. 1 000    60    20 – 50
Eucalyptus polybractea [Link] 1 000    60    20 – 50
Eucalyptus pseudoglobulus 1 000    60    20 – 50
Naudin ex Maiden
Eucalyptus radiata Sieber ex DC. 1 000    40    15 – 50
Eucalyptus regnans [Link]. 1 000    30    10 – 50
Eucalyptus resinifera Sm. 1 000    30    10 – 50
Eucalyptus robusta Sm. 1 000    15     5 – 50
Eucalyptus rudis Endl. 1 000    15     5 – 50
(Eucalyptus saint-johnii – – – – N/A
([Link]) [Link] see
Eucalyptus pseudoglobulus
Naudin ex Maiden)
Eucalyptus saligna Sm. 1 000    15     5 – 50
Chapter 2: Sampling

Eucalyptus sideroxylon [Link]. ex 1 000    30    10 – 50

Woolls
Eucalyptus sieberi [Link] 1 000    40    15 – 50
Eucalyptus smithii [Link] 1 000    30    10 – 50
Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. 1 000    15     5 – 50
Eucalyptus viminalis Labill. 1 000    30    10 – 50
Euonymus europaeus L. 1 000   200   100 – 100
Eustoma exaltatum (L.) Salisb. ex 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
[Link]

Effective 1 January 2026 2-21

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Fagopyrum esculentum Moench 10 000   600    60   600 100
Fagus sylvatica L. 5 000 1 000   600 – 100
Fatsia japonica (Thunb.) Decne. & 5 000    60    15 – N/A
Planch.
Felicia heterophylla (Cass.) Grau 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Festuca arundinacea Schreb. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Festuca filiformis Pourr. 10 000    25     2.5    25 50
Festuca heterophylla Lam. 10 000    60     6    60 50
Festuca ovina L. (all varieties) 10 000    25     2.5    25 50
Festuca pratensis Huds. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Festuca rubra L. s.l. (all varieties) 10 000    30     3    30 50
Festuca trachyphylla (Hack.) 10 000    25     2.5    25 50
[Link]
×Festulolium Asch. & Graebn. 10 000    60     6    60 N/A
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. 10 000   180    18   180 N/A
Fragaria spp. 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
Fraxinus spp. 1 000   400   200 – 100
Freesia refracta (Jacq.) Klatt 5 000   100    25 – N/A
Gaillardia aristata Pursh 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Gaillardia pulchella Foug. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Galega officinalis L. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Galega orientalis Lam. 10 000   200    20   200 50
Galeopsis segetum Neck. 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Gazania rigens (L.) Gaertn. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Gentiana acaulis L. 5 000     5     0.7 – N/A
Geranium hybrids 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Gerbera jamesonii Adlam 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Geum coccineum Sm. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Geum quellyon Sweet 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Gilia tricolor Benth. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Ginkgo biloba L. 5 000   500 seeds   500 seeds – 100
Glandularia canadensis (L.) Nutt. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Glandularia ×hybrida (hort. ex 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Groenl. & Rümpler) [Link]
& Pruski
Glebionis carinata (Schousb.) 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Tzvelev
Glebionis coronaria (L.) Cass. ex 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Spach
Glebionis segetum (L.) Fourr. 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Gleditsia triacanthos L. 1 000   800   400 – 100
Glycine max (L.) Merr. 30 000 1 000   500 1 000 100
Gomphrena globosa L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Goniolimon tataricum (L.) Boiss. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Gossypium spp. 25 000 1 000   350 1 000 100

Grevillea robusta [Link]. ex [Link]. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Gypsophila elegans [Link]. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Gypsophila paniculata L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Gypsophila repens L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Gypsophila vaccaria (L.) Sm. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
(previously Vaccaria hispanica
(Mill.) Rauschert)

2-22 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
(Hedysarum coronarium L. see – – – – N/A
Sulla coronaria (L.) [Link] &
[Link])
Helenium autumnale L. 5 000     5     0.9 – N/A
Helianthemum nummularium (L.) 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Mill.
Helianthus annuus L. 25 000 1 000   200 1 000 50
Helianthus debilis Nutt. 10 000   150    40 – N/A
Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Heliotropium arborescens L. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Hesperis matronalis L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Heteranthemis viscidehirta Schott 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Heuchera sanguinea Engelm. 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
Hibiscus cannabinus L. 10 000   700    70   700 N/A
Hibiscus trionum L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Hippeastrum hybrids 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Holcus lanatus L. 10 000    10     1    10 50
Hordeum vulgare L. 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
Hordeum vulgare L. subsp. 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
vulgare
Hypericum perforatum L. 5 000     5     0.3 – N/A
Hyssopus officinalis L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Iberis amara L. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Iberis gibraltarica L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Iberis sempervirens L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Iberis umbellata L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Ilex aquifolium L. 1 000   200    90 – 100
Impatiens balsamina L. 5 000   100    25 – N/A
Impatiens walleriana Hook.f. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Inula helenium L. 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Ipomoea alba L. 10 000   400   100 – N/A
Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. 20 000 1 000   100 1 000 N/A
Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth 10 000   400   100 – N/A
Ipomoea quamoclit L. 10 000   200    50 – N/A
Ipomoea tricolor Cav. 10 000   400   100 – N/A
Jacobaea maritima (L.) Pelser & 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Meijden
Juniperus communis L. (seeds) 1 000    40    20 – 100
Juniperus communis L. (berries) 1 000   300   150 – 100
Juniperus scopulorum Sarg. 1 000    70    35 – 100
Juniperus virginiana L. 1 000   100    50 – 100
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln. 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
Kalanchoe crenata (Andrews) 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
Haw.
Chapter 2: Sampling

Kalanchoe globulifera [Link] 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A

Kniphofia uvaria (L.) Oken 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.) 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
Schult.
Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. 1 000   800   400 – 100
Kummerowia stipulacea (Maxim.) 10 000    50     5    50 N/A
Makino
Kummerowia striata (Thunb.) 10 000    40     4    40 N/A
Schindl.

Effective 1 January 2026 2-23

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet 20 000 1 000   600 1 000 N/A
Laburnum alpinum (Mill.) [Link] 1 000   140    70 – 100
Laburnum anagyroides Medik. 1 000   140    70 – 100
Lactuca sativa L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) 20 000 1 000   500 1 000 N/A
Standl.
Larix decidua Mill. 1 000    35    17 – 50
Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr. 1 000    25    10 – 50
Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carrière 1 000    24    10 – 50
Larix laricina (Du Roi) [Link] 1 000    25    10 – 50
Larix ×marschlinsi Coaz 1 000    35    16 – 50
Larix occidentalis Nutt. 1 000    25    10 – 50
Larix sibirica Ledeb. 1 000    25    10 – 50
Lathyrus cicera L. 20 000 1 000   140 1 000 100
Lathyrus hirsutus L. 10 000   700    70   700 100
Lathyrus latifolius L. 10 000   400   100 – 100
Lathyrus odoratus L. 10 000   600   150 – 100
Lathyrus sativus L. 20 000 1 000   450 1 000 100
Lavandula angustifolia Mill. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Lavatera trimestris L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Legousia speculum-veneris (L.) 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Chaix
Lens culinaris Medik. 30 000   600    60   600 N/A
Leontopodium nivale (Ten.) 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
Hand.-Mazz.
Leonurus cardiaca L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Lepidium sativum L. 10 000    60     6    60 50
Lespedeza juncea (L.f.) Pers. 10 000    30     3    30 N/A
Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) 20 000 1 000   100 1 000 N/A
de Wit
Leucanthemum maximum 5 000    20     5 – N/A
(Ramond) DC.
Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Levisticum officinale [Link] 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Liatris pycnostachya Michx. 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Liatris spicata (L.) Willd. 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Ligustrum vulgare L. 1 000   100    50 – 100
Lilium regale [Link] 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Limonium bellidifolium (Gouan) 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Dumort.
Limonium coriarium [Link] 5 000    20     5 – N/A
(Limonium gerberi Soldano see – – – – N/A
Limonium coriarium [Link])
Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

(seeds)
Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. 5 000   200    50 – N/A
(heads)
Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. 5 000   200    50 – N/A
subsp. bonduellei ([Link].)
Sauvage & Vindt
Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
subsp. sinuatum (seeds)
Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. 5 000   200    50 – N/A
subsp. sinuatum (heads)

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International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Linaria bipartita (Vent.) Willd. 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Linaria maroccana Hook.f. 5 000     5     0.4 – N/A
Linaria vulgaris Mill. 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Linum flavum L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Linum grandiflorum Desf. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Linum narbonense L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Linum perenne L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Linum usitatissimum L. 10 000   150    15   150 50
Liquidambar styraciflua L.    300    30    15 – 50
Liriodendron tulipifera L. 1 000   180    90 – 100
Listia bainesii (Baker) B.-[Link] 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
Wyk & Boatwr.
Lobelia cardinalis L. (includes 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
L. fulgens Humb. & Bonpl. ex
Willd.)
Lobelia erinus L. 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Lolium ×hybridum Hausskn. 10 000    60     6    60 50
Lolium multiflorum Lam. 10 000    60     6    60 50
Lolium perenne L. 10 000    60     6    60 50
Lolium rigidum Gaudin 10 000    60     6    60 50
Lomelosia caucasica ([Link].) 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Greuter & Burdet
Lonas annua (L.) Vines & Druce 5 000     5     0.6 – N/A
Lotus corniculatus L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Lotus tenuis Waldst. & Kit. ex 10 000    30     3    30 50
Willd.
Lotus uliginosus Schkuhr 10 000    20     2    20 50
Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. 20 000 1 000   400 1 000 N/A
Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. 20 000 1 000   250 1 000 N/A
Lunaria annua L. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Lupinus hybrids 10 000   200    60 – N/A
Lupinus albus L. 30 000 1 000   450 1 000 100
Lupinus angustifolius L. 30 000 1 000   450 1 000 100
Lupinus luteus L. 30 000 1 000   450 1 000 100
Lupinus mexicanus Cerv. ex Lag. 10 000   200    60 – N/A
Lupinus nanus Douglas ex Benth. 10 000   200    60 – N/A
Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. 10 000   200    60 – N/A
Lysimachia arvensis (L.) [Link] 5 000    10     2 – N/A
& Anderb.
Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC.) 20 000   350    35   350 100
Urb.
Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urb. 20 000   200    20   200 N/A
Macrotyloma axillare ([Link].) 20 000   250    25   250 N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Verdc.
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) 20 000   800    80   800 N/A
Verdc.
Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. 1 000    60    30 – 50
Malcolmia maritima (L.) [Link] 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Malope trifida Cav. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Malus spp. (except M. sargentii, 1 000    50    25 – 50
M. sylvestris)
Malus sargentii Rehder 1 000    24    12 – 50

Effective 1 January 2026 2-25

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. 1 000   160    80 – 100
Malva sylvestris L. 5 000    30    15 – 50
Marrubium vulgare L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Matricaria chamomilla L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Matthiola incana (L.) [Link] 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Matthiola longipetala (Vent.) DC. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Medicago arabica (L.) Huds. (in 10 000   600    60   600 50
burr)
Medicago arabica (L.) Huds. (out 10 000    50     5    50 50
of burr)
Medicago italica (Mill.) Fiori 10 000   100    10   100 50
Medicago littoralis Rohde ex 10 000    70     7    70 50
Loisel.
Medicago lupulina L. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Medicago orbicularis (L.) Bartal. 10 000    80     8    80 50
Medicago polymorpha L. 10 000    70     7    70 50
Medicago rugosa Desr. 10 000   180    18   180 50
Medicago sativa L. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Medicago scutellata (L.) Mill. 10 000   400    40   400 50
(Medicago tornata (L.) Mill. see – – – – N/A
M. italica (Mill.) Fiori)
Medicago truncatula Gaertn. 10 000   100    10   100 50
Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) 10 000    20     2    20 50
[Link] & [Link]
Melilotus albus Medik. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Melilotus indicus (L.) All. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Melinis minutiflora [Link]. 10 000     5     0.5     5 N/A
Melissa officinalis L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Mentha ×piperita L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Mimosa pudica L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
(Mimulus cardinalis Douglas – – – – N/A
ex Benth. see Erythranthe
cardinalis (Douglas ex Benth.)
Spach)
(Mimulus ×hybridus hort. ex Voss – – – – N/A
see Erythranthe ×hybrida (hort.
ex Voss) Silverside)
(Mimulus cupreus hort. ex – – – – N/A
Dombrain see Erythranthe
cuprea (hort. ex Dombrain)
[Link])
(Mimulus luteus L. see Erythranthe – – – – N/A
lutea (L.) [Link])
Mirabilis jalapa L. 10 000   800   200 – N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Moluccella laevis L. 5 000   100    25 – N/A

Momordica charantia L. 20 000 1 000   450 1 000 N/A
Morus spp. 1 000    20     5 – 50
Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. 20 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 N/A
Myosotis hybrids 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Myosotis scorpioides L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Myosotis sylvatica Hoffm. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Nasturtium officinale [Link] 10 000     5     0.5     5 N/A
Nemesia strumosa Benth. 5 000     5     1 – N/A

2-26 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Nemesia versicolor [Link]. ex 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Benth.
Nemophila maculata Benth. ex 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Lindl.
Nemophila menziesii Hook. & Arn. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) 10 000   150    15   150 N/A
[Link]
Nepeta cataria L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Neustanthus phaseoloides (Roxb.) 20 000   300    30   300 N/A
Benth.
Nicotiana alata Link & Otto 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Nicotiana ×sanderae [Link] 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Nicotiana suaveolens Lehm. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Nicotiana tabacum L. 10 000     5     0.5     5 50
Nierembergia hippomanica Miers 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Nigella damascena L. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Nigella hispanica L. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Nigella sativa L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Nothofagus alpina (Poepp. & 1 000    50    25 – 50
Endl.) Oerst.
Nothofagus obliqua (Mirb.) Blume 1 000    60    30 – 50
(Nothofagus procera Oerst. see – – – – N/A
N. alpina (Poepp. & Endl.)
Oerst.)
Ocimum basilicum L. 10 000    40     4    40 N/A
Oenothera biennis L. 10 000    10     1    10 N/A
Oenothera macrocarpa Nutt. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Oloptum miliaceum (L.) Röser & 10 000    20     2    20 N/A
Hamasha
Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. (seed) 10 000   400    40   400 50
Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. (fruit) 10 000   600    60   600 50
Origanum majorana L. 10 000     5     0.5     5 N/A
Origanum vulgare L. 10 000     5     0.5     5 N/A
Ornithopus compressus L. 10 000   120    12   120 N/A
Ornithopus sativus Brot. 10 000    90     9    90 50
Oryza sativa L. 30 000   700    70   700 100
Panicum antidotale Retz. 10 000    20     2    20 50
Panicum coloratum L. 10 000    20     2    20 50
Panicum miliaceum L. 10 000   150    15   150 50
Panicum virgatum L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Papaver alpinum L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Papaver glaucum Boiss. & 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Hausskn.
Papaver nudicaule L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Papaver orientale L. 5 000     5     1 – N/A

Papaver rhoeas L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Papaver somniferum L. 10 000    10     1    10 50
Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) 10 000   150    15   150 N/A
Barkworth & [Link]
Paspalum dilatatum Poir. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Paspalum notatum Flüggé 10 000    70     7    70 50
Paspalum plicatulum Michx. 10 000    40     4    40 50

Effective 1 January 2026 2-27

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Paspalum scrobiculatum L. 10 000    80     8    80 50
Paspalum urvillei Steud. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Paspalum virgatum L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Pastinaca sativa L. 10 000   100    10   100 50
Pelargonium Zonale Group 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. 10 000    70     7    70 N/A
ex Chiov.
Pennisetum glaucum (L.) [Link]. 10 000   150    15   150 N/A
Penstemon hybrids 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Penstemon barbatus (Cav.) Roth 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Penstemon hartwegii Benth. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Pericallis cruenta (Masson ex 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
L’Hér.) Bolle
Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss 10 000    40     4    40 50
Petunia ×atkinsiana (Sweet) 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
[Link] ex [Link]
Phacelia campanularia [Link] 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Phalaris aquatica L. 10 000    40     4    40 50
Phalaris arundinacea L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Phalaris canariensis L. 10 000   200    20   200 50
Phaseolus coccineus L. 30 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 100
Phaseolus lunatus L. 30 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 100
Phaseolus vulgaris L. 30 000 1 000   700 1 000 100
Phleum nodosum L. 10 000    10     1    10 50
Phleum pratense L. 10 000    10     1    10 50
Phlox drummondii Hook. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Phlox paniculata L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Phlox subulata L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Pholistoma auritum (Lindl.) Lilja 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Physalis alkekengi L. 5 000    20     4 – N/A
Physalis pubescens L. 10 000    20     2    20 N/A
Picea abies (L.) [Link]. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Picea engelmannii Engelm. 1 000    16     8 – 50
Picea glauca (Moench) Voss 1 000    10     5 – 50
Picea glehnii ([Link]) Mast. 1 000    25     9 – 50
Picea jezoensis (Siebold & Zucc.) 1 000    25     7 – 50
Carrière
Picea koyamae Shiras. 1 000    25     9 – 50
Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton et al. 1 000     6     3 – 50
Picea omorika (Pančić) Purk. 1 000    25     8 – 50
Picea orientalis (L.) Link 1 000    30    15 – 50
Picea polita (Siebold & Zucc.) 1 000    80    40 – 50
Chapter 2: Sampling

Carrière
Picea pungens Engelm. 1 000    30    15 – 50
Picea rubens Sarg. 1 000    25     9 – 50
Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carrière 1 000    12     6 – 50
Pimpinella anisum L. 10 000    70     7    70 N/A
Pimpinella major (L.) Huds. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Pimpinella saxifraga L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Pinus albicaulis Engelm. 1 000   700   350 – 50
Pinus aristata Engelm. 1 000   100    50 – 50

2-28 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Pinus banksiana Lamb. 1 000    25     9 – 50
Pinus brutia Ten. 1 000   100    50 – 50
Pinus canariensis [Link]. 1 000    60    30 – 50
Pinus caribaea Morelet 1 000   100    50 – 50
Pinus cembra L. 1 000 1 000   700 – 50
Pinus cembroides Zucc. 1 000 1 000   700 – 50
Pinus clausa (Chapm. ex Engelm.) 1 000    40    20 – 50
Vasey ex Sarg.
Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon 1 000    25     9 – 50
Pinus coulteri [Link] 1 000 1 000   900 – 50
Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc. 1 000    60    30 – 50
Pinus echinata Mill. 1 000    50    25 – 50
Pinus edulis Engelm. 1 000 1 000   700 – 50
Pinus elliottii Engelm. 1 000   160    80 – 50
Pinus flexilis [Link] 1 000   500   250 – 50
Pinus glabra Walter 1 000    80    40 – 50
Pinus halepensis Mill. 1 000   100    50 – 50
Pinus heldreichii Christ 1 000   120    60 – 50
Pinus jeffreyi [Link] bis et al. 1 000   600   300 – 50
Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon 1 000    80    40 – 50
('khasya')
Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc. 1 000 2 000 1 000 – 50
Pinus lambertiana Douglas 1 000 1 000   500 – 50
Pinus merkusii Jungh. & de Vriese 1 000   120    60 – 50
Pinus monticola Douglas ex [Link] 1 000    90    45 – 50
Pinus mugo Turra 1 000    40    20 – 50
Pinus muricata [Link] 1 000    50    25 – 50
Pinus nigra [Link] 1 000   100    50 – 50
Pinus oocarpa Schiede ex Schltdl. 1 000    70    35 – 50
Pinus palustris Mill. 1 000   500   250 – 50
Pinus parviflora Siebold & Zucc. 1 000   500   250 – 50
Pinus patula Schltdl. & Cham. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Pinus peuce Griseb. 1 000   240   120 – 50
Pinus pinaster Aiton 1 000   240   120 – 50
Pinus pinea L. 1 000 1 000 1 000 – 50
Pinus ponderosa [Link] & 1 000   200   100 – 50
[Link]
Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel 1 000    40    20 – 50
Pinus radiata [Link] 1 000   160    80 – 50
Pinus resinosa Aiton 1 000    50    25 – 50
Pinus rigida Mill. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Pinus strobus L. 1 000    90    45 – 50
Pinus sylvestris L. 1 000    40    20 – 50
Pinus tabuliformis Carrière 1 000   100    50 – 50
Chapter 2: Sampling

Pinus taeda L. 1 000   140    70 – 50

Pinus taiwanensis Hayata 1 000   100    50 – 50
Pinus thunbergii Parl. 1 000    70    35 – 50
Pinus virginiana Mill. 1 000    50    25 – 50
Pinus wallichiana [Link]. 1 000   250   125 – 50
Pisum sativum L. s.l. 30 000 1 000   900 1 000 100
Plantago lanceolata L. 10 000    60     6    60 N/A
Platanus spp. 1 000    25     6 – 50
Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco 1 000   120    60 – N/A

Effective 1 January 2026 2-29

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Plectocephalus americana (Nutt.) 5 000   100    35 – N/A
[Link]
(Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) – – – – N/A
[Link]. see Coleus scutellarioides
(L.) Benth.)
Plerandra elegantissima (hort. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Veitch ex Mast.) Lowry et
al. (previously Schefflera
elegantissima (hort. Veitch ex
Mast.) Lowry & Frodin)
Poa annua L. 10 000    10     1    10 50
Poa bulbosa L. 10 000    30     3    30 50
Poa compressa L. 10 000     5     0.5     5 50
Poa nemoralis L. 10 000     5     0.5     5 50
Poa palustris L. 10 000     5     0.5     5 50
Poa pratensis L. 10 000     5     1     5 50
Poa secunda [Link] (includes 10 000    15     1.5    15 50
P. ampla Merr.)
Poa trivialis L. 10 000     5     1     5 50
Populus spp.     50     5     2 – 50
Portulaca grandiflora Hook. 5 000     5     0.3 – N/A
Portulaca oleracea L. 10 000     5     0.5     5 N/A
Primula auricula L. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Primula denticulata Sm. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Primula elatior (L.) Hill 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Primula japonica [Link] 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Primula ×kewensis [Link] 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Primula malacoides Franch. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Primula obconica Hance 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Primula praenitens Ker Gawl. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Primula veris L. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Primula vulgaris Huds. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Prunus spp. (TSW ≤ 200 g) 1 000 1 000   500 – 100
Prunus spp. (TSW > 200 g) 1 000   500 seeds   500 seeds – 100
Prunus avium (L.) L. 1 000   900   450 – 100
Prunus padus L. 1 000   360   180 – 100
Prunus persica (L.) Batsch 5 000   500 seeds   500 seeds – 100
Prunus serotina Ehrh. 1 000   500   250 – 100
Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) 10 000    60     6    60 N/A
Nevski
Psephellus dealbatus (Willd.) 5 000    40    10 – N/A
[Link]
Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) 10 000    80     8    80 N/A
Á.Löve
Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) 1 000    60    30 – 50
Chapter 2: Sampling

Franco
Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) 20 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 N/A
DC.
Psylliostachys suworowii (Regel) 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Roshkova
Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. 10 000   350    35   350 N/A
var. lobata (Willd.) Maesen &
[Link] ex Sanjappa &
Predeep

2-30 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Pyrus spp. 1 000   180    90 – 50
Quercus spp. 5 000   500 seeds   500 seeds – 50
Ranunculus asiaticus L. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Raphanus sativus L. 10 000   300    30   300 50
Reseda odorata L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Rheum palmatum L. 5 000   100    30 – N/A
Rheum ×rhabarbarum L. 10 000   450    45   450 N/A
Rhodanthe chlorocephala (Turcz.) 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Paul [Link] (includes
Helipterum roseum (Hook.)
Benth.)
Rhodanthe humboldtiana 5 000    30     8 – N/A
(Gaudich.) Paul [Link]
Rhodanthe manglesii Lindl. 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Ricinus communis L. 20 000 1 000   500 1 000 50
Robinia pseudoacacia L. 1 000   100    50 – 100
Rosa spp. 1 000    50    25 – 50
Rosmarinus officinalis L. 10 000    30     3    30 N/A
Rudbeckia fulgida Aiton 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Rudbeckia hirta L. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Rumex acetosa L. 10 000    30     3    30 N/A
Ruta graveolens L. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Saintpaulia ionantha [Link]. 5 000     5     0.1 – N/A
Salix spp.     50     5     2 – 50
Salpiglossis sinuata Ruiz & Pav. 5 000     5     1 – N/A
Salvia coccinea Buc’hoz ex Etl. 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Salvia farinacea Benth. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Salvia hispanica L. 10 000    35     3.5    35 N/A
Salvia officinalis L. 5 000    30    20 – N/A
Salvia patens Cav. 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Salvia pratensis L. 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Salvia sclarea L. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Salvia splendens Sellow ex Nees 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Salvia viridis L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Sanguisorba minor Scop. 10 000   250    25   250 N/A
Sanvitalia procumbens Lam. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Saponaria calabrica Guss. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Saponaria ocymoides L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Saponaria officinalis L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Satureja hortensis L. 10 000    20     2    20 N/A
Scabiosa atropurpurea L. 5 000    60    15 – N/A
(Schefflera elegantissima (hort. – – – – N/A
Veitch ex Mast.) Lowry & Frodin
see Plerandra elegantissima
Chapter 2: Sampling

(hort. Veitch ex Mast.) Lowry et

al.)
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) 10 000    50     5    50 N/A
Nash
Schizanthus pinnatus Ruiz & Pav. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Scorzonera hispanica L. 10 000   300    30   300 50
Secale cereale L. 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
Securigera varia (L.) Lassen 10 000   100    10   100 N/A
Senecio elegans L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A

Effective 1 January 2026 2-31

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Senegalia spp. 1 000    70    35 – N/A
Sequoia sempervirens ([Link]) 1 000    25    12 – 50
Endl.
Sequoiadendron giganteum 1 000    25    12 – 50
(Lindl.) [Link]
Sesamum indicum L. 10 000    70     7    70 50
Setaria italica (L.) [Link]. 10 000    90     9    90 50
Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) 10 000    30     3    30 50
Stapf & [Link].
Silene chalcedonica (L.) 5 000     5     1 – N/A
[Link]
Silene coronaria (L.) Clairv. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Silene pendula L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. 5 000   200    50 – N/A
Sinapis alba L. 10 000   200    20   200 50
Sinningia speciosa (Lodd. et al. ex 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
Ker Gawl.) Hiern
Solanum (sect. Lycopersicon) spp. 10 000    15     7 – 50
Solanum (sect. Lycopersicon) 10 000    15     7 – 50
hybrids
Solanum giganteum Jacq. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Solanum laciniatum Aiton 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Solanum lycopersicum L. 10 000    15     7 – 50
Solanum marginatum L.f. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Solanum melongena L. 10 000   150    15   150 50
Solanum nigrum L. 10 000    25     2.5    25 N/A
Solanum pseudocapsicum L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Solanum tuberosum L. 10 000    25    10 – N/A
Sorbus spp. 1 000    25    10 – 50
Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash 10 000    70     7    70 N/A
Sorghum ×almum Parodi 30 000   200    20   200 100
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench 30 000   900    90   900 100
subsp. bicolor
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench 10 000   250    25   250 100
subsp. drummondii (Steud.) de
Wet ex Davidse
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench 30 000   300    30   300 100
×S. sudanense (Piper) Stapf
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. 10 000    90     9    90 100
Spartium junceum L. 1 000    40    20 – 100
Spergula arvensis L. 10 000    40     4    40 N/A
Spinacia oleracea L. 10 000   250    25   250 50
Stylosanthes guianensis (Aubl.) 10 000    70     7    70 N/A
Sw.
Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taub. 10 000    70     7    70 N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Stylosanthes humilis Kunth 10 000    70     7    70 N/A

Stylosanthes scabra Vogel 10 000    80     8    80 N/A
Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) 1 000   100    50 – 100
Schott
Sulla coronaria (L.) [Link] 10 000   120    12   120 N/A
& [Link] (previously
Hedysarum coronarium L.)
(seed)

2-32 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Sulla coronaria (L.) [Link] 10 000   300    30   300 N/A
& [Link] (previously
Hedysarum coronarium L.) (fruit)
Symphyotrichum dumosum (L.) 5 000    20     5 – N/A
[Link]
Syringa spp. 1 000    30    15 – 50
Tagetes erecta L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Tagetes patula L. 5 000    40    10 – N/A
Tagetes tenuifolia Cav. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Tanacetum achilleifolium ([Link].) 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Sch. Bip.
Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Sch. Bip.
Tanacetum coccineum (Willd.) 5 000    30     8 – N/A
Grierson
Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Bip.
Taraxacum officinale [Link]., 10 000    30     3    30 N/A
s.l.
Tarenaya houtteana (Schltdl.) 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Soares Neto & Roalson
Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.    300   500   250 – 50
Taxus spp. 1 000   320   160 – 100
Tectona grandis L.f. 1 000 2 000 1 000 – 50
Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) 20 000 1 000   200 1 000 N/A
Kuntze
Thinopyrum elongatum (Host) 10 000   200    20   200 N/A
[Link]
Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) 10 000   150    15   150 N/A
Barkworth & [Link]
Thuja occidentalis L. 1 000    25     4 – 50
Thuja plicata Donn ex [Link] 1 000    10     3 – 50
Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims 5 000   200    50 – N/A
Thymus serpyllum L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Thymus vulgaris L. 10 000     5     0.5     5 N/A
Tilia cordata Mill. 1 000   180    90 – 100
Tilia platyphyllos Scop. 1 000   500   250 – 100
Torenia fournieri Linden ex 5 000     5     0.2 – N/A
[Link].
Tragopogon porrifolius L. 10 000   400    40   400 N/A
Trifolium alexandrinum L. 10 000    60     6    60 50
Trifolium campestre Schreb. 10 000     5     0.5     5 50
Trifolium dubium Sibth. 10 000    20     2    20 50
Trifolium fragiferum L. 10 000    40     4    40 50
Trifolium glomeratum L. 10 000    10     1    10 50
Chapter 2: Sampling

Trifolium hirtum All. 10 000    70     7    70 50

Trifolium hybridum L. 10 000    20     2    20 50
Trifolium incarnatum L. 10 000    80     8    80 50
Trifolium lappaceum L. 10 000    20     2    20 50
Trifolium michelianum Savi 10 000    20     2    20 50
(includes T. balansae Boiss.)
Trifolium pratense L. 10 000    50     5    50 50
Trifolium repens L. 10 000    20     2    20 50
Trifolium resupinatum L. 10 000    20     2    20 50

Effective 1 January 2026 2-33

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Trifolium semipilosum Fresen. 10 000    20     2    20 50
Trifolium squarrosum L. 10 000   150    15   150 50
Trifolium subterraneum L. 10 000   250    25   250 50
Trifolium vesiculosum Savi 10 000    30     3    30 50
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. 10 000   450    45   450 N/A
Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Sch. Bip.
Tripleurospermum maritimum (L.) 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
[Link]
Trisetum flavescens (L.) [Link]. 10 000     5     0.5     5 50
×Triticosecale Wittm. ex [Link] 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
Triticum aestivum L. 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
Triticum aestivum L. subsp. 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
aestivum
Triticum aestivum L. subsp. spelta 30 000 1 000   270 1 000 100
(L.) Thell.
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. 30 000 1 000   270 1 000 100
dicoccon (Schrank) Thell.
Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
(Desf.) van Slageren
Tropaeolum majus L. 10 000 1 000   350 – N/A
Tropaeolum peltophorum Benth. 10 000 1 000   350 – N/A
Tropaeolum peregrinum L. 10 000 1 000   350 – N/A
Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière 1 000    25     7 – 50
Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. 1 000    10     4 – 50
Ulmus americana L. 1 000    30    15 – 50
Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. 1 000    20     8 – 50
Ulmus pumila L. 1 000    30    15 – 50
Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex 10 000   100    10   100 50
[Link].) [Link]
Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) 10 000   100    10   100 50
[Link]
Urochloa humidicola (Rendle) 10 000   100    10   100 50
Morrone & Zuloaga
Urochloa mosambicensis (Hack.) 10 000    30     3    30 50
Dandy
Urochloa mutica (Forssk.) 10 000    30     3    30 50
[Link]
Urochloa ramosa (L.) [Link] 10 000    90     9    90 50
Urochloa ruziziensis ([Link]. & 20 000   150    15   150 50
[Link]) Crins
(Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) – – – – N/A
Rauschert see Gypsophila
vaccaria (L.) Sm.)
Vachellia spp. 1 000    70    35 – N/A
Chapter 2: Sampling

Valeriana officinalis L. 5 000    10     2 – N/A

Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterr. 10 000    70     7    70 50
Verbascum densiflorum Bertol. 5 000     5     0.3 – N/A
Verbascum phlomoides L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Verbascum thapsus L. 5 000     5     0.5 – N/A
Verbena bonariensis L. 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Verbena rigida Spreng. 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Viburnum opulus L. 1 000   160    80 – 100

2-34 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2C. Lot sizes and sample sizes (continued)

Species Maximum weight Minimum submit- Purity analysis Other seeds by Minimum submitted
of lot (kg) ted sample (g) (3.5.1) number (4.5.1) sample for moisture
(except see 2.8 testing (g)
Note 2)
1 2 3 4 5 6
(Vicia angustifolia L. see V. sativa – – – – N/A
L. subsp. nigra (L.) Ehrh.)
Vicia benghalensis L. 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
(Vicia dasycarpa Ten. see – – – – N/A
V. villosa Roth subsp. varia
(Host) Corb.)
Vicia ervilia (L.) Willd. 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
Vicia faba L. 30 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 100
Vicia narbonensis L. 30 000 1 000   600 1 000 100
Vicia pannonica Crantz 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
Vicia sativa L. 30 000 1 000   140 1 000 100
Vicia sativa L. subsp. nigra (L.) 30 000 1 000   140 1 000 100
Ehrh.
Vicia villosa Roth 30 000 1 000   100 1 000 100
Vicia villosa Roth subsp. varia 30 000 1 000   100 1 000 100
(Host) Corb.
Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & 30 000 1 000   250 1 000 100
[Link]
Vigna marina (Burm.) Merr. 30 000   800    80   800 100
Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper 30 000 1 000   700 1 000 100
Vigna radiata (L.) [Link] 30 000 1 000   120 1 000 100
Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. 30 000 1 000   500 1 000 100
Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. 30 000 1 000   400 1 000 100
Vinca minor L. 5 000    20     5 – N/A
Viola cornuta L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Viola odorata L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Viola tricolor L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Xeranthemum annuum L. 5 000    10     3 – N/A
Xerochrysum bracteatum (Vent.) 5 000    10     2 – N/A
Tzvelev
Zea mays L. 40 000 1 000   900 1 000 100
Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino 1 000    60    30 – 50
Zinnia elegans Jacq. 5 000    80    20 – N/A
Zinnia haageana Regel 5 000    20     6 – N/A
Zoysia japonica Steud. 10 000    10     1    10 N/A

Chapter 2: Sampling

Effective 1 January 2026 2-35

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2D Part 1. Sample sizes (numbers of seeds) for pelleted seeds, encrusted seed and seed granules

Determinations Minimum submitted Minimum working

sample sample
Purity analysis (including verification of 2 500 2 500
species)
Thousand-seed weight 2 500 Pure pellet fraction
Germination 2 500    400
Determination of other seeds 10 000 7 500
Determination of other seeds (encrusted 25 000 25 000
seeds and seed granules)
Size grading 5 000 1 000

Table 2D Part 2. Sample sizes (number of seeds) for seed tapes and mats

Determinations Minimum submitted Minimum working

sample sample
Verification of species    300   100
Germination 2 000   400
Purity analysis (if required) 2 500 2 500
Determination of other seeds 10 000 7 500
Chapter 2: Sampling

2-36 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

2.9 Heterogeneity testing for seed Mean of all X values determined for the lot in respect of
lots in multiple containers the adopted attribute:

The object of heterogeneity testing is to detect the pres- ∑X

X=
ence of heterogeneity which makes the seed lot techni- N
cally unacceptable for sampling according to the object
as defined in 2.1. Acceptable variance of independent container samples in
respect of purity or germination percentages:

2.9.1 The H value test X × (100 – X )

W= ×f
n
[Link] Definitions of terms and symbols
Acceptable variance of independent container samples in
The testing of predominantly in-range heterogeneity of respect of number of other seeds:
an attribute adopted as an indicator involves a compari-
son between the observed variance and the acceptable W=X×f
variance of that attribute. The container samples of a seed
lot are samples drawn independently of each other from Observed variance of independent container samples
different containers. The examinations of container sam- based on all X values in respect of the adopted attribute:
ples for the indicating attribute must also be mutually in-
dependent. Since there is only one source of information N ∑ X2 – ( ∑ X )2
V=
for each container, heterogeneity within containers is not N(N–1)
directly involved. The acceptable variance is calculated
by multiplying the theoretical variance caused by random H value:
variation with a factor f for additional variation, taking
into account the level of heterogeneity which is achiev- V
H= –f
able in good seed production practice. The theoretical W
variance can be calculated from the respective probabil-
ity distributions, which is the binomial distribution in the Negative H values are reported as zero.
case of purity and germination, and the Poisson distribu-
tion in the case of the other seed count. Table 2E. Factors for additional variation in seed lots to be
used for calculating W and finally the H value
No number of containers in the lot
Attributes Non-chaffy seeds Chaffy seeds
N  number of independent container samples Purity 1.1 1.2
Other seed count 1.4 2.2
Germination 1.1 1.2
n  number of seeds tested from each container sample
(1000 for purity, 100 for germination and 2500 for
other seed count, see [Link]) Remarks:
• For purity and germination calculate to two decimal
X  test result of the adopted attribute in a container places if N is less than 10 and to three decimal places
sample if N is 10 or more.
• For the number of other seeds, calculate to one dec-
∑  symbol for sum of all values imal place if N is less than 10, and to two decimal
places if N is 10 or more.
f  factor for multiplying the theoretical variance to ob- • For definition of non-chaffy and chaffy seeds see 3.6.6
Chapter 2: Sampling

tain the acceptable variance (see Table 2E) of the ISTA Rules. The chaffiness of various genera is
listed in Table 3B Part 1.

Effective 1 January 2026 2-37

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2F. Sampling intensity and critical H values. Number of independent container samples to be drawn as depend-
ing on the number of containers in the lot and critical H values for seed lot heterogeneity at a significance level of 1 %
probability

Number of Number of inde- Critical H value for purity and Critical H value for other seed
containers in pendent container germination attributes count attributes
the lot samples
non-chaffy seeds chaffy seeds non-chaffy seeds chaffy seeds
5 5 2.55 2.78 3.25 5.10
6 6 2.22 2.42 2.83 4.44
7 7 1.98 2.17 2.52 3.98
8 8 1.80 1.97 2.30 3.61
9 9 1.66 1.81 2.11 3.32
10 10 1.55 1.69 1.97 3.10
11–15 11 1.45 1.58 1.85 2.90
16–25 15 1.19 1.31 1.51 2.40
26–35 17 1.10 1.20 1.40 2.20
36–49 18 1.07 1.16 1.36 2.13
50 or more 20 0.99 1.09 1.26 2.00

[Link] Sampling the lot In the laboratory, a working sample is drawn from each
container sample and tested independently of any other
The number of independent container samples must be sample for the chosen attribute.
not less than presented in Table 2F.
Sampling intensity has been chosen such that in a a. The percentage by weight of any component may
lot containing about 10 % deviating containers, at least be used, provided it can be separated as in the purity
one deviating container is selected with a probability of analysis, e.g. pure seed, other seeds, or empty seeds
p = 90 %. Since the detection of a deviating container is of grasses. The working sample should be of such
conditional on selection, the power of both tests to detect weight as is estimated to contain 1000 seeds counted
heterogeneity is at best close to equal, but usually lower from each container sample. Each working sample is
than the chosen selection probability. (Reference: Steiner, separated into two fractions: the selected component
A. M. and Meyer, U. (1990), H value and R value hetero- and the remainder.
geneity testing of seed lots; properties, sampling intensity b. Any kind of seed or seedling determinable in a stand-
and precision. Agribiological Research 43, 103–114.) ard germination test may be used, e.g. normal seed-
The containers to be sampled are chosen strictly at lings, abnormal seedlings or hard seeds. From each
random. The sample taken from the container must ad- container sample a germination test of 100 seeds is set
equately represent the whole contents, e.g. the top, mid- up simultaneously and completed in accordance with
dle and bottom of a bag. The weight of each container conditions specified in Table 5A.
sample must be not less than half that specified in Table c. The seed count may be of any component that can
2C, column 3. be counted, e.g. a specified seed species, or all other
seeds together. Each working sample must be of a
weight estimated to contain about 2500 seeds and a
[Link] Testing procedure count is made in it of the number of seeds of the kind
selected (i.e. other seed count).
The attribute adopted to indicate heterogeneity may be:
a. percentage by weight of any purity component,
Chapter 2: Sampling

b. percentage of any germination test component, or

c. the total number seeds or the number of any sin-
gle species in the determination of other seeds by
number.

2-38 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

[Link] Use of Table 2F and to the Poisson distribution in the case of the other
seed count, multiplied by the square root of the factor f
Table 2F shows the critical H values which would be ex- given in Table 2E, respectively. The spread between con-
ceeded in only 1 % of tests from seed lots with an ac- tainers is characterised by the calculated range to be com-
ceptable distribution of the attribute adopted as indica- pared with the corresponding tolerated range.
tor. If the calculated H value exceeds the critical H value
belonging to the sample number N, the attribute and the
chaffiness in Table 2F, then the lot is considered to show [Link] Definitions of terms and symbols
significant heterogeneity in the in-range, or possibly also
the off-range sense. If, however, the calculated H value is No number of containers in the lot
less than or equal to the tabulated critical H value, then
the lot is considered to show no heterogeneity in the in- N  number of independent container samples
range, or possibly off-range sense with respect to the at-
tribute being tested. n  number of seeds tested from each container sample
(1000 for purity, 100 for germination and 2500 for
other seed count, see [Link])
[Link] Reporting results
X  test result of the adopted attribute in a container
The result of the H value heterogeneity test for seed lots sample
in multiple containers must be reported under ‘Other de-
terminations’, as follows: ∑  symbol for sum of all values
• X: mean of all X values determined for the lot in
respect of the adopted attribute; Mean of all X values determined for the lot in respect of
• N: number of independent container samples; the adopted attribute:
• No: number of containers in the lot;
• the calculated H value; ∑X
X=
• the statement: ‘This H value does/does not indicate N
significant heterogeneity.’
Range found as maximum difference between independ-
Note: the H value must not be calculated or reported if X ent container samples of the lot in respect of the adopted
is outside the following limits: attribute:
• purity components: above 99.8 % or below 0.2 %;
• germination: above 99.0 % or below 1.0 %; R = Xmax – Xmin
• number of specified seeds: below two per sample.
Note: for precision of X for the R value test, see [Link]
‘Remarks’ to the H value test.
2.9.2 The R value test

The object of this test is to detect off-range heterogeneity [Link] Sampling the lot
of the seed lot using the attribute adopted as an indica-
tor. The test for off-range heterogeneity involves compar- Sampling for the R value test is the same as for the H
ing the maximum difference found between samples of value test (see [Link]); the same samples must be used.
similar size drawn from the lot with a tolerated range.
This tolerated range is based on the acceptable standard
deviation, which is achievable in good seed production [Link] Testing procedure
practice.
Chapter 2: Sampling

Each independent container sample is taken from a The same testing procedures of purity, germination and
different container, so that heterogeneity within contain- the other seed count are used for the R value test as are
ers is not directly involved. Information about hetero- used for the H value test (see [Link]). For calculations,
geneity within containers is contained, however, in the the same set of data must be used.
acceptable standard deviation which is in fact incorpo-
rated into the tabulation of tolerated ranges. The accept-
able standard deviation was calculated by the standard
deviation due to random variation according to the bino-
mial distribution in the case of purity and germination,

Effective 1 January 2026 2-39

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

[Link] Use of tables [Link] Reporting results

Seed lot off-range heterogeneity is tested by using the ap- The result of the R value heterogeneity test for seed lots
propriate table for tolerated, i.e. critical range: in multiple containers must be reported under ‘Other de-
• Table 2G for components of pure seed analyses, terminations’, as follows:
• Table 2H for germination determinations, and • X: mean of all X values determined for the lot in
• Table 2I for numbers of other seeds. respect of the adopted attribute;
• N: number of independent container samples;
Find the value X in the ‘Average’ columns of the appro- • No: number of containers in the lot;
priate table. When entering the table, round averages fol- • the calculated R value;
lowing the usual procedure; read off the tolerated range • the statement: ‘This R value does/does not indicate
which would be exceeded in only 1 % of tests from seed significant heterogeneity.’
lots with an acceptable distribution of the attribute:
• in columns 5–9 for cases when N = 5 to 9,
• in columns 10–19 for cases when N = 10 to 19, or 2.9.3 Interpretation of results
• in column 20 when N = 20.
Whenever either of the two tests, the H value test or the R
If the calculated R value exceeds this tolerated range, value test, indicates significant heterogeneity, then the lot
then the lot is considered to show significant heterogene- must be declared heterogeneous. When, however, neither
ity in the off-range sense. If, however, the calculated R of the two tests indicates significant heterogeneity, then
value is less than or equal to the tabulated tolerated range, the lot must be adopted as non-heterogeneous, having a
then the lot is considered to show no heterogeneity in the non-significant level of heterogeneity.
off-range sense with respect to the attribute being tested.
When using the tables, round averages to the next
tabulated value (if in the middle, then downwards).
Chapter 2: Sampling

2-40 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2G Part 1. Maximum tolerated ranges for the R Table 2G Part 2. Maximum tolerated ranges for the R
value test at a significance level of 1 % probability using value test at a significance level of 1 % probability using
components of purity analyses as the indicating attribute components of purity analyses as the indicating attribute
in non-chaffy seeds in chaffy seeds

Average % of the compo- Tolerated range for number of Average % of the compo- Tolerated range for number of
nent and its complement independent samples (N) nent and its complement independent samples (N)
5–9 10–19 20 5–9 10–19 20
99.9 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.6 99.9 0.1 0.5 0.6 0.6
99.8 0.2 0.7 0.8 0.8 99.8 0.2 0.7 0.8 0.9
99.7 0.3 0.8 0.9 1.0 99.7 0.3 0.9 1.0 1.1
99.6 0.4 1.0 1.1 1.2 99.6 0.4 1.0 1.1 1.2
99.5 0.5 1.1 1.2 1.3 99.5 0.5 1.1 1.3 1.4
99.4 0.6 1.2 1.3 1.4 99.4 0.6 1.2 1.4 1.5
99.3 0.7 1.3 1.4 1.6 99.3 0.7 1.3 1.5 1.6
99.2 0.8 1.4 1.5 1.7 99.2 0.8 1.4 1.6 1.7
99.1 0.9 1.4 1.6 1.8 99.1 0.9 1.5 1.7 1.8
99.0 1.0 1.5 1.7 1.9 99.0 1.0 1.6 1.8 1.9
98.5 1.5 1.9 2.1 2.3 98.5 1.5 1.9 2.2 2.4
98.0 2.0 2.1 2.4 2.6 98.0 2.0 2.2 2.5 2.7
97.5 2.5 2.4 2.7 2.9 97.5 2.5 2.5 2.8 3.1
97.0 3.0 2.6 2.9 3.2 97.0 3.0 2.7 3.0 3.3
96.5 3.5 2.8 3.1 3.4 96.5 3.5 2.9 3.3 3.6
96.0 4.0 3.0 3.4 3.7 96.0 4.0 3.1 3.5 3.8
95.5 4.5 3.2 3.5 3.9 95.5 4.5 3.3 3.7 4.1
95.0 5.0 3.3 3.7 4.1 95.0 5.0 3.5 3.9 4.3
94.0 6.0 3.6 4.1 4.5 94.0 6.0 3.8 4.2 4.6
93.0 7.0 3.9 4.4 4.8 93.0 7.0 4.1 4.6 5.0
92.0 8.0 4.1 4.6 5.1 92.0 8.0 4.3 4.8 5.3
91.0 9.0 4.4 4.9 5.4 91.0 9.0 4.6 5.1 5.6
90.0 10.0 4.6 5.1 5.6 90.0 10.0 4.8 5.4 5.9
89.0 11.0 4.8 5.4 5.9 89.0 11.0 5.0 5.6 6.1
88.0 12.0 5.0 5.6 6.1 88.0 12.0 5.2 5.8 6.4
87.0 13.0 5.1 5.8 6.3 87.0 13.0 5.4 6.0 6.6
86.0 14.0 5.3 5.9 6.5 86.0 14.0 5.5 6.2 6.8
85.0 15.0 5.4 6.1 6.7 85.0 15.0 5.7 6.4 7.0
84.0 16.0 5.6 6.3 6.9 84.0 16.0 5.8 6.6 7.2
83.0 17.0 5.7 6.4 7.0 83.0 17.0 6.0 6.7 7.4
82.0 18.0 5.9 6.6 7.2 82.0 18.0 6.1 6.9 7.5
81.0 19.0 6.0 6.7 7.4 81.0 19.0 6.3 7.0 7.7
80.0 20.0 6.1 6.8 7.5 80.0 20.0 6.4 7.1 7.8
78.0 22.0 6.3 7.1 7.8 78.0 22.0 6.6 7.4 8.1
76.0 24.0 6.5 7.3 8.0 76.0 24.0 6.8 7.6 8.4
74.0 26.0 6.7 7.5 8.2 74.0 26.0 7.0 7.8 8.6
72.0 28.0 6.9 7.7 8.4 72.0 28.0 7.2 8.0 8.8
70.0 30.0 7.0 7.8 8.6 70.0 30.0 7.3 8.2 9.0
68.0 32.0 7.1 8.0 8.7 68.0 32.0 7.4 8.3 9.1
66.0 34.0 7.2 8.1 8.9 66.0 34.0 7.5 8.5 9.3
64.0 36.0 7.3 8.2 9.0 64.0 36.0 7.6 8.6 9.4
62.0 38.0 7.4 8.3 9.1 62.0 38.0 7.7 8.7 9.5
Chapter 2: Sampling

60.0 40.0 7.5 8.4 9.2 60.0 40.0 7.8 8.8 9.6
58.0 42.0 7.5 8.4 9.2 58.0 42.0 7.9 8.8 9.7
56.0 44.0 7.6 8.5 9.3 56.0 44.0 7.9 8.9 9.7
54.0 46.0 7.6 8.5 9.3 54.0 46.0 7.9 8.9 9.8
52.0 48.0 7.6 8.6 9.4 52.0 48.0 8.0 8.9 9.8
50.0 50.0 7.6 8.6 9.4 50.0 50.0 8.0 8.9 9.8

Effective 1 January 2026 2-41

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2H Part 1. Maximum tolerated ranges for the R Table 2H Part 2. Maximum tolerated ranges for the R
value test at a significance level of 1 % probability using value test at a significance level of 1 % probability using
components of germination tests as the indicating attribute components of germination tests as the indicating attribute
in non-chaffy seeds in chaffy seeds

Average % of the compo- Tolerated range for number of Average % of the compo- Tolerated range for number of
nent and its complement independent samples (N) nent and its complement independent samples (N)
5–9 10–19 20 5–9 10–19 20
99 1 5 6 6 99 1 6 6 7
98 2 7 8 9 98 2 8 8 9
97 3 9 10 11 97 3 9 10 11
96 4 10 11 12 96 4 10 12 13
95 5 11 12 13 95 5 11 13 14
94 6 12 13 15 94 6 12 14 15
93 7 13 14 16 93 7 13 15 16
92 8 14 15 17 92 8 14 16 17
91 9 14 16 17 91 9 15 17 18
90 10 15 17 18 90 10 16 17 19
89 11 16 17 19 89 11 16 18 20
88 12 16 18 20 88 12 17 19 21
87 13 17 19 20 87 13 17 20 21
86 14 17 19 21 86 14 18 20 22
85 15 18 20 22 85 15 18 21 23
84 16 18 20 22 84 16 19 21 23
83 17 19 21 23 83 17 19 22 24
82 18 19 21 23 82 18 20 22 24
81 19 19 22 24 81 19 20 23 25
80 20 20 22 24 80 20 21 23 25
79 21 20 23 25 79 21 21 24 26
78 22 20 23 25 78 22 21 24 26
77 23 21 23 25 77 23 22 24 27
76 24 21 24 26 76 24 22 25 27
75 25 21 24 26 75 25 22 25 27
74 26 22 24 26 74 26 23 25 28
73 27 22 25 27 73 27 23 26 28
72 28 22 25 27 72 28 23 26 28
71 29 22 25 27 71 29 23 26 29
70 30 23 25 28 70 30 24 26 29
69 31 23 26 28 69 31 24 27 29
68 32 23 26 28 68 32 24 27 29
67 33 23 26 28 67 33 24 27 30
66 34 23 26 29 66 34 24 27 30
65 35 24 26 29 65 35 25 27 30
64 36 24 26 29 64 36 25 28 30
63 37 24 27 29 63 37 25 28 30
62 38 24 27 29 62 38 25 28 31
61 39 24 27 29 61 39 25 28 31
60 40 24 27 30 60 40 25 28 31
59 41 24 27 30 59 41 25 28 31
58 42 24 27 30 58 42 25 28 31
Chapter 2: Sampling

57 43 24 27 30 57 43 25 28 31
56 44 24 27 30 56 44 26 29 31
55 45 25 27 30 55 45 26 29 31
54 46 25 27 30 54 46 26 29 31
53 47 25 28 30 53 47 26 29 31
52 48 25 28 30 52 48 26 29 31
51 49 25 28 30 51 49 26 29 31
50 50 25 28 30 50 50 26 29 31

2-42 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2I Part 1. Maximum tolerated ranges for the R value test at a significance level of 1 % probability using compo-
nents of other seed count analyses as the indicating attribute in non-chaffy seeds

Average count Tolerated range for number of Average count Tolerated range for number of
of other seeds independent samples (N) of other seeds independent samples (N)
5–9 10–19 20 5–9 10–19 20
1 6 7 7 51 39 44 48
2 8 9 10 52 40 45 49
3 10 11 12 53 40 45 49
4 11 13 14 54 40 45 50
5 13 14 15 55 41 46 50
6 14 15 17 56 41 46 51
7 15 17 18 57 42 47 51
8 16 18 19 58 42 47 51
9 17 19 21 59 42 47 52
10 18 20 22 60 43 48 52
11 19 21 23 61 43 48 53
12 19 22 24 62 43 49 53
13 20 23 25 63 44 49 54
14 21 23 26 64 44 49 54
15 22 24 26 65 44 50 54
16 22 25 27 66 45 50 55
17 23 26 28 67 45 50 55
18 24 26 29 68 45 51 56
19 24 27 30 69 46 51 56
20 25 28 30 70 46 52 56
21 25 28 31 71 46 52 57
22 26 29 32 72 47 52 57
23 27 30 33 73 47 53 58
24 27 30 33 74 47 53 58
25 28 31 34 75 48 53 58
26 28 32 35 76 48 54 59
27 29 32 35 77 48 54 59
28 29 33 36 78 49 54 60
29 30 33 37 79 49 55 60
30 30 34 37 80 49 55 60
31 31 34 38 81 49 55 61
32 31 35 38 82 50 56 61
33 32 36 39 83 50 56 61
34 32 36 39 84 50 56 62
35 33 37 40 85 51 57 62
36 33 37 41 86 51 57 62
37 34 38 41 87 51 57 63
38 34 38 42 88 52 58 63
39 34 39 42 89 52 58 64
40 35 39 43 90 52 58 64
41 35 40 43 91 52 59 64
42 36 40 44 92 53 59 65
43 36 41 44 93 53 59 65
44 37 41 45 94 53 60 65
Chapter 2: Sampling

45 37 41 45 95 54 60 66
46 37 42 46 96 54 60 66
47 38 42 46 97 54 61 66
48 38 43 47 98 54 61 67
49 39 43 47 99 55 61 67
50 39 44 48 100 55 62 67

Effective 1 January 2026 2-43

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2I Part 1. Maximum tolerated ranges for the R value test at a significance level of 1 % probability using compo-
nents of other seed count analyses as the indicating attribute in non-chaffy seeds (continued)

Average count Tolerated range for number of Average count Tolerated range for number of
of other seeds independent samples (N) of other seeds independent samples (N)
5–9 10–19 20 5–9 10–19 20
101 55 62 68 121 60 68 74
102 55 62 68 122 61 68 74
103 56 62 68 123 61 68 75
104 56 63 69 124 61 68 75
105 56 63 69 125 61 69 75
106 57 63 69 126 62 69 76
107 57 64 70 127 62 69 76
108 57 64 70 128 62 70 76
109 57 64 70 129 62 70 76
110 58 65 71 130 63 70 77
111 58 65 71 131 63 70 77
112 58 65 71 132 63 71 77
113 58 65 72 133 63 71 78
114 59 66 72 134 64 71 78
115 59 66 72 135 64 71 78
116 59 66 73 136 64 72 78
117 59 67 73 137 64 72 79
118 60 67 73 138 64 72 79
119 60 67 73
120 60 67 74

For higher other seed counts, tolerances (R) are calculated by using the following formula and rounding up to the next
whole number:
For N = 5–9: R = √(average count of other seed) × 5.44
For N = 10–19: R = √(average count of other seed) × 6.11
For N = 20: R = √(average count of other seed) × 6.69
Chapter 2: Sampling

2-44 Effective 1 January 2026

International Rules for Seed Testing Chapter 2: Sampling

Table 2I Part 2. Maximum tolerated ranges for the R value test at a significance level of 1 % probability using compo-
nents of other seed count analyses as the indicating attribute in chaffy seeds

Average count Tolerated range for number of Average count Tolerated range for number of
of other seeds independent samples (N) of other seeds independent samples (N)
5–9 10–19 20 5–9 10–19 20
1 7 8 9 51 49 55 60
2 10 11 12 52 50 56 61
3 12 14 15 53 50 56 62
4 14 16 17 54 51 57 62
5 16 18 19 55 51 57 63
6 17 19 21 56 52 58 63
7 19 21 23 57 52 58 64
8 20 22 24 58 52 59 64
9 21 23 26 59 53 59 65
10 22 25 27 60 53 60 65
11 23 26 28 61 54 60 66
12 24 27 30 62 54 61 66
13 25 28 31 63 55 61 67
14 26 29 32 64 55 62 68
15 27 30 33 65 56 62 68
16 28 31 34 66 56 63 69
17 29 32 35 67 56 63 69
18 29 33 36 68 57 64 70
19 30 34 37 69 57 64 70
20 31 35 38 70 58 65 71
21 32 36 39 71 58 65 71
22 33 36 40 72 58 65 72
23 33 37 41 73 59 66 72
24 34 38 42 74 59 66 73
25 35 39 42 75 60 67 73
26 35 40 43 76 60 67 74
27 36 40 44 77 60 68 74
28 37 41 45 78 61 68 75
29 37 42 46 79 61 69 75
30 38 42 46 80 62 69 75
31 38 43 47 81 62 69 76
32 39 44 48 82 62 70 76
33 40 44 49 83 63 70 77
34 40 45 49 84 63 71 77
35 41 46 50 85 63 71 78
36 41 46 51 86 64 71 78
37 42 47 51 87 64 72 79
38 43 48 52 88 65 72 79
39 43 48 53 89 65 73 80
40 44 49 54 90 65 73 80
41 44 50 54 91 66 74 80
42 45 50 55 92 66 74 81
43 45 51 55 93 66 74 81
44 46 51 56 94 67 75 82
Chapter 2: Sampling

45 46 52 57 95 67 75 82
46 47 52 57 96 67 75 83
47 47 53 58 97 68 76 83
48 48 54 59 98 68 76 83
49 48 54 59 99 68 77 84
50 49 55 60 100 69 77 84

Effective 1 January 2026 2-45

 Chapter 2: Sampling International Rules for Seed Testing

Table 2I Part 2. Maximum tolerated ranges for the R value test at a significance level of 1 % probability using compo-
nents of other seed count analyses as the indicating attribute in chaffy seeds (continued)

Average count Tolerated range for number of Average count Tolerated range for number of
of other seeds independent samples (N) of other seeds independent samples (N)
5–9 10–19 20 5–9 10–19 20
101 69 77 85 121 76 85 93
102 69 78 85 122 76 85 93
103 70 78 86 123 76 85 93
104 70 79 86 124 76 86 94
105 70 79 86 125 77 86 94
106 71 79 87 126 77 86 95
107 71 80 87 127 77 87 95
108 71 80 88 128 78 87 95
109 72 80 88 129 78 87 96
110 72 81 88 130 78 88 96
111 72 81 89 131 79 88 96
112 73 81 89 132 79 88 97
113 73 82 90 133 79 89 97
114 73 82 90 134 79 89 98
115 74 83 90 135 80 89 98
116 74 83 91 136 80 90 98
117 74 83 91 137 80 90 99
118 75 84 92 138 81 90 99
119 75 84 92
120 75 84 92

For higher other seed counts, tolerances (R) are calculated by using the following formula and rounding up to the next
whole number:
For N = 5–9: R = √(average count of other seed) × 6.82
For N = 10–19: R = √(average count of other seed) × 7.65
For N = 20: R = √(average count of other seed) × 8.38
Chapter 2: Sampling

2-46 Effective 1 January 2026