Laboratory Services
Laboratory services offered by NIAB have for some time been marketed under the Labtest brand.
Please see the Labtest price list for more information.
Labtest covers the commercial laboratory testing activities at the NIAB and includes seed quality, seed pathology and chemical analysis, a plant clinic.
Quality Seed is essential if a profitable crop is to be produced. Whilst certified seed offers a convenient, quality assured product and access to the newest varieties, farm processing can be a way to reduce input costs. However, if the reduction in input cost is to be converted into an improved gross margin the seed sown must be viable, pure, of the right variety and seed borne diseases must have been controlled.
Our testing packages offer the farmer a quick and convenient way of checking the quality of farm saved seed prior to sowing. Basic tests cover germination and thousand-grain weight allowing sowing rates to be optimised. Standard tests also include the assessment of seed for common diseases allowing the right chemical dressing strategy to be adopted.