Cotton Production in Mississippi
How do I use germination test results?
A useful guide is Understanding and Using Results of Cottonseed Germination Tests. This publication is also available through any Extension Service county office upon request. Seed quality information can be obtained through dealers, distributors, seed company representatives, or samples can be sent to state or private seed-testing laboratories for analysis. Please keep in mind that variability exists between seed-testing laboratories, particularly with the Cool Germination Test.
Under favorable conditions, when seed is planted into warm (near 86º F or warmer) and moist soils, emergence should be close to the standard germination percentage. In contrast, the Cool Germination Test indicates how a particular seed lot will perform in cool (not cold) soils near 65º F. Experience and research information tells us that 80% standard germination and 50-60% cool germination are minimums necessary for good planting-seed vigor.