Testing on varietal trueness and - purity of vegetable seeds or plants

About the test

Vegetable seed samples or vegetable plants can be tested on varietal trueness and varietal purity by us. Seeds or plants from a batch are included in a trial for this purpose. You can supply seeds or plants yourself or the Naktuinbouw inspector can perform a sampling on your request, so that you will get a report of the entire batch of seeds or plants. At a time when a good examination will be possible, we invite you to visit the trials together with our employees.

After the test we will issue a written report. The cost of the test depends on the number of plants required. A standard number will usually be sufficient to determine varietal trueness, but a double number of plants is desirable to determine varietal purity. Sampling costs are charged separately.

A trial under artificial light in the winter period is also possible for onion, beetroot and carrot. You can expect these results after about 3 months after sowing. This trial has a special fee.

young plants tested on quarantine diseases

Disinfection of vegetable seeds

In general, the seed must not have been subjected to any chemical or other treatment, unless this is specifically permitted or required. Treatments can mask the characteristics of the seed, can influence the germination and therefore subsequently the crop development. But, they can also influence the storability of the seed.

Examples of seed treatments that are not permitted:

Fungicides with systemic action and non-systemic action (including Thiram)
Insecticides (including Neonicotinoids)
(Organic) coating that influences germination and/or plant development (including B-mox, Sapphire and Premix)
Priming/primed seeds (except for tomato rootstock and for eggplant)
Pelleted seeds

Identity samples that do not meet the requirements will not be accepted.

An overview of permitted and not permitted seed disinfections and seed treatments by Variety Testing can be found below:

overview of permitted and not permitted seed disinfections and seed treatments

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

At what time do I supply the seeds or plant material for examination on varietal trueness and varietal purity?

This is depending on the crop. We try to include your material in the regular trials. When this is not possible, we can do a trial especially for you. In this case we possibly will make you a quote.

How much time does the examination for varietal trueness and varietal purity take?

The duration of the trial is different for each crop. We will inform you about when you can expect the result.

How to apply for a sampling for determination of varietal trueness and varietal purity?

You can contact Inspections. They will arrange the sampling at your premisses.

How much does it cost to have varietal trueness and varietal purity determined?

On this page you will find the fee for determination of varietal trueness and varietal purity.

I think DNA testing is needed. Is Naktuinbouw well equipped for this service too?

If you think DNA testing is needed to establish the identity of material: Naktuinbouw is well equipped for this service too. The combination of DNA testing and testing at the trial facility is often recognised in a legal case. Naktuinbouw Variety Tracer is ready to help you.