(L) No person who
has been granted a certificate as a licensed plant breeder shall be allowed to
advertise the fact without designating in all such advertising material the
crop or crops that certificate is granted for.
GENERAL SEED CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
These general standards are applicable to all crops eligible
for certification, and with the specific standards for each crop will
constitute the Regulations for Seed Certification.
A.
Type of Certifying
Organization: The Arkansas State Plant Board under Act 73 of Acts 1931
of the state legislature is the official certifying agent.
B.
Purpose of Certification: The
purpose shall be to maintain and make available to the public, through seed
certification, high quality seeds and propagating materials of superior crop
plant varieties, so grown and distributed as to insure genetic identity and
purity.
C.
Eligibility of
Crop Varieties for Certification:
1.
Those varieties approved by the State Plant Board in cooperation with the
Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Arkansas will be eligible
for certification. Only one variety of the same crop may be grown for
certification on a farm, except on prior approval of the certifying
agency.
2. The State Plant Board
shall require the originator, developer, or owner of the variety, or agent
thereof, to make the following available when eligibility for certification is
requested:
(a) The name of the
variety.
(b) A statement concerning
the variety's origin and the breeding procedure used in its
development.
(c) A detailed
description of the morphological, physiological, and other characteristics of
the plants and seed that distinguish it from other varieties.
(d) Evidence supporting the identity of the
variety, such as comparative yield data, insect and disease resistance, or
other factors supporting the identity of the variety.
(e) A statement delineating the geographic
area or areas of adaptation of the variety.
(f) A statement of the plans and procedures
for the maintenance of seed classes, including the number of generations
through which the variety may be multiplied.
(g) A description of the manner in which the
variety is constituted when a particular cycle of reproduction or
multiplication is specified.
(h)
Any additional restrictions on the variety, specified by the breeder, with
respect to geographic area of seed production, age of stand or other factors
affecting genetic purity.
(i) A
sample of seed representative of the variety as marketed.
3. Varieties may also be admitted into seed
certification after favorable action by one or more of the following:
1) National Certified Variety Review
Board
2) Plant Variety Protection
Office (must also include information listed in C. 2- e, f, g, h, and i
above)
3) AOSCA member
agency
4) Varieties eligible for
certification under O.E.C.D. Seed Schemes
D.
Classes of Certified Seed and
Definition of Terms: Four classes of seed shall be recognized for seed
certification. These classes shall meet the specific requirements approved for
each crop. These classes are as follows:
1.
Breeder Seed (A class reserved for licensed plant breeders).
Breeder seed shall be seed directly controlled by the originator, or in certain
cases, the sponsoring plant breeder, which is used in developing and
maintaining a variety, and is never available to the public for general use.
Breeder seed is used for the production of Foundation, Registered or Certified
Seed. If Breeder seed is to be tagged, it must be tagged with a white tag
labeled "Breeder Seed".
2.
Foundation Seed. Foundation seed shall be the progeny of Breeder
(or Foundation) seed so handled as to most nearly maintain specific genetic
identity and purity of the variety as described by the breeder in its approved
release and/or as described in the registration of the variety as approved by
the National Committee on Registration of Crop Varieties, and meets the
standards approved for this class. Foundation seed shall be produced only by or
under the direct supervision of a licensed plant breeder. White tags shall be
used to designate this class.
3.
Registered Seed. Registered seed shall be the progeny of
Foundation seed that is so handled as to maintain satisfactory genetic identity
and purity, and meets the standards established for this class by the
certifying agency. Purple tags shall be used to designate this class.
4.
Certified Seed (Blue Tag).
Certified Blue Tag class seed shall be produced from either Foundation or
Registered class seed that has been so handled that it meets the standards
established for this class. A blue tag or label shall be used to designate this
class.
Note: At the discretion of the certifying agency a grower may
be permitted to continue production of seed for certification from lots of seed
that were fully inspected but rejected because of factors which did not involve
genetic identity and purity of germplasm.
5.
Off-type. Off-type means a
plant or seed which deviates in one or more characteristics from the
description filed with the certifying agency by the breeder as being usual for
the strain or variety.
E.
Limitation of Generations for
Certified Seed: The number of generations through which a variety may be
multiplied shall be limited to that specified by the originating breeder or
owner and shall not exceed two generations beyond the Foundation seed class
with the following exceptions which may be made with the permission of the
originating or sponsoring plant breeder, institution, or the designee:
1. Recertification of the Certified class may
be permitted when no Foundation is being maintained.
2. The production of an additional generation
of the Certified class may be permitted on a 1-year basis only, when an
emergency is declared prior to the planting season by the State Plant Board,
stating that the Foundation and Registered seed supplies are not adequate to
plant the needed Certified acreage of the variety. The additional generation of
Certified seed to meet the emergency need is ineligible for
recertification.
F.
Establishing Source of Seed: Any person applying for certification
on a crop planted from seed other than his own production, must submit with his
application, a copy of purchase invoice with identity, or other documentary
evidence to provide source, quantity, and class of seed planted. If application
covers seed of own production, the applicant shall identify the lot number,
quantity and class of seed being planted.
G.
Application:
A. The State Plant Board will furnish
application blanks for certifying seed. The dates for filing applications on
the various crops are as follows:
Small Grains (oats, wheat, rye,
barley)..................
|
..April 1
|
Red, white and crimson clover and
watermelons...
|
.April 20
|
Rapeseed and Eastern
Gamagrass.......................
|
.May 1
|
Fescue, vetch and
okra..........................................
|
..May 15
|
Corn........................................................................
|
June 1
|
Rice, cotton, lespedeza and
cowpeas....................
|
..July 1
|
Soybeans................................................................
|
..August 15
|
Sorghum.................................................................
|
September 1
|
B. The
State Plant Board will furnish application blanks for certifying vegetatively
propagated turfgrass applications. The date for filing applications is March
1
st.
Applications should be made on or before the above dates. Late
applications may be accepted provided they can be processed and the inspection
made without jeopardizing the handling of those applications filed prior to the
deadline date. The fee for late applications will be an additional $50.00 for
each variety applied on. The applicant must have in force a valid Seed
Labeler's License or Certification Permit (Refer to Circular 10:
Regulations on the Sale of Planting Seed in Arkansas, Section 5.
Fees.)
H.
Fees: The application fee and the acreage inspection fee shall be
paid at the time the application is filed for all crops except cotton. The
acreage inspection fee on cotton shall be paid prior to the time the field
inspection is made.
1. The application fee
for all seed crops for each variety shall be $20.00 and the acreage inspection
fee shall be $1.50 per acre for all crops, except rice, which shall be $2.25
per acre.
(a) An additional ten cents per
acre shall be paid in advance on each acre of certified seed with each
application. These fees shall be remitted through the Arkansas Seed Growers and
Seed Dealers' Associations to the Arkansas Seed Council for promotion and
advertising purposes for Arkansas certified seed.
(b) Promotion and advertising fee needs shall
be reviewed annually by the Plant Board and adjusted if necessary at the
request of the Arkansas Seed Dealers and Seed Growers Associations after a
public hearing.
2.
(a) Tags/Labels:
Printed pressure-sensitive
labels..........................................10 cents each
Printed pressure-sensitive labels for approved reusable bulk
containers........................................8 cents/50 lbs.
Unprinted tags and labels may be purchased at one-half the
price of printed tags/labels when ordered in quantities of 5,000 or more. No
refunds will be made for unused tags/labels.
(b) Blue Tag Bags/Approved New or Reusable
Containers:
Those applicants equipped and approved to label Blue Tag Grade
seed on the containers shall report the amount in each lot so labeled.
Blue Tag
Bags............................................................8
cents/bag
Approved New or Reusable containers:
Rigid Mini-bulk Containers............................8
cents/50 lbs.
Flexible Mini-bulk Containers (Superbags)....8
cents/bushel
(c) Bulk
Certificates:
Those applicants selling crops eligible for bulk certification
shall report the amount of each lot sold on bulk certificates and pay 8
cents/bushel.
Bulk Certificate forms (used for all sales including a movement
of the seed)....$0.25 each.
3.
Extra Inspections: When an
extra inspection is necessary because of findings of a previous inspection, the
fees are as follows:
a)
1. Seed treating equipment only - $7.50 for
each trip.
2. Seed processing plant
or other similar inspections - $15.00 for each trip.
3. Isolation - $25.00 for each field/trip.
On inspections requiring more than 2 hours, $10.00 per hour
will be charged for each additional hour.
b) Fields failing inspection - no more than 2
re-inspections will be made: the 1st reinspection will be charged one half the
acreage inspection fee for the crop kind per acre reinspected; the 2nd
reinspection would be the same as the acreage fee per acre for that
crop.
4.
Annual
License Fee for a Registered Seed Technologist to analyze seed of
designated crops for Certification in Arkansas-$25.00.
5.
Fees for Vegetatively propagated
turfgrasses:
Application Fee: $20.00 for each variety.
Pre-plant inspections (to determine if meets land
requirements):
a) Pre-plant
inspection: $25.00 per field per trip
b) If field fails pre-plant inspection and
re-inspection is necessary, reinspection fees are $50 per field per trip.
Acreage Inspection fees: $30.00 per acre. This includes the
three required inspections* and official numbered certificates required for
each shipment of certified sod, sprigs or plugs.
*Any re-inspections necessary between regularly scheduled
inspections will be conducted at $50 per field per trip.
I.
Production of
Seed:
1.
Maintenance of Genetic
Purity and Identity. The applicant for certification shall be
responsible for maintaining genetic purity and identity at all stages of
certification, including seeding, harvesting, storage, processing and labeling
of the seed. Failure of the applicant to maintain genetic purity and identity
at any stage of certification shall be cause for rejection of the crop for
certification.
2.
Unit of
Certification. The unit of certification shall be a clearly defined
field or fields.
3.
Roguing
Fields. Prior to the field inspection, applicants should rogue and
remove from their fields noxious weeds, off-type plants, varietal mixtures and
any other plants, the seeds of which are inseparable from the crop being
certified. Where extra inspections are requested, an additional charge will be
made (see section 3, under Fees).
4.
Field Inspections. One or
more field inspections will be made as is deemed necessary by the certifying
agency. Field inspections will be made during a period when genetic purity and
identity can best be determined. Fields must be inspected prior to any
treatment used for drying or any action taken that would hinder a proper field
inspection for variety and/or weed identification. All fields must show signs
of good management and be clean enough to permit inspectors to make complete
observation of the crop being certified. Applicant shall have someone available
to show the inspector the fields that are to be checked.
J.
Cleaning Equipment: It is the
applicant's responsibility to make sure that all seeders, drills, wagons,
trucks, harvesters, cleaners, bins, etc., are thoroughly cleaned of other
seeds. The applicant may, before starting to clean seed, secure the Board's
approval of the cleaning equipment. (See FEE section for the cost(s) of this
optional service.)
K.
Storage and Storage Inspection:
1. Seed must be stored in dry,
well-ventilated water-proof buildings accessible for inspection. If in bulk, it
must be separated from any other bulk seed by tight walls which will in no way
permit mixing. This applies to different strains or grades of the same
variety.
2. At least one storage
inspection will be made by a representative of the State Plant Board at such a
time as is deemed most appropriate by the certifying agency.
L.
Processing of
Seed:
1. The following requirements
must be met by processors of all classes of certified seed:
(a) Facilities shall be available to perform
processing without introducing admixtures.
(b) Identity of the seed must be maintained
at all times.
(c) Records of all
operations relating to certification shall be complete and adequate to account
for all incoming seed and final disposition of seed.
(d) Processors shall permit inspection by the
certifying agency of all records pertaining to all classes of certified
seed.
(e) Processors shall
designate an individual who shall be responsible to the certifying agency for
performing such duties as may be required by the certifying agency.
(f) Seed lots of the same variety and class
may be blended and the class retained. If lots of different classes are
blended, the lowest class shall be applied to the resultant blend. Such
blending can only be done when authorized by the State Plant Board.
(g)
1. All
seed approved for certification must be packed in new containers or approved
reusable containers as indicated below.
Registered Grade:
a) New flexible mini-bulk (superbags) or
rigid mini-bulk containers (as approved by the Plant Board Seed Division) for
all crops.
Note: Lot size for registered grade crops packed in these
containers is limited to 3,000 bushels per lot.
Blue tag Grade approved reusable containers are
the following:
a) Rigid Mini-bulk
containers, (as approved by the Plant Board Seed Division,) for soybeans, rice
or wheat.
b) Flexible Mini-bulk
containers (Superbags - new or cleaned) for soybeans, rice or wheat.
2. Blue-tag grade wheat may be
sold in bulk (see Section P).
(h) New moisture tests are not required on
lots after treatment (with fungicides, etc.) if the lot met the standards for
moisture when sampled for complete analysis before treatment.
2.
Bulk Transfers:
Seed eligible for certification may be sold from one
seedsman to another while in bulk, provided, that the identity of the seed has
been maintained at all times and that the appropriate documents have
accompanied the shipment. Contact the Plant Board for specific
instructions.
Inspectors shall make random checks to see that the seed
is being properly handled.
Note: See special requirement for processing cottonseed under
regulations for cotton.
M.
Sampling: An official sample
of each lot of seed to be certified shall be obtained by a representative of
the State Plant Board, at the request of the applicant, from those lots that
are so stored that a complete representative sample may be drawn. These samples
will be drawn according to the rules of the Association of Official Seed
Analysts. These samples, if used as a basis for approving lots for
certification, shall be taken only from lots that have been cleaned, graded,
and packed in approved containers, each of which is printed or stenciled to
show the lot number, except that, all grades of cottonseed may be sampled in
bulk, and Blue Tag Grade seed of all other crops may be sampled in bulk
provided the seed has been cleaned and graded.
In order to secure a representative sample, equal portions
shall be taken from evenly distributed parts of the quantity of seed to be
sampled. Access shall be had to all parts of that quantity. When more than one
trierful of seed is drawn from a bag, different paths shall be followed. When
more than one handful is taken from a bag, the handfuls shall be taken from
well-separated points. Sampling of seed for certification shall be accomplished
by one of the following approved sampling methods:
1. If seed is sampled after processing and
closing of bags, a probe or trier long enough to sample all portions should be
used for free flowing seed. Non-free flowing seed, such as certain grasses and
other seeds difficult to sample with probe or trier, shall be sampled by
thrusting the hand into the bag and withdrawing representative portions.
When sampling closed bags in quantities of one to six bags,
sample each bag and take a total of at least five trierfuls or handfuls. For
lots of more than six bags, sample five bags plus at least 10% of the number of
bags in the lot. Regardless of lot size, it is not necessary to sample more
than thirty bags.
2. If
seed is sampled in bulk it shall be sampled by automatic sampler, turning the
bin, or inserting a long probe or thrusting the hand into the bulk as
circumstances require in at least seven uniformly distributed parts of the
quantity being sampled. At least as many trierfuls or handfuls shall be taken
as the minimum which would be required for the same quantity of seed in bags of
a size customarily used for each seed.
N.
Laboratory Analysis: An
official laboratory analysis will be made by the State Plant Board Laboratory.
Also, a Registered Seed Technologist approved and licensed by the State Plant
Board may run an official analysis on seed for certification of designated
crops only. These analyses will be conducted according to the rules of the
Association of Official Seed Analysts, and will be made from samples obtained
by State Plant Board Inspectors. The sample on which the purity analysis and
noxious weed seed examination is made will not be less than the minimum weights
for working samples required by the State Plant Board's certification
regulations for the grade and kind of seed. Confirmation tests will be made by
the State Plant Board on samples tested by a licensed Registered Seed
Technologist and used as a basis for labeling seed for certification. Such
confirmation tests must show that the seed is truthfully labeled and meets the
minimum standards for the grade and kind of seed.
O.
Tags and Labels for Approved
Containers:
All classes of certified seed, when offered for sale, shall
have an official certification label affixed to each container, clearly
identifying the certifying agency, the reference number, the kind and variety
name, and class of seed. Chemically treated seed shall be labeled to comply
with the seed laws.
1. Traditional
Containers: Each container of certified seed, when sold or offered for sale,
shall bear a certification label obtained from the Plant Board, or an approved
label, carrying a complete analysis of the seed and all required
labeling.
2. Mini-bulk Containers
(such as the flexible or rigid containers as listed in section L.(g): During
conditioning, each bag will be labeled with kind, variety and lot number. When
offered for sale or sold, each container shall bear a certification label with
all required labeling. The weight may be left blank when labels are printed and
written in ink on each label. (Seedsmen who have equipment allowing equal
weight in each bag of a lot, may use labels with weight printed in.)
3. Blue-tag Bags/Preprinted labels: Labeling
for Blue Tag grade seed may be imprinted directly on the container in lieu of
using tags. In this case the Blue Tag grade certification label may be printed
on the container at the factory. Orders for containers printed in this manner
shall be filed with the Plant Board for prior approval before being printed.
Each applicant is responsible for seeing that his certified seed is correctly
bagged and labeled. Tags will be issued and orders for pre-printed containers
will be approved on orders from the applicant only.
An applicant has the option of having the Plant Board print the
complete analysis on the certification tag, or he may have the tags issued
showing his permit number or other identification numbers, or if equipped and
approved may label the containers for Blue Tag Grade seed in lieu of using
tags. In cases where the applicant completely prints his tags or labels, he
shall furnish the Plant Board a true copy of a specimen tag or label for each
lot so labeled and when labeled. In no case can the analysis used be below the
minimum standards established for the grade and crop being certified. The Plant
Board will make periodic checks and/or audits to verify the correct use and
disposition of certified tags, preprinted containers, and other labeling
used.
4. Labeling Seed for
Contract Producers: When an applicant for certification has contract producers
under his own application, and the seed furnished these contract producers was
grown by the applicant, or furnished from any other source, then such seed
shall be identified with a lot number on each container, if bagged, and shall
be truly represented as to purity and germination with a complete analysis
affixed to each container or to the delivery ticket.
5. Securing Labels: Certification labels
other than those printed on the containers shall be attached to containers in a
manner which prevents easy removal and re-attachment.
(a) With fabric bags or open top paper bags,
it is recommended that the tag be sewn on, or in the top of the bag.
(b) With valve filled paper bags and plastic
bags or containers (including metal), it is recommended that the label be glued
to the container with an adhesive which prevents removal without destroying the
label.
(c) Closing of paper,
plastic, and metal containers will vary. The most satisfactory method is that
of cementing the closure with an adhesive (glue, pressure sensitive,
thermo-plastic, etc.), which prevents entry to the container without leaving
noticeable evidence of such tampering. Cementing the certification label over
the enclosure is recommended where practical.
(d) Special stapling devices may be used to
seal the package and attach the certification label. Any such staple should be
unique to certification, with a distinctive design or lettering. Ordinary
stapling devices are not recommended, but may be used.
(e) "Valve filled" paper bags shall be
considered adequately closed and sufficiently tamper-proof.
(f) Mini-bulk Containers (such as the
flexible or rigid containers as listed in section L.
(g) After filled and sampled for grade, bag
shall be sealed with a seal. Before shipping and after approval for grade, the
label will be attached and sealed to prevent removal.
P.
Certification of Seed in
Bulk:
Seed eligible for bulk certification shall meet all field and
clean seed standards for certified seed as specified in these regulations. All
rules for production, conditioning, and testing of certified seed shall apply,
except that seed does not have to be in bags.
1.
Limitations:
a.
Only seed of wheat may be certified
in bulk.
b. Certification of
seed in the bulk shall be limited to the certified (BT) class.
c. Lots are limited to the size of the
bin.
d. Seed certified in the bulk
and sold in the bulk shall not be eligible for recertification.
e. If any seed is bagged out of a dedicated
bulk bin after conditioning and sampling for certified grade of the bulk lot is
completed, a voided bulk certificate for the amount bagged must be sent to the
certification office. (Reminder- Certified labels on bagged seed must have
originating certified grower's certification #.)
f.
Bulk sales shall be limited to a
maximum of two movements:
1) from
applicant producer to an approved retailer or consumer.
2) from approved retailer directly to the
consumer who will plant the seed.
(Form 24 Bulk transfers of seed between certified
growers/seedsmen are unlimited.)
2. Application for bulk certification:
a. In order for a seedsman/producer or retail
facility to sell bulk certified seed, an application for bulk certification and
order for bulk certificates must be made to the Arkansas State Plant Board Seed
Certification office, no later than December 15th for wheat.
Retail Seed Facilities that are not certified producers/dealers
must secure approval from the Arkansas State Plant Board. Application for a
retail facility to sell bulk certified seed from their facility will be
approved after the applicant's storage has been inspected and acceptable
procedures for receiving, storing, dispensing and record keeping for
maintaining identity of the seed have been demonstrated.
b. Each seedsman and/or retail seed facility
must have in force a current Arkansas Bulk Certification Permit for each
location where bulk seed will be sold. Each facility will be subject to
inspection by the Plant Board to assure acceptable procedures are being used in
handling, storing, dispensing and record keeping for maintaining identity of
bulk certified seed. The Bulk Certification Permit fee is $10.00 for each
Retail location.
c.
Justified complaints from inspectors and/or consumers of bulk certified seed
will be handled through the civil penalty enforcement process and/or
arbitration.
3. Storage
Requirements:
a. A separate storage bin must
be available for each variety that will be sold in bulk.
1) Lots purchased from other certified
dealer/producers must be maintained as separate lots.
b. All bins must be clearly and prominently
marked to show crop and variety. The identity of all bulk lots (bin
designations and lot numbers) must be maintained until the entire lot is
disposed of.
c. Storage must be
such that genetic purity and identity can be maintained. All bins must be
constructed so that bin openings can be kept closed to prevent
contamination.
4.
Records/Bulk Certificate Fees:
a. The
serially numbered bulk certified seed certificate takes the place of the
certified seed tag. The buyer must receive a certificate for each load of bulk
certified seed. The required labeling information of the seed sold will be
preprinted on the certificates or written in ink on the bulk certificate at the
time of the sale. A copy of the certificate and any voided certificate must be
returned to the seed certification office at the end of the season.
Bulk Certificates (used for all sales including a movement of
the seed) from a Certified Dealer/Producer to a Bulk Retail Facility or farmer
will cost $0.25 each.
Copies of bulk certificates and a fee of $0.08 per bushel for
the total amount sold as bulk certified shall be returned to the certification
office at the end of each crop season (Jan. 15th for wheat).
b. The following records must be maintained:
The amount of seed grown, conditioned or purchased for bulk
sale. The amount of bulk seed sold by variety and lot number. Current inventory
of seed available for sale of each variety.
At the end of each crop season (Jan. 15 for wheat), a bulk
certified sales summary for each variety and lot number shall be sent to the
Certification office regarding all sales of bulk certified seed. Copies of
retail certificates used as well as all unused certificates shall be returned
at this time.
5.
Sampling:
a. Official samples for complete
test must be drawn from the cleaned seed after conditioning and/or treating.
After the official sample is taken, no additional seed may be added to the
lot.
Q.
Sale of Seed: Certified seed of any crop cannot be sold as such, under
any grade, until the seed has been properly cleaned, graded, packed in approved
containers, with tags/labels or (for seed allowed to be sold in bulk)
accompanied with a bulk certificate.
R.
Substandard Seed in
Emergencies: It is recognized that in an emergency, such as unfavorable
weather conditions, much seed necessary for the advancement of crop improvement
would be lost if regular certification standards are adhered to. Therefore,
under such circumstances, seed failing to meet certification standards other
than those affecting genetic purity may be certified, provided there is no
injury to the reputation of certified seed.
S.
Interagency Certification:
Interagency Certification may be accomplished by participation of more than one
official certifying agency in performing the services required to certify a lot
of seed.
1. Arkansas Certification Standards,
or comparable standards of other official seed certifying agencies must be met
if the State Plant Board is to issue interagency certification tags. This
includes the requirement that all certified seed to be tagged by the State
Plant board must be analyzed by the State Plant Board Seed
Laboratory.
2. Seed to be
recognized for interagency certification must be received in containers
carrying official certification labels, or if shipped for processing, evidence
of its eligibility from another official certifying agency, together with the
following information:
(a) Variety (if
certified as to variety), and kind.
(b) Quantity of seed (pounds or
bushels).
(c) Class of certified
seed.
(d) Inspection or lot number
traceable to the previous certifying agency's records.
3. Each label used in interagency
certification shall be serially numbered, or carry the certification identity
number and clearly identify the certifying agencies involved and the variety
(if certified as to variety), kind and class of certified seed.
T.
Responsibilities:
1. Responsibility for any obligations, other
than those concerned with certification, arising from the sale or shipment of
seed which has been certified rests with the grower or subsequent handler
making the sale or shipment.
2.
Performance of the applicant's seed must closely approach any advertised
claims.
3. If the applicant cannot
give personal supervision to all operations, a competent and careful person
should be put in charge, who thoroughly understands the requirements for
certified seed production. No exceptions can be made for failure of applicant
to follow regulations either through neglect or of failure to understand
them.
U.
Special
Crops Those crops, if accepted for certification, for which no standards
appear in this publication, will be certified on the basis of the minimum
standards established by the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies.
STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION OF CRIMSON
CLOVER
A. The general seed
certification standards are basic, and together with the following specific
standards, shall constitute the regulation for the certification of crimson
clover.
1. Reseeding types of crimson clover,
before being certified, will have to be proven to reseed under Arkansas
conditions.
B.
Land Requirements:
1. A crop of the
same kind must not have been grown or planted on the land for 5, 3 and 2 years
prior to stand establishment for producing the Foundation, Registered and
Certified seed classes respectively.
2. The land must be free of volunteer plants
during the year immediately prior to establishment; however, reseeding
varieties of Crimson Clover may be allowed to volunteer back year after year on
the same ground. When a new reseeding variety is being planted where another
variety once grew, the field history requirements apply.
3. No manure or other contaminating material
shall be applied the year previous to seeding or during the establishment and
productive life of the stand.
C.
Field Standards:
1.
Isolation: All fields used
for the production of certified seed must have the minimum isolation distance
from fields of any other variety, or fields of the same variety that do not
meet the varietal purity requirements for certification, as given in the table
below:
Isolation For -
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Fields of less than 5 acres
|
100 rods
|
60 rods
|
30 rods
|
Fields of more than 5 acres
|
60 rods
|
30 rods
|
20 rods
|
2.
Field Inspection:
Factor
|
MAXIMUM PERMITTED IN EACH
CLASS
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties 1.
|
None
|
.02% (1 in 5000)
|
.05% (1 in 2000)
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 2.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
1.
Other varieties shall be plants that can be differentiated from the
variety being inspected.
2.
Objectionable noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, nutgrass,
dodder, wild onion or wild garlic, johnsongrass, balloonvine, serrated tussock,
itchgrass, and tropical soda apple.
D.
Standards for Cleaned Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
98%
|
98%
|
98%
|
Other Varieties or Other Crop (maximum)
|
18 per lb.
|
18 per lb.
|
27 per lb.
|
Other Noxious Weeds & Crops 2.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Objectionable Weeds 1.
|
None
|
18 per lb.
|
27 per lb.
|
Total Weed Seed (maximum)
|
.25%
|
.25%
|
.5%
|
Inert Matter (maximum)
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Germination, Including Hard Seed (minimum)
|
85%
|
85%
|
85%
|
1. Objectionable
weeds shall include perennial wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), cleavers
(Galium aparine), darnel, corncockle and buckhorn plantain.
2. Crimson clover certified for any class
shall be free of seeds and/or bulbs of all the other noxious weeds of Arkansas
not listed above, also, mustards, rapes, turnips, balloonvine, serrated
tussock, itchgrass, and tropical soda apple.
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF
COTTONSEED
A. The general seed
certification standards are basic, and together with the following specific
standards, shall constitute the regulations for the certification of
cotton.
B.
Licensed Cotton
Breeders: A licensed cotton breeder producing Foundation and Registered
seed shall maintain a complete cotton breeding unit consisting of single stalk
selections, inbred lines, or hybrids, planted in "plant-to row, or mass
selection plots"; first, second, and third year multiplication plots and
producing fields; all of which shall be well marked, so that their identity in
the field is maintained. Complete records shall be kept showing the planting
scheme, giving comparative data on the characteristics of the above work for at
least three years. He shall have available for use such small gins, scales and
other equipment that is necessary to efficiently process the breeding plots.
Said equipment and records shall be available for inspection by Plant Board
representatives at all times.
C.
Application and Classes:
1.
Application for the production of Foundation, Registered, or Blue Tag certified
seed must cover the entire cotton acreage of the applicant, including the
entire acreage of tenants and contract growers.
A. Contract growers for a licensed plant
breeder may only produce one variety on any farm unit or as per specifications
of the originating breeder and/or institution and approved by the State Plant
Board.
B. Applicants producing
Certified Seed shall produce only one variety, except that if applicant or his
tenants, or contract growers have other farms which are operated as separate
units as to labor and equipment, these units may be planted either with
non-certified cotton or with certified cotton of another variety or
grade.
2. Applications
must be filed with the Plant Board by July 1, so an inspector may check and
sample the seed to be planted.
D.
Field Standards:
1. The isolation required for the various
classes is shown in the table below:
Class
|
Cottons of similar staple length and plant
characters:
|
Cottons of widely different staple length and
plant characters:
|
Foundation
|
15 ft.
|
300 ft.
|
Registered
|
15 ft.
|
300 ft.
|
Blue Tag Certified
|
15 ft.
|
100 ft.
|
Note: The isolation required from cottons, such as red or sea
island, shall be one-fourth mile.
2. Cotton plants in adjoining fields, if
within the distances shown in the table above, must be destroyed by disking or
shredding, otherwise the field will be disqualified. Marking off the too-near
strip, picking and ginning it separately, or furnishing certified seed to be
planted in the too-near strip is not permissible in lieu of cutting back, nor
is the use of barrier rows of corn or sorghum in place of these distances. If a
field is cut back, and destroyed by disking or shredding, this must be verified
by a Plant Board inspector before the field is picked.
3. If a field is disqualified, this will also
disqualify all other cotton which is produced with the same labor and equipment
unless arrangements can be made, satisfactory to the Plant Board, for the
separate harvesting and ginning of the disqualified field.
Example: If one of a contract grower's fields is disqualified
because of varietal mixture, or nearness to other cotton, all other fields of
this contract grower, which are farmed with the same labor and equipment, would
be thrown out unless satisfactory arrangements can be made to harvest and gin
the disqualified field separately.
4. Fields for certification shall meet the
standards shown in the table below at the time the field inspection is made:
Factor
|
MAXIMUM PERMITTED IN EACH
CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other varieties- definite including off-type
plants
|
None
|
1 plant per acre
|
5 plants per acre
|
Balloonvine, Serrated Tussock and Itchgrass
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
E.
Ginning and Storage:
1. A licensed plant breeder shall show that
he has complete control of a gin upon which no other cotton shall be ginned for
the season except that being grown under his own application. If the breeder
does not own the gin, then a copy of the contract with the owner of the gin
must be supplied to the Plant Board. If a licensed plant breeder can fulfill
all other regulations herein, but has insufficient acreage to enable him to get
control of a separate gin, this fact may be made known to the Director, and if
it shall appear practical, the Director may grant special permission for such
cotton to be ginned on a custom gin,
provided, before doing so the
applicant will furnish copy of the ginning contract, showing permission for
dropping the rolls, and otherwise thoroughly cleaning the gin according to the
Plant Board Seed Certification gin clean up procedures:
A. The Arkansas State Plant Board Seed
Certification Office will be notified in advance of scheduled ginning of
certified cotton. Notification will be repeated when changing varieties, before
ginning the new variety.
B. The gin
must be thoroughly cleaned just prior to ginning any Foundation or registered
cotton. This includes dropping the rolls and making sure all conveyers and seed
handling systems are cleaned. Floors should be swept or blown free of all seed
cotton. This should be followed by a five minute or more dry run of the gin
until all loose seed is eliminated from the system.
C. After start-up, gin three (3) bales per
stand and divert to an alternate location before saving any planting
seed.
D. Seed company
representatives will supervise the clean-ups, complete and sign the Gin
Inspection Form, sending the original to the Arkansas State Plant board Seed
certification Office.
E. The
Arkansas State Plant board may audit the above procedures as deemed necessary.
All ginning records must be kept available to the Director and
his deputies. The Director is empowered to lay down special rules of ginning in
individual cases. Foundation or Registered seed ginned on a custom gin must be
stored in a building or room which has no direct connection with the gin, such
as pipes or augers.
2. Blue tag certified cotton and registered
grade cotton, grown by anyone other than a licensed plant breeder, or under his
contract, shall be ginned on a certified one variety gin, that is, one which,
after being thoroughly cleaned is inspected and certified by the State Plant
Board as capable of maintaining a seed purity equal to or better than that
required by the standards set for certified seed of the variety and grade being
produced. It shall then become and remain a one variety gin for as long as it
subsequently gins the one variety, strain or grade for which it has been
certified, and complies with all other Plant Board regulations.
3. The gin, methods of handling the seed, and
the seed storage must be inspected and approved in advance of the ginning
season, as many inspections, as deemed necessary by the certifying agency,
shall be made during the ginning and processing season. Inspector will examine
gin records, check methods of handling seed, condition of storage, thoroughness
of cleaning seed, to see that all regulations have been met.
F.
Processing Seed:
1. If seed is processed at an applicant's own
plant, both the storage at the processing plant and all handling and processing
machinery shall be thoroughly cleaned, then inspected and approved before the
seed is processed. A licensed plant breeder shall be permitted to process his
Arkansas grown seed in his own plant outside the state; however, the plant must
be within a reasonable distance of the state border so that it can be properly
supervised by the State Plant Board, otherwise all other cottonseed for
certification shall be processed on a plant within the state borders.
2. If cottonseed for certification is to be
processed on a custom plant, the following conditions shall be met:
(1) All storage, processing and handling
equipment shall be completely cleaned of other seeds, then inspected and
approved by a State Plant Board representative prior to processing the seed. No
inspection shall be necessary when changing from one applicant's seed to
another's seed of the same variety, and the same or lower grade;
(2) If the seed is delivered to the
processing plant in bulk, it shall be in the applicant's own cleaned truck,
unless otherwise authorized;
(3)
The seed shall be bagged as it is processed in containers that are printed,
stenciled, or tagged in some way to identify the applicant, lot number, and the
variety;
(4) The processor shall
keep a daily record of all seed processed, both certified and non-certified,
which shall be available for inspection at any time.
G.
Seed Standards:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
99%
|
99%
|
99%
|
Other crop
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Cocklebur (maximum)
|
None
|
1 seed in 4 lbs
|
1 seed in 2 lbs
|
Other Noxious Weeds including sandbur
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Total Weed Seed (maximum)
|
.0%
|
.01%
|
.02%
|
Inert Matter (maximum)
|
1%
|
1%
|
1%
|
Moisture (maximum)
|
12%
|
12%
|
12%
|
Germination (minimum)
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION OF COWPEAS
A. The general seed certification standards
are basic, and together with the following specific standards, shall constitute
the regulations for certification of cowpeas.
B.
Land Requirements: A crop
will not be eligible for certification if planted on land where cowpeas, other
than a certified crop of the same variety, were grown in the previous two
years.
C.
Isolation: A
field for certification must be isolated from other cowpeas, by at least 30
feet. If the adjoining field is of the same variety and is being certified,
then no isolation would be required.
D.
Field Standards:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties (definite)
|
None
|
2 plants per acre
|
4 plants per acre
|
Field Bindweed, Balloonvine, Serrated Tussock,
Itchgrass
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Note: Only a small amount of johnsongrass in the field
will be accepted.
E.
Standards for Cleaned Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
98%
|
98%
|
98%
|
Other Varieties (maximum)
|
None
|
1 in 4 lbs.
|
1 in 2 lbs.
|
Inert (maximum)
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 1.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Other Noxious Weeds or Other Crop (maximum)
|
1 in 4 lbs.
|
1 in 4 lbs.
|
1 in 2 lbs.
|
Germination (minimum)
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
1. Objectionable
noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, wild onion or wild garlic,
johnsongrass, nutgrass, bermudagrass, crotalaria, balloonvine, serrated
tussock, itchgrass, and tropical soda apple.
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF TALL
FESCUE
A. The general seed
certification standards are basic, and together with the following specific
standards, shall constitute the regulations for the certification of
fescue.
B.
Land
Requirements:
1. The production of
foundation seed shall be on land that has not grown or been seeded to the same
species during the previous five crop years.
2. The production of the registered or
certified classes shall be on land that has not grown or been seeded to the
same species during the previous crop year, except a certified class of the
same variety equal or superior to that of the crop seeded.
C.
Field Standards:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties (definite)
|
None
|
.02% (1 in 5000)
|
.05% (1 in 2000)
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 1.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Isolation 2.
|
80 rods
|
40 rods
|
20 rods
|
1. Objectionable
noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, johnsongrass, wild onion or wild
garlic, balloonvine, serrated tussock, itchgrass, and tropical soda
apple.
2. This isolation is
required from other varieties or strains of the same species in bloom at the
same time.
D.
Standards for Cleaned Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
98%
|
98%
|
98%
|
Other varieties
|
9 per lb.
|
18 per lb.
|
45 per lb.
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 1.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Other Noxious Weeds or Other Crop
(maximum)
|
18 per lb.
|
27 per lb.
|
45 per lb.
|
Total Weed Seed (maximum)
|
.3%
|
.3%
|
.5%
|
Inert Matter (maximum)
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Germination (minimum)
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
1. Objectionable
noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, wild onion or wild garlic,
johnsongrass, nutgrass, bermudagrass, crotalaria, balloonvine, serrated
tussock, itchgrass, and tropical soda apple.
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF
LESPEDEZA*
A. The general seed certification standards
are basic, and together with the following specific standards, shall constitute
the regulations for the certification of lespedeza.
* The Marion variety of Striate Lespedeza is allowed to be
certified if it meets the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies
(AOSCA) standards for lespedeza.
B.
Land Requirements:
1. A crop of the same kind must not have been
grown or planted on the land for 5,3 and 2 years prior to stand establishment
for producing the Foundation, Registered and Certified seed classes
respectively.
2. During the year
immediately prior to the seeding of any class of seed, the land shall be free
from volunteer plants. No manure or other contaminating material shall be
applied the year previous to seeding or during the establishment and productive
life of the stand.
C.
Field Standards:
1.
Isolation: Lespedeza for certification must be isolated from any other
field not being certified of the same or another variety, or a certified field
of another variety by at least 15 feet. If the adjoining field has been sown
broadcast, this distance must be at least 30 feet.
2.
Field Inspection:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties
|
.02% (1 in 5000)
|
.03% (3 in 10,000
|
.05% (1 in 2000)
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 1.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
1.
Objectionable noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, wild onion, dodder,
johnsongrass, balloonvine, serrated tussock, itchgrass, and tropical soda
apple. Note: Field must be inspected each year a crop of seed for certification
is harvested whether lespedeza was seeded the same year or was a volunteer
stand.
D.
Standards for Cleaned Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
98%
|
98%
|
98%
|
Other Varieties or Other Crop (maximum)
|
27 per lb.
|
45 per lb.
|
45 per lb.
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 1.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Other Noxious Weeds (maximum)
|
27 per lb.
|
45 per lb.
|
45 per lb.
|
Inert Matter (maximum)
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Weed Seeds (maximum)
|
.5%
|
1%
|
1%
|
Germination including Hard Seed
(minimum)
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
1. Objectionable
noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, wild onion, dodder, johnsongrass,
nutgrass, bermudagrass, crotalaria, balloonvine, serrated tussock, itchgrass,
and tropical soda apple.
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF OKRA
SEED
A. The general seed
certification standards are basic, and together with the following specific
standards, shall constitute the regulations for the certification of okra
seed.
B.
Land
requirements: The crop to be certified must not be sown on land which
has within the last three years produced a crop of another variety of okra or
an uncertified crop of the same variety. It is suggested that land used be as
nearly free of nematodes as possible.
C.
Handling Crop Prior to Field
Inspection: The grower will be responsible for the roguing of fields on
which certification is requested. The following program is suggested:
1. Check the field just before the first
blossoms open and remove all volunteer okra plants.
2. When the young plants and pods have
assumed definite varietal characteristics, inspect the field and remove all
off-type plants.
D.
Field Standards:
1.
Isolation: The field to be certified must be isolated from non-certified
okra or certified okra of another variety by at least one-fourth
mile.
2.
Field
Inspection: Two field inspections will be made. The first, as soon as
the first blossoms are open and the second when the first pods are ready for
harvest.
Factor
|
MAXIMUM PERMITTED - RATIO OF
PLANTS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties (definite)
|
None
|
1:2500
|
1:1250
|
Other Varieties (doubtful)
|
None
|
1:750
|
1:500
|
E.
Standards for Clean Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
N.S.
|
98.00%
|
98.00%
|
Inert Matter (maximum)
|
N.S.
|
2.00%
|
2.00%
|
Weed Seeds (maximum)
|
0.05%
|
0.05%
|
0.10%
|
Objectionable or Noxious Weed Seeds
(maximum)*
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Total Other Crop Seeds (maximum)
|
None
|
0.02%
|
0.07%
|
Other Varieties (maximum)
|
None
|
0.01%
|
0.05%
|
Other Kinds (maximum)
|
None
|
0.01%
|
0.02%
|
Germination & Hard Seed (minimum)
|
N.S.
|
70.00%
|
70.00%
|
*Objectionable noxious weeds shall include field bindweed,
johnsongrass, nutgrass, crotalaria, balloonvine, serrated tussock, itchgrass,
and tropical soda apple.
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF RAPE
SEED
A. The general seed
certification standards are basic, and together with the following standards,
shall constitute the regulations for the certification of rape.
1. All certified rape being grown in Arkansas
must be treated with Benomyl or Iprodione when approved, or other registered
and approved chemical recognized to be equal to or greater than Benomyl or
Iprodione for the effective control of seedborne Blackleg, according to label
directions.
2. All certified rape
being grown in Arkansas must be field inspected for the presence of Blackleg.
If Blackleg infection is suspected, then it must be laboratory tested for
confirmation of the virulent strain.
B.
Land Requirements: Foundation
and Registered seed of rape must be planted on land which did not produce rape
during the previous four years. Certified (Blue Tag) seed of rape must be
planted on land which did not produce rape during the previous three
years.
C.
Isolation:
Afield producing any class of Certified seed must have the minimum isolation
distance from fields of any other variety of the same kind or from
non-certified crop of the same variety as follows:
1. Producing Foundation or Registered rape
seed:
a) cross pollinated-1,320 ft.
b) self pollinated-660 ft.
2. Producing Certified (Blue Tag)
Rapeseed:
a) cross pollinated-330
ft.
b) self pollinated-330 ft.
Required isolation between classes (grades) of the same variety is 10
ft.
D.
Field Standards:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties
|
1 in 2000 plants
|
1 in 1000 plants
|
1 in 500 plants
|
E.
Standards for Cleaned Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
99%
|
99%
|
99%
|
Inert Matter (maximum)
|
1.00%
|
1.00%
|
1.00%
|
Weed Seeds of Brassica spp. & Raphanus
raphanistrum
|
1 per lb.
|
3 per lb.
|
5 per lb.
|
Prohibited Noxious
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Buckhom plantain, Dock, &Wild
Onion/Garlic
|
1 per lb.
|
3 per lb.
|
5 per lb.
|
Other Weeds
|
5 per lb.
|
10 per lb.
|
15 per lb.
|
Total Other Crop Seeds (maximum)
|
0.05%
|
0.10%
|
0.25%
|
Other Varieties (maximum)
|
0.05%
|
0.10%
|
0.25%
|
Other Kinds (maximum) *
|
0.01%
|
0.01%
|
0.01%
|
Germination (minimum)
|
85%
|
85%
|
85%
|
Moisture (maximum)
|
10%
|
10%
|
10%
|
* Shall not exceed 1 per pound for Foundation; 2 per pound for
Registered; and 5 per pound for Certified (Blue Tag).
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF RICE
A. The general seed certification
standards are basic, and together with the following specific standards, shall
constitute the regulations for the certification of rice.
B.
Land Requirements: The crop
to be certified must not be sown on land which has within the last two years
produced a crop of another variety or an uncertified crop of the same
variety.
C.
Field
Standards:
1.
Isolation:
In order to prevent mechanical mixtures in planting, harvesting, running of
drain furrows, levees, etc., fields for certification shall be separated from
non-certified rice fields and from certified rice fields of another variety by
the following distances: if the nearby field is drill seeded the distance shall
be 15 ft., if ground broadcast seeded the distance shall be 50 ft, and if
aerial seeded the distance shall be 100 ft.
2.
Field Inspection Standards:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties*
|
None
|
1 per 5 sq. rds.
|
1 persq. rd.
|
Curly Indigo, Coffee Bean, Itchgrass Field Bindweed,
Balloonvine, Serrated Tussock
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Red Rice
|
None
|
None
|
1 plant per acre
|
Disease (cannot be controlled with seed
treatment)
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
*Other varieties shall not include variations which are
characteristic of the variety.
Inspectors will, at the time the field inspection is made,
report the amount of other noxious weeds present, give the general condition of
the field, and note the presence of any disease which might seriously affect
the quality of the seed.
D.
Standards for Cleaned Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
98%
|
98%
|
98%
|
Other Varieties*
|
None
|
None
|
2 per lb.
|
Other Crop Seeds (maximum)
|
None
|
None
|
2 per lb.
|
All Noxious Weeds
|
None
|
None
|
None**
|
Total Weed Seed (maximum)
|
.03%
|
.03%
|
.08%
|
Inert (maximum)
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Germination (minimum)
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
Moisture (maximum)
|
14%
|
14%
|
14%
|
* Other varieties shall not include variations which are
characteristics of the variety.
** Four pounds shall be hulled from each lot to determine the
noxious weed content, including red rice.
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF SMALL
GRAINS
(Oats, Wheat, Rye and Barley)
A. The general seed certification standards
are basic, and together with the following specific standards, shall constitute
the regulations for certification of small grains.
B.
Land Requirements: A small
grain crop may only be planted on land on which any small grain planted in the
previous two years was of another crop kind, or was planted with a class of
certified seed of the same variety.
Point of clarification: Land requirements are also met if
cultivated crops were grown on the land the previous two summers and the land
winter fallowed.
C.
Field Standards:
1.
Isolations: Rye for certification shall be isolated from another variety
or from non-certified rye of the same variety by at least one-fourth mile.
Wheat, barley or oats for certification shall be isolated from other crops by
15 feet, and if the adjoining field to the one being certified has been sown
broadcast, then the isolation required is 30 feet. No isolation would be
required if the adjoining field is the same variety and is certified.
2.
Field Inspection:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties-definite
|
None
|
.02% (1 in 5000)
|
.04% (1 in 2500)
|
Other Crop 1.
|
None
|
.01% (1 in 10,000)
|
.04% (1 in 2500)
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 2.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Diseased Plants (smut)
|
.02% (1 in 5000)
|
.05% (1 in 2000)
|
.1% (1 in 1000)
|
1.
Other crops shall mean those crops that would be difficult to separate from the
crop being certified by the usual cleaning methods.
2. Objectionable noxious weeds shall include
field bindweed, serrated tussock, itchgrass, tropical soda apple, wild onion or
wild garlic, balloonvine, and johnsongrass, except that johnsongrass will be
permitted at the time of field inspection in wheat only.
D.
Standards for Clean Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum) 1.
|
98%
|
98%
|
98%
|
Other Varieties
|
None
|
1 per lb.
|
4 per lb.
|
Other Crop (maximum)
|
1 per lb.
|
2 per lb.
|
4 per lb.
|
All Noxious Weeds (In Wheat)
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 2.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Other Noxious Weeds (Oats, Rye, Barley)
|
1 per lb.
|
2 per lb.
|
4 per lb.
|
Inert Matter (maximum) 3.
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Moisture (maximum)
|
14%
|
14%
|
14%
|
Germination (minimum) 4.
|
85%
|
85%
|
85%
|
1. Minimum pure
seed for rye shall be 96%.
2.
Objectionable noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, wild onion or wild
garlic, johnsongrass, nutgrass, bermudagrass, crotalaria, balloonvine, serrated
tussock, itchgrass, and tropical soda apple.
3. The maximum inert for rye shall be
4%.
4. The minimum germination for
rye shall be 70%.
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF SORGHUM
A. The general seed certification standards
are basic, and together with the following specific standards shall constitute
the regulations for the certification of sorghum.
B.
Land Requirements: The crop
to be certified must not be planted on land which has within the last year
produced a certified crop of another variety, or an uncertified crop of either
the same or another variety.
C.
Field Standards:
1.
Isolation: Fields of sorghum for certification shall be isolated from
other kinds of varieties and from fields of the same variety that do not meet
the varietal purity standards for certification, as shown in the table below:
Class
|
Minimum Isolation
|
Foundation
|
60 rods
|
Registered
|
60 rods
|
Blue Tag Certified
|
40 rods 1.
|
1.
(a) For Sudan grass the minimum isolation
shall be 60 rods from any other variety of Sudan grass.
(b) The minimum isolation for sorghum from
any Sudan grass shall be 60 rods.
2.
Field Inspection:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties-definite
|
None
|
None
|
.005% (1 in 20,000)
|
Off-type or Doubtful Plants
|
None
|
.01% (1 in 10,000)
|
.02% (1 in 5,000)
|
Field Bindweed, Johnsongrass, Itchgrass, Tropical Soda
Apple, Balloonvine, Serrated Tussock
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Seedborne Disease (smut)
|
None
|
None
|
.01% (1 in 10,000)
|
D.
Standards for Cleaned Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
98%
|
98%
|
98%
|
Other Varieties (definite)
|
None
|
None
|
2 per lb.
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 1.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Other Noxious Weeds or other Crop Seed
|
2 per lb.
|
2 per lb.
|
3 per lb.
|
Total Weed Seed (maximum)
|
.1%
|
.1%
|
.1%
|
Inert Matter (maximum)
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Germination (minimum)
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
Moisture (maximum)
|
13%
|
13%
|
13%
|
1. Objectionable
noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, johnsongrass, wild onion or wild
garlic, bermudagrass, nutgrass, crotalaria, balloonvine, serrated tussock,
itchgrass, tropical soda apple.
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF SOYBEANS
A. The general seed certification standards
are basic, and together with the following specific standards, shall constitute
the regulations for certification of soybeans.
B.
Land Requirements: Soybeans
shall not be grown on land where the previous crop was soybeans unless the
preceding soybean crop was planted with certified seed of the same variety or
unless the variety planted is of a contrasting pubescence or hilum
color.
C.
Field
Standards:
1.
Isolation:
Soybeans for certification must be isolated from any other field not being
certified of the same or another variety, or a certified field of another
variety by at least 5 feet for Blue Tag grade and 15 feet for Foundation and
Registered grades.
2.
Field
Inspection:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties 1.
|
*.02% (1 in 5000)
|
*.03% (1 in 3600)
|
*09% (3 in 3600)
|
Field Bindweed, Balloonvine, Serrated Tussock,
Itchgrass
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
1.
Other varieties shall include plants that are distinctly different from the
variety being inspected.
Note: Only a small amount of johnsongrass in the field will be
permitted.
*Allowances for certified Hutcheson and Caviness Soybeans is up
to 1/200 other varieties for BlueTag grade, 1/500 for Registered grade and
1/1000 for Foundation grade. (For the Caviness variety, this allowance will
expire in July 2004)
D.
Standards for Cleaned Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
98%
|
98%
|
98%
|
Other Varieties
|
*None
|
*1 in 1 lb.
|
*3 in 1 lb.
|
Other Crop (maximum)
|
None
|
1 in 3 lbs
|
1 in 2 lbs.
|
Corn or Sunflower Seed (maximum)
|
None
|
None
|
1 in 1 lb.
|
Noxious Weeds
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Inert Matter (maximum)
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Germination (minimum)
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
Moisture (maximum)
|
14%
|
14%
|
14%
|
1. Foundation
Grade Soybean Seed grown on fields infested with Soybean Cyst Nematode and/or
Cocklebur, Morning Glory and Moonflower shall be cleaned over spiral cleaners.
* Allowance for certified Hutcheson and Caviness Soybeans is up
to 0.50% other varieties for BlueTag grade, 0.20% for Registered grade and
o.10% for foundation grade. (For the Caviness variety, this allowance will
expire in July, 2004)
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF VETCH
A. The general seed certification standards
are basic, and together with the following specific standards, shall constitute
the regulations for certification of vetch.
B.
Land Requirements:
1. A crop of the same kind must not have been
grown or planted on the land for 5, 3, and 2 years prior to stand establishment
for producing the Foundation, Registered, and Certified seed classes,
respectively.
2. The land must be
free of volunteer plants of Vetch during the year immediately prior to
establishment. No manure or other contaminating material shall be applied the
year previous to seeding or during the establishment and productive life of the
stand. Requirement is waived if the previous crop was of the same variety and
of a Certified class equal or superior to that of the crop seeded.
C.
Field Standards:
1.
Isolation: All fields for
certification must have 25 rods isolation distance from fields of another
variety of the same species, or from fields of the same variety that do not
meet the varietal purity requirements for certification. The isolation distance
between classes of the same variety may be reduced to 10 feet, regardless of
class, or size of field.
2.
Field Inspection:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Other Varieties
|
.02% (1 in 5000)
|
.02% (1 in 5000)
|
.04% (1 in 2500)
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 1.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
1.
Objectionable noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, wild onion or wild
garlic, balloonvine, serrated tussock, itchgrass, and tropical soda apple.
Note: Only a small amount of johnsongrass in the field will be
permitted.
D.
Standards for Cleaned Seed:
Factor
|
STANDARDS FOR EACH CLASS
|
Foundation
|
Registered
|
Certified Blue Tag
|
Pure Seed (minimum)
|
98%
|
98%
|
98%
|
Other Varieties or Other Crop (maximum)
|
1 in 2 lbs.
|
1 per lb.
|
2 per lb.
|
Objectionable Noxious Weeds 1.
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Other noxious weeds
|
1 per lb.
|
1 per lb.
|
2 per lb.
|
Total Weeds (maximum)
|
0.1%
|
0.1%
|
0.1%
|
Inert Matter (maximum)
|
2%
|
2%
|
2%
|
Germination Including Hard Seed
(minimum)
|
80%
|
80%
|
80%
|
1. Objectionable
noxious weeds shall include field bindweed, wild onion or wild garlic,
johnsongrass, nutgrass, bermudagrass, crotalaria, balloonvine, serrated
tussock, itchgrass, and tropical soda apple.
STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF
TURFGRASS
VEGETATIVELY PROPAGATED TURFGRASS
I.
Application and Amplification of
General Certification Standards
A. The
General Seed Certification Standards are basic and together with the following
specific standards, constitute the standards for certification of vegetatively
propagated turfgrasses.
New applicants are required to be familiar with Arkansas
Certification requirements. Turfgrass applications not received by May 1, with
the exception of new producers, will not be accepted. Applicants wishing to
certify a variety not currently in production in Arkansas will be required to
submit documentation on the candidate variety to the State Plant Board a
minimum 60 days prior to planting. That documentation will include:
(1) a breeders description, prepared by the
person or organization responsible for developing the variety,
(2) copies of any production and/or royalty
agreement associated with securing the right to produce the variety.
B. The General Standards are
modified as follows:
1. Foundation Turf -
shall be the vegetative increase of breeder's turf, or in certain cases the
increase of foundation turf.
2. *
Registered Turf - shall be the vegetative increase of foundation
turf.
3. Certified Turf - shall be
the vegetative increase of registered turf or foundation turf.
4. Application blanks for certification of
vegetatively propagated turfgrasses will be furnished by the Plant Board. A map
showing the location of each kind and variety must accompany the application
for field inspection and certification. Any person applying for certification
on a variety planted from a source other than his own production, must submit
with his application a copy of the invoice and a tag from one of the
containers, which will establish the quantity and grade of the planting stocks.
Application should be made by March 1 of each year for current crop. Fees are
listed in Section H of these regulations.
5. The field of each kind and variety must be
identified at all times by an appropriate sign and field number and map with
field number noted.
6. Life of
Stand: The life of the stand will continue for all classes of vegetatively
propagated turf grasses as long as the varietal and mechanical purity for the
class is maintained.
*A grower of registered turf may increase the original
foundation class planting to no more than 10 acres if the increase is
continuous within the original field and an ASPB inspector is present at
harvest.
C.
Responsibilities of the Grower: The Grower is responsible for:
1. Making certain that all grass represented
on the certificate was inspected and accepted for certification.
2. Making certain the certificate contains
all the required information and is correct (i.e., kind, variety, quantity,
billing invoice, field #, harvest date, and grower information).
3. Making sure that grass represented by the
certificate continues to meet the appropriate Turfgrass Standards after the
inspection.
4. Making sure the
certificate accompanies each shipment of grass
5. Mailing the appropriate certificate copy
to the Plant Board Certification office weekly.
6. Preventing non-certified grass from being
sold as certified grass.
7. Making
certain that those records required in the Turfgrass Standards are maintained.
INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES
1. The initial planting for production of
foundation vegetatively propagated turfgrasses will be in rows not less than
12" apart.
2. All planting, mowing,
harvesting and loading equipment must be thoroughly cleaned prior to entering
the field.
3. An official numbered
certificate will accompany each shipment of certified sprigs, sod or
plugs.
4. A complete record on the
amount of certified turf sales will be maintained and made available to the
official certifying agency. The record will include (a) class of certified turf
sold (Foundation, Registered or Certified), (b) kind and variety, (c) field
number, (d) date of harvest, (e) amount of turf shipped (square feet, cubic
feet, bushels, etc.)
II.
Land Requirements - (Rules covering
land prior to planting)
A. A field to
be eligible for the production of registered or certified turf must have been
inspected and found to be free of all perennial grasses, objectionable and
noxious weeds. A second inspection will be made approximately four to six weeks
after planting.
B. Size of Field:
Maximum:
a. Foundation: ten acres
b. Registered: ten acres
c. Certified: no limit
C. All registered class grass will be
produced on fumigated land or inspected for an entire growing season and meet
section II, A, requirements.
D. Land fumigated must lay idle for a period
of not less than three weeks after fumigation (or not less than six weeks when
converting to like species) and be inspected for compliance with Section
II, A. Land must receive adequate
moisture and soil temperature must be adequate to allow any live plants not
eradicated by fumigation to emerge.
II I.
Field Inspections
A. Handling the Crop after Planting and Prior
to Inspection:
A field must be rogued and/or sprayed with recommended
herbicides during the growing season to remove (1) other varieties, (2) other
perennial grasses, (3) most common weeds, (4) objectionable and noxious
weeds.
Note: When spraying, the herbicide will be applied to the area
containing the mixture plus an 18" border surrounding the outer limits of the
visible area of mixture. Spraying will continue until the mixture is
eradicated.
B. Time and
number of inspections:
1. Foundation,
Registered and Certified (three inspections required):
Spring (April or May)
Summer (June or July)
Fall (September or October)
2. Every two years an intensive field
inspection will be made of the Registered Class.
a. A representative area of the field (10%)
will not be harvested until seed heads appear.
C. Production fields that fail to meet the
published varietal purity standards for the class applied for within one
growing year will be permanently downgraded to the next lowest class if the
field meets the standard of the next lowest class, or removed from
certification. A field removed from certification may be re-entered into
certification if it meets the requirements in section II, Land Requirements
(Rules Covering land prior to planting).
IV.
Field Standards
A. General
1. Restrictions on number of varieties per
field:
Only one variety of a kind may be grown for certified turf on a
field except with prior approval of the certifying agency.
2. Unit of Certification:
A field or portion of a field may be certified.
3. Isolation requirements:
Plantings of vegetatively propagated turf grasses must be
isolated from any other variety and other perennial grasses and other
certification classes by an artificial barrier and/or strip at least ten (10)
feet wide to prevent mixing during the growing season and harvesting
operation.
B.
Specific Requirements:
Factor
|
Maximum permitted in each class
|
Foundation***
|
Registered***
|
Certified***
|
* Other Varieties
|
None
|
None
|
1 plant/acre***
|
**Other Crops
|
None
|
None
|
1 plant/acre****
|
Noxious / Objectionable Weeds
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Other Living Plants (Max per acre)
|
100
|
200
|
400
|
* Other Varieties shall consist of all other varieties of the
kind being produced.
** Other Crops shall consist of all other kinds and varieties
of perennial grasses.
*** Other live varieties, other live crops and live noxious
weeds found in excess of standards during field inspection must be eradicated.
Reinspection required and to be made not less than three weeks after
rejection, cost of reinspection to be paid by producer.
**** Those live plants found by an inspector must be eradicated
by grower.
V.
Turf Standards
*Noxious Weeds.....................................None
**Objectionable Weeds.............................None
*See General Seed Certification Standards for list of Noxious
Weeds
** Objectionable Weeds: Perennial sedges other than nutsedge
(grass) and Dichondra spp.