International Rules for Seed Testing

The International Rules for Seed Testing are the primary instrument of the International Seed Testing Association to promote uniformity in seed testing. The ISTA Rules have 19 sections that provide definitions and standardized methods to be used in, for example, sampling, testing seed lot quality and reporting results for international trade. The ISTA Rules are also a useful reference guide to germination conditions and methods for over 1000 species. The International Rules for Seed Testing are approved by and amended at ISTA Ordinary General Meetings on the basis of advice tendered by the ISTA Technical Committees.