The Q2 equipment provides a quick and precise measurement of the oxygen consumption of each individual seed. The Q2 technology can give insight into the germination speed and uniformity of a specific seed-lot. Q2 tests are non-destructive, which allows for further testing of the seeds in more conventional ways.

A new era in seed quality

The Q2 Oxygen Sensing Technology is revolutionary for seed testing in basic research and commercial operations alike. It provides a fast and accurate measurement of the germination level of a seed lot. In addition, Q2 data is more robust and defining than traditional germination tests. Depending on the species, the estimated time needed will be between 5 and 96 hours and will easily determine dead, dormant or actively germinating seeds. Although it currently does not provide specific details on seedling abnormalities, the Q2 can quickly give more accurate indications of the vigor and the homogeneity of a seed lot.

Q2 Instrument - Seeds & Oxygen

Germination tests are time consuming. Too often seed lots are sent either to the next step in processing or to the client without having been thoroughly analyzed.. Due to time constraints and a competitive market, too many times seeds are processed without adequate quality information needed to get the best from the seeds. The Q2 Instrument can provide results far more quickly than a germination test. Moreover, due to the latest developments in optical technology for measuring oxygen, the Q2 Instrument is able to detect seeds’ activity in the first stages of germination (imbibition). Imbibition is characterized by an increased amount of oxygen consumption. In addition to very fast detection of germinating seeds, the Q2 Instrument provides data concerning the dormancy of non-germinating seeds, the homogeneity of a seed lot, as well as information concerning different stress related factors, and so much more. Q2 tests can be used as fast and accurate indications of germination under certain conditions. They can be used to detect maximum germination (correlating to an International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) test) under various environmental conditions, such as temperature, moisture, and substrates. In the second case, Q2 tests can be used as a stress test, telling something about the vigor of seeds. Certain abnormalities may be detected if oxygen consumption is affected. The accuracy of this test depends on the protocols used and of course, the integrity of the sample.

The Instrument enables testing of a large number of samples (from 1 seed to several microtiter plates) and the duration of the test will influence the quality of the results (from a minimum of a single scan to an indefinite period; 48 hours for the most common seeds). The development of protocols for specific seed testing objectives is important and the precision of executing these protocols, such as the application of water, or the substrate application, will obviously influence the results as well.The key innovation to the Q2 Oxygen Sensing Technology is that oxygen consumption is directly and proportionately related to energy use. Thus, a seed’s energetic potential can be determined by measuring its oxygen consumption in a simulated field environment. Because of this proportional relationship between oxygen consumption (respiration) and caloric energy consumption (metabolism), robust inferences for a seed’s performance in the field can be made. To characterize a greater population or seed lot, measuring respiration and metabolism seed by seed is thus very precise and accurate using the Q2 Instrument. Measuring energy use can give us new insights on germination and vigor in one single, quality controlled test, quickly.

Some major applications

• * Fast germination measurement tool
• * Complete picture of seed vigor
• * Easy control over seed processes
• * Predicting the feasibility of priming methods
• * Help in breeding programs
• * Germination results in 24-48 hours
• * Easy and fast control of aging seed inventory
• * Checking bacterial and fungi contamination levels
• * Homogenity tests

For commercial and technical information, contact

Freek Schreurs
New business director
Freek@astec-global.com