ISTA accreditation for the ” humidimeter ” method for moisture content analyses on seeds

At the GEVES physical analysis laboratory, moisture content analyses are currently only carried out using the proofer method. This method involves heating the seeds at high temperature (sometimes up to 130°C) for several hours. This creates major constraints in terms of health and safety when the seeds to be analysed are treated with phytosanitary products (protective equipment).

However, the ISTA rules propose a second method that can be used to determine the moisture content of seeds. The humidity meter method has two significant advantages:  Firstly, it improves hygiene and safety conditions (no heating of the seeds), and secondly, it significantly reduces analysis time (a few seconds).

The laboratory currently has 2 moisture meters, which operate by measuring capacitance and conductance.

GEVES has been officially accredited for this method by ISTA since March 2024.