There are four classes of seed in the certification process- breeder, foundation, registered and certified. Each class represents advancing generations of seed production. Breeder seed is produced by the breeder and is the first source of the cultivar. Foundation seed is the progeny of breeder seed and is produced under strict purity and isolation guidelines. Foundation seed is often produced by foundation seed organizations.
Registered seed is the progeny of foundation seed.
Registered seed is then multiplied to give the final product- certified seed. Each state inspects and certifies this final generation in order to guarantee quality and genetic purity. Certified seed is labeled with a blue tag. The seed germination percentage is that number of seeds that germinated out of 100 from controlled tests done under optimum conditions. Germination occurs when the seedling root or radicle emerges from the seed coat.