Take a sample from which the seed lot, seeding date, and production practices are similar. For pastures, avoid sampling ditch banks, fence rows, and other non-typical areas in the field. Avoid sampling during periods of rapid growth and after severe freezes. Sampling Procedure for Seed New crop seed are examined with a seed stain test. If the fungus is detected, it is assumed to be viable.
Turnaround time is about two weeks.
The endophyte viability test is used for old crop seed. The seed must be grown out, and the resulting plants are examined for viable fungus. Turnaround time is about 10 weeks. Seed Fields Take a random sample of seed, preferably after harvest. Include seed from many different fescue plants in the sample area.