In the scope of a research project, official data from the certification of organic seed in
Austria from 1999 to 2007 were analysed to determine the most important factors
effecting seed quality and leading to rejection of certification. Data from 4684 seed
multiplication fields and 3262 seed lots were analysed.
Weed seeds and wild oats (Avena fatua) have little effect on the quality of finished
seed due to highly effective seed processing plants and risk-based seed testing. In
cereal seeds the most frequent reason for rejection of certification in the category
Other Seeds by Number is Other Cereal Seeds. An important criterion resulting in
frequent non-certification of organic seed is the level of infection from seed-borne and
seed-transmitted diseases. Although the field inspection data show only a very small
number of multiplication fields with evidence of relevant seed-borne diseases, those
diseases were nevertheless identified at a higher rate in the finished seed lots.
Especially loose smut (Ustilago nuda) and leaf stripe (Drechslera graminea) on spring
barley as well as bunt (Tilletia caries) have been increasing in Austria during the
period studied. The main reasons for this development were nearby fields that
harboured these diseases due to use of poor quality farm saved seed
