PDFWAC 16-302-142
Standards for verification of turf seed ingredients—Mixtures.
The general rules for seed certification are basic and together with the following specific requirements constitute the rules for certification identity of mixtures of different kinds of turf Certified seed:
(1) A mixture is defined as Certified seed lots of different varieties of one or more crop kinds and labeled "mixture of Certified seed."
(2) Varieties which are currently listed as experimental or OECD only are not eligible for Certified mixture tagging.
(3) A blend data sheet, including proof of certification for each seed lot component, verifying the seed origin and the certifying agency along with the seed analysis report and pounds of each lot must be submitted to the certifying agency for approval.
(a) The blend data sheet must accurately reflect the intended mixture.
(b) If the final mixture weight exceeds the sum of the components poundage by more than five percent, the applicant must submit a written justification and a revised blend data sheet for review by the department.
(4) Each component lot of Certified seed in the mixture shall:
(a) Meet minimum seed standards of the certifying agency;
(b) The seed sample shall be obtained in accordance with official sampling procedures;
(c) The seed sample shall be retained on file by the applicant as required;
(d) Eligible seed lots must have qualifying purity and viability tests completed within the last 18 months;
(e) Component lots requiring interagency certification must have an all-states noxious seed exam, and either a germination or tetrazolium test in lieu of viability; and
(f) Meet Washington state seed certification standards. A copy of the qualifying certified test report must be provided with the blend data sheet.
(5) The applicant must maintain all records related to the mixing and distribution of the mixture lot and the acquisition of its components in accordance with RCW 15.49.360. These records must be provided to the department upon request.
(6) The seed sample shall be identified with:
(a) The verification of certification, origin, and certifying agency;
(b) The crop kind/variety;
(c) The analysis; and
(d) Total size of each lot component.
(7) The certifying agency reserves the right to:
(a) Refuse permission to use individual lots based upon the analysis report;
(b) Request a retest of one or more of the components;
(c) Approve the equipment to be used and procedure to follow in mixing;
(d) Approve the containers and labeling to be used; and
(e) The certifying agency may sample the final mixture.
(8) Each container with an official certification label verifying that the individual lots used were Certified seed lots.
(9) For a mixture to be labeled sod quality each component shall meet sod quality standards in WAC 16-302-410 or 16-302-412 and comply with subsections (1) through (8) and (10) of this section.
(10) Fees for turf seed mixing shall be the same as the current blend fee. Refer to chapter 16-303 WAC for appropriate fees.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 15.49.005, [15.49].021, [15.49].310, [15.49].370, 15.140.030, and chapter 15.49 RCW. WSR 25-09-035, s 16-302-142, filed 4/9/25, effective 5/10/25. Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.49 and 34.05 RCW. WSR 02-12-060, § 16-302-142, filed 5/30/02, effective 6/30/02.]