Sending seeds or other plant samples from within Australia

Overview

We recommend that you send seeds sampled into deep well plates, but if this is not possible, we can accept seeds sent in small ziplock plastic bag or paper envelope. Additional charges apply for sub-sampling into deep well plates by DArT.

Sending seeds in deep well plates

When sampling seeds into deep well plates, provide the following number of seeds in each well of the plate:

• For mid-size grains like barley, rice, wheat, sorghum and oats, add about 5 seeds to each well 
• For small-sized seeds like brassica and poppy, put in about 20-30 per well

Take care to avoid cross-contamination between samples and ensure you label the tubes with their well position within the plate and firmly and securely seal all the tubes across the rack. 

Sending seeds or other plant samples in plastic bags or paper envelopes

When sending seed samples in sterilised plastic bags, pack them with silica beads or gel sachets, and make sure that the packages are secure to avoid leaking from the packaging or allowing contaminants to enter. Make sure all bags and envelopes are resistant to tearing, and plastics like Ziploc bags are securely sealed.

Sending pulverised seeds in Micro Rack System

• Approximately 70-90mg of pulverised seeds should be sampled in to each well of an approved Microtube Rack System. 
• Please use the recommended plasticware, read Plasticware for DNA, plants and seeds for more information