7 CFR §201.56-12

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗

Kinds of seed by family: Carrot family, Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)—carrot, celery, celeriac, dill, parsley, parsnip; Hemp family, Cannabaceae—hemp; Dichondra family, Dichondraceae—dichondra; Geranium family, Geraniaceae—alfilaria; Mint family, Lamiaceae (Labiatae)—sage, summer savory; benne family, Pedaliaceae—sesame; Rose family, Rosaceae—little burnet; Nightshade family, Solanaceae—eggplant, tomato, husk tomato, pepper, tobacco; and Valerian family, Valerianaceae—cornsalad.

(a)General description.
1. (1)Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.
2. (2)Food reserves: Cotyledons; endosperm may or may not be present, depending on the kind.
3. (3)Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates, carrying the cotyledons above the soil surface. The epicotyl usually does not show any development within the test period.
4. (4)Root system: A primary root; secondary roots may or may not develop within the test period, depending on the kind.
(b)Abnormal seedling description.
1. (1)Cotyledons:
  1. (i)Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining attached.
  2. (ii)Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of necrosis or decay.
2. (2)Epicotyl:
  1. (i)Missing. (May be assumed to be present if the cotyledons are intact.)
  2. (ii)[Reserved]
3. (3)Hypocotyl:
  1. (i)Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened.
  2. (ii)Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue.
  3. (iii)Watery.
4. (4)Root:
  1. (i)None.
  2. (ii)Missing or stubby primary root with weak secondary or adventitious roots.
5. (5)Seedling:
  1. (i)One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay from primary infection.
  2. (ii)Albino.