Phytotestkit (muestras líquidas)
Contents
- 3 tubes with seeds of the monocotyl Sorghum saccharatum (Sorgho) and the dicotyls Lepidium sativum (garden cress) and Sinapis alba (mustard), known for their rapid seed germination and root growth.
- 18 transparent test containers with a thick white filter and a black filter paper in 3 holders.
- Short Bench Protocol and standard operating procedure brochure with easy-to-follow instructions and detailed illustrations.
- Data treatment sheets and a Quality Control specification sheet with batch number of the seeds and the reference substance.
Test species
In accordance with conventional phytotoxicity assays the selected plant species encompass monocotyls as well as dicotyls.
The plants selected for the Phytotoxkit microbiotest are: the monocotyl Sorghum saccharatum (Sorgho) and the dicotyls Lepidium sativum (garden cress) and Sinapis alba (mustard).
The 3 former test species are frequently used in phytotoxicity analyses and have been selected for the Phytotoxkit microbiotest because of their very rapid germination and growth of roots and shoots, which allow observations and scoring after only 3 days.
Test criterion
Germination of the seeds and root (and wherever appropriate also shoot) growth of the 3 selected plant species on exposure to contaminated solid substrates or to chemicals, in comparison to germination and growth on a reference soil.
Reproducibility
The high quality seeds, the special standard test containers and the standard reference soil are a guarantee for the high repeatability and reproducibility of the assays, in comparison to conventional phytotoxicity assays.
User-friendly / Cost-Effective
Very rapid set up and scorings which allow handling multiple tests concurrently.
Direct observation of the germinated seeds and automatic measurement of the roots (and shoots) in the unique transparent test containers, by image analysis. A simple and convenient image analysis program can be provided free of charge on demand.
Vertical incubation of the flat test containers in their holders, requiring a minimum of shelf- and incubation space.
“Image capturing” of the germinated seeds in the test containers with any type of “digital” equipment (camera, web camera or flatbed scanner).
Analyses and measurements can be deferred (since the “pictures” of the test plates are stored on computer) which is a major asset in comparison to conventional phytotoxicity tests.
Minimal equipment needed for test performance: small incubator – (webcam) camera or flatbed scanner, computer with image analysis program.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the Phytotoxkit has been compared with that of conventional phytotoxicity tests based on seed germination and early growth, and was found to give similar results. Additional validation studies are in progress.
Validation
- The Phytotoxkit liquid samples is used in many environmental laboratories and research institutes worldwide and is validated by an extensive international interlaboratory comparison.
- Our phytotoxicity test is highly standardised and complies with ISO Standard 18763.
