Germination capacity

Germination capacity is the ability of a seed to germinate, measured as the proportion of seeds in a lot that successfully sprout under standard test conditions and expressed as a percentage. Maltsters and sprout producers rely on it to predict malt extract yield and sprouting performance, since low-viability grain gives uneven modification and poor product quality. Testing follows standardised laboratory protocols with defined temperature, moisture and counting times, and it also screens out lots with heavy mould contamination before they enter food production. Seed lots that fail the threshold are diverted to feed or other uses.