Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seed germination, root and shoot elongation test for monitoring contaminated sites

Author:
VE

The garden cress contact test is based on the Hungarian Standard MSZ 21976-17/1988 and OECD 208 protocol. Solid phase samples (soil) and water samples are directly tested. Soil extracts or elutriates are not prepared. The water content of examined soil samples is adjusted. We use uncontaminated brown forest soil and tapwater as negative control sample. The testorganism (garden cress, Lepidium sativum) is purchased in seed-shop. Germination rate of seeds must be 95 %.

The  testing methodology is detailed here.