The Dodder (Cuscuta) Problem
Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) is the #1 quality concern for alfalfa buyers worldwide. This parasitic weed wraps around alfalfa plants and kills them — once a field is contaminated, it's nearly impossible to eradicate. SENASA Argentina, USDA-APHIS, EU phytosanitary, and Chinese GACC all reject seed lots with detectable dodder contamination.
Our SORTEX H SpectraVision optical sorters and multi-stage gravity tables remove dodder seeds at the processing stage. Every lot is then verified in our in-house lab before shipping.
What Goes Into Every Certificate of Analysis
| Parameter | Standard | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Germination rate | 85% min (most lots 90%+) | ISTA paper germination test, 7–14 days |
| Physical purity | 99% min | Hand sorting + lab inspection |
| Moisture content | ≤12% | Moisture meter, ISO 712 |
| Dodder (Cuscuta) freedom | 0.00% — Zero detected | Visual + microscope inspection |
| Other weed seeds | ≤0.5% | Hand sorting, ISTA list |
| Pathogen freedom | Ditylenchus dipsaci, Peronospora trifoliorum: nil | FSCRD phytosanitary inspection |
| Lot traceability | Per-lot batch numbers | SAP-tracked from grower to container |
Documentation Provided
📄 Phytosanitary Certificate
Issued by FSCRD. Declares freedom from Cuscuta spp., Ditylenchus dipsaci, and quarantine organisms.
📊 Certificate of Analysis
Lab-issued, per-lot. Includes germination, purity, moisture, and dodder-free declaration with batch numbers.
📜 Certificate of Origin
Issued by TDAP or Karachi Chamber of Commerce. Legalised by destination embassy when required.
📦 Commercial Invoice + Packing List
With HS tariff codes (alfalfa seed = 1209.21 / lucerne = 1209.29.20 MERCOSUR).
Inside Our Quality Lab
Testing & Compliance Network
Our quality documentation is accepted by phytosanitary authorities in 70+ countries, including:
- USDA-APHIS (USA)
- SENASA (Argentina)
- GACC (China)
- MAFF (Japan)
- APQA (S.Korea)
- BAPHIQ (Taiwan)
- DAFM (EU)
- DGAJ (Egypt)
- SFDA (Saudi)
- MoCC (UAE)
- DAFF (Australia)
- MPI (NZ)