Understanding Terms on Seed Packages
The consistent use of terminology is a goal of most industries. It helps customers select products with features they most desire. Due to the limited space on seed packets and in catalog descriptions, seed companies typically rely on one to five letter seed abbreviations to convey important information about their products. These seed packet codes can tell gardeners which varieties are first generation hybrids (F1), whether the seeds are organic (OG), or if the variety is an All-America Selection winner (AAS). More importantly, the codes on seed packets can tell gardeners whether or not that variety of plant has natural resistance or tolerance to pests and disease.
“Resistance” and “Tolerance” Seed Packet Codes
Resistance is a plant’s natural immunity which impedes attacks from a pest or disease, while tolerance is the plant’s ability to recover from these attacks. Both these qualities benefit plants by improving survivability and increasing yields. Many seed package abbreviations refer to a variety’s resistance or tolerance to disease and pests. Here are some of the most common pest and disease resistance/tolerance terms on seed packages and in seed catalog descriptions: Fungal Diseases
A – AnthracnoseAB – Early blightAS – Stem cankerBMV– Bean mosaic virusC – Cercospora virusCMV – Cucumber mosaic virusCR – ClubrootF — Fusarium wiltL – Gray leaf spotLB – Late blightPM – Powdery mildewR – Common RustSM – SmutTMV – Tobacco mosaic virusToMV – Tomato mosaic virusTSWV – Tomato spotted wilt virusV – Verticillium wiltZYMV – Zucchini yellow mosaic virus
Bacterial Diseases
B – Bacterial wiltBB – Bacterial blightS– Scab
Parasitic Organisms
DM – Downy mildewN – NematodesNr – Lettuce leaf aphidPb – Lettuce root aphid
