SeedID

Seedid is a term used to denote a unique identifier assigned to a seed lot, accession, or sample within seed systems, including seed banks, commercial distributors, and research collections. A seedid is designed to enable traceability across the seed’s life cycle, linking information about species, origin, collection date, source facility, breeder, lot size, and processing history. The identifier typically consists of an alphanumeric code that may embed metadata elements or function as a catalog number with a barcode.

Seedids are used to support regulatory compliance, phytosanitary checks, quality assurance, and recall management. They facilitate data integration across inventory systems, genebanks, field trials, and breeding programs, helping users verify seed identity, track purity, and assess genetic resources. In practice, seedids are supported by accompanying metadata records, often stored in seed databases or biodiversity information systems. Some organizations employ standardized barcodes, QR codes, or digital identifiers linked to centralized repositories to simplify data capture and sharing.

Implementation and governance vary by institution, but common challenges include maintaining data quality, preventing mislabeling, and ensuring interoperability among systems. Best practices emphasize assigning seedids at the point of collection or accession, using controlled vocabularies for metadata, and adopting interoperable data schemas that support cross-institution data exchange. Related concepts include seed lot, germplasm accession, barcode, and metadata.