New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 1 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS
Chapter III - Plant Industry
Subchapter A - Inspection and Sale of Seeds (Article 9, Agriculture and Markets Law)
Part 111 - General Tree Seed Certification Standards
Standards
Section 111.14 - Seed failing to meet certification standards for superior, select, or standard seed

It is recognized that certified tree seed should meet high standards in mechanical purity, germination, genetic quality, and freedom from damage by insects or disease. However, certain lots of seed may fail to meet certification standards for superior, select or standard seed, and yet may appropriately be certified. Such seed may be certified under conditions jointly prescribed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, the Dean of the State University College of Forestry, and the certifying agency. Seed so certified shall be tagged "Source seed" with a special certification tag which shall indicate the respect or respects in which the seed to which it is attached fails to meet certification standards for superior, select or standard seed. No seed shall be certified under this provision under conditions which will be injurious to the reputation of certified tree seed.