Many important diseases of pulses can be seed-borne. Pulse growers can minimize losses from these diseases by using high quality seed. Seed testing is required to establish whether seed is infected. Seed health tests are currently available to detect the most important seed-borne pathogens of pulses. Only seed that is pathogen-free should be used for sowing. Testing seed before sowing will identify potential disease problems and allow steps to be taken to reduce the disease risk. Laboratory testing is usually required, as infected seed may have no visible disease symptoms.