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Summary• Here we investigated the accuracy of measurements at the whole seed level in estimating seed and seedling quality. Specifically, we asked: 'Do measurements at the whole seed level mask important differences in testa or embryo quality?' and 'Are chemicals provisioned to seeds present in seedlings post-germination?' • We measured the allocation of biomass and distribution of UV-absorbing compounds to testas and embryos of Brassica rapa seeds derived from plants grown in the presence and absence of UV-B. The concentration of UV-absorbing compounds in cotyledons was also quantified.• Differences in seed quality were only detected when testas were analyzed separately from embryos. UV-B decreased testa mass by 18% and increased the concentration of UV-absorbing compounds in the testa by 158%. The increased chemical provisioning to testas was not evident post-germination, as the concentration of UVabsorbing compounds in cotyledons was independent of parental environment.• Our results suggest that measurements at the whole seed level conceal significant differences in testa quality, and chemicals provisioned to testas do not affect progeny chemistry during establishment.

In the original version of this article, the given and family names of Lauren R. Griffen were incorrectly structured. The correct name is given in this correction. The original article has been correctedPublisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.