Seed Testing: Principles and Practices
364
Seed Testing: Principles and Practices
364Hardcover
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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781611860399 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Michigan State University Press |
| Publication date: | 06/01/2012 |
| Pages: | 364 |
| Product dimensions: | 8.30(w) x 11.10(h) x 1.00(d) |
About the Author
Lawrence O. Copeland is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Michigan State University.
Miller B. McDonald is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University.
Riad Z. Baalbaki is Senior Seed Botanist for the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch and editor-in-chief of Seed Technology.
Read an Excerpt
Seed Testing
Principles and PracticesBy S. G. Elias L. O. Copeland M. B. McDonald R. Z. Baalbaki
Michigan State University Press
Copyright © 2012 Sabry G. Elias, Lawrence O. Copeland, Miller B. McDonald, and Riad Z. BaalbakiAll right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-61186-039-9
Chapter One
Why Seeds are Tested, and When
Seed testing is the science of evaluating the quality of seeds to determine their value for planting. Though initially developed for field and garden seeds, seed testing is equally valuable for determining the seed quality of turf, flowers, herbs, shrubs, trees and native species.
The term "seed quality" is loosely used to reflect the overall value of seed for planting; thus the role of seed as the basic unit of reproduction makes viability perhaps the most widely recognized aspect of seed quality. Information about the physical purity is probably the second most important factor for which seeds are tested. This refers to freedom from inert matter as well as seed of weeds or other crops. Other aspects of quality include vigor, freedom from seedborne diseases, contamination by noxious weeds, moisture content, and varietal or genetic identity and purity.
History of Seed Testing
Although the agricultural use of seeds pre-dates historical records, the art and science of seed testing has only developed in the last century or so. The first seed testing laboratory was established in Saxony, Germany in 1869, and the first one in America was at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in 1876. The first one in Canada was established in 1902 in Ottawa. Today, official seed testing laboratories are found in most U.S. states and nearly every country in the world. In addition, there are many privately operated commercial laboratories in North America and throughout the world.
Role of Modern Seed Testing in Consumer Protection and Government regulations
A strong well-developed seed industry is one in which a free merchandising climate exists with sophisticated state-of-the-art packaging and promotional techniques. Modern seed marketing methods have become rather complex and seed is often retailed from marketing outlets far removed from where it was produced. The increased importance of consumer protection is in sharp contrast to the conditions which existed in early village markets where the concept of caveat emptor or "let the buyer beware" developed. No government consumer protection existed, so customers had to carefully examine the merchandise before purchasing to determine whether they were truly receiving fair value for the price.
Modern seed marketing systems and evaluation of seed quality have become more complex. Seed buyers are usually assured through consumer protection laws and government regulations that they are getting the variety and the quality indicated on the label. Seed testing provides results that are of fundamental importance to enable producers to label seed quality information for the marketplace.
Service to the Seed Industry
As much as 80 percent of all seed samples tested in North America probably comes from commercial seed companies or professional independent seed producers. Seed testing provides quality information necessary for labeling seed to be sold. It also provides several other very important functions. For growers producing seed under contract with a seed company, it tells if the seed meets or can be upgraded to meet quality standards required under contractual agreements. For independent seed producers, it provides quality information needed for attracting potential seed buyers, no matter whether the seed is to be wholesaled or retailed directly to their farmer customers.
Seed testing results also provide other valuable quality information for both the commercial seed dealer and private seed producer. Results can be used to help determine seeding rates, time of planting, time of harvest, conditioning efficiency, blending operations, and seed storage programs. Quality checks (mill checks) during conditioning can indicate cleaning progress and show how further contamination or quality problems can be solved. Routine quality checks of seed in storage can reveal potential quality loss during storage. Such information is extremely important, especially to larger seed companies with extensive quality control programs where decisions regarding which lots to store, which to blend, and which to sell can be crucial to business success.
Independent seed producers and most seed companies depend on official or private seed laboratories for their service testing. Service testing is an important function of most official state seed laboratories, in addition to their important law enforcement (regulatory) function, and there is usually good communication between the seed industry and state seed control officials.
Many private seed laboratories, which also provide valuable service to the seed industry, exist throughout North America and the world. Some are associated with commercial seed companies which have large quality control and inventory testing programs. Such laboratories have primary or sole responsibility for conducting their company's quality control or inventory testing program, while others (especially those with smaller companies) may accept outside service testing business. Still others are completely independent, although they may have working arrangements with seed companies to provide most or all of their seed testing needs.
Service to Farmers and Home Owners
A very important function of seed testing laboratories is to provide service to farmers, gardeners, home owners, the nursery industry, and other users of seed. This service has always been and remains an important function of official state seed laboratories. In the past, it was not uncommon for some official state seed laboratories to provide free seed testing in order to promote the use of high quality seed.
Service to Research and Germplasm Centers
Seed testing contributes to research in the areas of seed biology, physiology, biotechnology, and other seed-related disciplines. Researchers use seed quality testing in developing new varieties, improving seed production programs, producing genetically modified seeds, seed storability reserves, evaluating the effect of pathogens on seed performance, and many other areas of seed research.
Seed testing also provides invaluable contributions to the preservation of precious genetic resources which benefit the entire world by ensuring that diverse crop germplasms are available to breeders and researchers. Seed testing is used to evaluate the viability of germplasms periodically to insure that they maintain their planting value during the years of storage. Viability data from seed testing can also help germplasm centers evaluate the effectiveness of new seed storage technologies.
SEED TESTING ORGANIZATIONS
International Seed Testing Association (seedtest.org)
The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) is the world-wide organization dedicated to seed testing on an international scope. Its goals include: (1) development of rules for seed testing, (2) standardization of testing techniques, (3) seed research, and (4) cooperation with other international agencies for seed improvement.
ISTA had its beginning in the early 1900s when seed officials from several European laboratories felt the need for more exchange of seed testing information and communication among seed laboratories in different countries. During this period, the international seed trade was becoming more firmly established, creating the need for standardization of seed quality concepts across national borders.
This need was first put into action at the 1905 Botanical Congress in Vienna, where several people met informally to plan a European seed testing association. Plans were made for a Seed Testing Congress in Hamburg, Germany in 1906. Another Seed Testing Congress was held in 1910. Due to conditions in Europe, another meeting was not held until Professor K. Dorph Peterson of Copenhagen called a 3rd Seed Testing Congress in Copenhagen in 1921 during which the European Seed Testing Association was formed. Under the auspices of this group, the 4th International Seed Testing Congress was held at Cambridge, England in 1924. At this meeting the name was officially changed to the International Seed Testing Association.
Since its beginning, ISTA has had excellent growth and accomplishments and has become truly worldwide in both scope and representation. By 1971, membership in ISTA included 117 laboratories. As of 2011, it had 199 member laboratories and 302 personal and associate members from 79 different countries. Some of its notable accomplishments are:
1. Promoting uniformity of seed testing results among laboratories. This has facilitated movement of seed across international boundaries and has helped farmers get the best possible seed regardless of the country of origin.
2. Arranging for seed scientists and technicians to meet and discuss seed testing problems and to find solutions for them. By drafting seed testing rules and discussing their interpretations, they have provided a sound basis for enactment of seed laws to protect farmers and other seed users throughout the world.
3. Helping to achieve closer association between test results and field performance and in assisting farmers to recognize seed of high planting value.
4. Organizing training courses and workshops in Africa, Asia, and South America to help promote seed testing in areas of rapidly emerging agriculture.
5. Providing a focal point of seed knowledge.
ISTA holds an annual meeting and a Congress every three years at different locations throughout the world. At these meetings delegates hear scientific and technical papers from its members and participate in forums and committee meetings, exchange information, present rule change proposals, and find solutions to mutual problems. The complete activities at each Congress are published in its official journal, Seed Science and Technology, which until 1976 was titled the ISTA Proceedings.
The Association of official Seed Analysts (aosaseed.com)
The Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) is an organization composed of official state, federal, and university member laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. Membership includes laboratories, analysts who are employed in those laboratories, and other individuals who contribute to seed testing.
The AOSA was formally organized in Washington, DC in 1908 with sixteen states represented. Since its early days, the Association has held annual meetings almost every year. The minutes of these meetings and papers presented are published in the journal Seed Technology (prior to 1976, the AOSA Proceedings). It collaborates with the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST) in publishing a newsletter that includes articles on seed testing topics. The Association has published many special publications, among which are the "Rules for Testing Seeds," as well as a series of handbooks on selected seed testing topics. In addition, the AOSA organizes training courses and workshops for its members.
The AOSA has made great contributions in bringing seed testing to a respected and scientific level in both the U.S. and Canada. Perhaps its greatest contribution has been the development of rules and procedures for seed testing and the standardization of their interpretation. It also has greatly influenced seed legislation in every state as well as at the federal level. Some of the AOSA's primary roles include:
1. Develop and publish standardized rules for seed testing that are used by most states.
2. Standardize seed testing procedures to minimize variability in test results between seed analysts and among laboratories.
3. Contribute to the establishment of seed legislation at the state and federal levels.
4. Offer certification of or accreditation of seed analysts who pass qualification examinations.
5. Research and development of new seed testing methods as needed by the seed industry.
The AOSA has been accrediting individuals that work in member laboratories since 1986. Individuals may become accredited by way of national examination in the areas of purity testing (including all methods of purity analysis and seed identification) or germination testing (including seed physiology, laboratory germination methods, seedling morphology evaluation, tetrazolium viability determination, and seed vigor assessment). The exams also test candidates' knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to seed quality, orderly marketing, and movement of seed in the trade. Individuals who pass the examinations are known as Certified Seed Analysts (CSA).
The Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (seedtechnology.net)
The Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST) is an organization of seed technologists from private and commercial seed laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. This includes self-employed seed technologists who primarily test seed on a custom-fee basis, technologists employed by seed companies who test seed handled in their company's business, and technologists employed in the public sector.
The SCST originated in the early 1920s largely as a liaison between the AOSA and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). At the combined AOSA and ASTA meeting in Chicago in 1922, thirteen commercial seed analysts met to form what was first called the American Society of Commercial Analysts. From the time SCST was first organized, there has been good cooperation between the SCST and AOSA. These two organizations have held their annual meetings at a common place, presented papers, exchanged ideas, and participated in referee/research testing together. The AOSA welcomed the new organization because it created a new bond of communication with the ASTA on a more technical and professional level. The respect for the SCST was strengthened by the high standards it established for society membership.
In 1947, membership standards were further strengthened by the establishment of a comprehensive examination for accreditation. Practical experience in seed analysis was established as a requirement prior to admission to the exam. A minimum score of 80% was established for passing the test which included: seed identification; purity, germination, seed vigor, tetrazolium, and moisture testing methods; evaluation of normal and abnormal seedlings; seed sampling; knowledge of botany; Canadian and United States federal seed laws; and official rules for seed testing and tolerances. Candidates who qualify have the privilege of using the Society Seal and Insignia. The official seal is evidence that the SCST member is a Registered Seed Technologist (RST), and this becomes part of the individual's credentials. Thereafter, the seal accompanies the results of any test performed under RST supervision. As part of consolidation with AOSA, SCST has begun to offer accreditation in only purity or germination. Accredited technologists are known as Certified Purity Technologist (CPT) and Certified Germination Technologist (CGT). A common SCST-AOSA examination will be offered starting in 2012.
In 2001, the SCST established the Registered Genetic Technologist (RGT) and Certified Genetic Technologist (CGT) programs for individuals in laboratories performing genetic purity testing. Candidates are accredited based on several criteria, including (1) accepted accredited courses in biological and molecular sciences, (2) approved genetic purity workshops, (3) training under direct supervision of a qualified supervisor, and (4) attainment of a passing grade in the prescribed examination consisting of demonstrated written and practical competency in four areas of genetic purity testing, including bioassay (herbicide), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), electrophoresis protocols and polymerase chain reaction (PCR-based) technologies. Thus, SCST continues to meet the needs of the seed industry through innovative and progressive seed testing capability and programs.
Consolidation between AOSA and SCST
1995 - Collaboration Committee is established. In 1996, the committee discussed the most relevant, efficient and useful ways to respond to changes in the market place.
1997-2002 - Collaboration committee recommends that the following publications and committees be combined: Journal, Newsletter, Handbook, Legislative, Research, Referee, and Meeting Place.
2003-2005 - An ad-hoc AOSA-SCST Rules Voting committee is established to develop a procedure for both associations to vote to adopt Rules.
2006-2007 - A joint AOSA-SCST task force is established to explore the pros and cons of consolidation and presented a detailed review of the organization's mission, purpose, and strategic goals.
2008-2009 - AOSA and SCST unanimously pass motions supporting the continuation of the consolidation task force effort. An update on the consolidation effort is given at the ASTA, AOSCA, OECD, CSAAC and ISTA meetings. In 2009, the Task Force developed a detailed Consolidation Plan and a draft of the by-laws.
2013 - Full consolidation is expected.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Seed Testing by S. G. Elias L. O. Copeland M. B. McDonald R. Z. Baalbaki Copyright © 2012 by Sabry G. Elias, Lawrence O. Copeland, Miller B. McDonald, and Riad Z. Baalbaki. Excerpted by permission of Michigan State University Press. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface....................ixIntroduction....................xi
Chapter 1. Why Seeds are Tested, and When....................1
Chapter 2. Seeds and Seedlings....................11
Chapter 3. Sampling and Subsampling....................33
Chapter 4. Testing for Physical Purity....................43
Chapter 5. Germination and Viability Testing....................59
Chapter 6. Seedling Evaluation....................83
Chapter 7. Tetrazolium Testing....................117
Chapter 8. Seed and Seedling Vigor Testing....................155
Chapter 9. Genetic and Varietal Purity Testing....................193
Chapter 10. Seed Health Testing....................237
Chapter 11. Seed Moisture Content Testing....................257
Chapter 12. Seed Laboratory Management, Accreditation, and Quality Assurance....................271
Chapter 13. Statistical Applications to Seed Testing....................293
Glossary....................339
Index....................351