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Introduction
The Proficiency Test Committee invites participation by anyone interested in becoming a proficiency test leader. This includes any who have previously been leaders as well as those with no experience in preparation of proficiency test samples.
The schedule for the proficiency testing programme is finalised during each triennial Congress. The three year plan includes the list of species for nine rounds, the tests which will be conducted (purity, other seed determination, germination), and the names of the test leaders who have volunteered for the rounds. Each round leader is responsible for finding three seed lots having a range of quality for germination and which are reasonably free from impurities. If the tests include other seed determination, the leader develops a list of impurities to be added, which is approved by the Committee Chair. The test leader prepares approximately 150 sub-samples from each seed lot and conducts homogeneity tests before distribution. The ISTA Secretariat carries much of the burden of preparing the written communications, distributing the samples, entering data into the database and preparing the reports. The test leader reviews data summaries prepared by the Secretariat and writes recommendations for those laboratories which have demonstrated difficulties with the proficiency test. The leader advises the Secretariat on any questions concerning the round and may receive requests for assistance from participating laboratories which experienced specific problems. Test leaders are provided with a detailed protocol for sample preparation and are assured advice and support from the Secretariat and Committee. Some of the costs associated with sample preparation, (e.g. purchase of seed lots, containers, shipping, etc.), are reimbursed by the Secretariat, but the cost of labour cannot be reimbursed.
At this time, the proficiency testing programme is focused on purity and germination testing; however, pilot studies are underway or being considered for vigour, moisture, seed health, tetrazolium and tree seeds, so it is likely that in the near future leaders will also be needed for these fields of testing.
Although there is a significant time commitment, previous test leaders will confirm that this is a very rewarding experience because it provides an insight into the complexities of proficiency testing and gives a direct behind-the-scenes view of a very important ISTA activity. If you are interested in becoming a proficiency test leader, or would like to receive more information, please contact the ISTA Secretariat. |
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Latest issue of Seed Testing International
STI 145 April 2013
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30th ISTA Congress 2013 - Register today!
30th ISTA Congress 2013
Antalya, Turkey
June 12-18, 2013
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Reports available from the ISTA Annual Meeting 2012
ISTA Annual Meeting 2012
June 11-14, 2012
Venlo, The Netherlands
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ISTA / ISF Experiment on Herbage Seed Lot Size
Technical Protocol and participating companies
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Outcome on the
World food security: urgent measures on seed needed
Second World Seed Conference 2009
held September 8-10,
in Rome, Italy
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ISTA Seed Mixture Experiment
to collect information that may be used to determine the reliability of seed mixture test results and establish tolerances.
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Universal List of Species
ISTA list of 130 plant species that accredited laboratories may wish to include in their seed collections
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Position Paper on
ISTA's view regarding the units for the reporting of quantitative results on presence of seeds with specified traits in conventional seed lots
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Accreditation Documents for the Testing of Specified Traits
Related Documents for download
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ISTA's Memorandum of Understanding with FAO
Read the full Press Release
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