Upcoming Events
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10.12.2025 - 10.12.2025
ISSS-ISTA Webinar on Seed vigour - mechanisms and applications
The complex trait of seed vigour is a key component of crop seed performance. The term "seed vigour (triebkraft)" was coined by Nobbe in 1876 and ISTA (2001) defines it as "the sum of those properties that determine the activity and performance of seed lots of acceptable germination in a wide range of environments".Read more
Vigour is a concept that includes characteristics associated the rate and uniformity of seed germination and seedling growth, emergence ability of seeds under unfavourable environmental conditions and performance after storage, particularly the retention of the ability to germinate (ISTA 2001). Vigour can therefore influence both crop yield and its marketable quality. While our knowledge about the mechanisms of seed germination and dormancy has greatly advanced, our understanding of the mechanisms of seed vigour remains limited.
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News
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17.10.2025
The latest edition of Seed Testing International - Issue No. 170 - is officially out! Dive into a fresh collection of Association updates, key milestones, and noteworthy achievements from the past six months.
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19.05.2025
The ISTA Handbook on Seed Health Testing is released! It serves as a hands on reference supporting the execution of the methods described in Chapter 7 of the ISTA Rules but also is a helpful guide in setting up a seed health laboratory or a seed health testing program. Available as an electronic, downloadable, printable PDF copy only.
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The advantage of the eCertificates is that everyone, who has the access information (Certificate number and access code), may check the data on-line via the ISTA website.
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Publications
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The International Rules for Seed Testing (ISTA Rules) are ISTA primary tool to promote uniformity in the seed testing industry. Featuring 19 sections, the International Rules for Seed Testing have definitions and standardised methods to be used in sampling, testing seed lot quality and reporting results for international trade. The ISTA Rules are voted, amended and approved annually at the Ordinary General Meeting after considering the Technical Committees recommendations.
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Seed Science and Technology (SST) is an international journal, featuring original papers and articles on seed quality and physiology related to seed production, harvest, processing, sampling, storage, genetic conservation, habitat regeneration, distribution and testing. A journal that meets the needs of researchers, advisers and all those involved in the improvement and technical control of seed quality.
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Seed Testing International (STI) is the ISTA News Bulletin, distributed to over 1700 subscribers worldwide. STI includes reports from ISTA President, Technical Committees, and Secretariat. It also includes articles, addressing various aspects, concerning seed testing in general.
This is the reason why STI is read by parties, interested in seeds, including ISTA Members and their laboratory personnel in more than 70 countries/distinct economies.
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Newsletter
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