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Introduction
Participants of test round 08-1 shall receive six numbered samples including three moisture-proof samples of Lolium multiflorum for germination, purity, other seed determination, moisture determination and tetrazolium testing, as part of the ISTA Proficiency Test Programme for 2008-2010. If there is any doubt as to the integrity of the samples (e.g. broken seal, inadequate quantity of seeds) the laboratory is requested to ask the Secretariat for replacement samples. The moisture-proof samples are for the Moisture Content Determination only, for other analysis the samples in paper bags are to be used. Analysis for which the laboratory holds no accreditation are voluntary.
Accredited laboratories are required to participate in all tests they hold a valid accreditation for. For non-accredited tests participation is voluntary.
Instruction
Purity Analysis
For each sample, a purity analysis of the whole sample in the envelope is required. Please carry out the analysis according to the current ISTA Rules, and report, on the attached form, the initial working sample weight, the weight and percentage of each component and the total weight of components in accordance with the ISTA Rules.
Other Seed Determination
Please report the number and botanical names of other seeds found, and the kind of inert matter following the ISTA List of Stabilized Plant Names, current version.
Germination Analysis
For each sample, a germination analysis comprising 4 replicates of 100 pure seeds is required. Please carry out the analysis according to your laboratory's preferred ISTA alternative method, as prescribed in the current ISTA Rules, Table 5A. The results, including the average values for each lot are to be reported in the spaces provided on the attached form. Make sure that you indicate the germination method (substrate, temperature, counting days, treatment for promoting germination etc.) in the spaces provided on the report form.
Determination of Moisture Content
For each of the moisture-proof samples, carry out a moisture content determination using the appropriate ISTA method in accordance with the current ISTA Rules and report the results accordingly. Please report the weights of the containers (M1, M2, M3), the moisture content in percent of each of the replicates and the mean in accordance with the formula given in Chapter 9.
Tetrazolium Analysis
For each sample, a tetrazolium analysis comprising 4 replicates of 100 pure seeds is required. Please carry out the analysis according to your laboratory's preferred ISTA alternative method, as prescribed in the current ISTA Rules, Table 6A. The results, including the average values for each lot are to be reported in the spaces provided on the attached form. Make sure you indicate the tetrazolium method (e.g. Excised embryo, Longitudinal Cut, Transverse Section, Removal of Seed Coat), the concentration of tetrazolium solution, the staining temperature and the staining time in the spaces provided on the report form.
Reporting Results
A blank Orange International Seed Lot Certificate is enclosed in order to give all participants the opportunity to practice reporting on OIC. It does not involve any form of rating but will help participants and ISTA to identify weak spots in reporting. The certificate shall be filled in as completely as possible with results for Lot. No. 1 in addition to the forms provided with this instruction letter.
The information that shall be stated under "Stated by the applicant":
- Applicant: "ISTA Secretariat", plus address
- Name of the species as "Lolium multiflorum" or "Italian ryegrass"
- Weight of the lot: 10,000kg
- Category: "Certified seeds"
The number of containers is 250
Date of sampling is January 15, 2008
Mark of the lot: ISTA 2000 PAR
Sampling by: your laboratory
Please report results of the following tests: Purity, moisture, tetrazolium, germination. The certificate shall be a provisional certificate with the germination results of the first count. There is no need for reporting other seeds by number. Please return the OIC as original hardcopy. Facsimiles, copies or scans cannot be evaluated.
Remaining seed shall be carefully stored for re-testing or follow-up corrective actions if required. There should be sufficient seed for one re-test.
Laboratories with an email address shall receive an electronic copy of the report forms. In addition, electronic copies of the report sheets are provided below for download. We encourage the use of these forms and reporting results electronically. Laboratories may also receive an electronic copy by email upon request.
You are kindly asked to initiate the tests within 3 weeks after receipt, and report the results by mail, fax or e-mail to the above mentioned address by April 30, 2008.
The samples have not been treated.
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Bassersdorf, January 2008
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