Objectives

Water activity measurement (a_w) or in other words the equilibrium Relative Humidity (eRH) has been successfully used for decades in food industry and more recently in seed industry for moisture management. Moisture assessment by means of a_w is non destructive and therefore a very interesting method for scarce or high-priced seed lots. It is commonly acknowledged, now, that bacterial, fungal, chemical and physical properties of natural products are more closely related to a_w than gravimetric moisture content. This workshop aims to discuss the potential role of water activity as a new method for seed testing. Lectures and practical aspects related to water activity measurement will be considered in relation with gravimetric moisture content.

The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) takes pleasure in inviting you to its Annual Meeting, to be held in Tsukuba, Japan, from 13–16 June 2011. The National ISTA Designated Authority of Japan is delighted to be hosting the next ISTA Annual Meeting and would like to cordially invite you to Japan.

The ISTA Annual Meeting provides the opportunity to meet other seed experts and to exchange experiences. The aim of the meeting is to discuss and decide on proposalsfor changes to the ISTA International Rules for Seed Testing, and business items of the Association, with the international participation of ISTA delegates and representativesfrom both the seed industry and governments, including experts in seed technology, scientific research and laboratory accreditation.