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International Seed Testing Association
International Seed Testing Association
Richtiarkade 18
8304 Wallisellen, CH
+41 44 838 60 00
ista.office@ista.ch
International Seed Testing Association

Seed Health Proficiency Test

We are in need of contaminated seed lots of these species and pathogens. Any laboratories having contaminated seed lots available for these tests would be very welcome to contribute those seed lots for this purpose.  

Please contact the proficiency test subcommittee chairperson, Ruud Barnhoorn.

Ongoing round

The ISTA Seed Health Proficiency Test for detection of Botrytis cinerea in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed samples
 

Dear Members,

This is to announce the ISTA Seed Health Proficiency Test for detection of Botrytis cinerea in sunflower seeds.

The aim of this proficiency test is to verify the ability of laboratories to detect Botrytis cinerea in a sample of 400 seeds. Accredited laboratories are required to participate if they hold a valid accreditation for the ISTA Method 7 003. Laboratories that are not accredited may participate as volunteers.

If you wish to participate, please send your reply to nadine.ettel@ista.ch latest by 6 th of October.

Also, please note that when you confirm readiness to participate, you will be expected to report the results.

The samples will be ready for distribution at the end of December 2023 and will be shipped from 15 th of January 2024.

Import permit /quarantine permit

Participants are requested to check with their customs authorities what documentation is required to ensure receipt of the seeds and to provide us with these details and documents. Laboratories needing an import/quarantine permit for this test round are kindly requested to obtain the permit before the 1 st of December 2023. Samples will only be sent to laboratories that confirm to the ISTA Secretariat that all preconditions for secure shipment have been met.

For obtaining an import permit, you might need the following data:

Species: Helianthus annuus (sunflower)
Pathogen: Botrytis cinerea
Material: (infested) seed
Origin: France
Sample set composition: 6 to 12 samples with 3 different levels of contamination
Quantity of seeds/bag: 400 seeds/sample
Untreated seeds: Yes
Net weight (only seeds): 450gr/bag
Brut weight (with package): 1 kg
Samples will be shipped from: France

If you have any questions regarding the provided information, please contact nadine.ettel@ista.ch.

Ongoing round

The ISTA Seed Health Proficiency Test for detection of Acidovorax valerianellae in corn salad (Valerianella locusta) seed samples
 

The aim of this proficiency test is to verify the ability of laboratories to detect Acidovorax valerianellae in corn salad (Valerianella locusta) seed samples. Accredited laboratories are required to participate if they hold a valid accreditation for the ISTA Method 7-030. Laboratories that are not accredited may participate as volunteers.

If you wish to participate, please send your reply to nadine.ettel@ista.ch latest by 7th of August. Please note that we only have a limited number of sample sets.

Also, please note that when you confirm readiness to participate, you will be expected to report the results.

The samples will be shipped at the end of October and the report will be sent on April 2024.
 

Import permit/quarantine permit

Participants are requested to check with their customs which documents are needed to ensure the receipt of the seeds and to provide us with this details and documents. Laboratories needing an import/quarantine permit for this test round are kindly requested to obtain the permit before the 7th of August. Samples will be sent only to those laboratories which confirm to the ISTA Secretariat that all preconditions for secure shipping are met.

For obtaining an import permit, you might need the following data:

Species: Valerianella locusta (Corn salad)
Pathogen: Acidovorax valerianellae
Material: Infected seeds
Quantity of seeds/bag: 5.000 seeds/bag
Untreated seeds: Yes
Net weight (only seeds): 200 to 250g/bag
Brut weight (with package): 1 kg
Samples will be shipped from: France

If you have any questions regarding the provided information, please contact nadine.ettel@ista.ch.

Upcoming Seed Health Proficiency Test rounds:

7-014

Parastagonospora nodorum 
(Planned for 2023)

7-006

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
(Planned for 2023)

7-020

Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae
(Planned for 2024)

7-030

Acidovorax valerianellae
(Planned for 2023)

Details will be announced as soon as registration is possible. Laboratories accredited for Seed Health will be notified by email and others via newsletter.

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