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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

ISTA Workshop: Tree Seed Germination and Tetrazolium Workshop

Backweston
Date 25.05.2027 - 28.05.2027
Location Co Kildare
Country Ireland
Registration

Information

Aim of the workshop 

The workshop aims to provide forest seed testing laboratory analysts with theoretical knowledge and hands-on training, strengthening their competence in conducting Germination and Tetrazolium tests as part of routine laboratory activities, following the current ISTA Rules.  

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the principles, methodologies and practical application of both testing methods. Hands-on sessions will cover the preparation, evaluation and interpretation of germination tests, as well as the use of the Tetrazolium test for assessing seed viability.

 

Workshop content

The workshop will include theoretical discussions and practical evaluation of the seed anatomy, germination, tetrazolium and excised embryo tests of the following species: 

  • Fagus sylvatica  

  • Sorbus aucuparia  

  • Pseudotsuga menziesii  

  • Crataegus monogyna 

  • Fraxinus excelsior 

  • Pinus contorta 

  • Picea sitchensis 

  • Betula spp. 

  • Alnus glutinosa 

  • Pinus sylvestris 

  • Picea abies 

The programme will also address quality control requirements for testing, highlighting good laboratory practices and procedures that support the reliability and consistency of test results. 

 

Workshop Programme (click here)

Language of the Workshop is English

 

Workshop Organiser

 

 

 

 

 

International Seed Testing Association
Richtiarkade 18, 8304 Wallisellen, Switzerland
Contact person: Andreea-Nicoleta Pinar                                                                         
Email: andreea.pinar@ista.ch

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Official Seed Testing Laboratory
Address: DAFM Laboratories, Backweston Campus, Youngs Cross, Celbridge, Co Kildare - Ireland W23X3PH
Contact person: Brian O´Connor                                               
Email: brianm.oconnor@agriculture.gov.ie

Lecturers

Elisa Vieira: Chair of the ISTA Forest Tree and Shrub Committee 

Eoin OConnor: Co-Vice Chair ISTA Tetrazolium Committee, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Official Seed Testing Laboratory

Victor Vankus: Member of the ISTA Forest Tree and Shrub Committee

Kevin Murtagh: Member of the ISTA Forest Tree and Shrub Committee, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Official Seed Testing Laboratory

Ainara Fernandez: Member of the ISTA Moisture Committee, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Official Seed Testing Laboratory

Participation fee

ISTA Members: 850 EUR
ISTA Non-Members: 1275 EUR

The participation fee includes all literature and supporting material for the workshop, lunches, coffee breaks and workshop official dinner. It does not include accommodation or meals other than those specified.

The number of participants is restricted to a maximum of 20 participants. 

Registration and payment deadline is 30 March 2027

Please note:  
For cancellations made before 30 March 2027 registration fees are refundable minus a 50 EUR administration fee. 
For cancellations made after 30 March 2027 registration fees are non-refundable. 


Accomodation recommendations

A corporate rate has been agreed with accommodation providers below for the following dates Monday 24th – Friday 28th

The Springfield Hotel 149 EUR/night including breakfast: Use code “SEED” when booking through the hotel website.

The Courtyard Hotel 142 EUR/night including breakfast / 129 EUR/night room only. Contact the hotel directly and notify reservation team of attendance at DAFM workshop - Backweston, to avail of the reduced rate.  

A shuttle bus will be provided from the accommodation listed above to the workshop venue. 

Guests may book directly with the hotel and will be responsible for payment of their own room, taxes and incidentals.

 

Travel & Visa Information

Dublin airport is the closest airport to accommodation and venue. Transport options can be found here Travel To and From Dublin Airport | Airport taxi, buses and shuttle transfer services  

There are no direct public transport links between the airport and the accommodation listed above.  

 

Non-EU citizens may need a VISA and a Letter of Invitation for entry into Ireland. For more information, please consult https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/visas-for-ireland/

 

If you require an invitation letter, or for any additional information, please contact:

Andreea-Nicoleta Pinar
Email: 
andreea.pinar@ista.ch

The invitation letter will be issued by ISTA Secretariat only after payment of the registration fee.

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