Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
researchers. Seed testing is used to evaluate the viability of germplasms periodically to insure that they
maintain their planting value during the years of storage. Viability data from seed testing can also help
germplasm centers evaluate the effectiveness of new seed storage technologies.
SEEd TESTInG orGAnIzATIonS
International Seed Testing Association (www.seedtest.org)
The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) is the world-wide organization dedicated to seed testing
on an international scope. Its goals include: (1) development of rules for seed testing, (2) standardization
of testing techniques, (3) seed research, and (4) cooperation with other international agencies for seed
improvement.
ISTA had its beginning in the early 1900s when seed oficials from several European laboratories felt
the need for more exchange of seed testing information and communication among seed laboratories in
different countries. During this period, the international seed trade was becoming more irmly established,
creating the need for standardization of seed quality concepts across national borders.
This need was irst put into action at the 1905 Botanical Congress in Vienna, where several people
met informally to plan a European seed testing association. Plans were made for a Seed Testing Congress in
Hamburg, Germany in 1906. Another Seed Testing Congress was held in 1910. Due to conditions in Europe,
another meeting was not held until Professor K. Dorph Peterson of Copenhagen called a 3rd Seed Testing
Congress in Copenhagen in 1921 during which the European Seed Testing Association was formed. Under
the auspices of this group, the 4th International Seed Testing Congress was held at Cambridge, England in
1924. At this meeting the name was oficially changed to the International Seed Testing Association.
Since its beginning, ISTA has had excellent growth and accomplishments and has become truly world-
wide in both scope and representation. By 1971, membership in ISTA included 117 laboratories. As of
2011, it had 199 member laboratories and 302 personal and associate members from 79 different countries.
Some of its notable accomplishments are:
1. Promoting uniformity of seed testing results among laboratories. This has facilitated movement of
seed across international boundaries and has helped farmers get the best possible seed regardless
of the country of origin.
2. Arranging for seed scientists and technicians to meet and discuss seed testing problems and to
ind solutions for them. By drafting seed testing rules and discussing their interpretations, they
have provided a sound basis for enactment of seed laws to protect farmers and other seed users
throughout the world.
3. Helping to achieve closer association between test results and ield performance and in assisting
farmers to recognize seed of high planting value.
4. Organizing training courses and workshops in Africa, Asia, and South America to help promote
seed testing in areas of rapidly emerging agriculture.
5. Providing a focal point of seed knowledge.
ISTA holds an annual meeting and a Congress every three years at different locations throughout the
world. At these meetings delegates hear scientiic and technical papers from its members and participate in
forums and committee meetings, exchange information, present rule change proposals, and ind solutions to
mutual problems. The complete activities at each Congress are published in its oficial journal,
Seed Science
and Technology
, which until 1976 was titled the
ISTA Proceedings
.
