Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Pathological Testing
Although many seed laboratories may not have a need for seed health testing, others will need to be well
equipped to provide complete pathological testing services. This includes laboratories that are accredited
to offer inspections for phytosanitary certiicates for seed intended for international shipment to meet the
requirements established by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It will also include labo-
ratories that test seed of species for which seed health testing is considered important. It should also include
those oficial laboratories with a commitment to providing broad-based service, education and research
support and extension to the seed industry.
Although any analyst can observe the presence of pathological problems, the well-equipped laboratory
must have specially trained qualiied personnel who are familiar with seedborne fungi, bacteria, nematodes,
and viral pathogens as well as detection methods for seedborne pathogens. Laboratories with a pathological
testing mission must also have adequate space and facilities such as exhaust safety cabinet, culture/hood,
or greenhouse for performing the tests. Although some testing procedures are compatible with purity and
germination tests, it may be preferable to have special separate facilities for conducting routine pathologi-
cal tests, as well as research into testing techniques. This requires adequate table space, special incubation
chambers, adjacent greenhouse space and ample microscopic capability, including binocular and higher
power monocular microscopes. It also requires a hood, sterilizers, and media (agar) preparation supplies
and equipment, as well as well-ventilated working space and an air exhaust system. Finally, it should be
well supplied with library resources/references on fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes, as well as general
pathological testing information.
rECord-kEEPInG - STATE And fEdErAL rEGuLATIonS
Seed vendors are required by federal and state seed laws as well as by good laboratory practices to retain
seed samples and all testing records for one to three years. These samples may be used for re-test for carry-
over seed or to provide evidence in litigation cases. Laboratories which provide seed testing results should
also save samples and records to provide a service to their customers. Records should include sample
number and the name and address of the person for whom the test is conducted, along with complete results
of all tests. Historically, records have been stored in daily log books, and results of each test are kept in
iling cabinets. Seed samples may be discarded after one to three years after the seed lot has been sold,
however, records must be retained for three full years. Today, most seed laboratories have computerized
testing records and should retain both electronic as well as a hard copy of test results. Records for calibrat-
ing and maintaining equipment such as balances, blowers, and germinators should be kept as well. Quality
assurance and accreditation programs require records to be maintained for a minimum of three years for
equipment and for test results. ISTA requires six years for all testing and quality system records.
SEEd AnALyST TrAInInG
Educational requirements for Seed Analysts
A good educational background in botany, plant pathology and agronomy is an excellent foundation for
seed analysis. All supervisory staff should have the equivalent of a B.S. degree in one of the biological sci-
ences. Other persons may be used to perform such routine tasks as receiving, weighing, dividing samples or
preparing samples for germination, however, they should be supervised by analysts with academic training
or the equivalent in experience. Research staff and/or those in charge of pathological testing should ordinar-
ily have advanced degrees or adequate specialized training or experience. Seed testing organizations such
as AOSA and SCST offer special certiication for analysts who pass specialized tests which qualify them as
“Certiied Seed Analysts” or “Registered Seed Technologists.” The ISTA accreditation system requires that
seed analysts be competent but passing a speciied test is not required.
