Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Certified Seed Analyst (CSA) by AoSA
In the late 1980s, the Association of Oficial Seed Analysts (AOSA) developed a program for certiication
of seed analysts in oficial laboratories. It is similar to the SCST program in almost all requirements. Under
this program, analysts are certiied in either purity and/or germination on the basis of both practical exer-
cises and written questions. Oficial laboratories are encouraged to seek the certiication of most of their
qualiied analysts under this program.
Demonstration of analyst competence in this way can be used by management to ensure that the
laboratory is staffed with competent people. It can also be used in job descriptions for higher level analysts
and supervisors and for justifying salaries.
ProfICIEnCy And rEfErEE ProGrAMS
Analyst proiciency is a key factor for quality testing. It also minimizes potential errors in conducting
tests and interpreting results. Proiciency test programs provide conidence in results within and between
laboratories. These programs allow labs to identify testing areas that need to be improved or additional
staff training that needs to be required. Improving proiciency of seed analysts can save time and money,
improve performance, and increase effectiveness and eficiency in managing seed laboratories. Proiciency
programs have become important components in many seed organizations and requirements for laboratory
accreditation.
Every seed laboratory should be involved in some level of proiciency and referee activity in order
to remain effective in providing the best service to their clientele. The quality of service of any laboratory
depends on accuracy, uniformity, and timely results within and among different laboratories. Thus, labora-
tories should participate in proiciency and referee projects with other laboratories testing the same kinds
of seed. Such programs should improve the knowledge and skills of seed analysts, highlight their strengths,
and point out areas that need improvement. Otherwise, they face the risk of becoming isolated, causing the
quality and dependability of their results to suffer. Consequently, laboratories should participate in regular
referee programs for all kinds of tests and species that they test. Any discrepancies that are revealed by
referee results should be noted and research conducted to correct deiciencies in either methods or interpre-
tation. This is the minimum kind of research in which every laboratory should participate.
The emergence of new genetically modiied and value-added crops creates a need for new tests to
verify the genetic identity of seeds. The global seed market has become so competitive and dynamic that it
demands fast accurate results. This requires continued improvement in seed testing methods and equipment.
In addition to the points cited above, quality assurance and accreditation programs require laboratories
to participate in regular referee activities for the crop kinds and tests they perform.
rESEArCH And dEVELoPMEnT
Laboratories should be active in research to improve current tests, methods, and equipment, and to develop
new tests as needed. Some public laboratories may have research staff who devote time to either applied
or developmental research. Although some will be more closely related to routine testing activities, all
research should attempt to provide better insight into seed function or performance. Ultimately, this all
contributes to better service to seed testing clientele and the seed industry.
Any laboratory, before offering a new test, must conduct research on the new method as well as
validation studies followed by a referee to help reine the new method and conirm consistency with other
laboratories. In general, the referee determines the level of accuracy, repeatability, and eficiency of a new
test or method. This will help establish new methods and procedures for a test based on sound scientiic
basis.
