ISTA - International Seed Testing Association

#ISTA latest issue of Seed Testing International (STI), issue Number 168, October 2024, is now released. This special issue is available as an open-access flipbook and highlights the centenary celebrations in Cambridge, along with many more updates from the Association. Don't miss out - click here to explore the latest Association news and articles: https://lnkd.in/ereYcg8a Remember: to subscribe to STI or to change your subscription, you may complete the subscription preference form here: https://lnkd.in/d46RerUX Happy reading! #seedtesting #seedtest #seeedquality #ISTA100

We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our next joint webinar with the International Society for Seed Science! Our distinguished panelists are set to delve into Seed Supply and Storage with a Focus on Tropical Tree Species: 1. Tools for the conservation of rainforest seeds by Karen Sommerville. 2. Tropical tree seeds: supply, testing and solutions by Elisa Vieira. Don't let this incredible opportunity pass you by: 📅 Save the Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 🕒 Time: 15:00 - 16:30 CET Register now: https://lnkd.in/dEQXgzMR Keep an eye out for further updates as we publish the abstracts from their presentations. #seedtesting #seedtest #seedquality #ISTAwebinar

Most of the testing of #ISTA eCertificates was performed by manual filling or via Excel table (for filling multiple eCertificates). But there is also a totally automised system available (API possibility). Using this system your information will be send directly from your LIMS to fill and sign the eCertificates automatically. We invite you to test this system as well. Please note, there may be some cost on our side related to this and some work on your side. For your information, please see the following recording: https://lnkd.in/e4xaS8kV #seedtesting #seedtest #seedquality #ISTAeCertificates

In last week's webinar on 'GMO Testing,' being the sixth of our centennial series, we welcomed 109 participants, representing an impressive 61% attendance rate among all registrants. Thank you to everyone who joined us! The video recording is now uploaded on the ISTA YouTube channel and may be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/e4p4wukg We express our gratitude to our esteemed panelists, @Norbert Leist, Laura Bowden and Enrico Noli, who generously shared their rich experiences and provided valuable insights to all attendees! #seedtesting #seedtest #seedquality #ISTAwebinar #ISTA100

Today, we recognise Karen De La Rosa’s 5th work anniversary at #ISTA. As our Marketing and Communications Specialist, she has contributed to a range of significant projects and initiatives within the Association. Congratulations, Karen! #seedtesting #seedtest #seedquality #MilestoneAnniversary

On 23 October 2024, we held the 'ISTA Analysts Monitoring' webinar session, where we welcomed 211 participants, representing a 57% attendance rate among all registrants. Thank you to everyone who joined us! The video recording is now uploaded on the ISTA YouTube channel and may be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/e5HVs94t We express our gratitude to our esteemed panelists, Florina Palada and Rasha El-Khadem, who generously shared their work and provided fantastic tips and insights on this important subject! We also thank all particiopants for engaging thoroughly in the discussion and for providing so much positive feedback both during and after the session. #seedtesting #seedtest #seedquality #ISTAwebinar

It's Today! Don’t Miss Out on the Sixth #ISTA Centennial Series Webinar! We’re thrilled to invite you to join our esteemed panelists this afternoon at 3:00 PM as we explore the fascinating history and critical link between ISTA and GMO testing. This free event is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights from industry experts and engage in meaningful discussions. Everyone is welcome to attend! Plus, all participants will receive a certificate of attendance after the webinar! Register now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/eP5zD63T Let’s celebrate knowledge and innovation together! #seedtest #seedquality #upcomingevent #ISTAwebinar #ISTA100

Successful Conclusion of #ISTA Quality Assurance & Accreditation Workshops in Bucharest! The recent ISTA Workshops on Advanced Level Quality Assurance and Accreditation, held in Bucharest, Romania, wrapped up with great success. Due to high demand, we hosted two sessions (Oct 8-11 & Oct 14-17), delivering two weeks of in-depth learning, networking and upskilling. In collaboration with the Central Laboratory for Quality of Seeds and Planting Material, the workshops focused on seed testing laboratories aiming to comply with the ISTA Accreditation Standard and to maintain their accreditation. Participants engaged in practical sessions on staff monitoring, internal audits, sampling, and more - gaining tools to strengthen lab processes and maintain compliance. A big thank you to all participants for your enthusiasm and to our hosts for their wonderful support! 🌱 Interested in attending future ISTA workshops? Visit our website for upcoming opportunities: www.seedtest.org and stay up to date with our featured events. #seedtesting #seedtest #seequality #ISTAworkshop

🚀24th ISTA GMO Proficiency Test on Maize (Zea mays) NOW OPEN. The aim of this #ISTA proficiency test is to evaluate the ability of individual laboratories in assessing the presence and estimating the level of GM seeds in samples of conventional maize (Zea mays) seed. Accredited laboratories for GM seed testing in Maize are required to participate. Laboratories that are not accredited may participate as volunteers. This proficiency test round will include an exercise to report GM results on ISTA Certificates. All ISTA Laboratories accredited for GMO Testing are strongly recommended to participate in this exercise.  If you wish to participate, complete the registration form online: https://lnkd.in/eCEKY_7T and send it to the indicated latest by 15th November 2024. #seedtesting #seedtest #seedquality

Coming Soon: Register for this upcoming #ISTA Centennial Webinar! Next Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 15:00 - 15:45 CEST, we invite you to join the sixth of these series., which will focus on the rich history and vital connection between ISTA and GMO testing. Panellists: 1. @Norbert Leist earned a doctorate in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from the University of Heidelberg in 1972 and joined the Agricultural Testing and Research Institute Augustenberg in 1977. As the first German president of ISTA (2000-2004), he introduced key reforms like the Referee Test System and helped establish the GMO Committee in 2001. He has conducted 76 audits and organized 67 workshops worldwide, fostering global cooperation in seed testing practices. 2. Laura Bowden earned her PhD in seed conservation in 2007 and joined Scotland’s Official Seed Testing Station at SASA in 2010. In 2019, she became SASA’s GM Manager, overseeing GMO testing and providing scientific expertise to policy teams. Laura joined ISTA's GMO Technical Committee in 2023. 3. Enrico Noli is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Bologna, specializing in seed science, plant pathology, and molecular genetics, with a PhD in Seed Science and Technology. He began his career in plant breeding, focusing on molecular markers, and later served as Deputy Scientific Director and Quality Manager of LARAS, an ISTA-accredited seed testing laboratory. Currently, he chairs the ISTA GMO Committee, leading global initiatives in GMO detection and regulation. The webinar is open to everybody and will be interactive, so questions from the audience will be discussed during a dedicated Q&A time slot. Participate in the discussion with our esteemed panellists, hurry up and register now: https://lnkd.in/e4wQMGAz #seedtesting #seedtest #seedquality #upcomingevent #ISTAwebinar #ISTA100