Special issue of 'Seed Science and Technology'

S U P P L E M E N T T O ‘ S E E D S C I E N C E A N D T E C H N O L O G Y ’

A C T I V I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 / 2 0 0 4 O F T H E I S T A C O M M I T T E E S

FOR CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION AT THE ORDINARY MEETING 2004

INTERNAL ITEMS/M/D(2004)05

REPORT 2003/2004 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 27TH ISTA CONGRESS 2004

REPORT 2003/2004 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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Report of the Executive Committee (ECOM)

1. Composition of the Executive Committee 2001 - 2004

2. Terms of Reference

3. Important items discussed by the Executive Committee in the period 2003/2004

4. Meetings of the Executive Committee in the period 2003/2004

4.1 International Representation

Report of the Executive Committee (ECOM) 1. Composition of the Executive Committee 2001 - 2004

Officers: Prof. Dr. Norbert Leist, Germany (President); Ir. Pieter Oosterveld, The Netherlands (1st Vice-President); Dr. Katalin Ertsey, Hungary (2nd Vice-President) Members at large: Mr. Doug Ashton, Canada; Mr. Ronald Don, United Kingdom; Prof. Dr. John Hampton, New Zealand; Mr. Joël Léchappé, France; Dr. Jeffrey H.C. Luhanga, Malawi; Mrs. Monica Moreno, Argentina; Dr. Chulhathep Pongsroypech, Thailand; Mrs. Grethe Tarp, Denmark. 2. Terms of Reference

The functions of the Executive Committee are given in the Constitution dated 1971 with amendments of 1986, 1995 and 2001. 3. Important items discussed by the Executive Committee in the period 2002/2003

Also in the year 2003/2004 the Executive Committee focussed its work mainly on the restructuring and modernisation of the Association. Following the discussion paper of the Executive Committee ‘Strategic directions for ISTA’, the governance and voting rights issues continued to be the central points of the discussions and the restructuring process. Regarding voting rights the Executive Committee elaborated a concrete constitution change proposal for a new voting system, which should allow all ISTA members to participate in the voting from 2005 on. The elaborated constitution change proposal will be discussed and voted on at the upcoming 27th ISTA Congress in Budapest, Hungary. Regarding the authorisation rights to issue ISTA Certificates the Executive Committee elaborated a constitution change proposal which will be presented to the voting delegates at the Ordinary Meeting of the 27th ISTA Congress in Budapest for discussion and decision. The Executive Committee recommends a position were the authorisation rights is considered as a technical procedure, were a decision of the Designated Authority is not necessarily required. The experiment on the accreditation and authorisation of company laboratories to issue ISTA Certificates will be finalised with the 27th ISTA Congress. The Executive Committee analysed the results of the experiment and prepared a position paper with recommendations to be voted on by the voting delegates at the 27th ISTA Congress. The third focal point where discussion regarding the information and marketing policy of ISTA. The increased use of the internet for the distribution of information and publications has been

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discussed and determined. ISTA has to face the challenges of the time and must be in a position to make available its publications on the net as well as in hardcopies. In addition the ISTA Website is an excellent tool to provide useful information for the daily use in a seed testing laboratory and around other topics in the world of seed. Concrete projects have been discussed and decided on, in order to enhance the ISTA Website and install electronic publishing. Also ISTA information booths should be present at important seed conferences, to be organised and performed by the ISTA Secretariat. Discussions and planning were made for the preparation of the upcoming 27th Congress 2004. The agenda for the congress and the preparation of the presentations were made. The Executive Committee considers the 27th Congress as one of the most important congresses in the history of ISTA were important decisions regarding the future role of ISTA will be taken. The Executive Committee also evaluated the performance of the Technical Committees. The situation inside the Technical Committees as well as priorities of the ISTA work in the time period between 2004-2007 have been discussed intensively. Single requests from the chairpersons of the Technical Committees which were brought to the attention of the Executive Committee were discussed and determined. Recent challenges concerning our scientific journal Seed Science and Technology (SST) have been discussed and the situation has been evaluated. In the area of Quality Assurance to ensure an international harmonised performance level of all ISTA accredited laboratories, the Executive Committee made further enhancements in the accreditation standard and discussed the relation between ISTA and ILAC (the international association of the national ISO accreditation bodies). In conclusion it can be stated that also the period 2003/2004 has been a very busy and vigorous period for the Executive Committee. The restructuring process is proceeding quickly and can hopefully be finalised at the end of 2005. 4. Meetings of the Executive Committee in the period 2002/2003

In the period from June 2003 to March 2004, the Executive Committee met in June 2003 at the occasion of the Extraordinary Meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, and a second time in Christchurch, New Zealand in February 2004. In addition the officers and the Secretary General got together on December 19, 2003 in Zurich, Switzerland for a meeting in preparation of the upcoming triennium 2004 - 2007.

4.1 International Representation

The interaction with other important international organisations in the area of seed is very essential for ISTA to signify the interests of its members at these meetings. As in the period before, corresponding to the strategic direction of a closer involvement of the seed industry and company seed testing laboratories in all affairs of ISTA, the Secretary General participated not only in the annual ISF Congress, but also in the annual meetings of two regional seed trade associations: APSA (Asia &Pacific), ESA (Europe).

As usual ISTA delegates participated in the annual meetings of ISF and the OECD Seed Schemes. In addition, regular exchange of information and discussions between the Secretary General of ISF, the principal administrator of the OECD Seed Schemes and the Secretary General of ISTA at the occasion of several meetings, underline the intensive collaboration with these two organisations for the benefit of the seed world.

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Furthermore ISTA’s collaboration with FAO could be tremendously increased. As for the last period only one joint workshop was performed, already four joint workshops have been scheduled for the year 2004. Discussions between the Secretary General of ESA and the Secretary General of ISTA indicated an increasing interest of both associations to establish a closer collaboration. The Secretariats of both are working towards a meeting of the two associations on the Executive Committee level. In regards to Asia, the close collaboration among joint actions with APSA (The Asian & Pacific Seed Association) was continued successfully. Joint actions have been planned for the year 2004 mainly in the training and education area. Further actions have been discussed in conjunction with the upcoming APSA annual meeting in 2004. With AFSTA (African Seed Trade Association) the collaboration has been increased as well and should be intensified over the next few years. The following table gives an overview of the meetings with ISTA participation in meetings of other organisations or held at the premises of the Secretariat:

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Date Meeting ISTA Delegate(s) Place, Country

10. - 13.03.2003 ISTA Executive Committee Meeting

ECOM and M. Muschick [SG] Lilogwe, Malawi

26. - 28.03.2003 AFSTA Annual Meeting B. Kahlert [Secretariat] Nairobi, Kenya

07. - 11.04.2003 IPPC 5th Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures M. Muschick [SG] Rome, Italy

05. - 11.06.2003 AOSA/SCST Annual Meeting P. Oosterveld [1st Vice President]

Seattle Washington, United States

09. - 11.06.2003 ISF Congress N. Leist [President], M. Muschick [SG] Bangalore, India

28. 06. 2003 ISTA Executive Committee Meeting

ECOM and M. Muschick [SG]

ISTA Secretariat, Switzerland

30. - 03.07.2003 ISTA Extraordinary Meeting ECOM, TCOMs and M. Muschick [SG]


04. 07. 2003

Joint ISTA Executive Committee and Technical Committee Chairs Meeting

ECOM, TCOM Chairs and M. Muschick [SG]

ISTA Secretariat, Bassersdorf, Switzerland

04. 07. 2003 ISTA Executive Committee Meeting


ISTA Secretariat, Bassersdorf, Switzerland

08. - 11.07.2003 CSAAC/ISST & CSGA Annual Meeting and Convention M. Muschick [SG]

Winnipeg, Canada

08. 08. 2003 Meeting with EU Commission N. Leist [President], M. Muschick [SG] Brussels, Belgium

09. - 12.09.2003 OECD Annual Meeting N. Leist [President] Paris, France

15. - 22.09.2003 ILAC General Assembly M. Rösch [Secretariat] Bratislava, Slovakia

16. – 19.09.2003 VDLUFA Annual Meeting N. Leist [President] Saarbrücken, Germany

22. - 26.09.2003 ABRATES Congress N. Leist [President] Ramado, Brazil



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23. 09. 2003 ISTA SHC / ISHI Meeting

J. Sheppard [SHC Chair], S. Roberts [SHC Member]

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

20. - 23.10.2003 UPOV Council M. Muschick [SG] Geneva, Switzerland

24. 10. 2003

WIPO/UPOV Symposium on Intellectual Property Rights in Plant Biotechnology M. Muschick [SG]

Geneva, Switzerland

26. - 29.10.2003 ESA Annual Meeting M. Muschick [SG] Brussels, Belgium

02. - 04.11.2003 EESNET Meeting M. Muschick [SG] Belgrade, Yugoslavia

05. - 07.11.2003

IRRI Seed Health Testing Policy for Safe Germplasm Movement R. Bakker [SHC Member]

Manila, Philippines

17. - 21.11.2003 APSA Asian Seed Congress M. Muschick [SG] Bangkok, Thailand

19. 12. 2003 ISTA Officers Meeting

N. Leist [President], P. Oosterveld [1st Vice President], K. Ertsey [2nd Vice President], M. Muschick [SG]


19. - 21.01.2004 OECD Meeting

P. Oosterveld [1st Vice President], M. Muschick [SG] Vienna, Austria

16. - 20.02.2004 ISTA Executive Committee Meeting


Christchurch, New Zealand


REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL 27TH ISTA CONGRESS 2004

REPORT 2003/2004 OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL

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REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL

1 The Secretariat

1.1 Composition of Staff

1.2 Focal Points of Activities

1.2.1 Enhancements in the infrastructure of the Secretariat and the Association

1.2.2 Preparation of Executive Committee Meetings and Documents

1.2.3 Marketing

1 The Secretariat 1.1 Composition of Staff

In the 2003/2004 period the number of employees has been reduced from 8.3 to 8.1 full time equivalents. The staff of the Secretariat (January 1st, 2003 to January 1st, 2004) is as follows:

Dr. Michael Muschick (Secretary General) (full time)

Mrs. Patricia Raubo (Senior Executive) (full time)

Mrs. Martina Rösch (Head of Accreditation and System Auditor) (full time)

Dr. Bettina Kahlert (Head of Technical Committee Administration) (full time)

Mr. Gerhard Schuon (System Auditor) (full time)

Mrs. Cannice Gubser (Membership Administration) (full time)

Mrs. Agnes Hegedüs (Sales & Accounts) (part time 50%)

Mrs. Ana Maria Vazquez (Secretary Accreditation) (part time 80%)

Mrs. Sarah Meier (Head of Marketing) (part time 80%)

In November 2003 Mrs. Cannice Gubser (Membership Administration) resigned from her position.

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1.2 Focal Points of Activities

1.2.1 Enhancements in the infrastructure of the Secretariat and the Association

Two projects of major importance were scheduled in the time period 2003/2004 to enhance the work of the Secretariat and provide better services to the members. The whole financial system of ISTA has been completely modified with a new account frame and the installation of a financial controlling system. The new system allows better than before to evaluate financial figures. Additionally the cost calculation programmes have been modified or established in a number of different business areas evaluating quicker and better the profit and loss situation in each single business area of ISTA. Also in that context our main computer business programme has been updated and the software has been newly programmed to make the administration procedures quicker and more efficient (complete revision of all macros and enlargement to automate a number of different procedures). The Secretary General decided that the ISTA Website should be completely revised. The aim is to enhance the organisation structure of the current website, perform technical improvements to provide quicker access and downloads from the website, install electronic publishing and interactive communication tools on the website. 1.2.2 Preparation of Executive Committee Meetings and Documents

The Secretariat has been intensively involved in the work of the Executive Committee; this is mainly in the setting up of the Executive Committee meetings and in the preparation of discussion documents. Following the Management Regulations, in the time period 2003/2004 the Secretary General drafted a high number of decision documents for the ECOM. These draft position papers and reports to the Executive Committee form the basis of the important discussions and decisions of the Executive Committee at its meetings in Zurich, Switzerland in June/July 2003 and Christchurch, New Zealand, February 16 to 18, 2004.

As a routine task the Secretariat has written all minutes and reports for the Executive Committee, updated the decision collection and kept track of the Executive Committee communication. 1.2.3 Marketing Having established many new standards for the publications in the previous year, it was imperative to continue in this line, by ensuring that all new publications were professionally presented, and that the marketing plans were carried out.

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Information booth The Executive Committee decided to increase the level of representation at certain meetings by presenting ISTA to the delegates of both the ISF World Seed Congress, held in Bangalore, India, June 9 – 11, 2003 and of the APSA Asian Seed Conference, held in Bangkok, Thailand, November 17 – 19, 2003. This was done through the use of information booths, and included handing out of all ISTA information pamphlets, and displaying new publications, such as the ‘International Rules for Seed Testing’, the journal ‘Seed Science and Technology’ as well as other newly released technical handbooks. The response was most positive from all delegates from both meetings, and many new relationships were forged. It was also a great opportunity for the local people from the seed industry to find out more about the services offered through ISTA Membership, directly from ISTA Staff. Website The ISTA Website www.seedtest.org established by Jim Sheppard remains a useful tool to ISTA Members, and a quick option for obtaining information and downloading documents, the website was continuously updated. The Secretary General made a decision to improve the website’s functionality and increase its user friendliness, to better serve the membership. A new layout and structure was designed, and is currently under construction. However, providing the latest information and services such as online registration and online publications ordering is an ongoing project that always requires attention. Seed Testing International The new ISTA News Bulletin, ‘Seed Testing International’ was successfully launched in April 2003 to much acclaim. After more than doubling the number of pages, the increase in pertinent information was much appreciated by the members and subscribers. A second issue was published on schedule for October 2003, continuing the direction of the first issue, by including many articles from all parts of the world. Technical Committee Handbooks Three new ISTA Handbooks were released in 2003, all of them using the new handbook cover. This has given a recognisable look to all the new handbooks, creating a stronger ISTA identity. Along with the release of the new handbooks, many order forms were designed and distributed to all persons and organisations associated with ISTA, as well as at the international meetings where ISTA was represented. This has led to an increase in book sales, and we hope that this will continue in the next year. Information documents Much emphasis was placed this year on preparing information flyers and documents that clearly reflect the position of ISTA and the services offered to members and accredited laboratories. These documents were distributed through many channels, such as through the use of Information booths at international meetings, internet, email and post. This is a long term project for which results will compound over time. Publications Catalogue The 2004 Publications Catalogue was prepared and published at the end of 2003. All new releases were added to the current list of publications, and then once again, the clear layout and practical ordering options were used to facilitate easy ordering. As with the handbooks, the same design was used, in order to strengthen the ISTA Identity.

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http://www.seedtest.org/



2 Membership

2.1 Membership development

2.1.1 Overall Development of ISTA Membership

2.1.2 Membership mutations

2.1.3 Composition of ISTA Member Laboratories

2.2 Membership Services

2.2.1 Publications provided to the ISTA Members

2.2.2 Use of ISTA Logo

2.3 ISTA Certificates

2 Membership 2.1 Membership development

2.1.1 Overall Development of ISTA Membership In the business year 2003 ISTA observed a positive membership development. ISTA not only achieved a net increase of its member laboratories from 157 (January 2003) to 160 (January 2004), but also the number of ISTA member countries increased by two countries. It is a special pleasure for ISTA to welcome Mexico and Kyrgyzstan as new members of the ISTA family. Table 1 provides you an overview on the membership development over the last four years. Table 1. Membership status of the year 2001-2004 (total number of member countries,

laboratories and personal members)

January

2001 January

2002 January

2003 January

2004 Member Countries 70 71 72 74 Member Laboratories 158 153 157 160

Personal Members 210 198 205 207

2.1.2 Membership mutations ISTA received four new applications for laboratory membership and one personal member application. Two laboratory applications were coming from Africa, one from Asia and one from western Europe. One member laboratory from western Europe cancelled its membership next to four personal members also from western Europe.

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Table 2. Newly granted Membership from January 2003 to January 2004

Country, city Laboratory member Personal member

Croatia, Zagreb - Mr. Damir Drvodelić

Japan, Kyoto JPML06, Seed Testing Laboratory, Takii & Co. Ltd. Mr. Masahiko Komaba

Nigeria, Ibadan

NGDL01, Germplasm Health Unit Lab., Int'l Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Dr. Marie A. Ayidele Mr. Oluwole Oguntade Mrs. Oluwatoyin Afolabi

Sweden, Lidköping SEML08, Seed Testing Unit AnalyCen Nordic AB Mrs. Malena Marklén

Uganda, Kampala UGML02, Seed Testing Laboratory Uganda Seeds Limited (USL) Mr. Emmanuel Gareeba-Gaso

Table 4. Membership cancellations of laboratories and personal members from

January 2003 to January 2004 Country Member Date of cancellation

France FRML05, Montpellier Cedex January 2004

Germany DEPM Dr. Lutz Grohmann January 2004

Norway

NODM01 Mr. Jon Mjaerum Dr. Hakon Tangeras Mr. Ola Kristian Dille

January 2004

2.1.3 Composition of ISTA Member Laboratories Table 5. gives you an overview of the regional distribution of all ISTA Member Laboratories as well as the laboratory status separated in governmental, private and company member laboratories. The table shows a more or less stable situation in the regional distribution as well as in the laboratory status. The number of company laboratories increased slightly while the number of private and governmental laboratories remain constant. A net increase in laboratory members can be observed in Africa and Asia which is a very delightful development.

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INTERNAL ITEMS/M/D(2004)05 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL

27TH ISTA CONGRESS 2004

15

Table 6. Regional distribution of ISTA Member Laboratories in 2003

Sub total Private

independent Seed

company Governmental

Status

year Region 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003

Africa 14 16 0 0 2 3 12 13 Asia and Pacific 38 39 4 4 7 8 27 27 East Europe 28 28 0 0 1 1 27 27 West Europe 57 57 4 4 11 12 42 41 North America 9 9 4 4 1 1 4 4 South America 11 11 0 0 0 0 11 11

Total: 157 160 12 12 22 25 123 123

160 member laboratories worldwide in 2003

2.2. Membership Services

2.2.1 Publications provided to the ISTA Members Since January 2003, the following publications were delivered free to all ISTA members as a service (approximately 250 copies distributed of each publication):

• International Rules for Seed Testing, Edition 2003 • Annexe to Chapter 7, Seed Health Testing, Edition 2003 • Minutes of the ISTA Extraordinary Meeting 2002 • ISTA Working Sheets on Tetrazolium Testing, Volume I, Agriculture, Vegetable and

Horticultural Species, 1st Edition, 2003 • ISTA Working Sheets on Tetrazolium Testing, Volume II, Tree and Shrub Species, 1st

Edition, 2003 • ISTA Seedling Evaluation Handbook, 3rd Edition, 2003 • Seed Science and Technology (SST) Volume 31/2003, Number 1, 2 and 3 • Activity Report 2002/2003 of the ISTA Committees • Common Laboratory Seed Health Testing Methods for Detecting Fungi • Seed Testing International (ISTA News Bulletin) April 2003 issue / Number 125 • ISTA Historical Papers • ISTA Publications and Products Catalogue 2004 • Minutes of the ISTA Extraordinary Meeting 2003 • Seed Testing International (ISTA News Bulletin) October 2003 issue / Number 126 • International Rules for Seed Testing, Edition 2004 (Update) • Annexe to Chapter 7, Seed Health Testing, Edition 2004 (Update)



2.2.2 Use of ISTA Logo As a general policy change it was announced at the ISTA Extraordinary Meeting 2003 in Zurich, that the ISTA Logo can be used by ISTA members for marketing purposes from 2004 on. Since then, the Secretariat received about 10 inquiries on the details of this new service. The ISTA Website is allowing members to download the ISTA Logo directly from the net by submitting an online application. This online system was installed in October 2003; since then 7 members successfully obtained the ISTA Logo from this automatic system. The reaction from members on that new service was very positive.

2.3 ISTA Certificates A reduction of sales of ISTA Certificates could also be observed in the business year 2003. Again ISTA was confronted with a reduction of its sales of 16%. There is a clear trend in that the sales of ISTA Blue Certificates increased tremendously, whereas the sales of ISTA Orange Certificates decreased immensely. Overview on the total sales figures 2000 – 2003 for the three ISTA Certificates (orange, blue and green):

Type of ISTA Certificate 2003 2002 2001 2000

Orange Certificates 81’950 95’700 98’100 120’180 Blue Certificates 6’950 6’070 3’700 3’000 Green Certificates 1’500 1’620 1’100 1’500 Total number of Certificates sold 90’400 103’390 102’900 124’680 Figure 1 shows the trend in the sales of the ISTA Certificates over the last nine years in a yearly comparison of the total sales of ISTA Certificates 1993 to 1995 and 1999 to 2003:

Yearly comparison chart

200390'400

1994167'975

2000124'680

1999164'250

2002103'3902001

102'900

1993145'450 1995

141'090

60'000

80'000

100'000

120'000

140'000

160'000

180'000

1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004

No.

of c

erts

sol

d

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3 Quality Assurance Programme

3.1 Proficiency Test Programme

3.2 Audit Programme

3 Quality Assurance Programme 3.1 Proficiency Test Programme The further development and implementation of the new evaluation system has been the main task of the Proficiency Test Committee and the Secretariat in regards to the ISTA Proficiency Test Programme. A data base and evaluation software have been developed to be able to evaluate the proficiency test results according to the new rating system. Problems with retrieving the data from the former software and checking the new calculation method on reliability and comparability with the results derived from SAS, have led to a delay in reporting back to the participants. The provisional results of test round 02-3 were sent to the participants in November 2003. The rating system will only be applied from test round 02-3 (Pisum sativum) on as it was felt that there is more time needed to accustom the participants with the new design and the consequences implied. Information documents and standard letters were drafted to inform the members and adapt the internal work documents to the new system. A detailed description of the current design of the Proficiency Test Programme can be obtained from the Secretariat (‘The ISTA Proficiency Test Programme’) and was distributed with the results of test round 02-3. In 2003, three test rounds were dispatched to the participants. Test round 03-1 (Trifolium incarnatum) comprised germination, purity, other seed count and moisture determination, test round 03-2 (Zea mays) comprised germination testing only, and test round 03-3 (Lycopersicon esculentum) comprised germination, purity and other seed count. In cooperation with the Moisture Committee, further moisture test rounds are projected. Proficiency test round 03-1 included shipment of one specimen Orange Certificate to be completed with the results of one of the test samples. An overall evaluation has been presented in Seed Testing International Issue No. 126, October 2003. The participants are provided with a more detailed feedback together with the results of test round 03-1. Several surveys have been conducted in conjunction with the respective technical committees to obtain information from the member laboratories in regards to proficiency tests other than the regular test methods and species. These surveys were for seed health testing and testing of flower seeds. 3.2 Audit programme After attending several training courses the two employed system auditors took over the task of auditing the laboratories in 2003. About 35 laboratories have been audited until the end of 2003. Around 40 audits are scheduled for 2004. The routine tasks comprise the entire administration, travel organisation, auditing and reporting as well as the organisation of the proficiency test rounds and assistance to laboratories having questions in relation to accreditation and quality assurance. 17



Next to these routine tasks the Secretariat has been working on further improving the administrational procedures and the publication of new information documents and directives with the aim of making the accreditation process more efficient and transparent. A complete list of documents made available in terms of accreditation is published in the ISTA Publications and Products Catalogue. Most of them are free of charge and may be obtained upon request either as hardcopy or electronically.

In addition the Accreditation Department was involved in the working group on uncertainty of measurement. This working group presented a questionnaire to ISTA’s members and stake-holders to acquire information on their views to enable the working group to focus their work. A one day auditors meeting to discuss issues that had arisen during the course of audits and were of general interest in regards to accreditation was held in conjunction with the Extraordinary Meeting 2003 in Zurich, Switzerland. It was felt that in the future, regular one day meetings are necessary to provide enough time for discussion of auditing procedures to harmonize the audit approach. In December 2003, a Quality Assurance Workshop was held in Cairo, Egypt in collaboration with ICARDA, FAO, GTZ and the support of the Scottish laboratory GBDL04 in Edinburgh for the technical lectures. With participants from ten countries this workshop aimed at fostering the concept of quality management in seed testing laboratories in the West Asia/North Africa (WANA) region. Participants showed a great interest in both, the general concept as well as in the approach ISTA has adopted through its accreditation scheme. Those representing countries with more exposure to laboratory accreditation or ISTA accredited laboratories imparted their experiences and the practical exercises were conducted at the Egyptian laboratory EGDL01 in Giza. In a closing session participants agreed to stay in contact and the more experienced volunteered to assist those determined to join the Association or seek ISTA accreditation. The ISTA Secretariat developed a data base on the laboratories’ scope of accreditation which has been posted on the ISTA website in order to give the laboratories and their customers the possibility to gather information on the specific tests the laboratories are accredited for. A presentation on how to access the laboratories’ scope of accreditation has been published in the Seed Testing International No. 126. A survey on subcontracting has been conducted to gather information on how the respective standard clause (ISTA Accreditation Standard, Version 3.1, 3.11) is applied in practice. The findings of this survey indicate that:

most of the laboratories do not subcontract any of the work they hold ISTA accreditation for;

a number of laboratories do not subcontract at present, but consider subcontracting an ISTA accredited laboratory as a last resort in times of work overload or in other exceptional cases;

subcontracting has a greater relevance as a theoretical means of planning for the unexpected than it has in actual practice;

subcontracting as a standard procedure for a specific test or to a specific subcontractor remains an exception amongst the accredited laboratories.

The survey also made clear, that subcontracting needs to be defined in the Accreditation Standard, in order to provide more certainty to laboratories to make decisions on this issue.

Up to January 2003, the total number of audited laboratories amounts to 98, whereof 92 accreditations have been approved by the Executive Committee. This is an increase of audited and accredited laboratories compared to the year 2002.

T he details on the accreditations can be taken from the following tables:

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First audits conducted in 2003:

Denmark ML02 India ML04

Denmark ML06 India ML05

Denmark ML07 United States ML06

Total number of laboratories: 6 Repeat audits conducted in 2003:

Argentina DL01 Italy DL03

Austria DL03 Luxemburg DL01

Austria ML04 Latvia DL01

Belgium DL02 Netherlands DL03

Czech Republic DL03 Poland DL04

Denmark DL01 Poland DL05

Germany DL03 Poland DL07

Germany DL06 Slovakia DL01

Germany DL07 Slovakia DL02

Germany DL09 United Kingdom DL01

Germany DL18 United States ML05

Estonia DL01 Yugoslavia DL01

Finland DL01 Yugoslavia DL02

Italy DL01 Yugoslavia DL03

Italy DL02 Total number of laboratories: 29 Complete list of laboratories accredited up to January 2003:

Argentina DL01 Germany DL07 New Zealand ML03

Austria DL02 Germany DL09 New Zealand DL04

Austria DL03 Germany DL10 Poland DL04

Austria ML04 Germany DL13 Poland DL05

Australia DL01 Germany DL15 Poland DL07

Australia DL02 Germany DL16 Portugal DL01

Australia DL06 Germany DL17 Romania DL02

Australia DL07 Germany DL18 Romania DL05

Australia DL09 Greece DL01 Slovenia DL01

Australia DL10 Hungary DL01 Slovakia DL01

Belgium DL02 Ireland DL01 Slovakia DL02

Canada DL04 Israel DL01 Spain DL01

Canada DL08 India ML07 Sweden DL02

Croatia DL03 Italy DL01 Sweden DL07

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Chile DL02 Italy DL02 South Africa DL01

Czech Republic DL02 Italy DL03 Switzerland DL01

Czech Republic DL03 Japan DL01 Turkey DL01

Denmark DL01 Japan DL03 Taiwan* DL01

Denmark ML02 Japan ML05 United Kingdom DL01

Denmark ML03 Korea DL01 United Kingdom DL04

Denmark ML04 Lithuania DL01 United States DL01

Denmark ML05 Luxemburg DL01 United States DL03

Denmark ML07 Latvia DL01 United States ML05+

Estonia DL01 Malawi DL01 United States ML06+

Egypt DL01 Netherlands DL02 Uruguay DL02

Finland DL01 Netherlands DL03 Yugoslavia DL01

France DL02 Netherlands ML04 Yugoslavia DL02

Germany DL03 Netherlands ML05 Yugoslavia DL03

Germany DL04 Norway DL01 Zambia DL01

Germany DL05 New Zealand DL01 Zimbabwe DL01

Germany DL06 New Zealand DL02 Total number of laboratories: 92 * abbreviation for ‘Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu’ + Laboratory is not authorized by the Designated Authority to issue ISTA Certificates

Total number of 2002 2003 audited laboratories: 91 98 accredited laboratories: 83 92 applicants not yet audited: 9 7 cancellations - 1 Distribution of the 92 ISTA accredited laboratories according to their category:

2002 [%] 2003 [%] Company 5 6 11 12 Private 6 7 7 8 Governmental 72 87 74 80

Number of countries with minimum one ISTA accredited member laboratory: 46 Regional distribution of the 92 ISTA accredited laboratories:

# [%] Americas 9 10 Africa 5 5 Asia 7 8 Europe 61 66 Pacific 10 11

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4 ISTA Products

4.1 International Rules for Seed Testing

4.2 Seed Science and Technology (SST)

4.3 ISTA Handbooks

4.4 Calibration Samples

4 ISTA Products


The first set of amendments for the 2003 loose-leaf edition of the International Rules for Seed Testing was of high priority. Following the changes adopted at the Extraordinary Meeting 2003 in Zurich, Switzerland, the Secretariat assisted the Rules Committee Chair, Dr. Steve Jones, and the Rules Committee Vice-Chair, Mr. Jim Sheppard, in the production of the 72 amendment pages. In collaboration with the Rules Committee, the Secretariat went through the editing process and created a new template of the changed chapters for easier use in the future. For ease of tracing updates, the amended version of the 2003 rules becomes the 2004 edition. There were no changes to the detailed methods for seed health testing which are published in a second file, the International Rules for Seed Testing, Annexe to Chapter 7. 357 sets of the International Rules for Seed Testing Edition 2003 were sold in 2003. The figure is separated in sales to ISTA-Members (53%) and non-ISTA Members, including booksellers (47%).

Booksellers & Book Agents

9%

Non-ISTA Members

38%

ISTA Members53%

21



4.2 Seed Science and Technology (SST) The scientific ISTA journal Seed Science and Technology (SST) continues to be a highly respected international scientific journal. While in 2003 the number of highly qualified scientific papers raised again, ISTA is confronted with a decreasing number of subscriptions, which challenges the journal financially. In so far an increase in the subscription price was unavoidable. Also from the year 2004 on SST will additionally be available in electronic form as CD. This is the first step of ISTA in the area of electronic publishing. As in the year 2002 the abstracts of the papers published in SST can be found on the ISTA websites. The editorial board consists of Dr. Anne Bülow-Olsen (Chief Editor), Denmark; Dr. Mike Ambrose, United Kingdom; Dr. Christophe Bailly , France; Prof. John Hampton, New Zealand; Prof. Norberto Lisker, Israel; Prof. Miller McDonald, United States; Dr. Robert Naylor, United Kingdom; Per Christer Odén, Sweden; Dr. Silmar T. Peske, Brazil; Dr. Adrian Pickett, United Kingdom; Prof. Norman Schaad, United States; Prof. Michael Kruse, Germany; Dr. Alison A. Powell, United Kingdom. In 2003, 1050 copies were printed of Volume 31 Nr. 1 and 900 copies of Volume 31 Nr. 2 and 3, they were dispatched as follows:

• 375 issues free of charge to all ISTA Members

• 379 issues to paying subscribers worldwide The pricing policy applied to ensure that the publication is self-financed remains unchanged. As in 2003 the number of paying subscribers has decreased and the printing and distribution costs have increased, we had to raise the subscription price for 2004 by CHF 90.00 Seed Science and Technology Volume 32/2004 is also available on CD and the prices are as follows: Subscription of CD version: CHF 340.00, Subscription of printed book; CHF 390.00 and Subscription of both CD and printed book: CHF 430.00. Compared to other scientific journals and publications in the same area, the price is reasonable. 4.3 ISTA Handbooks The production as well as the revision of all ISTA Handbooks is a challenging task for the Technical Committees and the Secretariat, which needs reasonable time to finalise. Therefore the Secretariat was very delighted that during the period 2003 to 2004 ISTA was able to publish a couple of technical handbooks and publications. Two new handbooks, the ISTA Handbook for Seedling Evaluation, 3rd Edition, 2003, and the ISTA Handbook on Seed Sampling, 2nd Edition, 2004, as well as the ISTA Working Sheets on Tetrazolium Testing, 1st Edition, 2003, were produced. ISTA would like to thank the Technical Committees and all other persons which were involved in the production of these new books for their effort and great work. Before such a handbook is ready for print manuscripts are exchanged many times between the persons involved, and working meetings are necessary. The ISTA Secretariat assisted the Technical Committees, for example in the editing process, and established in cooperation with the Technical Committees a new layout for a loose-leaf binder similar to the Rules. It has the advantage to enable easy updating of the handbooks and adding of working sheets for the introduction of new species into the binder of the ISTA Working Sheets on Tetrazolium.

22



Encouraged by the new handbooks published recently we can look forward to the revision and production of handbooks such as ISTA Handbook of Pure Seed Definitions and Handbook on Tetrazolium Testing in the period 2004 and 2005. Newly printed ISTA Publications in the period 2003/2004:

• International Rules for Seed Testing Edition 2003 • Amendments to the 2003 Edition of the International Rules for Seed Testing • ISTA Method Validation Reports, Volume 2003 • ISTA Handbook for Seedling Evaluation, 3rd Edition, 2003 • ISTA Handbook on Seed Sampling, 2nd Edition, 2004 • ISTA Working Sheets on Tetrazolium Testing (1st edition, 2003) Volume 1 Agriculture and Horticultural Species Volume 2 Tree and Shrub Seed Species • Common Laboratory Seed Health Testing Methods for Detection Fungi, 2003 • Historical Papers, Volume 1, 2003 • Seed Testing International / ISTA News Bulletin No. 125 • Seed Testing International / ISTA News Bulletin No. 126 • ISTA Publications and Products Catalogue 2004 • ISTA Workshop Programme 2004 • ISTA Activity Report 2003/2004 of the ISTA Committees • Minutes of the ISTA Extraordinary Meeting 2003 • Proposed Rules Changes 2003 • Discussion Paper on Voting Rights: Voting Principle to Change Voting Rights, 2003

Reprinted ISTA publications in the period 2002/2003:

• Tree and Shrub Seed Handbook, 1991 • Handbook of Tolerances and Measures of Precision for Seed Testing, Vol. 28, 1963 • Handbook on Tetrazolium Testing, 1985 • Annexe to Chapter 7, Seed Health Testing Methods

ISTA publications expected for 2004/2005:

• ISTA Handbook of Pure Seed Definitions, 3rd Edition • Handbook on Tetrazolium Testing, 2nd Edition • Handbook on Flower Seed Testing • Amendment to the 2004 Edition of the International Rules for Seed Testing • Seed Testing International / ISTA News Bulletin No. 127 • Seed Testing International / ISTA News Bulletin No. 128 • ISTA Publications and Products Catalogue 2005 • ISTA Workshop Programme 2005

Sales figures for the most important ISTA publications for 2001, 2002 and 2003 are shown below: (where no language is indicated, the publication is available in English only)

2001

2002

2003

Annotated List of Seed-borne Diseases 3 10 15 Handbook for Home-made Equipment 5 9 2 Handbook of Pure Seed Definitions 8 8 9 Handbook on Seed Sampling 31 10 8

23



Handbook for Seedling Evaluation (1979) E/F 26/10 17/2 12/3 Handbook on Seedling Evaluation (2003) n/a n/a 30 Handbook on Tetrazolium Testing (1985) E/G 24/0 37/10 0/0 ISTA Working Sheets on Tetrazolium Testing Vol. I n/a n/a 9 ISTA Working Sheets on Tetrazolium Testing Vol. II n/a n/a 10 Handbook of Tolerances 8 7 27 Rules, English/French/German 124/32/20 108/6/3 0/1/0 Set of International Rules for Seed Testing 2003 n/a n/a 357 Rules Amendments 2001 n/a 168 n/a Annexe to Chapter 7, 2003 n/a 118 2 Seed-borne Fungi (1997) 16 10 11 Seed borne Fungi a Contribution to Routine … n/a n/a 9 Seed Health Testing, Working Sheets, Binders 8 6 5 Tree and Shrub Seed Handbook 9 1 9 Tropical and Sub-Tropical Tree and Shrub Seed 7 3 8 Project Seed Lab 2000-5000 6 8 4 Cleaning of Agr. and Hort. Seeds I + II 3 9 7 Survey of Equipment and Supplies 12 6 4 Multilingual Glossary 6 2 6 Personal Training Log Booklet 23 4 8 Variety Identification Handbooks I,II,III & IV 35 24 30 Method Validation for Detection of Seed-borne 10 10 7 Handbook of Vigour Test Methods 38 18 25 Proceedings in the ISTA Tetrazolium Workshop n/a 31 6 Common Lab. Seed Health Test. Methods n/a n/a 97 Proceedings in the ISTA Purity Workshop 10 11 13 Microorganisms associated with Tree Seeds 2 0 3 Total 476 656 737

4.4 Calibration Samples The ISTA Secretariat was pleased to be able to offer calibration samples for Poa pratensis and Dactylis glomerata to seed testing laboratories in 2003. As the production of new calibration samples is a very complex and time consuming process, which ISTA Members will easily understand, there were primarily produced only a small number by an ISTA Member Laboratory. The request for samples was higher than expected, but due to the good cooperation between the member laboratory and the ISTA Secretariat, it was possible to produce further calibration samples that no shortage arose.

20 Calibration samples of Dactylis glomerata and 15 calibration samples of Poa pratensis were sold for the net cost price in the year 2003. Calibration samples for these two species will be also available in 2004/2005.

24



5 Technical Committee Support

5.1 Technical Committee Membership Figures

5.2 GMO Task Force


5.4 Workshops, Seminars and Technical Committee Meetings

5.5. Technical Committee Administration

5.1 Technical Committee Membership Figures In 2003, 196 technical experts experienced in the field of seed testing were members of at least one of the seventeen ISTA Technical Committees. The Technical Committee Members come from governmental and private seed testing laboratories, universities, research institutes and seed companies located in 45 countries all over the world. Half of all Technical Committee Members are from the European region (53%, Figure 1) whereas the country with the highest number of members is from North America; the United States are represented with 36% (Figure 2). In 2003 and 2004 activities such as the organisation of workshops in regions which are less represented might encourage local technical experts to be involved in the discussion and work, such as method and rules developments, in the future. 23% of the Technical Committee Members are also ISTA Members and further 25% work in ISTA Member Laboratories (Figure 3). Most Technical Committee Members come from governmental institutions (Figure 4). However, the interest in the technical work from the private sector is high.

46%

18%

13%

9%

7%7%

West-EuropeNorth-AmericaAsia/PacificAfricaEast-EuropeSouth-America

Figure 1: Technical Committee Members from the different regions.

25



13%

10%

8%

6%

6%5%4%4%4%

4%

36%

United StatesUnited KingdomFranceGermanyThe NetherlandsCanadaDenmarkSouth AfricaItalyBrazilothers

Figure 2: Technical Committee Members come from 45 countries.

ISTA Member Laboratories

25%

ISTA Members 23%

Non-ISTA Members

52%

Figure 3: ISTA Membership Status of the Technical Committee Members.

Seed Companies

14%

Govermental Institution

82%

Private Laboratories

4%

26

Figure 4: Technical Committee Members come from governmental institution such as seed testing laboratories and universities as well as from the private sector.



5.2 GMO Task Force One priority task for the Secretariat was the support the GMO Task Force. The Secretariat was intensively involved in the organization of the 2nd and 3rd ISTA Proficiency Test on GMO Testing, i.e. in the sourcing of appropriate seed material, sample preparation, sending of samples to the participating laboratories, collecting of the results and preparation of the result report, and by doing this, ensuring that ISTA GMO Proficiency Tests are successful. The Technical Committee Administration has taken over the full responsibility for the Proficiency Tests on GMO Testing as well as the leadership of the GMO Proficiency Test Working Group. A meeting to discuss the quantitative and semi-quantitative results of the 2nd proficiency test was organised by the ISTA Secretariat. 5.3 International Rules for Seed Testing The first set of amendments for the 2003 loose-leaf edition of the International Rules for Seed Testing was of high priority. Following the changes adopted at the Extraordinary Ordinary Meeting 2003, in Zurich, Switzerland, the Secretariat assisted the Rules Committee Chair, Dr. Steve Jones, and the Rules Committee Vice-Chair, Mr. Jim Sheppard, in the production of the 72 amendment pages. In collaboration with the Rules Committee, the Secretariat went through the editing process and created a new template of the changed chapters for easier use in the future. For ease of tracing updates the amended version of the 2003 rules now becomes the 2004 edition. A table including Rules changes follows. There were no changes to the detailed methods for seed health testing which are published separately in the International Rules for Seed Testing, Annexe to Chapter 7.

Page number Changes Effective from Notes Cover, inner cover, preface Dates 2004 Amended

i New header 2.2.8. New header on 2.7. 2004 Amended ii None 2003 Replaced xiii 'Provisional' is deleted in Appendix A and B. C is deleted

completely. Page numbers changed in D. 2004 Amended

2-1 None 2003 Replaced 2-2 New text at 2.2.8. Deleted text in 2.4.1. 2004 Amended 2-5 None 2003 Replaced 2-6 Header on 2.7. changed. 2004 Amended 2-7 Changes to 2.7.2. 2004 Amended 2A-1 to 2A-2 Format only 2003 Not issued 2A-3 None 2003 Replaced 2A-4 Changes to 2.7.2.A 2004 Amended 2A-5 None 2003 Replaced 2A-6 e) Variable sample divider details are inserted. 2004 Amended 2A-13 None 2003 Replaced 2A-14 On Medicago: ‘in burr’, and ‘out of burr’, replace 'en

gousse' and 'sans gousse', respectively. 2004 Amended

2A-15 On Onobrychis: 'seed' replaces 'graine'. 2004 Amended 2A-16 None 2003 Replaced 2A-29 None 2004 Replaced 2A-30 'Geum x borissii hort.' added after 'Geum coccineum' 2004 Amended 3-5 None 2003 Replaced 3-6 In 3.6.3.2: reference to 16.6 amended to 17.6. 2004 Amended 3A-13 None 2003 Replaced

27



3A-14 New text for PSD 23. 2004 Amended 3A-29 None 2003 Replaced 3A-30 Format and extra text 2004 Amended 5-1 Format only text in italics. 2003 Not issued 5-2 None 2003 Not issued 5A-23 Andropogon scoparius is deleted. 2004 Amended 5A-24 Axonopus compressus replaces Axonopus affinis.

Brassica pervidis is deleted. 2004 Amended

5A-25 None 2003 Replaced 5A-26 Elymus lanceolatus is added. 2004 Amended 5A-27 Lotus glaber replaces Lotus tenuis. Medicago littoralis is

added. Medicago tornata is deleted. 2004 Amended

5A-28 None 2003 Replaced 5A-37 Edit dormancy breakage treatment 2004 Amended 5A-38 Edit dormancy breakage treatment 2004 Amended 5A-39 Edit dormancy breakage treatment 2004 Amended 5A-40 None 2003 Replaced 5A-41 None 2003 Replaced 5A-42 Achillea clavennae is added. 2004 Amended

5.4 Workshops, Seminars and Technical Committee Meetings The need for training programmes and for the support of seed testing analysts, in particular from developing countries, is still of high priority for the Association. The Technical Committee Administration of the Secretariat is highly involved in the organisation, registration, financial administration of technical workshops as well as in the compilation of the proceedings of these workshops. The Secretariat is in constant contact with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to arrange new workshops. In 2003 the Technical Committee Administration was involved in the organisation of the ISTA/FAO Varietal Verification and GMO Detection Workshops, held in Pretoria, South Africa, and Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. For the permanent improvement of such workshops and their organisation, the Technical Committee took the opportunity to visit the workshop held in Thailand to discuss the needs of participants, local organiser and lectures. The Secretariat foresees to be highly involved in workshops also in the period 2004 and 2005 and thereby to increase the value of ISTA to its members. 5.5 Technical Committee Administration Regarding Technical Committee issues, the daily work at the Secretariat covers the administration of new committee members and address changes, responding to requests from all over the world and where required, forwarding the requests to the corresponding Technical Committee. Other tasks include the administration and publication of technical issues for the Seed Testing Issues, intensive involvement in the production and improvement of the publications of the Technical Committees including the International Rules for Seed Testing and ISTA Handbooks, support in the organisation and announcement of workshops, symposia, and meetings, assistance in the carrying out of surveys, i.e. administration of questionnaires sent to the ISTA member laboratories, maintenance of the collaboration with other technical organisations, involvements in the activities of the GMO Task Force, the establishment of a record of the Method Validation documents in the Secretariat, and the participation in Technical Committee meetings and conference calls.

28



6 Finances of the Association 6.1 Financial Development of ISTA in the Business year 2003

6.2 Report of the Financial Auditors

6 Finances of the Association 6.1 Financial Development of ISTA in the Business year 2003 In the business year 2003 the ISTA secretariat revised the whole bookkeeping system of the Association and installed for the first time a financial controlling system. Booth actions were necessary to gain transparent financial figures and stop the mixed calculations, which do not give the necessary clarity in the financial figures. The controlling system is a big step forward in coming to reliable financial planning as well as budget controlling. The accounts 2003 have been made according to the new account frame. As charts of accounts has changed as per October 1, 2003, the profit and loss account as per December 31, 2003 is reflected completely new. Consequently a comparison between the years 2003 and 2001/2002 is very limited. Therefore as an exceptional case in this activity report only the accounts for 2003 and the budget for 2004 of the profit and loss account is published. In the business year 2003 the finances have been sound. As in the business year 2002 ISTA was making a small profit of CHF 19’991.12. This profit was seriously needed to fill up the securities which had to be reduced tremendously over the last four years, mainly due to the high losses made in the years 1998 and 1999. The annual turnover could be increased again in 2003 to a total of CHF 1’759’063.44. Major financial investments in 2003 were made in the marketing area, where for the first time ISTA information booths have been executed at major seed trade meetings (ISF meeting, APSA meeting). Additionally financial investments have been made in the are of Technical Committee support were the majority of the money was used to support the activities of the ISTA GMO Task Force. Due to the again increasing number of open invoices (debtors) compared to the year 2002, the Secretariat had to increase the bad debt accruals from CHF 39’000.- to CHF 52’000.- to be prepared for financial loses. The payment time, particularly for the membership subscription with three month payment time, is very tolerant. Members are requested to please pay their open membership invoices in this time period. Finally it can be concluded that the business year 2003 was successful and the finances are sound.

29



Profit and Loss Account 2003 Budget 2004 CHF CHF

Income Subscriptions

Annual Membership Subscription 843’783.00 880’000.00 Website 700.00 700.00 Extraordinary Meeting 41’757.62 0.00 Technical Committees 7’025.00 9’000.00 893’265.62 889’700.00 Service Centres ISTA Rules 91’487.78 45’000.00 Accreditation 380’080.00 400’000.00 Workshops 28’811.85 40’000.00 Seed Science and Technology 102’609.22 114’000.00 Technical Publications 66'628.60 80'000.00 Certificates 180'800.00 115'000.00

Interests, Profit and Loss on Exchange 15’380.37 15’000 865’797.82 809’600.00 Total income 1’759’063.44 1’699’300.00

30



2003 Budget 2004 CHF CHF

Expenditure

Direct Costs Extraordinary Meeting 81’298.46 45’000.00 Direct Travel Costs President 22’459.69 10’000 Direct Costs Technical Committees 14’641.84 20’000 Seed Testing International 44’064.56 45’000 162’464.55 120’000.00

Service Centre

ISTA Rules 56’532.02 30'000.00 Accreditation 373’543.18 398’000.00 Workshops 23’133.48 30’000.00 Seed Science and Technology 124'997.57 100'000.00 Technical Publications 139’287.38 60’000.00 Certificates 17’822.76 40’000.00 735’316.39 658’000.00 Operating Costs Salaries and Social Charges 598’981.44 640’000.00 Office Costs 180’292.64 230’000.00 Travel Costs (International Representation) 22’367.90 20’000.00 Marketing Costs 36’905.04 10’000.00 Website 2744.36 15’000.00 841’291.38 915’000.00 Total Expenditures 1’739’072.32 1’693’000.00

Result 19’991.12 6’300

31



32

Balance Sheet as per December 31st

Assets 2003 2002 2001Current Assets CHF CHF CHFPetty cash 258.00 Postal account 16’603.07 20'336.68 55'219.14Zürcher Kantonalbank, current account 50’774.00 25'034.75 627.85Zürcher Kantonalbank, deposit account 95’016.60 129'696.30 49'790.95Zürcher Kantonalbank, USD account 10’765.59 28'483.60 61'120.83Zürcher Kantonalbank, CAD account 5’258.96 0.00 6715.96Zürcher Kantonalbank, EUR account 734.22 36.80 71'596.02 162’549.37 183'251.45 189'851.61 Debtors Membership subscriptions, certificates, publications 210’695.34 191’073.44 234’357.39./. Bad debt accruals -52’000.00 -38’754.00 -38’114.00Withholding tax 1’869.15 1’055.81 1’375.00 160’564.49 153'375.25 197'618.45 Other accounts receivable 17’861.30 14'113.15 12'653.70Prepaid expenses 47’992.63 30'495.13 6'649.51Value added tax 7’055.09 0.00 0.00 412’883.95 401'571.66 461'992.41Fixed Assets Securities 269’229.00 257'509.00 257'622.00 Furniture, Computer 35’800.00 48'300.00 45'200.00 305’029.00 305'809.00 302'822.00 717’912.95 707'380.66 764'814.41Liabilities Accounts payable 66’474.80 54'845.49 57'623.66Accrued liabilities 70’000.00 50'000.00 75'000.00Accrued expenses 19’716.75 59'458.55 105'699.00Value added tax 0.00 1'346.34 4'900.34 156’191.55 165'650.38 243'223.00Retained Earnings Surplus as of January 1st 541’730.28 521'591.41 525’119.42 Result 19’991.12 20'138.87 -3'528.01 Surplus as of December 31st 561’721.40 541'730.28 521'591.41

717’912.95 707'380.66 764'814.41



33

6.2 Report of the Financial Auditors Report of the Auditors to the General Meeting of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), Bassersdorf As statutory auditors, we have audited the accounting records and the financial statements (including Balance sheet, Profit and loss account and Explanatory notes) of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) for the year ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Executive Committee. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We confirm that we meet the legal requirements concerning professional qualification and independence. Our audit was conducted in accordance with Swiss auditing standards promulgated by the profession, which require that an audit be planned and performed to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. We have examined on a test basis evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. We have also assessed the accounting principles used, significant estimates made and the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the accounting records and financial statements comply with Swiss law and the association’s articles of incorporation. We recommend that the financial statements submitted to you be approved. Zurich, January 27, 2004 BDO Visura Jörg Auckenthaler i.V. Puskal Biswas Auditor in charge Certified Public Accountant Business Economist HWV


ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES 27TH ISTA CONGRESS 2004

ACTIVITY REPORT 2003/2004 OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES

35



1. Activity Report of the Bulking and Sampling Committee 2003/2004

M. KRUSE University of Hohenheim 350d, Fruwirthstr. 21, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany

Membership Chairperson:

Dr. Michael Kruse DE-Germany

Vice-Chairperson: Mr. Max Soepboer NL-Netherlands

Members: Mrs. Helena Blomqvist-Ljung SE-Sweden Dr. R.K. Chowdhury IN-India Mr. Didier Demilly FR-France Mr. Bernard Fabre FR-France Mr. E. Goldschagg ZA-South Africa Mr. Gerry Hall GB-United Kingdom Mr. Alfred Odindo KE-Kenya Mrs. Dot Vittrup Pedersen DK-Denmark Dr. Pranom Saisawat TH-Thailand Mr. Wilfred B.C. Silwimba ZM-Zambia Mr. Mike Smith GB-United Kingdom

Progress 1. Preparation of Rules change proposals Some Rules Change Proposals were discussed

and proposed this year, main items are a new trier and definitions. 2. Completion of the revision of the ISTA Handbook on Seed Sampling The established

working group (M. Kruse (Chair), H. Blomqvist-Ljung, D. Vittrup-Petersen and G. Hall) had a meeting in Denmark in August 2003, and circulated the draft to the whole Committee and others. Comments have to be included into the draft during the final review before printing.

3. Set up a validation system for sampling equipment and sampling methods No activity 4. Validation of a new type of trier for sampling bags The French colleagues organised a

validation study and prepared a Rules proposal that was submitted to the Rules Committee.

5. ISTA/FIS Experiment on Herbage Seed Lot Size The experiment terminated in June 2003. A summary and a conclusion of the results obtained in the whole experiment was written, circulated in the Committee and is presently under discussion. The outcome and the future of the experiment will be discussed during the 2004 Congress.

6. Collaboration with the GMO Task Force No activity 7. Organising training courses No activity

Future Aims

The ISTA Handbook on Seed Sampling shall be published.

Training courses shall be organised and held.

36



2. Activity Report of the Editorial Board 2003/2004

A. BÜLOW-OLSEN Furesø Parkvej 23, 2830 Virum, DK-Denmark

Membership Chief editor:

Dr. Anne Bülow-Olsen DK-Denmark

Associate editors:

Dr. Mike Ambrose

GB-United Kingdom

Dr. Christophe Bailly FR-France Dr. John G. Hampton NZ-New Zealand Dr. Michael Kruse DE-Germany Dr. Norberto Lisker IL-Israel Dr. Julio Marcos-Filho BR- Brazil (from 2003) Dr. Miller B. McDonald US-United States Dr. Robert E.L. Naylor GB-Great Britain Dr. Per C. Odén, SE-Sweden (retired 2003) Dr. Silmar T. Peske BR-Brazil (retired 2003) Mr. Adrian A. Pickett GB-Great Britain Dr. Alison A. Powell GB-Great Britain Dr. Norm W. Schaad US-United States

Activity Report Papers received 2003: 210 Papers accepted for publication 2003: 75 Papers rejected 2003: 111 Papers published in three issues in 2003: 27+23+27=77 Full papers in three issues in 2003: 21+19+24=64 Research Notes in three issues in 2003: 6+4+3=13 Pages published in three issues in 2003: 794 (incl. content lists etc.) Average no. of paper per paper in 2003: 10 pages Issues published: 31-1, 31-2 and 31-3. A differentiation in price for subscription has been announced so that subscribers from 2004 may receive the journal as printed copies only, as printed as well as on CD, and as CD only. Abstracts are available on the ISTA homepage well in advance of publication.

37



Future Aims The editorial committee will continue to publish the journal. As the delay time between acceptance and printing for papers accepted is still over one year, the lay out of the journal has been tightened up with smaller graphs and pictures. This means that each issue in 2004 and forward will contain about 15% more text. Also a tighter control of the number of pages per year is implemented, so that the total number of printed pages will be very close to but less than 800.

38



3. Activity Report of the Flower Seed Testing Committee 2003/2004

Z. RIPKA National Institute for Agricultural Quality Control, 1024 Budapest, Keleti K. u. 24, Hungary


Mrs. Zita Ripka HU-Hungary

Vice-Chairperson: Mrs. Lea Mazor IL-Israel

Members: Dr. S. C. Aswath Narayana IN-India Mrs. Sharon K. Davidson US-United States Mrs. Sylvie Ducournau FR-France Mrs. Patricia A. Del Fueyo AR-Argentina Ms. Linda Maile UK-United Kingdom Mr. Frikkie A. Marais SA-South Africa Prof. Miller B. McDonald US-United States Mrs. Aleta Meyr US-United States Prof. Dr. Mirjana Milosevic YU-Yugoslavia Mrs. Petra Remeeus NL-Netherlands Ms. Marcia Taylor AU-Australia Prof. Dr. Wen-shi Wu TW-Taiwan Dr. Rita Zecchinelli IT-Italy

Mr. Gyöngyi Ivanovics HU-Hungary WG members Dr. Håkon Tangerås NO-Norway

Working Groups Begonia WG: Leader: Members: M. Taylor Sh. Davidson M. Milosević L. Maile R. Zecchinelli P. Remeeus F. Marais Gy. Ivanovics

Petunia WG: Leader: Sylvie Ducournau Members: M. Milosević A. Meyr R. Zecchinelli P. Remeeus H. Tangerås Gy. Ivanovics

Cyclamen WG: Leader: Rita Zecchinelli Members: S. Ducournau P. Remeeus A. Meyr Gy.Ivanovics L. Maile

39



Activity Report

1. Handbook on Flower Seeds. As a result of the past years work sheets about testing Calendula, Viola, Dianthus, Gaillardia and Impatiens genera are finished and completed with photos. Tagetes working sheet still needs some clarification in seedling evaluation regarding physiological necrosis and root system evaluation. Editing work is under way. This past year we prepared 2 new working sheet drafts of Petunia and Cyclamen. The drafts were circulated within FSC members and after amendments will be shortly circulated within ISTA committee chairs for approval.

2. Evaluation of the widespread questionnaire of 1999. A significant progress was made in this project. The data was collected from 56 ISTA stations/laboratories, AOSA/SCST laboratories and Seed Companies. This valuable information was organized, sorted and categorized into several groups and tables. It is expected that the analysis of the questionnaire will be completed in the coming months and presented at the ISTA Congress, in May 2004.

3. Revision of the present ISTA Rules/Handbooks. Amendment to the current Rules/Handbooks and introduction of new flower species is a constant task of the committee.

4. Cooperation with AOSA/SCST. Harmonisation of seed testing methods is very important and a common aim of the two associations. Our committee has important part with regard to flower seed testing. Cooperation is constant.

5. Cooperation with the Tetrazolium Committee. To introduce TZ test methods in the future Handbook, we need the assistance of the TZ Committee to develop methods. Prof. Dr Norbert Leist has already developed methods for several flower species. We use these methods and included in our work sheets. Hopefully these methods will be included also in the ISTA Rules.

6. Cooperation with the Germination Committee. Leader: Lea Mazor, Members: Haakon Tangeraas, Sylvie Ducournau, Aleta Meyr, Laureen C. Nyabani, Gizella Horvath, Marcia Taylor and FSC members. The major goal is to determine the germination conditions and dormancy breaking of flower species. The present goal is to examine the ISTA Handbook on Seedling Evaluation and to assess the Index (=evaluation group number) of flower genera.

ISTA Index (=evaluation group number) of flower genera The assessment of the Index (=evaluation group number) of flower genera covered by ISTA Rules was done based on the information collected from ISTA working group (WG) members. The index includes about 200 flower genera. WG members have experience in testing most of the genera listed. It was determined that most of the seedling groups are correct. However, with regard to few genera, there was disagreement among the WG members whether the current evaluation groups, such as Abutilon, Begonia, Hibiscus, Lavatera, are correct. For Impatiens a new evaluation group was proposed (A-2-1-1-2), based on comparative tests. For Althea: WG- members think that the previous evaluation group (e.g. A-2-1-1-1), is probably correct.

40



For Tagetes evaluation WG- members performed two comparative tests which yielded contradictory results. Further investigation reveals that the primary root plays an important role. At the Flower Seed Workshop, in May 2003, in Hungary, WG- members came to the following conclusion: The root system of Tagetes consists of the primary root, which must be normal. Secondary roots may occasionally develop during the test period, but they are not taken into account in seedling evaluation. Thus, the present evaluation group: A 2.1.1.1 is the correct one.

2. Section 17: Seedling Evaluation According to Groups: Cyclamen (Type E) The seedling evaluation group of Type E- Cyclamen was revised. The description of root and shoot system for normal and abnormal seedlings was improved and the abnormal types according to the index of seedling abnormalities were checked. The presence of a tuber and of two petioles (cotyledons) -usually one during the prescribed test period, were emphasized. Furthermore, since FSC is preparing a worksheet for Cyclamen, Rita Zecchinelli, Head of this working group, submitted her comments on seeding evaluation. The Germination Committee was required to send the revised draft before publishing.

7. Cooperation with the Purity Committee. In preparation of the Handbook, we have to

decide on the most suitable PSD. This committee can help review the seed description or choose the correct PSD.

8. Workshop on flower seed testing: The workshop was held 12-16 May, 2003, Budapest and its organisation was a cooperate effort of Lea Mazor, Sylvie Ducournau, Stephanie Kramer, Rita Zecchinelli and the laboratory staff of the Budapest laboratory of NIAQC. 14 participants from 7 countries attended the workshop. The programme covered purity, germination and TZ testing and connected QA questions as well. There was plenty opportunity for practical work besides the interesting lectures.

Future Aims FSC is intend to go on with the preparation of the handbook. Also the preparation of a future flower seed testing proficiency programme has begun with the cooperation of the ISTA Secretariat and the Proficiency Test Committee.

41



4. Activity Report of the Forest Tree and Shrub Seed Committee 2003/2004

Z. PROCHAZKOVA Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, FGMRI Research Station Uherske Hradiste, 686 04 Kunovice, Czech Republic


Dr. Zdenka Prochazkova CZ-Czech Republic

Vice-Chairperson: Dr. Hugh Pritchard GB-United Kingdom

Members: Dr. Daniel Baskaran MY-Malaysia Dr. D.G.W. Edwards CA-Canada Dr. Elena Foffova SK-Slovakia Mr. Fabio Gorian IT-Italy Dr. Peter Gosling GB-United Kingdom Mr. Gary Johnson US–United States Mr. Robert P. Karrfalt US–United States Mr. Dave Kolotelo CA-Canada Mrs. Stefanie Krämer DE-Germany Dr. Beti Piotto IT-Italy Mr. Dale Simpson CA-Canada Mrs. Kirsten Thomsen DK-Denmark Mrs. Heidi Røsok Bye NO-Norway Working Groups Purity Working Group Revision of purity definitions, particularly concerning wings on seeds of Abies, and Pinus species /1: Leader: D.G.W. Edwards; Members: G. Johnson Z. Prochazkova

Germination Working Group Tropical tree seed germination /2: Leader: H. Pritchard; Members: K. Thomsen Working Group Stratification of pine seeds /3: Leader: G. Johnson; Working Group Comparative tests of Abies germination/5: Leader: G. Johnson; Members: D.G.W. Edwards, Z. Prochazkova

Tetrazolium Working Group Harmonisation Table 6. Tetrazolium tests with Table 2 Sampling/5: Leader: Z. Prochazkova; Working Group Comparative tests/6: Leader: Z. Prochazkova; Members: E. Foffova

Workshops Working Group Tree seed testing workshop /8: Leader: Z. Prochazkova; Members: E. Foffova

42



Publications Working Group Revision of the publication ‘Microorganisms associated with tree seeds: World Checklist 1990 /9: Leader: R. Mittal; Working Group Revision of the ISTA Tree and Shrub Seed Handbook /9: Leader: Zdenka Prochazkova; Members: Daniel Baskaran, Fabio Gorian, Elena Foffova, Peter Gosling, Dave Kolotelo. Beti Piotto, Hugh Pritchard, Dale Simpson, Heidi Rosok Bye Working Group Multi-lingual glossary of common plant names for forest tree and shrub species /11: Leader: Zdenka Prochazkova; Members: Daniel Baskaran, Fabio Gorian, Elena Foffova, Beti Piotto, Hugh Pritchard

Activity Report WG 1: Revision of purity definitions, particularly concerning wings on seeds of Abies, and Pinus species A proposal to revise the ISTA Rules is in progress. WG 2: Tropical tree seed germination, especially palms - to develop appropriate germination tests on ca 25 species

Palms Seed lots of 16 palm species from 13 genera have been investigated for their germination competence at 30°C (12 h photoperiod) on agar-water substrate. Seed lots were sown soon after receipt. Germination levels for 14 species varied from 35 %, in Trachycarpus latisectus, to 100 %, in Adonidia merrillii. Mean times for germination (MTG) were relatively short for these species, as follows: Adonidia merrillii (22 d), Caryota mitis (25 d), Ceroxylon alpinum (39 d), Ceroxylon quindiuense (43 d), Chuniophoenix hainanensis (27 d), Chuniophoenix nana (35 d), Dypsis onilahensis (43 d), Hyphaene coriacea (17 d), Licuala ramsayi (37 d), Livistona muelleri (18 d), Ravenea glauca (20 d), Ravenea rivularis (12 d), Sabal maritima (20 d) and Trachycarpus latisectus (30 d). MTGs were much longer for the other two species: Copernica glabrescens (81 d) and Cyrtostachys renda (120 d). However, it was noticeable that these seed lots had low seed germination (22 and 18 % respectively). Reference: PRITCHARD HW, WOOD CB, HODGES S, VAUTIER HJ (2004). 100-seed test for desiccation tolerance and germination: a case study on eight tropical palm species. Seed Science and Technology (in press)

Other species Prunus africana, from the moist highlands of sub-Saharan Africa, is subject to great exploitation because its bark is used in the treatment of prostate-related diseases. A better understanding of the biology of its seed could help the sustainable use of this tree. Fifty percent of fresh seeds (47 % moisture content) from mature purple fruits harvested in Kenya germinated after 10 days incubation at 25 °C. The germination rate was linearly related to constant temperature, giving a prediction for the minimum temperature for germination at c. 0.6 °C. All seeds germinated at 5 °C during 4 months fully hydrated storage. P. africana seed is, thus, neither dormant nor chilling sensitive. Such a low temperature germination response seems consistent with the species distribution at altitude. Reference: SACANDÉ M, PRITCHARD HW, DUDLEY AE (2004). Germination and storage characteristics of Prunus africana seeds. New Forests (in press). This work was supported by Kew colleagues Chris Wood, Simon Hodges, Moctar Sacandé, Anna Dudley, Helen Vautier and Frances Briscoe, with Wen Bin (Xishuangbanna, P.R. China), Laurent Guy Rakotondranony (SNGF, Madagascar) and William Omondi (KEFRI, Kenya).

43



WG 3: Stratification of pine seeds (Pinus elliottii, P. palustris and P. taeda) Double germination tests (with and without prechilling) for Pinus elliottii, P. palustris, and P. taeda have been introduced to the ISTA Rules. On the request (Minutes of the ISTA EOM 2003) clarification of the expression “double tests” has been proposed. WG 4: Comparative tests of Abies germination Preparation of the test is in progress, and a proposed working plan has been circulated to members of the FTS Committee. Depending on availability of seed lots, the test is planned to start in early 2004. WG 5: Harmonisation Table 6 Tetrazolium test with Table 2 Sampling No progress to date. The draft proposals will be prepared before May 2004. WG 6: Comparative tests No progress to date. The activity will be postpone to the 2004-2007 period. WG 7: Tree seed testing workshop The FTS Committee Workshop took place in Prague, Czech Republic (October 20-23) followed by two alternative post-meeting tours (1-day trip to Tree Seed Plant and 3-days trip to CZDL02, SKDL02 and Slovak Tree Seed Plant). WG 8: Revision of the publication ‘Microorganisms associated with tree seeds: World Checklist 1990 No reply from the activity leader yet. WG 9: Revision of the ISTA Tree and Shrub Seed Handbook No progress since last year. This activity has been postponed to the 2004-2007 period. WG 10Multi-lingual glossary of common plant names for forest tree and shrub species No progress since last year, and the activity has been postponed for the 2004-2007 period.

Future Aims Revision of purity definitions, particularly concerning wings on seeds of Abies, Pseudotsuga, and Pinus species A proposal will be made to separate these genera in distinctive pure seed definitions. Other proposals will be made concerning Sequoiadendron, Taxodium, and Taxus. Comparative tests of Abies germination The test will start early in 2004. Comparative tests A questionnaire will be sent to all ISTA laboratories testing forest tree seeds in March 2004.

44



Proficiency testing Based on a discussion on Proficiency tests of forest tree and shrub seeds at the FTS Committee members meeting during the FTS Workshop in Prague, a proposal of the ISTA “Referee Samples Preparation Instructions For Referee Test Leaders” for forest tree seeds will be made before May 2004. Tree seed testing workshops Based on the discussion in the FTS Committee meeting in Prague, the tetrazolium workshop of forest tree and shrub seeds will be organised for the 2004-2007 period. Revision of the ISTA Tree and Shrub Seed Handbook A questionnaire will be sent to laboratories in March 2004. Multi-lingual glossary of common plant names for forest tree and shrub species Revival of this activity is planned prior to May 2004.

45



5. Activity Report of the Germination Committee 2003/2004

J. LÉCHAPPÉ GEVES-SNES, Rue Georges Morel B.P. 24, 49071 Beaucouzé, France


Mr. Joël Léchappé FR-France

Vice-Chairperson:

-

Members: Mrs. Iren Barla-Szabo ZA-South Africa Mr. Ronald Don GB-United Kingdom Mrs. Krystyna Kolasinska PL-Poland Mrs. Lea Mazor IL-Israel Dr. Günter Müller DE-Germany Dr. Enrico Noli IT-Italy Dr. Håkon Tangerås NO-Norway Mrs. Grethe Tarp DK-Denmark Mrs. Anny van Pijlen NL-Netherlands Dr. Loren Wiesner US-United States

Activity Report 1. Finalise the ISTA Handbook for Seedling evaluation: Leader: R. Don Members: All Germination Committee members with the participation of Flower Seed Committee and Tree and Shrub Committee members After tremendous efforts from the working group and the secretariat, the handbook is being printed. Already new information is proposed on flowers. The new format will allow permanent improvement. The new format of this document reborn in 2004 will allow a permanent updating. The Handbook will be presented in Budapest at the XXVII ISTA congress. 2. Liaison with the Flower Seed Committee Leader: L. Mazor Members: Haakon Tangeraas, Sylvie Ducournau, Aleta Meyr, Laureen C. Nyabani, Gizella Horvath, Marcia Taylor and FSC members. The group has reviewed the flower part of the handbook. Seedling evaluation group of Tagetes caused a debate among working group members due to inconsistent results of two comparative tests. Further investigation reveals that the primary root plays an important role and that secondary roots may occasionally develop during the test period, but they are not taken into account in seedling evaluation. Thus, the members came to the conclusion that the present evaluation group: A 2.1.1.1 is the correct one.

46



3. Harmonise rules between AOSA and ISTA « Substrates and the use of germination temperatures listed in the ISTA rules for germination of sunflower » Co-leaders: L. Wiesner, S. Ducournau Members : I. Baziet, H. Faucher, C. Leonhart, C. Wurzer, C. Cadger, B. Mpofu, S. Jones, A. van Pijlen, G. Horvath, D. Ashton, R.C. Lawson, M. Muggl, M. Hafdahl, S. Hanson In order to decide if compost can be used as primary substrate for sunflower germination a comparative test between seed laboratories from ISTA and AOSA on some sunflower seed samples has been organised in 2003. 10 ISTA laboratories and 6 AOSA laboratories agreed in participating to the comparative test. Five samples have been collected and sent to the participants in April 2003. Participants were requested to perform germination tests on 3 different substrates (paper, sand and compost) at one temperature (20°C). Up to now, 14 laboratories have reported their results from May to October 2003 (10 from ISTA laboratories and 4 from AOSA laboratories). Results from one laboratory are still expected. From the 14 answers, 4 laboratories did not followed the correct protocol (temperature different from 20°C, number of seeds lower than 400 per sample, only 2 germination methods performed instead of 3). Regarding the number of results that can be analysed, co-leaders are waiting for the results of the last laboratory before starting the report. Complete and detailed report is planned for the beginning of 2004 in order to present the results at the Congress in Budapest. A preliminary statistical analysis shows that results of normal seedlings are higher with the use of compost for germination. This is due to a decrease of abnormal seedlings (principally) and of non germinated seeds (to a less extent). Compost gives higher or equal results with the method used in routine in each laboratory (sand or paper), even if the laboratory is not experienced with compost. The variability between laboratories is decreased with the use of compost compared to sand and paper. The results obtained in this experiment allow the recommendation of compost as primary substrate for Sunflower germination. Obviously, the term “compost” is inappropriate regarding the composition of this type of substrate. Another term and a precise description of this type of substrate are proposed inside the Committee in order to be proposed to be included in ISTA Rules in 2005. 4. Use of KNO3 to break Dormancy of cereals Leader: G. Muller A comparative test on dormant and non dormant barley seed lots, including 8 European laboratories and 7 seed lots has been organised. Six treatments were applied (water, water and prechill 5 days, GA3 and prechill 5 days, KNO3 and prechill 5 days, GA3, KNO3) KNO3 alone or associated with prechill 5 days does not significatively improve the germination as a percentage of normal seedlings (KNO3 = 76,8 %, KNO3 + prechill = 72,9 %) compared with water (72 %) and other pre treatments (prechill = 86 %, GA3 + prechill = 86,8 %, GA3 = 83 %). These tests confirm the efficiency of GA3 alone or in combination with prechill.

47



Table: Effect of dormancy breaking treatments – Comparative test 6 laboratories, 7 seed lots.

Lot Nr Water Water + prechill (5 days)

GA3 + prechill (5 days)

KNO3 + prechill (5 days)

GA3 KNO3 Mean

1 65,69 91,97 91,71 91,41 86,59 75,69 83,84 2 75,72 89,91 90,43 91,47 86,97 79,41 85,65 3 76,94 91,84 92,04 92,03 88,22 82,03 87,18 4 73,25 86,34 87,36 88,16 84,59 76,16 82,64 5 58,97 73,09 74,04 72,97 70,06 63,53 68,78 6 89,47 93,88 93,54 93,81 92,47 92,41 92,60 7 64,03 78,13 78,61 75,28 73,09 68,59 72,96 Mean 72,01 86,45 86,82 86,45 83,14 76,83

5. Revision of the ISTA Rules Leader: J. Lechappe Members: all committee members In direct application of the studies on substrates on sunflower, the opportunity to enlarge the type of substrates allowed in the current ISTA rules is under starting discussion. Proposals and arguments will be submitted for an open discussion in Budapest to prepare a vote in 2005. A new structure of the relevant paragraphs of chapter 5 (e.g., 5.4., 5.4.A.2., 5.4.A.3, 5.4.A.4. and table 5A methods and part 1.2.3.) will be submitted. A standard terminology and updating of substrates descriptions according to international standards will be proposed. The question of the calculation of tolerances on all three categories of germs (normal, abnormal, non germinated seed) is till under discussion.

Future Aims For the last series of years, the major progresses made have been focused on the • Updating of the ISTA Handbook on Seedling Evaluation. • Evaluation of the opportunity to enlarge the types of substrates allowed. • Germination of flower species in liaison with the flower seed committee. The proposed aims are: • The main proposals are to come in the next periods as consequence of the work done

until now. Amendments of the rules have been proposed: - Evolution of definition and type of substrates commonly used for the germination

tests. - Quality Assurance requirements (tolerances, uncertainty of measurement,

consistency between chapter and annexes, check of substrates toxicity) • Need of massive introduction of tropical and subtropical species. • The training should be a major aim. First on the basis of the updated handbook for

seedling evaluation and if voted on, second on the substrates and the use of ISO or EU standards methods to prepare and check the substrates and third on the use of calculation of results (rounding of results, tolerances and eventually uncertainty of measurements).

48



Acknowledgements As I am resigning as chairperson of the Germination Committee at the end of this period (2001-2004), I wish to thank the Germination Committee Members. The Committee has worked on a basis of working groups. The working groups' members and their leaders have been the hard workers and producers of the Committee, often in the shadow. The link with the very active flower and tree and shrub Committees has been very fruitful. Acknowledgements are also going to the Secretariat and Bettina who brought a tremendous input in the running of the Committee.

49



6. Activity Report of the Moisture Committee 2003/2004

H. NIJËNSTEIN Cebeco Seeds Group, P.O.Box 10.000, 5250 GA Vlijmen, The Netherlands Membership Chairperson:

Mr. Harry Nijenstein NL-The Netherlands

Vice-Chairperson: Mr. Ronald Don UK-United Kingdom

Members: Mr. Joseph Ahenda KE-Kenya Prof. Dr. Olfat H. El Bagoury EG-Egypt Mr. Mark A. Bennett US-United States Prof. Dr. Patricia Berjak ZA-South Africa Ms. Jette Hansen Nydam DK-Denmark Mr. Peter George Harrison AU-Australia Mr. Gary Johnson US-United States Dr. Maria-Rosaria Mannino FR-France Mr. Frikkie Marais ZA-South Africa (resigned

2003) Mr. Craig McGill NZ-New Zealand Prof. Dr. Maria Angela Tillman BR-Brazil

Working Groups Validate new species/methods for the rules. Leader: Jette Nydam. Members: Mark Bennett, Gary Johnson, Maria-Rosaria Mannino. Improve existing rules (orthodox seeds + general improvements). Leader: Ronald Don. Members: all MOI members. Improve the existing rules (non-orthodox seeds). Leader: Patricia Berjak. Members: Gary Johnson, Joseph Ahenda, Craig McGill, Somboon Wuthipongprasert, Songqvan Song. Organise proficiency testing. Leader: Ronald Don. Members: Doug Ashton (Referee Committee), Martina Roesch (ISTA Secretariat), Harry Nijenstein. Improve application of existing rules by means of organising a workshop, and by writing a handbook. Leader: Jette Nydam. Members: all MOI members. Prepare a paper on the future developments in moisture testing, and the consequences for the ISTA Moisture Committee and the ISTA Rules. Leader: Harry Nijenstein. Members: all MOI members.

50



Activity Report 1. Validate new species/methods for the rules. Most of the 328 species of agricultural en vegetable seeds, listed in part 1 of table 2A of the ISTA Rules were evaluated for oil content, using the website of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (www.kew.org). The results were presented during the moisture workshop in Lyngby in November 2003. The ISTA methods described are designed to reduce oxidation, decomposition or the loss of volatile substances while ensuring the removal of as much moisture as possible. So a high oil content would lead to the low temperature method, and a low oil content would lead to the high temperature method. The ISTA low temperature method includes species of oil contents as low as 9.9% and as high as 46.9%. On the other hand, the ISTA high temperature method includes species as low as 0.6% and as high as 38.1% oil. This is another indication that the present classification in the ISTA Rules may not be appropriate. It was suggested to have a split at 20% oil content: higher would mean the low temperature method, lower would mean the high temperature method.

2. Improve existing rules (orthodox seeds + general improvements). Discussions on the Moisture chapter during the workshop in 2003 revealed many unclarities and ‘mistakes’. This implies that a major revision is necessary. On the other hand the Executive Committee has indicated that no major revisions (reprinting) should occur before 2007. 3. Improve the existing rules (non-orthodox seeds). The aim of this investigation was to compare the change in whole seed water content with the change in seed component water contents, during desiccation under standardised conditions (as prescribed by the Protocol attached). Essentially, the investigation comprises two stages, viz.; • determination of seed survival following desiccation to a prescribed range of weight loss

by each seed batch during drying (i.e. the preliminary experiment) • comparison of whole seed and seed component water contents following desiccation to

0, 50 and 10% viability loss (i.e. the main experiment) The species tested are summarised in Table 1. Of the six species listed, data from only four species are represented in this report. No germination data were available for Corynocarpus laevigatus, as the seeds tested were too underdeveloped, and did not germinate.

51



Table 1. Summary of species tested

EXPERIMENTS LABORATORY CONTACT PERSON SPECIES TESTED

PRELIMINARY MAIN Xishaungbanna

Tropical Botanical Garden

Songquan Song Hopea hainanensis Whole seed data provided only.

No data provided

Kenya Plant Health

Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS)

Joseph Ahenda

Massey University Craig McGill Corynocarpus

laevigatus Yes Yes

Podocarpus henkelii Yes No Syzygium cuminii Yes No Trichilia dregeana Yes No

University of Natal, Durban

Patricia Berjak & Deon Erdey

Trichilia emetica Yes No

RESULTS The results summarised here represent those for Podocarpus henkelii, Syzygium cuminii, Trichilia dregeana and T. emetica only. Initial results These are summarised in Table 2, and represent the water contents of undried, control material. In all cases, the axis water contents were considerably higher than that for the storage tissues (megagametophyte, in the case of P. henkellii, and cotyledons in the other three species) and whole seed water content values.

Table 2. Initial whole seed and seed component water contents, expressed as grams water per gram dry mass (n = 25).

Water content (g.g-1) Species

Whole seed Storage tissue Axis

Podocarpus henkelii 1.04

(± 0.13) 1.03

(± 0.13) 1.77

(± 0.11)

Syzygium cuminii 0.74

(± 0.04) 0.69

(± 0.03) 1.66

(± 0.31)

Trichilia dregeana 0.80

(± 0.02) 0.79

(± 0.02) 2.81

(± 0.04)

Trichilia emetica 0.47

(± 0.02) 0.46

(± 0.02) 1.93

(± 0.11)

52



Preliminary and main experiment results The results are represented as % germination (root emergence) versus water content (Figure 1) to emphasise the differences obtained when expressing survival, following desiccation, as a function of whole seed water content, and not as a function of axis water content.

In all cases, viability declined at a higher axis water content, than indicated when the water content was determined on a whole seed basis only. The embryonic axes of these species constitute only a small part of the seed dry weight (10 to 25 %), and retain water contents higher than that of the storage tissues throughout desiccation. In summary, the main points are: • The difference in water content values differs greatly between the various seed

components • Determining water content on a whole seed basis only for desiccation sensitive seeds

underestimates the desiccation sensitivity of the germinative axis tissues.

Podocarpus henkelii

0102030405060708090

100

0 0.5 1 1.5 2Water content (g.g-1)

% G

erm

inat

ion

embryo

megagametophyte

w hole seed

Syzigium cuminii0

102030405060708090

100

0 0.5 1 1.5 2

Water content (g.g-1)

% G

erm

inat

ion

axis

cotyledons

w hole seed

Trichilia dregeana0

102030405060708090

100

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3


% G

erm

inat

ion

axis

cotyledons

w hole seed

Trichilia emetica0

102030405060708090

100

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2


% G

erm

inat

ion

axis

cotyledons

w hole seed

.5

Figure 1. Viability curves (n = 25)

53



4. First ISTA Moisture Content Proficiency Test One hundred and ten laboratories took part in the first ISTA Moisture Content proficiency test. Of these 77 were accredited laboratories and 33 volunteer laboratories. The mean results of the Moisture Contents of the Trifolium samples that were used in the proficiency test were:

Sample Mean of all Laboratories (% Moisture Content)

Mean of Accredited Laboratories (% Moisture Content)

1 8.7 8.7

2 4.4 4.4

3 14.0 14.1

When reporting the results to ISTA, 90 laboratories did this correctly. Fourteen laboratories reported results to two or more decimal places (the ISTA Rules state that: moisture content must be reported to the nearest 0.1%) and 6 laboratories reported replicate results that differed by more than 0.2% (In such cases they should have repeated the determination on another two replicates). An examination of the results show that they were distributed around the mean in a similar way to germination and purity proficiency test results:

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

Less

7.3

7.5

7.7

7.9

8.1

8.3

8.5

8.7

8.9

9.1

9.3

9.5

9.7

9.9

10.1

10.3

10.5

10.7

More

M o is tu re C o n te n t (% )

Freq

uenc

y (N

umbe

r of L

abor

ator

ies)

M e a n V a lu e = 8 .7 %

Figure 1 Frequency distribution of results reported on Sample 1 by laboratories participating in the first ISTA Moisture Content proficiency test

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

Less

3.6

3.8

4 4.2

4.4

4.6

4.8

5 5.2

5.4

5.6

5.8

6 More


Freq

uenc

y (N

umbe

r of L

abor

ator

ies)

M e a n V a lu e = 4 .4 %

Figure 2 Frequency distribution of results reported on Sample 2 by laboratories participating in the first ISTA Moisture Content proficiency test

54



0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

Less

12.8

13 13.2

13.4

13.6

13.8

14 14.2

14.4

14.6

14.8

15 15.2

More


Freq

uenc

y (N

umbe

r of L

abor

ator

ies)

M e a n V a lu e = 1 4 .0 %

Figure 3 Frequency distribution of results reported on Sample 3 by laboratories participating in the first ISTA Moisture Content proficiency test Since the moisture content results were distributed in this manner, it was decided to analyse them using the standard ISTA program that is used to access the performance of laboratories in ISTA purity and germination proficiency tests. With this program laboratories having normalised or z-score out with the range –2 to +2 are considered to have reported a result that is considered questionable/deviant. In such cases the laboratories will be asked to verify its results, examine their procedures and take action necessary to correct any deficiencies that may have contributed towards the deviant. In addition, the test leader may recommend some formal follow-up corrective action that should be reported to the Secretariat. Because of the nature of seed and its variability, even with a homogenous referee sample, repeated tests in the same laboratory will produce a range of results and 2.5% of these will have z-scores that are less than (<) minus 2 and 2.5% will have a z-scores greater than 2 (>). It is reassuring to see that less than 5% of ISTA Accredited Laboratories had z-scores achieved an overall z-scores of <-2.0 and >+2.0, which is what would be expected by chance. It indicates that there is not any significant problem in moisture content testing in ISTA Accredited Laboratories for species where no grinding is required (Table 1). Table 1 Details of Analysis of z-scores obtained in moisture content referee test

Sample 1 (8.7%MC)

Sample 2 (4.4%MC)

Sample 3 (14.1%MC)

Average

Sample Results with z-scores <-2.0

3 3 7 4.33

Sample Results with z-scores >+2.0

5 7 5 5.67

Total of Sample Results with z-scores <-2.0 and >+2.0

8

10

12

5.00

Proportion of all Laboratories with z-scores <-2.0 and >+2.0

7%

9%

11%

9%

Proportion of Volunteer Laboratories with z-scores <-2.0 and >+2.0

21%

18%

21%

20%

Proportion of Accredited Laboratories with z-scores <-2.0 and >+2.0

1%

6%

7%

4.67%

55



The number of Volunteer Laboratories with scores <-2.0 and >+2.0 is however greater than would be expected by chance (20%). It is hoped that the test leader can offer Volunteer Laboratories recommendations and advice that will assist them in achieving moisture content results that are equivalent to those obtained by Accredited ISTA Laboratories. Overall the distribution of z-scores for all 3 samples is similar to that obtained in purity and germination proficiency tests (figure 4). This is further evidence of the appropriateness of the standard ISTA proficiency test analysis program for moisture content proficiency tests. The results of this proficiency test gives ISTA an assurance of the moisture content results reported on its International Certificates. However, this can not be a one off exercise. Moisture testing must be included in the standard ISTA testing program. The next moisture proficiency test is scheduled to take place in February 2004. It will be more of a challenge as it will involve testing a Triticum that requires grinding prior to oven drying.

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

Z-Scores

Lot 1 Lot 2 Lot 3

23.7, 10.0

6.2

Figure 4 Distribution of z-scores for the three samples tested in the moisture proficiency test

5. Improve application of existing rules by means of organising a workshop, and of writing a handbook. A workshop was successfully organised in Lyngby (Denmark) at the Danish Plant Directorate in November 2003. Nineteen participants from Europe, United States and New Zealand participated. During the workshop a lot of ideas for improving the rules for moisture determination were given. During the workshop the participants worked with quality assurance aspects as well as with calibration of moisture meters. These items were dealt with both by theoretical lessons, practice and exercises. 6. Prepare a paper on the future developments in moisture testing, and the consequences for the ISTA Moisture Committee and the ISTA Rules. The paper was written and sent to all MOI members for comments. The revised paper was discussed during the Extraordinary Meeting in 2003. One of the subjects discussed was the basic reference method. At present the Karl-Fischer-method is considered to be the basic reference method for moisture. This method has as the main disadvantages that it is expensive, difficult to learn, and not widespread available among moisture committee members. Alternatives have the same or more disadvantages. Above, although being the basic reference methods for the ISTA Rules, the method itself is not described in the ISTA Rules!

56



During our meeting it was suggested to abandon the Karl-Fischer method, and use the oven for validating new species instead in the future.

Future Aims 1. Validate new species/methods for the rules. To validate the split between the high and the low temperature oven method at 20% oil content we will need to organise some comparative testing. This will be organised during the upcoming ISTA Congress. 2. Improve existing rules (orthodox seeds + general improvements). Three out of four Rules Change Proposal were not accepted by the Extraordinary Meeting in 2003. It appears that there are many parts of the Moisture Chapter that are unclear to users. Although it is an aim to amalgamate the Rules it was not proposed that this should take place next year. It was felt that for the benefit of users there should be a period of stability in the format of the Rules. A complete reprinting and amalgamation is not anticipated until 2007. Between now and then we should aim to clarify and improve the Moisture Chapter in preparation for the amalgamation. It is suggested that we seek the assistance of ISTA auditors to help identify problem areas. 3. Improve the existing rules (non-orthodox seeds). The working group will continue to gather information provided by the comparative testing. The information will be used for suggestions for improvement of the existing rules for non-orthodox seeds. There is a need for moisture testing methods for tree seeds. This working group so far concluded that there is a tremendous variation in moisture contents of different parts of non-orthodox seeds, and in seed-to-seed variation of moisture content. On the other hand, when looking at orthodox seeds, we will probably have similar effects, although to a lesser extent. A maybe more important difference between orthodox and non-orthodox seeds is seed size. 4. Proficiency testing. It is planned to have a next proficiency test for moisture in February 2004 (extra round, in combination with tetrazolium). Species will be a Triticum aestivum, for which grinding will be involved. This proficiency test round will also be used for obtaining information about the need for grinding and about the state of the art of seed testing. This means that the seeds will be accompanied by a questionnaire. Questions will include type and size of containers, calibration of thermometers and oven, presence of fan in oven, and more. The Z-scores resulting from proficiency tests in 2003 and 2004 will be the basis for developing a rating system in 2004. The results of both test rounds will also be used for determining the frequency of future proficiency tests. 5. Organise a workshop. We hope to organise a second workshop in Asia or in New Zealand in 2004.

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6. Write a handbook. The material used in the workshop will be the basis for the handbook. Also information from working group 6 (paper on future developments) will be incorporated in the handbook. We hope to have the first draft handbook available for discussion during the workshop in 2004. 7. Suggested new working group for 2004-2007 Percentage relative humidity has a direct relationship with seed longevity, whereas absolute moisture content doesn’t. In addition the RH-method is non-destructive (important for high-value seeds), and gives relevant results for coated and pelletised seeds (where an oven test gives meaningless results). The possibility for putting the %RH on an ISTA certificate therefore has added value. It was decided to start a working group on this subject. We will have to follow the validation principles.

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7. Activity Report of the Nomenclature Committee 2003/2004

J. H. WIERSEMA USDA/ARS, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Maryland, United States


Dr. John H. Wiersema US-United States

Vice-Chairperson: Dr. Michel Chauvet FR-France

Members: Mr. Ken Allison CA-Canada Dr. Bernard R. Baum CA-Canada Mr. Kees van Ettekoven NL-Netherlands Mr. Niall Green GB-United Kingdom Prof. Doris Groth BR-Brazil Dr. Wilbert L. A. Hetterscheid NL-The Netherlands Dr. Phyllis Himmel US-United States Dr. Charles E. Jarvis GB-United Kingdom Mr. Murray Keys AU-Australia Dr. Maria Rosaria Mannino FR-France Dr. Klaus Pistrick DE-Germany Mr. Michel Porcher AU-Australia

Activity Report The ISTA List of Stabilized Plant Names continues to be available as a web document at <http://www.ars-grin.gov/~sbmljw/istaintrod.html> on the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is easily accessible via a GRIN link from the ISTA web page for the NOM Committee. A new web page for searching this nomenclature has now been created, at < http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxassoc.pl> with versions in French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish in addition to English. The names on this List can be searched in conjunction with other GRIN data, such as distribution, economic uses, or common names, and easy access to these other data is available via links from the entries on the List. Currently, consultations of this List on the web average several hundred per month. A request to broaden our Stabilized List entry for xFestulolium from its current xF. braunii to a listing of only the intergeneric hybrid name xFestulolium generated some discussion on the Committee. The name xFestulolium braunii technically covers only hybrids between the two parent species Festuca pratensis and Lolium multiflorum, but a number of other species are now involved in breeding additional commercial varieties of xFestulolium. Strickly speaking, these would not be covered by the current entry for xFestulolium braunii, which was added to the Stabilized List due to its appearance in the 1999 Rules. Most opinions presented were in favor of broadening the entry to list only the genus, thereby covering all hybrids between Festuca and Lolium. A solution to this issue will be worked out by the Committee for presentation at the next ISTA Congress.

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http://www.ars-grin.gov/~sbmljw/istaintrod.html

http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxassoc.pl

http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxassoc.pl



The impact of gene transfer from other related or unrelated organisms on hybrid nomenclature was raised in our discussion of the Festulolium example. When transfer of only a few genes is involved, all Committee opinions expressed on this issue favored assigning nomenclature based on morphological criteria as opposed to genetic criteria, and were against creating new hybrid designations for each particular combination of gene donors. Dr. Maria Rosaria Mannino is thanked for representing the Nomenclature Committee at last year's Extraordinary meeting in Zürich.

Future Aims Although no progress can be reported on this project in the last period because of competing commitments of the Committee leadership, the preparation of a new multilingual glossary of common names for agronomic and horticultural crops remains the future focus of the Committee.

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8. Activity Report of the Proficiency Test (Referee) Committee 2003/2004

D. ASHTON Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa Laboratory (Carling) – Seeds, Building No. 22, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, K0A 1A0, Canada


Mr. Doug Ashton CA-Canada

Vice-Chairperson: Dr. Günter Müller DE-Germany

Members: Mr. Ken Allison CA-Canada Mrs. Patricia Brownfield US-United States Mrs. Sharon K. Davidson US-United States Mr. Didier Demilly FR-France Mr. Alexander B. Ednie CA-Canada Mr. Tim Gutormson US-United States Mr. Joël Léchappé FR-France Mrs. Jette Nydam DK-Denmark Dr. Rita Zecchinelli IT-Italy

Activity Report This report addresses the terms of reference established for the period 2001-2004. 1. Prepare, distribute, analyse and report nine referee rounds. Since the 2001 meeting in

Angers, eight Rounds have been distributed, with the ninth, 04-2 Helianthus annuus, scheduled for June 2004. In addition to the statistical analysis of purity, germination and other seed determination results, a review of reporting procedures using the Orange Certificate was conducted for 03-1 Trifolium incarnatum. Delays were experienced in the feedback to participants starting with 02-3 Pisum sativum, with diminishing delays through 04-1, due to implementation of a new software system for analysis of the data and rating of laboratory performance (see item 8, below). We apologise for these delays. We fully expect to be back on schedule with Round 04-2 to be distributed in June.

2. Collaborate with the Moisture Test Committee to prepare a moisture test referee for cereals in 2003. The Moisture Test Committee, Secretariat and Proficiency Test Committee collaborated to design, prepare and distribute the first moisture proficiency test with Round 03-1 Trifolium incarnatum. Further information is provided in the activity report of the Moisture Test Committee and in Seed Testing International (October 2003, No 126). A second moisture PT was distributed with Round 04-1 wheat (Triticum aestivum). These same wheat lots were used for a first Tetrazolium proficiency test prepared by the Tetrazolium Committee. A pilot proficiency test on conductivity of Pisum sativum was distributed by the Vigour Test Committee in 2003. The PT committee also provided advice to the Seed Health, Flower and Forest tree and shrub committees, on the procedures for setting up proficiency tests.

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3. Institute the “General Conditions for Participation in the ISTA Referee Test Programme”,

starting with Round 02-1 and using results from 97-1 forward. The “General Conditions”, first published in 2001, elaborated the method for using proficiency test data to assign a performance rating to laboratories for purity, germination and other seed determination. This rating method was integrated into the new statistical analysis software, and implemented starting with Round 02-3, germination of Pisum sativum. The Committee, in consultation with the Executive Committee, decided not to include earlier Round data because laboratories were not previously aware of this use of their results. In addition to the in-Round rating system, a method was developed to combine the performance over six Rounds to provide an overall lab rating for each test method. The rating system has been designed to be applicable to all test methods in order to offer participants a consistent measure of performance.

4. Carry out mini referees as required. Mini-referees allow the 3-year proficiency test program to be condensed into a single testing exercise in order to provide the laboratory auditors information on the laboratory’s testing proficiency. Two “mini-referees” for member laboratories applying for accreditation were completed in July, 2002. No further requests for this service have been received.

5. Collaborate with the Purity Committee to develop an objective method to evaluate other seed determination performance. Other Seed Determination performance has been integrated into the laboratory rating system and is based on the percentage correct retrieval and identification of impurities added to the samples. The Purity Committee completed a survey to determine the most commonly encountered crop and weed species and the Proficiency Test Committee is now using this list as the basis for selecting impurities for use in proficiency tests.

6. Complete preparation of a protocol which details the Referee Test Committee procedures. The procedures of the Proficiency Test Committee are given in two documents. The first, Proficiency Test Sample Preparation Instruction, provides detailed step-by-step instructions to the test leaders, from selection of appropriate seed lots through packaging for distribution to participating laboratories. The second document, The ISTA Proficiency Test Programme, defines the programme and explains the steps and framework in which it is operated, including design, obligations of participants, statistical evaluation method and the laboratory rating system. This document was distributed in November, 2003, and is posted on the ISTA Web site. Members are encouraged to read it carefully.

7. Compare the existing referee procedures with the ISO43 international guidelines for proficiency testing, to determine if improvements should be made. At the time of writing this report (December, 2003), comparison of the ISTA PT programme with ISO Guide 43 had not been initiated. This work should be complete by the time of the ISTA Congress, May 2004. A report on the comparison findings will be published in Seed Testing International.

8. Review the statistical analysis software system to determine if it can be improved. Until Round 02-3, the proficiency test data had been evaluated using an SAS statistical analysis software application designed specifically for the ISTA Referee Test Programme. While this software served the PT programme well over many years, it had the disadvantage of requiring knowledge of the original programming in order to make changes. This knowledge was not readily available which hampered modification and development. Consequently, starting in 2002, the Secretariat initiated development of a new computer program to evaluate and report the proficiency test data. The new software became functional in 2003 and underwent validation testing by double-entry of results and comparison of output using the new and old systems. The new system, using Microsoft Access, is more user friendly than the old system and should allow improved flexibility to adapt to developments in the proficiency test programme. The first output report was distributed with results from Round 02-3 in November 2003.

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Future Aims The following are proposed Terms of Reference for the period 2004-2007. These will be discussed and amended as appropriate by the new Proficiency Test Committee at the 2004 Congress: 1. Prepare, distribute, analyse and report nine proficiency test rounds. 2. Collaborate with the Vigour, Flower, Seed Health, Tetrazolium and Forest Tree and

Shrub Committees to develop proficiency test pilots with the aim of integrating these tests into the programme.

3. Continue to refine the statistical analysis procedures for analysis of the PT data. 4. Carry out mini referees as required. 5. Review the groupings of crop kinds and representative genera to determine if these

continue to be appropriate. 6. Hold a workshop for PT test leaders, Committee members and Secretariat staff, to

review the sample preparation procedures.

Acknowledgements I wish to take this opportunity to express sincere thanks to the Committee members, and their employers, who have contributed significantly to make the ISTA Proficiency Test Programme work. Each test leader has devoted a lot of time and resources to finding, testing and preparing the samples and reviewing the results. Prof. Dr. Michael Kruse wrote the new software application for analysis of the data and continues to provide support to the Secretariat and Committee when technical issues arise. Mr. Sandy Ednie, the previous Committee Chair, provided valuable advice to ensure continuity in the programme. The staff of the Secretariat’s Accreditation Department, namely Martina Rösch, Gerhard Schuon and Ana Maria Vazquez not only keep the programme running with great dedication and hard work, but have been key to its ongoing development.

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9. Activity Report of the Purity Committee 2003/2004

K. ALLISON Ottawa Laboratory (Carling), Building No. 22, C.E.F., Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6, Canada


Mr. Ken Allison CA-Canada

Vice-Chairperson: Dr. Maria Rosaria Mannino FR-France

Members: Dr. Heidi Elberling DK-Denmark Dr. Axel Goeritz DE-Germany Dr. Steve Jones GB-United Kingdom Mrs. Deborah Meyer US-United States Mrs Mónica Moreno AR-Argentina Mr. Andreas Ratzenboeck AT-Austria Mrs. Zita Ripka HU-Hungary Mrs. Jane Taylor GB-United Kingdom Mrs. Anny van Pijlen NL-Netherlands

Working Groups Pure Seed Definitions: Leader: Steve Jones; Members: Maria Rosaria Mannino, Deborah Meyer,

Andreas Ratzenboeck, Jane Taylor

Tropical and Subtropical Species: Leader: Monica Moreno; Members:

Referee Testing Committee Liaison: Leader: Ken Allison; Members: Didier Demilly, Heidi Elberling, Axel Goeritz,

Deborah Meyer, Andreas Ratzenboeck, Zita Ripka, Jane Taylor

Identification of Seeds: Leader: Heidi Elberling; Members: Ken Allison, Axel Goeritz, Maria Rosaria

Mannino, Andreas Ratzenboeck

Blowing: Leader: Anny van Pijlen; Members: Heidi Elberling, Maria Rosaria Mannino,

Deborah Meyer, Dorothy van Horsen

ISTA Website Liaison: Leader: Ken Allison; Members: Zita Ripka, Hungary*

Workshops Development: Leader: Maria Rosaria Mannino; Members: Ken Allison, Heidi Elberling, Deborah Meyer, Zita

Ripka, Anny van Pijlen

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Activity Report Further research was done on the deferred rule concerning blowing of different varieties of Poa pratensis. A Rule proposal was submitted for the Ordinary Meeting. A “universal species list”, including the 130 most frequently-encountered crops and weeds, was prepared, based on information from an ISTA-wide survey. This will be available for discussion at the Ordinary Meeting. A very successful purity workshop was held in conjunction with the AOSA/SCST meetings in Seattle, Washington, on June 11-12, 2003 Procedures providing for the testing of seed mixtures were prepared for discussion at the 2004 Ordinary Meeting.

Future Aims - Continue to work on procedures for sampling and analysis of mixtures, in cooperation with

the Germination, Statistics and the Bulking and Sampling Committees. - Continue with the on-going task of redoing the PSD handbook. - Do a collaborative study to determine if pure seed of Poa spp. determined by use of the

blower is affected by sample size. - Compare the ISTA and AOSA calibration samples. - Prepare a basic outline to be followed for all purity workshops. This would eliminate the

need to “re-invent the wheel” for each workshop.

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10. Activity Report of the Rules Committee 2003/2004

S. JONES NIAB, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE, United Kingdom


Dr. Steve Jones GB-United Kingdom

Vice-Chairperson: Mr. Jim W. Sheppard CA-Canada

Members: Mr. Ken Allison CA-Canada Mr. Doug Ashton CA-Canada Dr. Anne Bülow-Olsen DK-Denmark Mr. Sylvain Grégoire FR-France Dr. Harm Huttinga NL-Netherlands Dr. Michael Kruse DE-Germany Mr. Joël Léchappé FR-France Prof. Dir. Attilio Lovato IT-Italy Mr. Augusto Martinelli AR-Argentina Prof. Dr. David Mycock ZA-South Africa Mr. Harry Nijënstein NL-Netherlands Prof. Dr. Norbert Leist DE-Germany Dr. Alison A. Powell GB-United Kingdom Mrs. Zdenka Prochazkova CZ-Czech Republic Mrs. Zita Ripka HU-Hungary Dr. John H. Wiersema US-United States

Activity Report Chairpersons of all the other ISTA Technical Committees are automatically members of the Rules Committee and the Rules Chairperson acts as editor of the International Rules for Seed Testing. The Deputy Chairperson has been responsible for creating and driving forward the electronic version of the new loose leaf 2003 edition of the International Rules for Seed Testing. Both Jim and I have been helped tremendously by Dr Bettina Kahlert of the ISTA Secretariat in her role as Technical Committee Liaison. Following the special voting meeting in Zurich 2003 the successful proposals were turned into amendments for printing. Consultation about the best and most cost effective ways to deal with the inclusion of Appendices A and B as Rules, the removal of Appendix C, and familiarisation with a new computer package to edit the rules, caused a delay. The finished amendments, including extra editorial errors found during processing were ready for the printer in November. Some changes have been ‘saved’ for future reprints and a list of the changes is included with the re-issued pages. Printing was completed in December and hopefully amendments should have arrived with members before 1st January 2004. The effective date for any rules changes are the 1st January, however from an accreditation point of view laboratories can not be expected to follow amended rules until they arrive. Every effort is being made to get rules amendments out as soon as possible following the voting meetings. In the spirit of accreditation and quality systems we are striving for continual

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improvement and our aim is to have the rules amendments with ISTA members within 6 months of the voting meeting, if not sooner. This should help in the preparation of any new proposals for the following year. Now that Word versions of the Rules chapters are available to Technical Chairs this should speed up both preparation of Rules proposals and any major amendments. It is the intention that any major revision of the Rules would not happen before 2007 to give some stability to the Rules. Amendments due to errors or successful Rules proposals will still be issued every year. In preparation for the Budapest Congress, the 2004 proposed rules changes have been circulated to Rules Committee members and the Executive Committee. After any revisions the 2004 Rules proposals will be distributed to all ISTA members by March 2004 ready for the Budapest meeting.

Future Aims To develop in collaboration with the validation working group a generic validation system for the ISTA rules. To reduce the time between Rules changes being accepted at voting meetings and their publication as new and/or amended rules. In collaboration with the ISTA secretariat, develop standard operating procedures for rules submissions, proposals and amendments. As I have stated in previous activity reports, comments on all aspects of the Rules and rules proposals are welcome from all sources, not just committee members. We need to make sure the rules are user-friendly and what our end-users need. The Rules are the ‘bed rock’ of ISTA but may still need the occasional sculpting to meet the needs of a changing world, so ideas are welcome.

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11. Activity Report of the Seed Health Committee 2003/2004

J. SHEPPARD Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa laboratory (Carling)-Seeds, Bldg#22, CEF, 960 Carling Ave, Ottawa ON, Canada

Membership

Chairperson:

Mr. Jim W. Sheppard CA-Canada

Vice-Chairperson: Mrs. Valerie Cockerell GB-United Kingdom

Members: Mr. Rouke Bakker NZ-New Zealand Mr. Curgonio Cappelli IT-Italy Mrs. Rivka Hadas IL-Israel Mr. Hendrik J. Hansen DK-Denmark Mr. Harrie Koenraadt NL-Netherlands Mr. Kees Langerak NL-Netherlands Prof. Dr. Jose Machado BR-Brasil Dr. Denis C. McGee US-United States Mr. Dave Nowell IT-Italy Mrs. Petra Remeeus NL-Netherlands Mr. Steve Roberts GB-United Kingdom Ms. Krystyna Tylkowska PL-Polen Mr. Manfred Wienhappel AT-Austria EC Liaison Mr. Joël Léchappé FR-France STA/SHC TF Mr. Sylvain Grégoire FR-France STO/SHC Liaison Ms. Reyes Blanco ES-Spain

Activity Report This has been an extremely difficult year for the Seed Health Committee. The majority of listed members have become inactive and are no longer responding to requests for input. Consequently the committee has had to rely upon the efforts of a small group of dedicated individuals who now make up the SHC-steering committee (Sheppard, Cockerell, Roberts, Capelli, Tylkowska and Wienhappel). Since the 2003 EOM in Zürich the SHC has endeavoured, unsuccessfully to reach a compromise with ISF-ISHI on the wording of the proposed method description for the detection of Xanthomonas campestris pv campestris. The method as proposed for the 2003 EOM will be reintroduced to the membership for acceptance at the 27th Congress in Budapest. The committee is working on a comprehensive strategic plan for the next triennium which will see a restructured SHC focus more on method development and validation of agricultural crops and place less emphasis on vegetable crops. Cooperation will continue with ISF-ISHI but will not be the primary focus of the committee.

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Future Aims The current chairperson and several other key members will need to be replaced due to retirement, changes in their working environment or other reasons. 2004 Seed Pathology Workshop Novi Sad YU Planning for 2005 5th PDC Seed Health Symposium

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12. Activity report of the Statistics Committee 2003/2004

S. GREGOIRE GEVES, La Minière, 78285 Guyancourt Cedex, France


Mr. Sylvain Grégoire FR-France

Vice-Chairperson: Dr. Julia Barabas HU-Hungary

Members: Dr. Julianna Banyai HU-Hungary Prof. Lawrence O. Copeland US-United States Prof. Dr. Olfat H. El Bagoury EG-Egypt Mr. David Harte NZ-New Zealand Dr. Winfried Jackisch DE-Germany Dr. Michael Kruse DE-Germany Mr. Jean-Louis Laffont FR-France Mr. Andrew Peace GB-United Kingdom Mr. Kirk Remund US-United States Prof. Dr. Erhard Thomas DE-Germany Mr. Mohamed Tourkmani MA-Morocco

Activity Report Work with the GMO task force, mainly for the proficiency tests. Participation to the GMO round-table on proficiency tests in Zurich. Some assistance has been provided to the Seed Health Committee from the planning of tests to the statistical review of the final reports. 6th version of software “seedcalc” released on the ISTA web site, new feature is quantitative analysis. Episodic help to some technical committees, preparation and analysis of comparative tests. Seed mixtures: discussions under the leadership of Purity committee chair.

Future Aims Workshop on GMO proficiency tests to be planned in 2004 Continue work in co-ordination with GMOTF on matters defined in agreement with GMOTF Work on any matter as asked by other Technical Committees or the Executive Committee Workshop on statistics if requested

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13. Activity Report of the Seed Storage Committee 2003/2004

D. J. Mycock University of the Witwatersrand, School of Animal, Plant & Environmental Sciences, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, South Africa


Prof. Dr. David Mycock ZA-South Africa

Vice-Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Theresa Aveling Dr. Hugh Pritchard

ZA-South Africa GB-United Kingdom

Members: Prof. Dr. Mark A. Bennett US-United States Prof. Dr. Patricia Berjak ZA-South Africa Ms. Reyes Blanco ES-Spain Dr. Celia de la Cuadra ES-Spain Mr. Bill Finch-Savage GB-United Kingdom Mrs. Elena Gonzalez ES-Spain Prof. Dr. Murray Hill NZ-New Zealand Prof. Dr. Miller B. McDonald US-United States Mr. James Were KE-Kenya Dr. Loren Wiesner US-United States

Activity Report Working Group 1. Orthodox Seeds A. Screening for mycoflora (Research group T. Aveling) The research has focussed on the association of the Fusarium mycotoxins, the fumonisins, with the seed of the indigenous African legume crop, cowpea. The comprehensive research programme has considered the following aspects: the effects of these mycotoxins on seed germination and seed ultrastructure; the isolation of antimicrobial agents from leaf tissues and a survey of small-scale farmers of the crop in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Future aims include the extension of the farmer survey to maize growers. (Research group of P. Berjak) Work on the seed-associated mycoflora of the rare desert species, Welwischia mirabilis, revealed two unique species of Cladosporium, and a spectrum of others including Aspergillus niger, Pithomyces atro-olivaceus, and Curvularia ovoidea.

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B. Methods of fungal eradication prior to storage (Research group of P. Berjak) The seedling production in W. mirabilis is badly affected by the seed-associated fungi, so as to enable perpetuation of the species it is a matter of priority to develop effective fungicidal treatments. Of the chemical fungicides assessed, one emerged as most effective, but we are most hopeful about the use of dry-heat thermotherapy. These remarkable desert seeds - which are ultra-dry in the truest sense - can tolerate being heated at 80oC for up to 72 h with no obvious adverse effects: thus this avenue is presently being pursued in our endeavours to eliminate the mycoflora. C. Cryopreservation No further development/ submitted reports in this area since the February 2003 report. D. Invigoration No further development/ submitted reports in this area since the February 2003 report. E. Other Aspects (Research groups of M. McDonald and M. Bennett) Seed vigour testing provides valuable information for assessing seed lot quality. However, most vigour tests have not experienced widespread use because of their subjectivity, high cost and variability in test results from laboratory to laboratory. An image processing computer application to automatically assess the vigour of seed lots has been developed and tested on lettuce and soybean. The system has the advantages of being objective, economical and easy to perform. Working Group 2. Non-Orthodox Seeds A. Situation pertaining to mycoflora No further development/ submitted reports in this area since the February 2003 report. B. Fungal limitation/eradication (Research group of P. Berjak)

• A spectrum of systemic fungicides and a solution of 'tea tree oil' as pre-treatments before Q. robur seeds of South African provenance were stored have been tested. However, applications of individual and combinations of fungicides, did not eliminate the entire mycoflora in the long-term, although the fungal spectrum narrowed. As a final experiment on these seeds, thermotherapy (originally using water at 41oC for 2 h) was extended in terms of both temperature and duration. The results have been encouraging, as they showed that these seeds could withstand considerably higher temperatures than originally thought, as long as the time of exposure was shortened proportionately. Although fungal infection was not entirely eliminated, only a single Penicillium species appeared to have survived.

• Work aiming to identify the anti-fungal compounds elaborated by wet-stored Avicennia marina seeds could not proceed as planned during the 2003 season, because of a shortage of material. However, the seed material available has been lyophilised and will be added to in the 2004 season, so that the planned identifications may be continued.

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(Research group of B. Finch-Savage) Work with Q. robur has been published: Finch-Savage, W.E., Clay, H.A., Budge, S.P., Dent, K.C., Clarkson, J.P. and Whipps, J.M. (2003) Biological control of Sclerotinia pseudotuberosa and other fungi during moist storage of Quercus robur L. seeds. European Journal of Plant Pathology 109, 615-624. Funding for this research has come to an end therefore there are no future plans. C. Storage (Research group of P. Berjak) State of axis development: Seeds of Trichilia dregeana were stored under hydrated conditions for varying periods, to ensure that axes in a continuum of post-harvest developmental stages would be available. Preliminary studies have shown that when seeds are extracted from newly-fallen fruits, the excised axes do not have the capacity for shoot production, but that this can be remedied by leaving small blocks of cotyledonary tissue attached to the axis. In contrast, when the seeds were stored for some months (which was possible after aril removal and surface-sterilisation, as the season's yield was of very good quality), excised axes had the capacity for shoot development. Our analysis of the situation suggests that the shoot apical meristem is not yet organised in the newly-harvested seeds, and when the cotyledonary attachments are severed flush with the axis surface, the degree of injury precludes ongoing development of the shoot apical meristem. During hydrated storage, however, this meristem becomes organised, consequently allowing complete removal of the cotyledons and their attachments without similar injury. These preliminary studies, which are presently being taken further, underscore the importance of the developmental stage of the axis for successful cryopreservation. Embryonic axes of amaryllid seeds: Protrusion of the cotyledonary body carries the axis out of the seed, thus offering an explant that can be excised with minimal damage. The embryonic axes of all the species mentioned below were most successfully dehydrated rapidly, with the exception of Nerine filamentosa for which slow drying was more successful. Successful cryopreservation (20-40%) was achieved following either vitrification or cryoprotection for axes of Brunsvigia gregaria, B. orientalis, Haemanthus barkerae, N. filamentosa and Strumaria discifera, and without pre-treatment, for Brunsvigia bosmaniae. In the last-mentioned case, a valuable indicator was that a slightly more advanced state of axis development than when the cotyledonary body first emerged, made the difference between success and failure. These investigations are still in the early phases, and follow-up studies will consider the factor of axis development across a range of species. Sugarcane somatic embryos: The major recent thrust has been to eliminate infections which had hampered progress on retrieval of the explant clumps from cryostorage. This was achieved by surface-sterilisation for 1 min in 0.5% (w/v) calcium hypochlorite after simultaneously thawing and rehydrating the explants an Ca2+/Mg2+ solution. After a 10-d period in vitro in the dark, the explants were placed in a controlled environment chamber under a regime of 8 h dark/16 h light. The explants so-treated formed embryogenic callus, facilitating multiplication of the germplasm. Averages of 10 shoots and 35 roots were produced per explant clump.

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D. Responses to seed manipulation (including stress) (Research group of P. Berjak)

• Responses of the cyto- and nuceoskeletons to dehydration of axes of recalcitrant seeds: The work was carried out on axes of Trichilia dregeana, and has shown that the nucleoskeleton maintains an abnormal, almost exclusively peripheral orientation when injurious levels of dehydration are applied. It has also been shown that the actin (microfilamentous) element of the cytoskeleton, which ramifies throughout the cells in axes that have not been dehydrated, became displaced and was not reconstituted following dehydration to damaging levels. This cytoskeletal abnormality was accompanied by extensive vacuolation of the axis cells. These studies have now added a further dimension to the catalogue of dehydration-associated abnormalities that occur in cells of recalcitrant axes when subjected to a damaging degree of drying. Failure to reconstitute the intracellular skeletons leads to spatial disorientation of both the chromatin and cytomatrical organelles, and consequently to cells that are disorganised. These abnormalities would be major contributors to the desiccation-sensitivity of recalcitrant seeds, and - even if other consequences of damage did not occur - would not allow the resumption of normal intracellular control and metabolism.

• Effects of mild dehydration on seeds of Quercus robur and Ekebergia capensis show some differences, in relation to the developmental stage and relative water content (RWC - i.e. relative to the axis water content at harvest) to which the seeds are dehydrated. The germinability of immature E. capensis seeds at two stages was improved by mild dehydration to RWCs of 0.92 and 0.70 for the less and more developed stages. In contrast, germination potential of immature Q. robur seeds followed dehydration to RWCs of 0.58 and 0.92 for the less and more mature developmental stages. For both species, a transient peak in respiration occurred simultaneously with stimulation. The improved germination potential of immature seeds facilitated their performance being similar to that of mature seeds that had not been dried, suggesting that mild dehydration may promote maturation events that would normally develop over time. The indications are, however, that should the seeds be stored after mild, dehydration-related stimulation, the effects are injurious.

• 'Sub-imbibed' storage: Seeds of Trichilia emetica were subjected to a measure of dehydration that caused no immediate deleterious effects, and stored, along with non-dehydrated controls, at 6, 16 and 25oC. Whether the seeds had been dehydrated or not, storage at 6oC proved lethal within 3 weeks, indicating the chilling-sensitivity of seeds of this species. 'Sub-imbibed' storage was markedly deleterious, seed viability declining from an initial 100% to 20 and 0% after 3 weeks storage at 16 and 25oC, respectively. This relates to the final point made in 6, above, that storage of material that has probably been stimulated by mild dehydration, is not feasible. In contrast, those seeds that had not been dehydrated maintained full viability for up to 8 weeks at 16 or 25oC: however, particularly at the higher temperature, most of the seeds germinated in storage.

(Research group of H. Pritchard)

• A test was devised for seed desiccation tolerance, the crucial first step in the ex situ preservation of germplasm and its sustainable use. Its unique attribute is the maximum characterisation of seed lots using the minimum number of seeds. Data recorded includes seed dimensions, fresh and dry weight, moisture content, relative humidity, germination total and rate in one environment before and after desiccation with silica gel. Seeds of eight tropical palms from the genera Phoenix and Syagrus were studied: Phoenix roebelenii, Phoenix rupicola, Phoenix sylvestris, Phoenix theophrasti, Syagrus botryophora, Syagrus flexuosa, Syagrus schizophylla, Syagrus yungasensis.

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Seeds of six species were found to be desiccation tolerant, a trait that matched closely the natural habitat of the species; two species, Phoenix roebelenii and Syagrus schizophylla, are provisionally classified as having desiccation sensitive, Type II or III seeds (formerly described as intermediate or recalcitrant seeds respectively). In general, germination was observed to be rapid, being complete in one to two months. Two species exhibited an increase in germination during short-term (weeks) moist storage, probably indicative of a progression in embryo development. The results show that the 100-seed test can be used as an efficient and effective first screen for potential storage of seeds from diverse species and can support the rapid production of seed biology checklists for species conservation and sustainable use. Reference PRITCHARD HW, WOOD CB, HODGES S, VAUTIER HJ (2004). 100-seed test for desiccation tolerance and germination: a case study on eight tropical palm species. Seed Science and Technology (in press)

• Prunus africana, from the moist highlands of sub-Saharan Africa, is subject to great exploitation because its bark is used in the treatment of prostate-related diseases. A better understanding of the biology of its seed could help the ex- and in-situ conservation of the species. Fifty percent of fresh seeds (46.8 % MC) from mature purple fruits harvested in Kenya germinated after 10 days incubation at 25 °C. The germination rate was linearly related to constant temperature, giving a prediction for the minimum temperature for germination at c. 0.6 °C. All seeds germinated at 5 °C during 4 months fully hydrated storage. P. africana seed is, thus, neither dormant nor chilling sensitive. The relationship between equilibrium moisture content and relative humidity was used to construct a sorption isotherm, against which seed desiccation and storage responses were assessed. Seventy six percent of mature seeds survived drying to 4.5 % MC (22 % RH) compared to 17 % of seeds from immature purple-green fruits. Although, 25-45 % of mature seeds survived at 8-12 % MC after 2 months, only 10 % remained viable after 6-month storage at 5 °C. This study proposes optimum conditions for the artificially regeneration of Prunus africana seeds and highlights the need for further experiments storing dry seeds at sub-zero temperatures. Reference SACANDÉ M, PRITCHARD HW, DUDLEY AE (2004). Germination and storage characteristics of Prunus africana seeds. New Forests (in press).

Working Group 3. Development of Methodologies A. Dehydration/rehydration protocols (P. Berjak and D. Mycock) The rehydration procedure has been consistently overlooked as a factor contributing to successful cryostorage of partially-dehydrated, embryonic axes excised from recalcitrant seeds. The present study, on axes of Trichilia dregeana Lam., analysed the effects of conventional rehydration in distilled water which was associated with the lack of gravitropism of the root pole of axes cultured in vitro. In comparison, there was a strong gravitropic response of axes rehydrated in a solution containing Ca2+ and Mg2+, although no marked ion loss had occurred in either case. Differentiation of the starch-packed statoliths and other amyloplasts occurred rapidly in both non-dehydrated axes and those rehydrated in the divalent cation solution, but not following axis rehydration in water. After 48 h in culture, whereas root-cap columella cells of axes that had been rehydrated in the Ca2+/Mg2+ solution had accumulated Ca2+, this did not occur in those rehydrated in water and lack of uptake of Ca2+ by columella cells was also apparent when axes were rehydrated in solutions containing either Ca2+ or Mg2+ alone. The data suggest that dehydration followed by rehydration in the absence of both cations results in perturbations at the cell surface that

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interfere with the operation of trans-plasmalemma channels and pumps. The actin component of the cytoskeleton was associated with the nucleus and with the statoliths that were located distally in statocytes of axes rehydrated in the divalent cation solution, but was confined to the perinuclear area in root-cap columella cells of the agravitropic, water-rehydrated axes. The present results indicate a definitive primary rôle for Ca2+ with Mg2+, in graviperception via starch metabolism and in the determination of statolith morphology, which appears to be linked with maintenance of the actin component of the cytoskeleton in root statocytes. A second aspect of the rehydration studies (from the laboratories of P. Berjak)has also produced results of great significance: It has tacitly been accepted that rehydration of partially dehydrated, desiccation-sensitive embryonic axes should be least injurious if the material is allowed to equilibrate in a saturated atmosphere, the dogma having been arrived at by extrapolation from work with orthodox seeds. We have firmly established that, on the contrary, this is usually the worst of methods to use. Our investigations show that re-imbibition directly in water, or on wet filter paper, is generally superior, with use of the Ca2+/Mg2+ solution being the best method to rehydrate desiccation-sensitive axes. This work identified a step that has hitherto not been considered, as a procedure that could obscure the success of cryopreservation. The work has been submitted for publication. B. Cryoprocedures (Research group of P. Berjak)

• Alternative explants for cryostorage: Axillary bud manipulation from in-vitro-grown material has been refined for Dioscorea rotunda and Solenostemom rotundifolius, both important vegetable crops in Ghana. For D. rotunda, as long as the period of dehydration over activated silica gel was not excessively extended, the buds survived and regenerated well in vitro. A number of combinations and permutations of cryoprotectants as well as vitrification were assessed as pre-treatments for cryostorage, with a modified PVS2 emerging as the best. Pre-treated buds survived cryostorage and, at the time of reporting, showed signs of onwards growth in vitro. The work to date on S. rotundifolius, has shown mannitol to be the best agent for dehydration. Work is currently being initiated on seed material of the fluted pumpkin, Telfairia occidentalis, where similar bud technology is being developed in parallel with attempts to cryopreserve the embryonic axes. This species, which is an important leafy vegetable in Nigeria, has emerged as having non-orthodox seeds.

• Studies on the feasibility of synseed production are underway, currently using zygotic embryonic axes of Ekebergia capensis. The present phase of the project is aimed at ascertaining the effects of encapsulation prior to, and after, dehydration on the short-term survival and germination of the axes. Results to date indicate that axes do not survive dehydration and cryostorage if encapsulated, but that 80% of the 'naked' axes plunged into liquid nitrogen produced vigorous roots. As detailed for T. dregeana (4, above), the problem of shoots not developing from excised axes, is thought to be related to their developmental status, and will receive attention in the coming season. The rationale to explain the lack of survival of encapsulated axes is based on the premise that, although most synseed practitioners (who generally use somatic embryos or shoot apices) encapsulate the explant prior to dehydration and cryopreservation, the presence of the capsule must significantly prolong the dehydration and cooling phases. As we have shown for the zygotic axes of a variety of species, the more rapidly both these phases can be accomplished, the more successful are the manipulations in maintaining viability.

C. Determination of pre-storage damage in orthodox material No further development/ submitted reports in this area since the February 2003 report.

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Future Aims The committee will be discussing the production of a Handbook on Seed Storage.

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14. Activity Report of the Tetrazolium Committee 2003/2004

A. MARTINELLI MONSANTO ARGENTINA S.A.I.C., Ruta 188, Km 77, 2700 Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina Membership Chairperson:

Mr. Augusto Martinelli AR-Argentina

Vice-Chairperson: Mr. Ronald Don GB-United Kingdom

Members: Dr. Joseph Ahenda KE-Kenya Mrs. Izelle Allison ZA-South Africa Mrs. María Belén Aranguren AR-Argentina Mrs. Diana Bell NZ-New-Zealand Mrs. Orit Cohen IL-Israel Mr. Gary Duffy IE-Ireland Mrs. Teresita Farrás UG-Uruguay Dr. José B. França Neto BR-Brazil Mr. William Johnson US-United States Mrs. Irene Jumburga LV-Latvia Mrs. Stefanie Krämer DE-Germany Ms. Linda Maile GB-United Kingdom Mr. Jean-Claude Stephan FR-France Dr. Nancy Vivrette US-United States

Activity Report

1. ISTA Tetrazolium Testing Working Sheets. The major achievement of the Tetrazolium Committee over the last triennium has been the publication of the New ISTA Tetrazolium Handbook. The Handbook takes the form of Working Sheets and is in two Volumes. Volume I deals with Agricultural, Vegetable and Horticultural Species and Volume II covers Tree and Shrub Species. The Working Sheets are in loose-leaf format and additional sheets can be added as methods for new species are developed and validated. The working sheets will prove an essential tool to any worker or laboratory engaged in Tetrazolium testing and thanks are due to the authors/editors Norbert Leist, Stefanie Krāmer and Andrea Jonitz. A special word of mention goes to Jochen Pfāfflin for his exceptional illustrations. 2. Organisation of International Workshops In addition to their superb work on the Working Sheets the LUFA Augustemberg laboratory of Norbert Leist have also been engaged in organising International Tetrazolium Workshops. In July and August 2002 they organised a workshop at their laboratory in Karlsruhe (Germany). There were almost 30 participants from Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Slovenia, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, USA, and Yugoslavia. Practical work focused on Lotus corniculatus, Glycine max, Helianthus annuus, Hordeum vulgare, Lolium sp., Oryza sativa, Tagetes sp and Zea mays.

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Norbert Leist and Stefanie Krämer in conjunction with Prof. Dr. Warren H. J. Kou from the Seed Laboratory of the National Taiwan University have organised a Tetrazolium workshop that will take place in March 2004 in Taipei. Also scheduled for June 2004 is a workshop in the United States of America that is being organised by William Johnston. 3. Method development In 2001 a questionnaire was sent to all the ISTA Accredited Seed Laboratories and the same questionnaire appeared on the ISTA Web-site. Response was tremendous and suggestions for method development and comparative testing of more than 100 species were received. Working Group Leaders were appointed and every TZ Committee member was tasked with developing a TZ method for at least one species. Despite this progress has been disappointing with no working group or committee member providing information of any progress. 4. Proficiency Testing The first ISTA TEZ Proficiency test in the new scheme will take place in February 2004. Wheat seed samples are being prepared by the Ronald Don and in conjunction with the Moisture Committee who will be using the same samples for their second proficiency test.

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15. Activity Report of the Variety Committee 2003/2004 H. HUTTINGA Naktuinbouw, Sotaweg 25, P.O. Box 40, 2370 AA Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands


Dr. Harm Huttinga NL-Netherlands

Vice-Chairperson: -

Members: Mrs. Mireille Bourgoin-Grenèche FR-France Mr. Hans C. Ellegard DK-Denmark Dr. Robert John Cooke GB-United Kingdom Prof. Inna P. Gavriljuk RU-Russian Federation Mr. Rainer Knoblauch DE-Germany Dr. Paul Koranyi HU-Hungary Dr. Uri Kushnir IL-Israel Prof. Dr. Miller B. McDonald US-United States Dr. Piotr Mendelewski PL-Poland Prof. Chandgi Ram IN-India Mr. Ajit S. Sahota CA-Canada Mr. Amar Tapiri MA-Morocco

Activity Report Workshop From September 30th till October 1st, 2003, a two-days workshop Variety testing ‘Way to the future’ was organised at the headquarters of ISTA at Bassersdorf. The workshop was attended by 20 participants, mostly from Europe, which represented Seed Testing Laboratories as well as seed companies. Eight participants presented lectures. The topics of those included several reports on current methods for variety testing, but also the UPOV system for variety protection was explained. Many lively discussions took place. During this workshop we also had a discussion about the integration of testing for GMO’s in Chapter 8 of the International Rules for Seed Testing: Verification of Species and Cultivar. At the end of the meeting David Zhang offered to chair a working group on the standardisation of methods using micro-satellites to identify and verify maize varieties. Robert Cooke offered to share his knowledge with those interested in methods for variety identification and verification in wheat. Finally it was decided that an inventory will be carried out to identify all the methods currently available for verification of species and cultivars, and the laboratories where they are currently used.

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GMO detection A discussion has been going on within the GMO Task Force on the integration of the verification for GMO’s into Chapter 8 of the Rules. A draft proposal had been presented to the Variety Committee and it was discussed in the workshop at Bassersdorf. The Variety Committee communicated its view to the chairman of the GMO TF. The ISTA Meeting in Budapest will be used to discuss the proposal to include GMO testing in Chapter 8. A discussion paper will be prepared for a new wording of the title and for the Objects of the new Chapter 8.

Future Aims The inventory on methods for verification of variety and cultivar will be carried out and the results of it analysed in order to present them at the ISTA meeting in Budapest. A discussion paper will be prepared for the integration of GMO testing in Chapter 8 of the International Rules for Seed Testing.

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16. Activity Report of the Vigour Committee 2003/2004 A. A. POWELL Department of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 5UA, United Kingdom


Dr. Alison A. Powell GB-United Kingdom

Vice-Chairperson: Dr. Michael Kruse DE-Germany

Members: Dr. Ernest Asiedu GH-Ghana Dr. Emanuela Casarini IT-Italy Dr. Malavika Dadlani IN-India Mrs. Sylvie Ducournau FR-France Dr. Heidi Elberling DK-Denmark Prof. John G. Hampton NZ-New Zealand Prof. Seok-Hyeon Kim KR-Korea Dr. Francisco Kryzanowski BR-Brazil Mrs. Charlotte Leonhardt AT-Austria Mr. Miguel Oliveras SE-Sweden Prof. Dr. Jan Spears US-United States Prof. Dennis TeKrony US-United States Prof. Yan Rong Wang CN-China

Working Groups Working Group 1, Accelerated Ageing; Wheat. Leader: J. Hampton; Members: D. Bell, E. Casarini, S. H. Kim, M. Kruse, F. Kryzanowski, A. Prevaux Working Group 2, Accelerated Ageing; Soyabean. Leader: D. TeKrony; Members: T. Gutormson, J Hampton, C. Leonhardt, M.-H. Wagner. Working Group 3, Accelerated Ageing; Maize. Leader: D. TeKrony; Members: D. Bell, E. Casarini, J. Hampton, C. Leomhardt, S. H. Kim, F. Kryzanowski. Working Group 4, Conductivity; Soyabean. Leader: A. A. Powell; Members: A. Biddle, D. Bell, E. Casarini, J. Hampton, F. Kryzanowski, J. Mackie, D. TeKrony, M.-H. Wagner, Y. R. Wang. Working Group 5, Tetrazolium; Maize. Leader: J. Franca Neto; Members: E. Asiedu, E. Casarini, M. Dadlani, P. Garreau, M. Kruse. Working Group 6, Controlled Deterioration; Oilseeed rape. Leader: A.A. Powell; Members: E. Casarini, H. Elberling, M. Kruse, D. Spencer, M.-H. Wagner

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Activity Report Proficiency test for completion of the Conductivity test for Pisum sativum (TOR 3) A report on the test results has been sent to the participants. There was good repeatability of the test results within and between test runs in each laboratory and also between laboratories. All results reported fell within the previously determined tolerance levels for two of the three lots tested. The third seed lot was of much poorer quality than initially believed and the conductivity very high being greater than the levels that would normally be considered acceptable for commercial seed. Hence the mean conductivity did not occur within the tolerance tables established. Even so, the repeatability within and between laboratories was good. Joint ISTA/AOSA Vigour Test Handbook (TOR 4) A timetable for the production of a joint handbook is being prepared for in collaboration with the joint chairpersons of the AOSA Vigor Committee. This is planned to be available by May 2004. Extension of the application of the Conductivity and Accelerated Ageing tests (TOR 7) The main focus of the work has been on the expansion of the crop species database. Working Group 1 Accelerated Ageing, Wheat. This comparative programme has been delayed to allow confirmation of the most suitable conditions for testing wheat. This has been taking place in the laboratory of the group leader, J Hampton. Currently conditions of 41oC for 72h appear most suitable, but there is a potential problem with dormancy after harvest. The conditions for AA testing of perennial ryegrass (43oC, 72h), garden and field pea (41oC, 72h) and Brassica oleracea var acephala (41oC, 48h) have also been established.

Working group 3, Accelerated Ageing, Maize. The comparative programme aimed to extend the AA test both to a new species and to laboratories outside the United States. Seeds were distributed to 13 laboratories in September 2003. These laboratories included 6 ISTA laboratories (AT, NZ, IT, US, DE, FR), 2 AOSA laboratories and 5 SCST laboratories. Problems were unfortunately encountered in their distribution from the United States and two sets of samples were sent out, the second through the ISTA Secretariat. Even when distribution was successful, there was a delay of two months in the receipt of some samples. All test results will be returned by December 2003 and will be available at the ISTA meeting in 2004.

Working group 4, Conductivity, Soyabean. Michael O’Neill, from Pioneer Hi-Bred International in the United States, is currently preparing seeds for distribution to the participants. Each laboratory will test up to five seed lots in each of three test runs, following the conductivity procedure validated for Pisum sativum. It is hoped that the results of this comparative test will be available at the ISTA meeting in 2004. Standardisation of new vigour test (TOR 7) Working group 6, Controlled Deterioration, Oilseed rape. A report of the test results has been sent to all participants. As in previous years the repeatability of results was good both between runs within a laboratory and between laboratories. Two alternative procedures for raising seed moisture content were compared. The first, using imbibition on filter paper is a standard method, the second involved tumbling seeds in a rotating container following the addition of a specified amount of water. The results using the latter method were less consistent between laboratories, probably because each laboratory used equipment that

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was available to it, and this differed. The filter paper had similar vigour levels as indicated by their CD results and field emergence at one site.

Future Aims (2004-2005) Proficiency tests A second round of proficiency testing will be initiated for the Conductivity test for Pisum sativum ISTA / AOSA Handbook Initial steps for the revision of the handbook will follow the timetable produced. Vigour Workshop Presentation of a workshop in Lanzhou, China in August 2004. Application of Accelerated Ageing and Conductivity tests. Extension of the species database of these two tests will focus on two species, AA for maize and conductivity for soyabean. Standardisation of new vigour test Material and laboratories will be organised, and documentation prepared, for the submission of the Controlled Deterioration test to the ISTA Method Validation Programme as a new vigour test for Brassica species

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17. Activity Report of the GMO Task Force 2003/2004

N. LEIST Staatliche Landwirtschaftliche Untersuchungs- und Forschungsanstalt Augustenberg, Nesslerstrasse 23, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany Membership Chairperson:

Prof. Dr. Norbert Leist DE-Germany

Vice-Chairperson: Mr. Alexander B. Ednie CA-Canada

Members: Dr. Eugenia Barros ZA-South Africa Ms. Sofia Ben Tahar FR-France Mr. Don Cerwick US-United States Ms Greta De Both BE-Belgium Dr. Doris Dixon US-United States Mr. Erick Gatignol FR-France Mr. Leopold Girsch AT-Austria Mr. Sylvain Grégoire FR-France Dr. Lutz Grohmann DE-Germany Mr. Tim Gutormson US-United States Dr. Christoph Haldemann CH-Switzerland Dr. Lubomir Horvath SK-Slovak Republic Ms. DaNell Jamieson US-United States Dr. Bettina Kahlert Dr. Benjamin Kaufman US-United States Mr. Nigel John Kilby FI-Finland Dr. Berta Killermann DE-Germany Dr. Michael Kruse DE-Germany Dr. Bernard Le Buanec Mr. Peter Stephense Lübeck DK-Denmark Dr. Anja Matzk DE-Germany Dr. Michael Muschick Dr. Enrico Noli IT-Italy Dr. Richard C. Payne US-United States Dr. Brian Savoy US-United States Dr. Quentin Schultz US-United States Ms. Sandra Seeman US-United States Mr. Chris Sikolas GR-Greece Mr. Michael Starr US-United States Dr. David Stimpson US-United States Dr. Gé W Van den Bovenkamp NL-The Netherlands Dr. Henk Joos BE-Belgium Mr. David Zhang FR-France

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Strategy Working Group, Leader: N. Leist Rules Chapter Working Group, Leader: M. Kruse Proficiency Testing Working Group, Leader: B. Kahlert Exchange of Information Working Group, Leader: E. Noli

Activity Report Rules Chapter Progress in 2003 At the EOM 2003 the WG developed a new approach by including the GMO testing issue into chapter 8 of the International Rules for Seed Testing. A draft was prepared for the extension of the object of chapter 8 and discussed in the working group and the VAR Committee. The improved draft will be discussed during the 2004 Congress. Proficiency Tests Progress in 2003 The 2nd Proficiency Test on GMO Testing of Zea mays L.: 2003, the 2nd ISTA proficiency test on GMO testing was successfully finalised. 52 laboratories participated from 20 countries. 47 laboratories reported evaluable results. The results of the qualitative testing of this proficiency test showed that about 85% of the participants were able to identify all maize samples correctly. In the 2nd proficiency test additionally to the qualitative test, about 30% of the laboratories performed a quantitative test and about 30% performed a semi-quantitative test (sub-sampling test). Details of the test results can be found in the International Seed Testing, no. 126, October 2003, p. 15-17. The results of both tests showed clear evidence that an information exchange between the laboratories participating in the proficiency tests and training were necessary. A first meeting to discuss the results was held in Bassersdorf, Switzerland, in December 2003. The 3rd Proficiency Test on GMO Testing of Zea mays L.: The 3rd proficiency test was started in December 2004. Each laboratory received 12 sample with a samples size of 1500 maize seeds. The laboratory must detect the presence of GM seeds in the 12 samples for the obligatory qualitative test. Also in this round laboratories were encouraged to perform either a sub-sampling test or quantitative test. The results will be presented at the ISTA Ordinary Meeting, Budapest, Hungary in May 2004. Further proficiency tests, e.g. decision of crop and test design, are discussed in the Proficiency Test WG. Further Aims

Planning and organising proficiency tests in 2004. -

-

-

Continuing the collaboration with the STA Committee for the design of future tests and evaluation of results. Evaluation of the proficiency tests’ results to define a proficiency system for GMO detection. Discussion about the integration of GMO proficiency tests in the ISTA Proficiency Test Programme together with Proficiency Test Committee, STA Committee, Rules and Strategy Working Group.

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Exchange of Information Progress in 2003 Members of the GMO TF published specific technical topics on GM detection in the Seed Testing International (No. 125 and 126):

- Christoph Haldemann (ISTA GMO TF Member): Genetically Modified Crops, Current situation and some considerations regarding detection techniques.

- Sylvain Grégoiré, (ISTA STA Chair) and Christoph Haldemann (ISTA GMO TF Member): ISTA GMO Proficiency Tests – Use of Results from one or more tests.

GMO detection by PCR was dealt with during the “ISTA/FAO/APAARI Workshop on Electrophoretic and PCR-based Methods for Varietal Verification and GMO Detection” held in Nakhon pathom, Thailand, November 25th – 29th, 2003. 23 participants from different countries of Asia participated in this workshop. In the practical part, DNA extraction, control of DNA quality and some PCR protocols for the detection of GM seeds as well as quantitative GMO tests by real-time PCR were performed and discussed.

The 1st Open Forum Discussion on (Semi-)Quantitative GMO Testing took place at the ISTA Secretariat in Bassersdorf, Switzerland, December 8th –9th, 2003. Participants performing the (semi-)quantitative test in the 2nd proficiency test round attended this meeting to discuss an improvement of quantitative test results in future proficiency tests. An handout of the meeting is available from the ISTA Secretariat. Future meetings and workshops - The Rules Chapter Working Group will hold a meeting in March 2004 in Gastonia,

North Carolina, United States. - The ISTA STA-GMO TF organise an ISTA Workshop on Statistical Aspects on GMO

Detection in Toulouse, France, April 1st – 2nd, 2004. A second workshop on this topic is planned for autumn 2004 in the Untied States.

- Two “ISTA/FAO Workshop on Electrophoretic and PCR-based Methods for Varietal Verification and GMO Detection” are planned for 2004. The first will be held in Ljubljana, Slovenia in July 2004 and a second one in Egypt in October/November 2004.

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