b'ASSOCIATION NEWS 25 Years in the ISTA CommunityIsabelle SrandatSeed Health Tests Manager, GEVES, FranceIsabelle delivering an oral presentation on Detection of three fungal pathogens infecting Linum seeds by one single method, during the Seed Symposium at the 2010 ISTA Congress in Cologne, GermanyAS I PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT INof involvement with ISTA, a journey that begandynamic our field is, with frequent regulatory MARCH 2026, I will also be stepping awayin 2001 at the ISTA Congress in Angers, France. Ichanges and new challenges always on the from my involvement with ISTAs Seed Healthwas inspired by the fascinating presentations andhorizon. Through it all, I have been continually Committee (SHC). It is a bittersweet moment, butthe vibrant community. inspired by the ISTA community, especially their one filled with appreciation, pride and hope forfriendship, support and team spirit.the future. From 2005, I started contributing more directly, by organising and participating in SHC trainingI firmly believe that seed health methods must I have had the pleasure of working at GEVES forworkshops (the first in 2010), and later designingcontinue evolving to meet regulatory demands 27 years. What began as a temporary contractProficiency Tests (PT). The first of these PTs,and support seed producers more effectively. grew into a deeply fulfilling journey. In 1999, Iin 2007, was for detecting Botrytis cinerea onThat is a vital challenge for the future, and I took on the responsibility of leading the mycologysunflower seeds, and over the following 16 years,am confident the next generation is more than team, and six years later, I became the Seednine more followed across eight host/pathogenready to meet it. They will carry forward new Health Tests Manager, overseeing analyses incombinations. innovations without forgetting the old ones.mycology, bacteriology, virology and nematology.In 2019, I became an official SHC member andAs for me, I look forward to enjoying other Some have asked why I am not continuingwas honoured to be named Vice-Chair in 2024.activities in retirement, and most importantly, with ISTA after retirement. The truth is, plantAlong the way, I have contributed to six new rulesfinding new ways to share knowledge, on seed pathology is evolving at an incredible pace in the International Rules for Seed Testing (ISTAhealth or any of lifes many other fascinating regulations are shifting, new techniques areRules), the Method Validation guideline, and thetopics. emerging and new pathogens appearing. StayingProficiency Test guideline, all thanks to a great current in this area demands full immersion,collaboration with the Statistics Committee toWith heartfelt thanks to all of you,and I believe it is best left to those still active increate tailored tools for seed health analysis.the field. This belief is shaped by my two decadesThroughout these years, I have seen just howIsabelleSEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2025 57'