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SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL   www.seedtest.org
TRAINING AND EDUCATION •
To let the theory sink in a bit more, the validation 
of ISTA Rule 7-034, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. 
lycopersici in tomato seed, was presented. As 
the CT is a very important part of a validation, 
additional focus was given to the organisation 
of this test. All steps to be addressed for the 
organisation of a CT were shown.
As a complementary session external speaker 
Trov Locke, a specialist in molecular detection 
tools from Alberta University, energetically 
entertained the audience with the use of 
molecular techniques such as PCR, SYBR-qPCR, 
TaqMan PCR, RhPCR and CRIPSR in seed health 
testing. After a general introduction to the 
different techniques, Troy took some molecular 
assays already present in some of the mycology 
methods from Chapter 7 of the ISTA Rules and 
showed, via insilico analysis, the possibility of 
how to design assays or improve existing assays.
During the workshop there was a very relaxed 
atmosphere where a lot of discussions took place, 
and nobody hesitated to interrupt the sessions 
for questions. We had a lot of laughs during the 
whole time. The workshop ended with thanking 
the lecturers and organisers, who all did a great 
job. In conclusion I can say that both participants 
and lecturers have learned a lot and long-term 
friendships were made. With that said I would 
like to thank the local organiser Janek Bartel and 
the staff of SGS Canada for making it possible to 
have this great workshop in their laboratory.

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