Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 7644 / SEEDWORLD.COM FEBRUARY 2017 DATA drives decision-making. The very nature of research demands that data be consistent across platforms, locations, plants, harvests, processes and more. One thread we hear from customers is that it is important to use the same data collection systems across test plots so data comparison is on a level field, so to speak. Or, in other words, you are com- paring like data to like data — kind of like apples to apples, not apples to oranges. What are some consequences that can result from inconsistent data? Our customers are making important deci- sions regarding genetics, chemical applications, and various processes. If the data is inconsistent from plot-to-plot or field-to-field, then the data can lead to inaccurate analysis, potentially leading to wrong choices. If the data collection process does not accurately reflect the actual condi- tions of the plant, the stand or the har- vest, then a researcher cannot accurately assess the veracity of the factors that are being studied. For example, if a genetic trait is being assessed for drought tolerance, it is impor- tant that the test weight and moisture measurement of each plot is consistently measured and recorded from field-to-field and day-to-day. Conclusions are reached by analyzing performance across locations and environments. You can see that if data is not consistently collected, inaccurate conclusions can be made. Calibration affects consistency. What is important is that the readings you get are consistent. These are the results that will ultimately be compared and analyzed at the end of the season, so they must be accurate against each other. What questions should you ask a solu- tions provider to ensure you’re getting good equipment that can help in these areas? Ask about calibration: how is it SEED RESEARCH EQUIPMENT How Good Research Equipment Provides Consistent Data TAMRA BOUCHER HALDRUP USA MANAGING DIRECTOR tamra.boucher@haldrup.net • www.haldrup.net calibrated, how often does it need to be checked, how easy is it to calibrate? I would also ask how transportation impacts the data collection equipment; are there components that are affected by the impacts of transport? It is important to have a basic under- standing of how the equipment is col- lecting data — are there contact sensors, are there parts that are subject to wear and, if so, how often do they need to be replaced? Armed with this knowledge, you can purchase good equipment that will do the job you need it to. NATIVE SEED is considered to be native to a given region or locality and which hasn’t been introduced from a foreign locale or country. Although it plays an important role in the seed industry, I often receive puzzled looks when the topic of native seed testing comes up. The challenges start even at harvest. In many cases, native seed is harvested manually. Its environment can be a moun- tainside, meadow or even a swamp. Some native seed could occupy a few acres or even a few square miles. While the collec- tor is looking for one predominant spe- cies to harvest, there may be hundreds of companion plants which may be useful or weeds that may range from common to prohibited noxious. Harvested samples are sent to a seed testing lab, where they will be physically separated out by pure seed, other crops, weeds, and inert matter. Native seed poses the additional chal- lenge of identifying other crop seeds within that sample for its particular use. The other contaminant species have to be identified as whether they are common weed or nox- ious weed, depending on their uses and the destination. Common weed in one state can be a noxious weed in another. When other crops’ seed exceeds 5 percent of one species other than the predominant species, the sample needs to be labeled as a mix. After the purity has been performed, a viability test such as a Germ or TZ must be performed for labeling purposes and in order to sell the seed. With native seed, we may deal with extreme dormancy or hard SEED HEALTH The Challenges of Native Seed Testing RICHARD AGNEW SEED ANALYSIS LAB MANAGER, EUROFINS BIODIAGNOSTICS, LONGMONT, COLORADO RichardAgnew@eurofinsUS.com • EurofinsUS.com seed. Established protocols to germinate native seed are used regularly with success. However, there might be a need to change methods from time to time — for instance, with the onset of GMO crops and the introduction of new varieties. Such protocols have been created through the diligence and hard work of many analysts associated with AOSA, SCST, Canadian M&S and ISTA and integrated in the rule- book of those organizations. If not altered, the purity will remain unchanged but the germination must follow state and federal laws for labeling and sales. With all advances made, native seed testing is still in its infancy and a work in progress. Having proficient analysts and the required equipment to test many dif- ferent species is a must. “The very nature of research demands that data be consistent across platforms, locations, plants, harvests, processes and more.”