68 / SEEDWORLD.COM SEPTEMBER 2017 Phone: 210-655-7171 Fax: 210-655-7551 seedcounters.com Exclusive Worldwide Sales and Service of Old Mill Brand Feeding, Counting and Packaging Systems Count and Weigh While Reducing Costs and Increasing Profitablity Model 750-2C-S • Displays seed count, weight, and Number of Seeds per gram, ounce, or pound. • Can automatically log data into external computer spread sheet, eliminating operator errors. • Accessories available as shown. Adoption of New Rules When working toward adoption of new testing methods, ISTA follows a Method Validation Programme. Technical Committees conduct appropriate background research and development for different tests. This is followed by six laboratories completing the test using the specified protocol and preparation of a report from the data. Then there’s a technical and a statistical review of the report to determine if the validation has shown that the test is repeatable and reproducible. If the validation is satisfac- tory, then the test is proposed as a new rule. If approved by ISTA members, it can be introduced into the ISTA Rules. The subsequent application of the test by ISTA laboratories is monitored through an auditing process and proficiency tests in which ISTA accredited laboratories are sent the same sample, asked to perform a test and expected to get the same results. For some tests, there are a number of methods that can be used. As an example, a number of approaches and equipment have been developed to determine if seed has been genetically modified. Powell explains the approach ISTA has taken to ensure uniformity in testing is that a laboratory can use a combination of approaches, as long as we get the same results. Future It’s important for testing methods to remain relevant. “We are looking at and keeping our eye on automation, the use of robotics moving into image analysis and the requirements for uniformity in horticulture and precision agriculture,” Powell says. “If you see something that has potential, bring it to ISTA because “All seed companies go the extra mile to conduct their own vigor tests ... they don’t want to sell low vigor seed to customers.” — Lahcen Grass we might be able to help it advance. We need to know what’s going on scientifically and to develop it, and develop it properly.” ISTA’s Seed Science Advisory Group looks at practical and applied research. Comprised of eight people, representing Denmark, France, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States, the group is responsible for reading publications and scientific literature to see if there are ideas, concepts or tech- nologies that need to be further developed. “We all want seed to perform for customers,” Powell says, noting that seed performance impacts the entire value chain. Foster adds: “Farmers continue to adopt precision ag prac- tices and depend on every single seed put into the ground to grow and perform — the only way to achieve that is by doing some very high profile vigor work. Every inch of the field counts, and seed testing plays an important role.” SW