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Document OGM12-03

INFORMATION DOCUMENT SUBMITTED FOR VOTE TO THE ISTA ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

Activity Report of the ISTA Committees 2012

This document was prepared by the Technical Committees, the Executive Committeee and the Secretariat of the Association and endorsed by the Executive Committee for submission to the ISTA Ordinary General Meeting 2013 for acceptance by the nominated ISTA Designated Members voting on behalf of their respective Government. This document is submitted to all ISTA Designated Authorities, ISTA Members and ISTA Observer Organisations for information two months prior to the ISTA Ordinary General Meeting 2013. The document contains the Reports 2012 of the Executive Committee, the Technical Committees and of the Secretary General including the financial statements of the Association 2012, the budget 2013 and preliminary budget 2014 of the International Seed Testing Association. The document will be discussed and voted on at the Ordinary General Meeting 2013 to be held on Thursday, June 18, 2013 at the premises of the Keravansaray Lara Hotel, Antalya, Turkey under Agenda points 5. Report of the Executive Committee, 6. Report of the Secretary General, 8. Fixation of annual subscriptions and 11. Consideration and Adoption of Reports.

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Contents A. Report of the Executive Committee (ECOM) 4 1. Composition of the Executive Committee 4 2. Meetings of the Executive Committee 5 3. Main actions and working items of the Executive Committee 6 3.1 Support to the Technical Committees 6 3.2 International relations 6 3.3 Working group on Accreditation (Rita Zecchinelli) 7 3.4 Report from the ECOM Working Group on Management and Finances (Steve Jones) 8 3.5 Electronic publication (Craig McGill) 8 3.6 The Articles of the Association (Craig McGill) 8 3.7 Organization of the 30th ISTA Congress in Antalya, Turkey (Kamil Yilmaz) 9 4. Summary of main actions undertaken from 2010-2013 10 B. Reports of the Secretary General, Proficiency Test Committee, Rules Committee and Editorial Board 12 1. ISTA Membership 12 1.1 Developments in the number of voting countries/distinct economies 12 1.1.1 Members of the United Nations with voting rights in 2012 12 1.1.2 Distinct economies with voting rights in 2012 12 1.1.3 Other nations with ISTA Members in 2012 12 1.2 Membership developments 13 1.2.1 Laboratory membership 13 1.2.2 Personal Membership 15 1.2.3 Associate Membership 17 1.3 Honorary Members 18 1.4 Membership services 18 2. Report of the Rules Committee 2012 20 2.1 Rules Amendments 2012 21 2.2 Sales of the ISTA Rules 23 3. Accreditation Programme 24 3.1 Proficiency tests 2012 24 3.2 Reporting of Proficiency test results 24 3.3 Rating of laboratory performance 25 3.4 Audit programme 30 3.5 Accreditation under the Performance-Based Approach 30 3.6 Accreditation administration 30

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3.7 Document updates 31 3.8 Accreditation figures 31 3.9 Sales of ISTA Certificates 36 4. ISTA Publications and Products 37 4.1 ISTA Handbooks and Proceedings 37 4.2 Calibration Samples 38 5. ISTA Training and Education Programmes 39 5.1 ISTA Workshop overview 39 6. Scientific Journal ‘Seed Science and Technology’: Report of the Editorial Board, 2012 39 6.1 Editorial figures for 2012 40 6.2 Sales of „Seed Science and Technology‟ 40 7. Report of the ISTA Secretariat 41 7.1 Secretariat staff 41 7.2 Tasks 42 8. Finances of the Association 44 C. Reports of the Technical Committees 49 1. ATC Advanced Technologies Committee 50 2. BSC Bulking and Sampling Committee 52 3. FSC Flower Seed Committee 56 4. FTS Forest and Seed Committee 59 GER Germination Committee 63 5. GMO Committee 70 6. MOI Seed Moisture Committee 74 7. NOM Nomenclature Committee 77 8. PUR Purity Committee 78 9. SHC Seed Health Committee 86 10. STA Statistics Committee 89 11. STO Storage Committee 92 12. TEZ Tetrazolium Committee 99 13. VAR Variety Committee 101 14. VIG Seed Vigour Committee 106

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A. Report of the Executive Committee (ECOM)

1. Composition of the Executive Committee This report has been prepared by all ECOM, the leaders of the ECOM working groups (WGs): Steve Jones, Craig McGill, Alison Powell, Grethe Tarp, Rita Zecchinelli, Kamil Yilmaz (30th ISTA congress organiser) and the officers Francisco Krzyzanowski, Joël Léchappé.

The Executive Committee 2010-2013 during the year 2012 was composed as follows: Officers: President: Joël Léchappé France Vice-President Vacant Officer: Francisco Krzyzanowski Brazil Members-at-large: Mary Chipili Zambia Steve Jones Canada Alexander Malko Russia Craig McGill New Zealand Alison A. Powell United Kingdom Masatoshi Sato Japan Grethe Tarp Denmark Kamil Yilmaz Turkey Rita Zecchinelli Italy Ex-Officio Members: Attilio Lovato Italy (Honorary President)

While writing this report, the Association and the Secretariat are in an interim situation, as the position of Secretary General is vacant. I would like to start this report to acknowledge the contribution of Dr. Michael Muschick, Secretary General of ISTA from 1999 until January 2013. During this 13.5 years serving ISTA, first as Executive Officer, then as Secretary General, Dr. Michael Muschick worked with scientists, politicians, and laboratory experts. During this period, the context has changed, new regulations have been put in place in different areas of the world, the technologies have changed and the economical context has become more difficult. In this framework, Dr. Michael Muschick has contributed to accompany the evolution of ISTA. The number of members and the influence of ISTA in the world have increased. The Executive Committee thanks Dr. Michael Muschick for his contribution to ISTA.

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2. Meetings of the Executive Committee In the year 2012, the Executive Committee met all together three times and once together with the Technical Committee chairs. The first meeting took place from February, 16-21, 2012 in Zurich Switzerland at the headquarters of ISTA. The February meeting was aimed at the preparation of the Annual Ordinary meeting of the association, including the approval of standard operations such as: Rules proposals to be submitted to the membership; validation reports related to the rules proposals; financial accounts of the year 2011 and provisional budget 2012; ECOM, Secretary General, and Technical Committee reports. Items related to the implementation of the strategy, achievements of goals were carefully studied. The 2012 February meeting focused on the implementation of the financial accounting tool and linkages with the time recording system. Accreditation and the related questions and motion from the membership were examined e.g. the demand to review the audit process. International relations and main goals to attend meetings and collaborate with other organisations are a recurrent and major topic of the ECOM meetings. The Memorandum of Collaboration with the Royal Botanical Garden of Kew has been prepared to strengthen the collaboration with other organisations working in seed science. The ongoing work on management initiated in 2010, has been pursued with the revision of the Management Regulations, linked with the revision of the Legal Status. The 2012 February ECOM meeting also aimed to carefully study the technical work of the association, carried out by the Technical Committees, e.g. the rules proposals on herbage seed lot size and their possible consequences for the seed sector; the organization and related means for the Proficiency tests on GMO; Seed Health and Variety Testing. The translation of rules into Spanish was considered a major interest, and added to the goals of the Publication ECOM WG. The second and third Executive Committee meetings took place in conjunction with the ISTA Ordinary Meeting in Venlo, Netherlands. The second meeting was held on the 9th June and dealt with the finalization of preparation of both the Ordinary Meeting and the next congress in 2013 in Antalya, Turkey. The above main topics and their progress to be presented during the Ordinary Meeting in Venlo were finalized. A meeting with the Technical Committee chairs took place on the 10th June. The main items discussed were: in-house methods, electronic publishing, information on the organisation within the secretariat, roles and communication with the TCOMs. The third meeting of the ECOM held on the 15th June was aimed to organise the work of the coming year, and examine topics such as the contribution of ISTA in the World Seed Project together with FAO, ISF, OECD and UPOV and the implementation of the new status of the association voted on the 14th during the Ordinary Meeting. Several conference calls and web-conferences were organized within the ECOM Working Groups, to achieve the actions planned. As reporting information, a total of 36 decisions of action were taken during the February and June 2012 ECOM meetings, 31 have been achieved and the 5 remaining actions are ongoing actions with deadlines beyond May 2013. These actions are related to the preparation of the 2013-2016 strategy, the full implementation of the new status, writing new SOPs and projects to be studied (new website, electronic publishing).

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3. Main actions and working items of the Executive Committee

3.1 Support to the Technical Committees

The role of the ECOM liaison officers is now well established. Depending on the needs and the work carried out by the committees, the liaison officers are involved in the work of the committees. As examples, the organization of proficiency tests for GMO testing and the monitoring of samplers, which has been deeply studied by the Bulking and Sampling committee, also have important consequences for accredited laboratories and need careful consideration by the committee and the ECOM. The Seed Health committee also needs the support and decisions from the ECOM via the liaison officers for further actions to implement guidelines or modify the reference to sponsors into the ISTA Rules.

3.2 International relations

The ECOM considers the International relations as a very important area of its activities. The main goals are to provide information about ISTA, the ISTA accreditation scheme and to get feedback on the needs of the regions in respect to seed quality and seed testing. Other important goals are to collaborate with international organizations (e.g. OECD meetings), contribute as partners into projects such as the World Seed Project (WSP) with FAO, OECD, ISF and UPOV, participate in seed science and testing with other organizations (AOSA/SCST, ISSS, RGB Kew-memorandum, ISF-ISHI on seed health). The representation was until recently mostly done by the Secretary General. To strengthen the international activities, the ECOM needs to be more involved in such meetings and actions. Through the combined efforts of the five partner organizations, the World Seed Project will assist selected countries in the development and implementation of a predictable, reliable, effective and affordable regulatory regime to boost food security. Cooperation and coordination between the five organizations is a key feature of the WSP. ISTA participated in the project preparation work of the WSP including high level meetings in the two project countries identified, Ghana and Tanzania. A seed sector survey was completed by key stakeholders in each country, and this was followed by a gap analysis to identify gaps and agree on specific measures that would be needed in order to deliver each of the elements of the project. Table A.1. gives an overview of the meetings with official ISTA participants in 2012 (ECOM = Executive Committee Member, HLM = Honorary Life Member, SG = Secretary General, Sec = Secretariat staff, two capital letters in brackets = ISTA Country/Distinct Economy representative)

Table A.1. List of Meetings with official ISTA participation 2012

Date Meeting ISTA Delegate(s) Location January 13-14 World Seed Project Meeting M. Muschick [SG] Arusha, Tanzania February 15 ISTA Officers Meeting J. Léchappé ISTA Secretariat [President], F. Krzyzanowski [Officer], M. Muschick [SG] February 16-21 ISTA Executive Committee ECOM Members, ISTA Secretariat Meeting M. Muschick [SG] February 27- APSA Asian Seed Congress 2011 M. Muschick [SG] Pattaya, Thailand March 2 (postponed from Nov 2011) March 7-10 AFSTA Congress M. Muschick [SG] Zanzibar, Tanzania

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Date Meeting ISTA Delegate(s) Location March 8 World Seed Project Meeting with M. Muschick [SG] Zanzibar, Ministers Tanzania April 16-18 World Seed Project Meeting with M. Muschick [SG] Accra, Ghana Ministers May 20-24 AOSA/SCST Annual Meeting J. Léchappé Des Moines, IA, [President] USA June 8 ISTA Officers Meeting J. Léchappé Venlo, [President], Netherlands F. Krzyzanowski [Officer], M. Muschick [SG] June 9 ISTA Executive Committee ECOM Members, Venlo, Meeting M. Muschick [SG] Netherlands June 10 ISTA Executive Committee ECOM Members, Venlo, Meeting and ECOM / TCOM TCOM Chairs and Netherlands Chairs Meeting M. Muschick [SG] June 11-14 ISTA Annual Meeting All Venlo, Netherlands June 15 ISTA Executive Committee ECOM Members, Venlo, Meeting M. Muschick [SG] Netherlands June 26-28 ISF World Seed Congress F. Krzyzanowski Rio de Janeiro, [Officer], M. Brazil Muschick [SG] July 9-13 OECD Seed Schemes Annual M. Muschick [SG] Helsinki, Finland Meeting October 9-12 International Symposium on C. Guimier Tunis, Tunisia Investement in Seeds and (GEVES France) in Tunisia October 14-16 ESA Annual Meeting M. Muschick [SG] Brussels, Belgium October 25 Meeting with the EU Commission Ch. Leonhardt Brussels, Belgium (AT), H. Freudenstein (DE), M. Muschick [SG] October 26 ESA WG Meeting on GM M. Muschick [SG] Brussels, Belgium Analytics November 1 UPOV Council Meeting M. Muschick [SG] Geneva, Switzerland November 5 Meeting with the Seed Authority, R. Don [HLM], Z. Beijing, China Ministry of Agriculture Ripka (HU), F. Palada [Sec] November 5-9 APSA Asian Seed Congress M. Muschick [SG] Bali, Indonesia

3.3 Working group on Accreditation (Rita Zecchinelli)

This working group is chaired by Rita Zecchinelli with Joël Léchappé, Masatoshi Sato and Rasha El-Khadem, Head of ISTA Accreditation & Technical Department. The main aim of the ECOM-WG is to support the ISTA Accreditation Department. In 2012, the WG revised documents related to the ISTA Accreditation system, such as the ISTA Laboratory Accreditation Standard, the Application of (Re) Accreditation and started to work on new Standard Operating Procedures. In 2012, the WG helped the Accreditation Department in replying to questions concerning the ISTA accreditation system raised by different stakeholders (such as member and non-member laboratories, auditors, authorities). Among these questions, as an example, was how to deal with different test results for PCR testing expressed by different accredited laboratories. In October 2012, the WG co-operated with the Accreditation Department and the GMO Technical Committee in the organization of a workshop addressed to the ISTA technical auditors, focused on auditing GMO laboratories. The workshop was organized in Italy, at the ISTA laboratory located in Bologna.

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The Working group on Accreditation has also started the implementation of the motion approved by the membership during the Ordinary Meeting 2012. An ad hoc working group has been set up. The motion, jointly proposed by the Executive Committee and the Designated Authorities from Australia and New Zealand, requires undertaking a rigorous review of the audit process, in order to improve its cost effectiveness without reducing standards.

3.4 Report from the ECOM Working Group on Management and Finances (Steve Jones)

All members of the ECOM are on the ECOM Working Group on Management and Finances; Steve Jones is the Chair of the Working Group. A sub-group consisting of Alison Powell, Rita Zecchinelli, Francisco Krzyzanowski, Joël Léchappé and Steve Jones has been working in detail on specific projects prior to consulting with other ECOM members when a decision is needed. The group has worked on redefining the job description (Management Regulations) and responsibilities of the Secretary General and defining the working relationship with the ECOM. This process then turned into the need to replace the Secretary General after Michael Muschick resigned in October 2012.The working group has now advertised and planned an interview process for a new Secretary General. Interviews are set for 15-16 Feb 2013. In addition the working group is developing a financial budgeting and reporting tool and process in collaboration with Patricia Muschick (Head of Administration ISTA Secretariat). Other topics the group has been discussing are the monetary reserves needed, membership fees and business planning, and funding needed for special projects. Members of the group have taken responsibility for different tasks of the Secretary General in the interim period before a new Secretary General will be appointed.

3.5 Electronic publication (Craig McGill)

The possibility of moving to electronic publication of Seed Testing International and the ISTA Rules have been investigated, looking at both the impact on the membership use of these publications and the financial implications of a move to electronic publication.

For Seed Testing International the suggestion is that this be only available as an electronic copy with limited numbers of hard copies printed for publicity purposes. However, because Seed Testing International is seen as a membership benefit, the membership will be surveyed for their views on Seed Testing International being available only as an electronic publication before any final decision is made.

The ISTA Rules will also be made available electronically but will continue to be produced in hard copy as well. This recognises that not all ISTA laboratories will be able to access the Rules electronically. The aim is to have the 2014 Rules available as an electronic copy.

3.6 The Articles of the Association (Craig McGill)

The changes to the Articles needed for ISTA to be an Association under the Swiss Civil code have been approved by the membership and implemented.

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For the 2013 Congress a small number of change proposals for the Articles have been prepared. One change proposal is to clarify the uncertainty that arose at the 2013 Ordinary Meeting around whether motions that would result in a change to the Articles required a simple or two-thirds majority to be adopted by the General Ordinary Meeting.

A second change is to increase the majority required to exclude a Member under Article 7 of the Articles from a simple majority to a two-thirds majority.

There is also an inconsistency between the Articles and the Rules of Order for the Ordinary meeting in the notification period required for motions to be submitted to the ISTA Secretariat. A third Article change proposal will remove this inconsistency by increasing the notification period to three months.

The remaining Articles change proposals are to correct editorial errors that have been identified since the new Articles were adopted in 2012.

3.7 Organization of the 30th ISTA Congress in Antalya, Turkey (Kamil Yilmaz)

Following the 29th ISTA Congress held in 2010, preparations for 30th ISTA Congress started by establishing a „National Organising Committee‟ (NOC), headed by Kamil Yilmaz. The first meeting on the 30th ISTA Congress was held in Istanbul on October 25, 2010 with the participation of Michael Muschick, Patricia Muschick and Nadine Ettel together with the authorities from the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Agriculture, to discuss initial details of the 30th ISTA Congress planning. At the beginning of 2011, the Congress logo and congress hotel were decided and on January 02, 2012, the „30th ISTA Congress 2013 Agreement‟ was signed between ISTA and the Ministry of Agriculture.

In May 2012 then followed the 1st Announcement of the 30th ISTA Congress 2013 including detailed information about Congress related subjects such as invitation letters, the draft programme, seed symposium headlines, information about Antalya/Turkey and the Congress hotel itself and the other hotels available, where 550 rooms have been pre-booked for the Congress participants. Furthermore the official Congress website www.ista2013antalya.org went live. In September 2012, Michael Muschick and Patricia Muschick from the ISTA Secretariat, the members of the National Organising Committee and the Congress organising company gathered at the Congress hotel in Antalya for a day to view the premises, discuss the progress related to the Congress organisation and decide on last details before the opening of the online-registration for the Congress on October 01, 2012.

Congress preparations including the technical sub-structures of the meeting halls, opening ceremony, seed symposium, technical committee meetings, gala dinner, arrangement of the meeting halls, transfer of participants and guests, arrangements of fair area and poster space, as well as other pre- congress preparations are still in progress.

In conjunction with the Congress, two pre-congress workshops will be organised at different places in Turkey: an ISTA Vigour Testing Workshop will be held at the Ege University in Izmir June 04-06, 2013, and an ISTA Workshop on Purity and Germination will be held at the Variety Registration and Seed Certification Center (VRSCC) in Ankara June 06-09, 2013.

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4. Summary of main actions undertaken from 2010- 2013 This report is closing the three year period 2010-2013. This period has been intensive and the pace has been set both by the statutory needs of the Ordinary Meetings and unexpected important events. The actions have been based on the strategic plan decided at the Ordinary Meeting in Cologne, Germany 2010, including 7 key areas, membership, ISTA Rules, Accreditation, Facilitation of the movement of seeds, dissemination of knowledge in seed science and technology, communication, management of ISTA affairs. The membership has regularly increased, including accreditation of laboratories as reported in the Secretary General report. The ISTA rules have been developed in many areas, to meet the needs of the seed sector. The issuance of certificates is now allowed for sub-lots without retesting, shortening the delays for the shipping of seed lots and decreasing costs. Rules for the production of large herbage seed lot size have been voted on after several years of work together with the seed sector and stakeholders, adapting the rules to the production of large seed lots. More , new tests, or simplifications of tests have been proposed for the basic tests on sampling, purity, germination, tetrazolium, used routinely for the seed trade. Other tests like vigour, seed health and GMO tests including PRC methods are on the increase. A new chapter on GMOs has been created emphasizing the place of these tests in seed testing. The number of accredited laboratories has increased, and the professionalism and quality of the audit process is demonstrated by the results of the excellent programme of proficiency tests. The scope of proficiency tests is increasing, and proficiency tests have been organised for seed health and Forest tree seeds. The quality of audits and the same team of auditors auditing all 124 accredited laboratories, guarantee a high quality of seed testing and worldwide harmonization. This is unique compared to other accreditation systems, and contributes strongly to achieve the ISTA goals of uniformity in seed testing. The rigorous review of the audit process together with Designated Authorities representatives and ISF, initiated in 2012 is one of the major topics for the coming period, and will be part of the strategic goals for the next term. Under the goal of disseminating knowledge in seed science and technology, high quality workshops have been provided by many of the committees, the Secretary General and the Accreditation and Technical department. Successful seminars have been organized each year before the Ordinary meeting. A joint session was organized with ISSS as part of their 10th conference‟ Seed Science in the 21st century‟ in Brazil. The memorandum with RBG Kew is one of the significant actions undertaken to provide the basis for further collaboration between both associations. Two permanent ongoing scientific activities of ISTA strongly contribute to positioning ISTA as a Scientific and Technical Association: the triennial Seed Symposium at the next 30th ISTA Congress June 2013 –Antalya, Turkey, organised by Alison Powell ,Symposium convener, and the scientific journal of ISTA, Seed Science and Technology, chief editor Fiona Hay. A focus on the management of ISTA affairs resulted in a more effective and efficient management of ISTA‟s essential functions within the Secretariat to better serve the members and supporting the technical committees. For example, this has helped in the organization of proficiency tests, helping the committees provide workshops, use of ECOM liaison officers and general support to committees. The finances have been carefully studied, with the implementation of a financial tool associated with the time recording. Securities as requested by the law are in good progress, and reserves for coming projects are being

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built. Therefore, the financial auditors confirmed that ISTA is in a healthy situation as of 31 December 2012.

Finally, the vote of the legal status as association under the Swiss law was a major step forward in ensuring a stable future for our association. June 2013 sees the end of my stand-in role as ISTA‟s President and the start of my term of office as ISTA Presidency. I am looking forward to leading an association with a common aim and vision for seed testing agreed with and supported by the ISTA membership, ISTA Secretariat and both „old‟ and new faces elected onto the ECOM in June. Joël Léchappé, Ph.D, ISTA President

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B. Reports of the Secretary General, Proficiency Test Committee, Rules Committee and Editorial Board

1. ISTA Membership

1.1 Developments in the number of voting countries/distinct economies

In 2012 (2011), 71 (71) members of the United Nations and 1 (1) distinct economy held voting rights in ISTA.

1.1.1 Members of the United Nations with voting rights in 2012

Albania Denmark Lithuania South Africa Argentina Egypt Luxemburg Spain Australia Estonia Malawi Sri Lanka Austria Finland Mexico Sweden Bangladesh France Moldova Switzerland Belgium Germany Nepal Syrian Arab Republic Bolivia Greece Netherlands Tanzania Bosnia & Hungary New Zealand Herzegovina Thailand India Norway Botswana Tunisia Iran Pakistan Brazil Turkey Ireland Philippines Bulgaria Uganda Israel Poland Canada Ukraine Italy Portugal Chile United Kingdom Japan Romania China United States Kenya Russia Colombia Uruguay Korea, Republic Serbia Croatia of Zambia Slovakian Cyprus Kyrgyzstan Republic Zimbabwe Czech Republic Latvia Slovenia

1.1.2 Distinct economies with voting rights in 2012 Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu

1.1.3 Other nations with ISTA Members in 2012 The following nations have Laboratory or Personal members. Brunei Darussalam Iraq Tajikistan Ghana Lebanon Indonesia Paraguay

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1.2 Membership developments

1.2.1 Laboratory membership In 2012, the number of Member Laboratories increased by 6 to 216. From 2007 to 2012, the number of Member Laboratories were as follows: 2007: 178; 2008: 182; 2009: 195; 2010: 201; 2011: 210; 2012: 216. Each Member Laboratory includes one Personal Member/Laboratory Representative. Membership was granted to six new Member Laboratories (Table B.1.1).

Table B.1.1. New Laboratory Members from 1 January to 31 December 2012 Country/Distinct Member Laboratory (Personal Member/Laboratory Economy Representative) Argentinia Laboratorio Regional Pampeana Sur de Analisis de Semillas ARML0400 I.N.A.S.E., Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires; (Rita del Valle Araoz) India Vibha Agrotech Ltd, Hyderabad; (Haresh D. Ganar) INML2900 Lebanon Central Laboratory for Grains, Flour and Research (IRI), LBML0300 Haddath-Baabda; (Amine Jbeily) Netherlands Monsanto Vegetable Germination Laboratory, Bergschenhoek; NLML0800 (Frank Vanwijnsberghe) Serbia PSS Poljoprivrednastanica doo, Laboratory for Quality and Seed YUML0400 Testing, Department of Quality Assurance, Novi Sad; (Milenko Bojic) United States US Agriseeds, Seed Laboratory, San Luis Obispo; (Susan USML0900 Alvarez)

There were six terminations of Laboratory Membership in 2012 due to arrears in the annual membership fee for 2012 (Table B.1.2):

Table B.1.2. Terminated Laboratory Memberships as per 31 December 2012 Country/Distinct Member Laboratory Economy Bosnia and Agri Inst of Republika Srpska, Laboratory for Seed Testing, Banja Herzegovina Luka; (Zeljka Kremenovic) BADL0100 India Yashoda Hybrid Seeds Pvt. Ltd Hinganghat, Seed Testing INML2800 Laboratory, Hinganghat; (Rita Pawade-Tonge) Pakistan Federal Seed Certification & Registration Department, Ministry of PKDL0100 Food, Agriculture & Livestock, Islamabad; (Akhlaq Hussain Syed) Tajikistan Republican Seed Inspectorate, Central Seed Laboratory, TJML0100 Dushanbe; (Favzia Gulomalishoeva) Uganda National Seed Certification Services, Kawanda Agricultural UGDL0100 Research Institute, National Seed Testing Laboratory, Kampala; (Joseph A. Bazaale) Ukraine Ukrainian Lab of Qual and Safety of AIC Products, National Univ UAML0400 of Life and Environ, Chabany; (Sergiy Dmytrovich Melnychuk)

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Due to the extention of payment deadline for 2011 fees to 1st April 2012, seven Laboratory Members were terminated due to arrears in payments of membership fees of 2011 only in April 2012 (Table B.1.3). Table B.1.3. Laboratory Members terminated by 1st April 2012 (with backdated effective date of December 31, 2011)

Canada SGS Canada Inc./Agric Services, Seed Laboratory, Winnipeg, MB; CAML1100 (Alexandra Cristea) China Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center, Xiamen Entry-Exit CNML0200 Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Xiamen City; (Shiming Lin)

China Ningbo Inspection and Quarantine, Bureau Technical Center of CNML0300 P.R.C., Ningbo; (Weijun Duan) India Syngenta India Ltd., C/O Rajjamma Agri Pvt Ltd, Andhra Pradesh; INML1700 (Aswath Gopinath) Italy Seed Bank CODRA Med srl., Centro Operativo per la Difesa il ITML0500 Recupedo dell'Ambiente, Pignola (PZ); (Serena Lamastra)

Russia The N.I. Vavilov All-Russia, Research Institute of Industry, RUDL0200 Plant Germplasm Conservation Laboratory, St. Petersburg; (Galina Filipenko)

Ukraine Scientific Innovation Center Slovjansky, Kiev; (Victor Volkodav) UAML0300

In 2012, three laboratories announced cancellation of their membership for 2013 (Table B.1.4). Table B.1.4. Laboratories cancelling their membership with effect of December 31, 2012

Country/Distinct Economy Laboratory

Denmark DLF-Trifolium A/S, Odense; (Bente DKML0500 Lydal Jorgensen)

India Karnataka State Seed, Certification INML2100 Agency, Bangalore; (Iftekhar Ulla Sardar Mohammed)

Tanzania Ministry of Agriculture and Food TZDL0100 Security, Seed Testing Laboratory, Arusha; (Veneranda Boaz Mtobesya)

Changes in Laboratory Representatives/Personal Members between 1 January and 31 December 2012 are listed in Table B.1.5.

Table B.1.5. Changes of Laboratory Representatives/Personal Members in 2012 Country/Distinct Former member New member Economy Austria Charlotte Leonhardt Andreas Ratzenboeck ATDL0301 ATDL0302 Bolivia Jorge Rosales King Hernan Meneses Sanabria BODL0101 BODL0102 Botswana Miriam Inaa Munamava Botsile Rachel Sabone BWDL0101 BWDL0102 Denmark Ulla Blicher-Mathiesen Tine Vilbrad Jorgensen DKDL0103 DKDL0104

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Egypt El Sayed Sadik Nassar Samir Essawi EGDL01X2 EGDL0104 Ghana Cletus Achaab Samuel Yao Adzivor GHML0101 GHML0102 India Malavika Dadlani Vilas A. Tonapi INDL0102 INDL0103 India K. G. Poornachandra Rao Umesha Kodla INML0901 INML0902 India Ram V. Kaundinya Bhaskar Choudary Kancharla INML0401 INML0403 Kenya Elijah Sawe Eric Maghas Tegei KEML0203 KEML0204 The Netherlands Nico Koomen Marcel Toonen NLDL0201 NLDL0202 Poland Piotr Mendelewski Irena Gera PLDL0501 PLDL0502 Romania Florina Palada Virgil Popescu ROML0601 ROML0602 Slovakia Miriam Sušková Elena Foffová SKDL0202 SKDL0201 Separate Customs Pei-Chin Wang Yu-Mei Huang Territory of Taiwan, TWDL0102 TWDL0103 Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Tanzania Joseph I. Mallya Tasiana Z. Maingu TZDL0201 TZDL0202

1.2.2 Personal Membership In 2012, the number of Personal Members decreased by 4 to 53. From 2007 to 2012, the number of Personal Members were as follows: 2007: 51; 2008: 56; 2009: 56; 2010: 52; 2011: 57; 2012: 53. Membership was granted to seven new Personal Members (Table B.1.6).

Table B.1.6. New Personal Members in 2012

Country/Distinct Personal Member Economy Brunei BNPM0001 Faizah Metali (University Brunei Darussalam) China CNPM0004 Rui He (Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine) Denmark DKDM0006 Grethe Tarp (Tarp Seed Consult, Birkerød) Hungary HUPM0001 Katalin Ertsey (Corvinus University of Budapest) Philippines Ruel C. Gesmundo (National Seed Quality Control Services, PHDM0002 Bureau of Plant Industry, Manila) Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu TWDM0003 Tso-Chi Yang (Agriculture and Food Agency, Nantou) United Kingdom Jason Daff (Syngenta UK, Biological Sciences, Bracknell, GBPM0012 Berkshire)

There were two terminations of Personal Membership in 2012 due to arrears in the annual membership fee for 2012 (Table B.1.7):

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Table B.1.7. Terminations of Personal Members as per 31 December 2012

Country/Distinct Economy Personal Member Bosnia and Herzegovina Vojislav Trkulja (Agri Inst of Republika Srpska, Laboratory for BADM0001 Seed Testing, Banja Luka) Cyprus Dionysia A. Fasoula (Agricultural Research Institute, Plant CYPM0001 Breeding, Nicosia)

Due to the extention of payment deadline for 2011 fees to 1st April 2012, seven Personal Members were terminated due to arrears in payments of membership fees of 2011 only in April 2012 (Table B.1.8). Table B.1.8. Personal Members terminated by 1st April 2012 with backdated effect to December 31, 2011

Country/Distinct Economy Personal Member Italy ITPM0002 Pietro Civale (Seed Bank CODRA Med srl., Pignola (PZ)) Ukraine Frederic Chavigny (Ukrainian Laboratory of Quality and Safety UAPM0001 of AIC Products, Chabany)

In 2012 ten personal members announced cancellation of their membership for 2013 (Table B.1.9):

Table B.1.9. Cancellation of Personal Membership with effect of December 31, 2012

Country/Distinct Economy Personal Member Egypt Olfat H. El Bagoury (Central Administration for Seed, Rabee EGDM0001 EL Gezee-Giza) Egypt Salah Mohamed Moawad (Central Administration for Seed, EGDM0004 Rabee EL Gezee-Giza) France FRDM0008 Sylvie Dutartre (GEVES-SNES, Beaucouzé Cedex) United Kingdom GBPM0003 Giles Laverack (Scotia Seeds, Angus, Scotland) India C.R. Sreechandana (Monsanto India Limited, Seed Testing INPM0003 Laboratory, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) Malawi Francis Maideni (Chitedze Agricultural Station, Lilongwe) MWDM0001 Philippines Henry T. Carpiso (National Seed Quality Control Services, PHDM0001 Manila) Thailand Wirat Pianvithaya (Bureau of Rice Seed, Rice Department, THPM0005 Quality Control Group, Bangkok)

Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Han-Ching Hsu (Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of TWDM0001 Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Nantou) Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Mei-Hua Huang (Agriculture and Food Agency, Council of TWDM0002 Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Nantou)

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1.2.3 Associate Membership In 2012, the number of Associate Members increased by 7 to 55. From 2007 to 2012, the number of Associate Members were as follows: 2007: 22; 2008: 27; 2009: 33; 2010: 42; 2011:48; 2012: 55. Membership was granted to nine new Associate Members (Table B.1.10).

Table B.1.10. New Associate Members in 2012 Country/Distinct Associate Member Economy Australia Sally Norton AUAM0005 Australia Louise Larrieu AUAM0006 Canada Mary Ellen Van Zeist CAAM0006 India Alok Adholeya INAM0005 Spain Henriette Bakker ESAM0002 United Kingdom Hail Rihan GBAM0012 United States Donald Ogawa USAM0019 United States Rong Guo USAM0020 United States Raymond Shillito USAM0021

There were five terminations of Associate Membership in 2012 due to arrears in the annual membership fee for 2012 (Table B.1.11).

Table B.1.11. Terminations of Associate Members as per 31 December 2012 Country/Distinct Economy Associate Member Argentina German Pedro Villalbe ARAM0001 Mexico Carmen Avila MXAM0002 Pakistan Irfan Afzal PKAM0002 Rwanda Jason Manto RWAM0001 United Kingdom Lindsay Robb GBAM0010

Due to the extention of payment deadline for 2011 fees to 1st April 2012, five Associate Members were terminated due to arrears in payments of membership fees of 2011 only in April 2012 (Table B.1.12). Table B.1.12. Associate Members terminated by 1st April 2012 with backdated effect to December 31, 2011

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Country/Distinct Economy Associate Member India Ranganathan Umarani INAM0001 India Meena Kumari KVS Kota INAM0002 India Sambasiva Rao Palaparthi INAM0003 India Rajeswari Bodduluri INAM0004 Israel Raanan Cohen ILAM0003

In 2012 the following Associate Members announced cancellation of their membership for 2013 (Table B.1.13):

Table B.1.13. Cancellation of Associate Members with effect of December 31, 2012

Country/Distinct Economy Associate Member Canada Glenn Green CAAM0004 Canada Lindsay Robb CAAM0005 Denmark Marianne Pedersen DKAM0003 United States Keting Chen USAM0012

1.3 Honorary Members

According to section III., Article 4 (h) of the Articles of the ISTA: “An Honorary Life Member is a person who in the opinion of the Association has made an outstanding contribution to the Association, and has been honoured by election to the status.” In 2012, there was no new election of any Honorary Life Member. Previously elected Honorary Life Members: Norbert Leist (2007) Ronald Don (2008) Julianna Bányai (2010) Furthermore, Attilio Lovato was elected Honorary President at the Congress 2001.

1.4 Membership services

As part of the membership services, a free copy of the ISTA Rules (in the case of new members) or the Rules Amendments, a free online subscription to SST, and a free copy of all newly published Handbooks and Proceedings of the business year concerned is sent to each Personal Member/Laboratory Representative and Personal Member. In 2012 these were: International Rules for Seed Testing, Edition 2013 (Amendments) Annexe to Chapter 7, Seed Health Testing, Edition 2013 (Amendments)

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Online Internet Subscription to Seed Science and Technology (SST) Volume 40/2012, Numbers 1, 2 and 3 Seed Testing International (ISTA News Bulletin) April 2012 issue / No. 143 Seed Testing International (ISTA News Bulletin) October 2011 issue / No. 144

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2. Report of the Rules Committee 2012 The Rules Committee is composed of the Honorary President and the Chairpersons of the Technical Committees and the Editorial Board. As part of harmonization with AOSA, the AOSA Rules Committee Chair is an ex- officio member of the ISTA Rules Committee, and the ISTA Rules Chair is an ex-officio member of the AOSA Rules Committee. The Chair and Vice- chair are appointed by the ISTA Executive Committee (ECOM). The Rules Committee members are: Chair: Steve Jones Canada Vice-chair: Craig McGill New Zealand Members: Teresa A.S. Aveling (SHC) South Africa Sylvie Ducournau (GER) France Bert van Duijn (ATC) Netherlands Adriel Garay (PUR) United States Fabio Gorian (FTS) Italy Christoph Haldemann (GMO) Switzerland Cheryl Dollard (GMO from June 2012) Canada Fiona Hay (EDI from October 2011) Philippines Berta Killermann (VAR) Germany Stefanie Krämer (TEZ) Germany Jean-Louis Laffont (STA) France Attilio Lovato (Honorary President) Italy Günter Müller (PTC) Germany Leena Pietilä (BSC) Finland Alison A. Powell (VIG) & (EDI until October 2011) United Kingdom Hugh W. Pritchard (STO) United Kingdom John H. Wiersema (NOM) United States Rita Zecchinelli (FSC) Italy Ex-officio: Gilbert Waibel (AOSA) United States

Activities

The Rules Committee is responsible for reviewing the annual Rules Proposals and ensuring that the proposals are technically consistent between the different Chapters. Rules proposals can come from anyone, but are usually made by the Technical Committees. The procedures for submitting proposals and adding new species to the ISTA Rules are outlined in the Introduction to the Rules. The Rules Chair is responsible for editing the Rules and presenting the proposals for vote at the Ordinary Meeting on behalf of the Executive and Rules Committees. Staff at the ISTA Secretariat collate the Rules Proposals from the Technical Committees and prepare the Rules Proposal document. Following the results of the voting meeting, they also ensure that the amended Rules are edited correctly, reprinted and distributed to the membership. The Rules Chair and Vice-Chair regularly receive enquiries on a range of issues relating to the interpretation of the Rules, often as the result of accreditation audits. These queries are very useful often leading to changes and improvements to the Rules.

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2.1 Rules Amendments 2012

There were a number of major amendments to the ISTA Rules which were approved at the 2012 Venlo Ordinary Meeting. From 1 January 2013, Orange Certificates may be issued for partial seed lots without further testing, and germination tests may be terminated at a predetermined level. There is a new seed health method for tobamoviruses on tomatoes, and a PCR testing option for Xanthomonas campestris on Brassicas. A further major amendment, which was approved, is the increase in the size of herbage seed lots for approved seed production plants. This particular amendment will come into force on 1 July 2013. There were more minor changes, clarifications and corrections to other Chapters. The Rules changes voted through at the 2012 Ordinary Meeting are shown in Table B.2.1. For a history of amendments since the 2013 Edition of the Rules, see the annual prefaces posted on the ISTA web site.

Table B.2.1. Rules changes voted in at the 2012 ISTA Annual Meeting, effective 1 January 2013

Page number Changes 1-1 Rule 1.2.1 amended to cover sublots 1-1 Rule 1.2.2: editorial change 1-2 Rule 1.3 c): correction of cross-reference 1-3 Rule 1.3 i): original § i) moved to 1.6 for consistency; new § i) to cover sublots 1-3 Rule 1.3 j) marking of sublot containers 1-4 Rule 1.4.1 d): „sublot‟ added 1-4 Rule 1.4.1 f): editorial change; sentence deleted 1-4 Rule 1.4.2 d): amendment to cover sublots 1-4 Rule 1.4.2 k): insertion of paragraph to cover sublots 1-4 Rule 1.4.2 l), m): letters changed to reflect new § k) 1-6 Rule 1.5.2.2: Clarification of scientific names 1-7 Rule 1.5.2.2: Clarification of scientific names 1-9–1-10 Rule 1.5.2.6: Reporting of termination of germination test 1-18 Rule 1.6: new §§ 1, 2 moved from 1.3; addition to § 3; § 4 amended to cover sublots 2-23 Table 2A Part 1: Addition of Solanum nigrum 2-30 Table 2A Part 2: Addition of Prunus spp. 2-43 Rule 2.9.1.2: amended to allow more than one primary sample 3-12 Rule 3.7: Clarification of scientific names 3-13 Rule 3.7: Clarification of scientific names 3-15 Table 3B Part 1: Arachis moved from PSD 11 to PSD 22 3-15–3-17 Table 3B Part 1: Betula, Chloris, Eucalyptus: reference to Chapter 13 added 3-25–3-27 Table 3B Part 2: Amendments to PSDs 11, 20–24 to cover broken cotyledons within testa in Fabaceae 3-29 Table 3B Part 2: Amendment to PSD 36 (pedicel) 5-6 Rule 5.2.8.1: Amendments to seedling abnormalities 11/05 and 11/06 5-23 Rule 5.6.4: Amendment to allow termination of germination test

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Page number Changes 5-27 Rule 5.9: Reporting of termination of germination test 5-30 Rule 5.9: Reporting of termination of germination test 5-35 Table 5A Part 1: Chloris: reference to Chapter 13 added 7-001a-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-001b-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-002a-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-002b-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-013a-3 Sample preparation amended 7-016-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-017-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-018-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-019-3–19 PCR testing option added to method; new text flow 7-020-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-021-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-023-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-024-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-024-4–5 Updates to text of „Method‟ 7-025-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-026-3 Recommended seed sample size added 7-028-1–10 New seed health method 7-028 9-1 Rule 9.0.3 inserted: Removal of low-constant-temperature method for non-validated species 9-7–9-9 Table 9A Part 1: Amendment of table to specify temperature method 11-3 Table 11A, B: editorial change to captions 11-7 Rule 11.4.5.1–2: Correction of old cross-references 13-1 Rule 13.3: Clarification

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2.2 Sales of the ISTA Rules

In 2012, 110 sets of the International Rules for Seed Testing, Edition 2012 and 300 copies of the ISTA Rules Amendments 2012 were sold, as well as 15 copies and 30 Amendments of the French translation, and 38 copies of the German translation. All three official language versions of the ISTA Rules are produced by the ISTA Secretariat.

Table B.2.2. Sales of ISTA Rules (sets and amendments) for the period 2007–2012

Edition 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 ISTA Rules Sets 196 187 166 161 192 110 ISTA Rules (French) – – 99 37 28 15 ISTA Rules Sets (German) 12 22 – – – 38 ISTA Rules Amendments 207 216 325 262 263 300 ISTA Rules Amendments 8 19 – – – – (German) ISTA Rules Amendments – – – 18 30 40 (French) ISTA Annexe to Chapter 7 6 2 8 9 14 1

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3. Accreditation Programme

Report of the Proficiency Test Committee

3.1 Proficiency tests 2012

In 2012, samples for three ordinary proficiency test (PT) rounds and one vigour proficiency test round were dispatched to laboratories according to the 2011–2013 Programme Plan (see Table B.3.1).

Table B.3.1. List of species and test types for 2012

Dispatch date Species Test type Number of participants 17 January 2012 Sorghum bicolor P, OSD, G, TZ, MIX 148 11 May 2012 Phleum pratense P, OSD, G, M 131 11 July 2012 Pisum sativum V 40 14 September 2012 Lactuca sativa P, OSD, G, OIC 142 P = purity, OSD = other seeds determination, G = germination, M = moisture determination, TZ = tetrazolium test, V=vigour, OIC = reporting on an ISTA Certificate, MIX = mixture of additional other seeds for seed identification

Two Mini-PT rounds were organised for member laboratories that needed to obtain additional ratings (e.g. new member laboratories wishing to apply for accreditation, or laboratories suspended due to poor performance). The first round included germination testing of three species (Triticum aestivum, Lolium multiflorum and Pisum sativum). Six laboratories participated in this test round, thereof four acted as reference laboratories. The second round included other seed determination tests on Daucus carota, Festuca arundinacea and Oryza sativa for one participant. The evaluation of the test results was reported to all participating laboratories.

3.2 Reporting of Proficiency test results

In 2012, the proficiency test reports listed in Table B.3.2 were sent to the participants.

Table B.3.2. Final PT results reported in 2012 PT round Test type Date Trifolium pratense P, OSD, MIX 6 March 2012 Sorghum bicolor P, OSD, G, TZ, MIX 20 July 2012 Phleum pratense P, OSD, G, M 17 October 2012 Pisum sativum V 17 October 2012

P = purity, OSD = other seeds determination, G = germination, M = moisture determination, TZ = tetrazolium test, V=vigour, OIC = reporting on an ISTA Certificate, MIX = mixture of additional other seeds for seed identification

The Seed Health Committee organised two PT rounds. The first round was organised for detection of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris on Brassica spp. The samples were dispatched to the participants in October 2012. The results reporting deadline was the end of November 2012. The results are in the process of evaluation.

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The second round organised for detection of Phomopsis complex on Glycine max (ISTA Rules method 7-016). The samples were dispatched to participants in December 2012. The deadline for reporting the results is end of January 2013.

3.3 Rating of laboratory performance

The numbers of test rounds for which the rating system applied were as follows: – purity: 22; – other seed determination: 21; – germination: 29; – moisture determination: 9; – tetrazolium test: 8. A total of 100 accredited laboratories received an overall performance rating for germination, 99 for other seed determination, 101 for purity, 68 for moisture determination and 41 for tetrazolium testing. The Figures B.3.1–B.3.5 present the overall ratings of accredited laboratories after participation in six obligatory test rounds, for the three- year period. The accredited laboratories that have not yet participated in six obligatory test rounds are not presented in the figures.

PT Germination - overall rating 100% 2 1 5 5 7

80% 23 33 31

BMP 60% C B A 40% 63 55 61

20%

0% 2010 2011 2012

Figure B.3.1. Comparison of overall PT performance of accredited laboratories in germination testing

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PT OSD - overall rating 100% 1 0 3 2 3 13 10 15

80%

BMP 60% C B 76 A 40% 71 81

20%

0% 2010 2011 2012

Figure B.3.2. Comparison of overall PT performance of accredited laboratories in other seed determination

PT PUR - overall rating 100% 8 8 8

80%

BMP 60% C B 80 83 93 A 40%

20%

0% 2010 2011 2012

Figure B.3.3. Comparison of overall PT performance of accredited laboratories in purity testing

PT MOI - overall rating

100% 1 10

90% 12 18 19 80%

70% BMP 60% C 50% B A 40% 37 47 48 30%

20%

10%

0% 2010 2011 2012

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Figure B.3.4. Comparison of overall PT performance of accredited laboratories in moisture testing

PT TEZ - overall rating

100% 1 3 4 90% 6 80% 12 12 70% BMP 60% C 50% B A 40% 22 30% 22 25

20%

10%

0% 2010 2011 2012

Figure B.3.5. Comparison of overall PT performance of accredited laboratories in tetrazolium testing

In Figures B.3.5 to B.3.14, the ratings are given for the last 12 test rounds for germination, other seed determination and purity, for the last 9 rounds for moisture determination and 8 rounds for tetrazolium testing. The ratings are given for the test rounds for which the rating system applied.

In-round PT performance in germination - accredited laboratories

100%

80%

60% BMP C 40% B 20% A

0% 09-1 09-2 09-3 10-1 10-2 10-3 11-1 11-1 11-2 11-3 12-1 12-2 H.vul L.usi O.sat F.aru M.lup V.fab H.ann L.odo T.aes T.pra S.bic P.pra Test rounds Figure B.3.5. PT performance in germination per test round (accredited laboratories)

In-round PT performance in germination - non-accredited laboratories 100%

80%

60% BMP C 40% B A 20%

0% 09-1 09-2 09-3 10-1 10-2 10-3 11-1 11-1 11-2 11-3 12-1 12-2 H.vul L.usi O.sat F.aru M.lup V.fab H.ann L.odo T.aes T.pra S.bic P.pra Test rounds Figure B.3.6. PT performance in germination per test round (non-accredited laboratories)

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In-round PT performance in other seed determination - accredited laboratories 100%

80%

60% BMP C 40% B A 20%

0% 08-2 08-3 09-1 09-2 09-3 10-1 10-2 11-1 11-2 11-3 12-1 12-2 P.gra D.car H.vul L.usi O.sat F.aru M.lup H.ann T.aes T.pra S.bic P.pra Test rounds Figure B.3.7. PT performance in other seed determination per test round (accredited laboratories)

In-round PT performance in other seed determination - non-accredited laboratories 100%

80%

60% BMP C 40% B A 20%

0% 08-2 08-3 09-1 09-2 09-3 10-1 10-2 11-1 11-2 11-3 12-1 12-2 P.gra D.car H.vul L.usi O.sat F.aru M.lup H.ann T.aes T.pra S.bic P.pra Test rounds Figure B.3.8. PT performance in other seed determination per test round (non- accredited laboratories)

In-round PT performance in purity - accredited laboratories

100%

80% BMP 60% C 40% B A 20%

0% 08-2 08-3 09-1 09-2 09-3 10-1 10-2 11-1 11-2 11-3 12-1 12-2 P.gra D.car H.vul L.usi O.sat F.aru M.lup H.ann T.aes T.pra S.bic P.pra Test rounds Figure B.3.9. PT performance in purity per test round (accredited laboratories)

In-round PT performance in purity - non-accredited laboratories

100%

80%

60% BMP C 40% B A 20%

0% 08-2 08-3 09-1 09-2 09-3 10-1 10-2 11-1 11-2 11-3 12-1 12-2 P.gra D.car H.vul L.usu O.sat F.aru M.lup H.ann T.aes T.pra S.bic P.pra Test rounds Figure B.3.10. PT performance in purity per test round (non-accredited laboratories)

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In-round PT performance in moisture - accredited laboratories

100%

80%

60% BMP 40% C B 20% A

0% 03-1 04-1 05-2 07-2 08-1 09-2 10-3 11-2 12-2 T.inc T.aes S.cer M.sat L.mul L.usi V.fab T.aes P.pra Test rounds

Figure B.3.11. PT performance in moisture per test round (accredited laboratories)

In-round PT performance in moisture - non-accredited laboratories 100%

80%

60% BMP 40% C B 20% A

0% 03-1 04-1 05-2 07-2 08-1 09-2 10-3 11-2 12-2 T.inc T.aes S.cer M.sat L.mul L.usi V.fab T.aes P.pra Test rounds

Figure B.3.12. PT performance in moisture per test round (non-accredited laboratories)

In-round PT performance in tetrazolium - accredited laboratories

100%

80%

60% BMP C 40% B

20% A

0% 04-1 07-1 07-2 08-1 09-1 10-2 11-2 12-1 T.aes P.max M.sat L.mul H.vul M.lup T.aes S.bic Test rounds

Figure B.3.13. PT performance in tetrazolium per test round (accredited laboratories)

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In-round PT performance in tetrazolium - non-accredited laboratories 100%

80%

60% BMP C 40% B

20% A

0% 04-1 07-1 07-2 08-1 09-1 10-2 11-2 12-1 T.aes P.max M.sat L.mul H.vul M.lup T.aes S.bic Test rounds

Figure B.3.14. PT performance in tetrazolium per test round (non-accredited laboratories)

3.4 Audit programme

During the ISTA Annual meeting, as in previous years, the ISTA auditors held a meeting (on June 12th, 2012), during which the audit plan for 2012 and 2013 was presented. The topics discussed at the meeting concerned the monitoring of samplers, calibration requirements for the equipment, selection of documents for translation prior to the audit, questions posted by the laboratories and answers provided by the ISTA Technical Committees, which are relevant to the audit process. A summary meeting report is published in Seed Testing International 144. The technical auditors agreed to participate in a survey regarding the calibration requirements for specific equipment. A questionnaire was sent to auditors and to the ISTA Technical Committee Chairs in October 2012. The outcome of the questionnaire will be evaluated in 2013.

3.5 Accreditation under the Performance-Based Approach

The accreditation scheme for laboratories testing for specified traits was implemented in 2006. By the end of 2012,13 laboratories were accredited under the principles of the Performance-Based Approach: Argentina (AR01) Austria (AT03) Belgium (BE02) France (FR03 – newly accredited for this test in 2012) Germany (DE04 and DE18) Italy (IT01 and IT03) Japan (JP01 and JP03) Serbia (YU02) Slovenia (SI01) United States (US06)

3.6 Accreditation administration

In 2012, a workshop specially prepared for ISTA auditors took place in Bologna, from 9-11 October. The seed testing laboratory of the University of Bologna (LaRAS) volunteered to host this workshop and invited the ISTA auditors. The workshop gave detailed information on the auditing of laboratories accredited for tests under the performance based approach. The workshop programme covered critical steps of GMO testing, followed by

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practical demonstrations in the laboratory. An emphasis was placed on statistical and quality assurance aspects. Lectures and presentations were delivered by GMO Committee members: Enrico Noli, Christoph Haldemann and Jean-Louis Laffont.

3.7 Document updates

The following is a list of ISTA accreditation documents relevant for member laboratories, including version number and year of approval: ISTA Accreditation Standard, 5.1, 2012 Acc-P-06-How to become ISTA Accredited Laboratory, 2.6, 2012 Acc-G-02 Explanatory Note ISTA Certificates, 2.0, 2011 Acc-P-08 How to develop Quality Documentation, V 1.3, 2012 Acc-P-09 How to Respond to Audit Findings, 2.3, 2012 Acc-D-01 Termination – Suspension – Withdrawal, 2.4, 2011 Acc-D-02 Use of ISTA Logo, 1.0, 2003 Acc-D-03 Appeals and Complaints Procedure, 1.0, 2005 Acc-D-04 Accreditation under the PBA, 2.1, 2006 Acc-D-05 Performance Data Evaluation_1, 2.1, 2006 Acc-D-05 Performance Data Evaluation_2, 1.1, 2006 Acc-D-06 Multiple-site Laboratory Accreditation, 1.0, 2006 Acc-D-07 Scope of Accreditation Policy, 1.2, 2009 Acc-F-09 Application Form for Accreditation, 4.6, 2012 PT-P-01-ISTA Proficiency Test Programme, V 3.3, 2012 Documents in bold were updated in 2012.

3.8 Accreditation figures

In 2012, 50 accreditation audit visits were carried out (see Table B.3.3). For five laboratories, it was their first accreditation audit. A complete list of accredited ISTA laboratories is shown in Table B.3.4. The regional distribution of the accredited laboratories is given in Figure B.3.15.

Table B.3.3. Audits in 2012 Country/Distinct Economy Laboratory code First audit = 5 CN-CHINA CN04 GH-GHANA GH01 ID-INDONESIA ID02 RU-RUSSIAN FEDERATION RU04 TH-THAILAND TH04 Second audit = 11 BE-BELGIUM BE03 BR-BRAZIL BR07 FR-FRANCE FR06 FR-FRANCE FR08 FR-FRANCE FR09 IN-INDIA IN14 TH-THAILAND TH03

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UA-UKRAINE UA01 UG-UGANDA UG02 US-UNITED STATES US04 US-UNITED STATES US07 Third audit = 2 BR-BRAZIL BR08 CA-CANADA CA10 Fourth audit = 4 DK-DENMARK DK06 IN-INDIA IN05 KE-KENYA KE01 US-UNITED STATES US06 Fifth audit = 25 AR-ARGENTINA AR01 AT-AUSTRIA AT03 AT-AUSTRIA AT04 BE-BELGIUM BE02 CZ-CZECH REPUBLIC CZ03 DE-GERMANY DE05 DE-GERMANY DE07 DE-GERMANY DE06 DE-GERMANY DE09 DE-GERMANY DE03 DK-DENMARK DK01 EE-ESTONIA EE01 FI-FINLAND FI01 GB-UNITED KINGDOM GB01 IT-ITALY IT01 IT-ITALY IT03 LU-LUXEMBOURG LU01 LV-LATVIA LV01 PL-POLAND PL07 PL-POLAND PL05 RS-SERBIA YU03 RS-SERBIA YU02 RS-SERBIA YU01 SK-SLOVAKIA SK01 US-UNITED STATES US05 Sixt audit = 1 DE-GERMANY DE18 In addition two re-audits were performed in 2012.

Table B.3.4. Complete list of accredited laboratories 2012 Country/Distinct Economy Laboratory code Comment AR-ARGENTINA AR01 AT-AUSTRIA AT03 AT-AUSTRIA AT04 AU-AUSTRALIA AU01 AU-AUSTRALIA AU02 AU-AUSTRALIA AU06 AU-AUSTRALIA AU07 AU-AUSTRALIA AU09 BE-BELGIUM BE02 BE-BELGIUM BE03 BG-BULGARIA BG01

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BO-BOLIVIA BO01 BR-BRAZIL BR07 BR-BRAZIL BR08 CA-CANADA CA04 CA-CANADA CA08 CA-CANADA CA10 CH-SWITZERLAND CH01 CL-CHILE CL02 CZ-CZECH REPUBLIC CZ03 DE-GERMANY DE03 DE-GERMANY DE04 DE-GERMANY DE05 DE-GERMANY DE06 DE-GERMANY DE07 DE-GERMANY DE09 DE-GERMANY DE10 DE-GERMANY DE13 DE-GERMANY DE15 DE-GERMANY DE16 DE-GERMANY DE17 DE-GERMANY DE18 DK-DENMARK DK01 DK-DENMARK DK03 DK-DENMARK DK04 DK-DENMARK DK06 DK-DENMARK DK08 DK-DENMARK DK09 new as of 14.11.2011 EE-ESTONIA EE01 EG-EGYPT EG01 ES-SPAIN ES01 FI-FINLAND FI01 FR-FRANCE FR02 FR-FRANCE FR03 FR-FRANCE FR06 FR-FRANCE FR07 FR-FRANCE FR08 FR-FRANCE FR09 GB-UNITED KINGDOM GB01 GB-UNITED KINGDOM GB04 GB-UNITED KINGDOM GB06 GR-GREECE GR01 HR-CROATIA HR03 HU-HUNGARY HU01 HU-HUNGARY HU02 HU-HUNGARY HU03 ID-INDONESIA ID01 ID-INDONESIA ID02 new as of 02.04.2012 IE-IRELAND IE01 IL-ISRAEL IL01 IN-INDIA IN05 IN-INDIA IN06 IN-INDIA IN07 IN-INDIA IN14 IT-ITALY IT01 IT-ITALY IT03 IT-ITALY IT06

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IT-ITALY IT07 JP-JAPAN JP01 JP-JAPAN JP03 JP-JAPAN JP05 JP-JAPAN JP06 KE-KENYA KE01 KG-KYRGYZSTAN KG01 KR-SOUTH KOREA KR02 LT-LITHUANIA LT01 LU-LUXEMBOURG LU01 LV-LATVIA LV01 MD-MOLDOVA MD01 MW-MALAWI MW01 NL-NETHERLANDS NL02 NL-NETHERLANDS NL03 NL-NETHERLANDS NL05 NO-NORWAY NO01 NP-NEPAL NP02 new as of 13.12.2011 NZ-NEW ZEALAND NZ01 NZ-NEW ZEALAND NZ02 NZ-NEW ZEALAND NZ03 PL-POLAND PL05 PL-POLAND PL07 PT-PORTUGAL PT01 RO-ROMANIA RO02 RO-ROMANIA RO05 RO-ROMANIA RO06 RU-RUSSIAN FEDERATION RU01 RU-RUSSIAN FEDERATION RU03 RU RUSSIAN FEDERATION RU04 new as of 30.08.2012 RU-RUSSIAN FEDERATION RU05 SE-SWEDEN SE02 SE-SWEDEN SE07 SE-SWEDEN SE09 SI-SLOVENIA SI01 SK-SLOVAKIA SK01 SK-SLOVAKIA SK02 TH-THAILAND TH03 TH-THAILAND TH04 new as of 08.11.2012 TJ-TAJIKISTAN TJ01 terminated as of 31.12.2012 TR-TURKEY TR01 TW- Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu TW01 UA-UKRAINE UA01 UG-UGANDA UG02 US-UNITED STATES US01 US-UNITED STATES US03 US-UNITED STATES US04 US-UNITED STATES US05 US-UNITED STATES US06 US-UNITED STATES US07 UY-URUGUAY UY02 RS-SERBIA YU01 RS-SERBIA YU02 RS-SERBIA YU03 ZA-SOUTH AFRICA ZA01

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ZM-ZAMBIA ZM01 ZW-ZIMBABWE ZW01 Total number of laboratories 124

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There were 59 countries/distinct economies with at least one ISTA- accredited laboratory.

Pacific Africa 6% 6% America 12% Eastern Europe 22%

Asia 15%

Western Europe 39%

Figure B.3.15. Regional distribution of the 124 ISTA accredited laboratories

Table B.3.5. Accreditation status changes from 2010 to 2012

2010 2011 2012 ISTA laboratories 120 123 124 Thereof first accreditations 6 5 5 Cancellations and 2 0 4 withdrawals Suspensions 1 2 1 Re-instatements 0 1 0 New applications for 3 3 5 following year

125 120 115 110 105 100 95 90 85 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Accredited labs

Figure B.3.16 Number of accredited laboratories since 2003

3.9 Sales of ISTA Certificates

The number of ISTA Certificates sold increased in 2012 by 35.4% compared to the previous year. A total of 182500 certificates were sold by the end of the year (Table B.3.6).

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Table B.3.6. Sales of ISTA Certificates 2005–2012

Type 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Orange 70 300 116 000 124 270 110 517 110 700 132 200 129 050 172 100 Blue 2 412 5 090 6 800 6 050 5 400 6 450 5 700 10 400 Total 72 712 121 090 131 070 116 567 116 100 138 650 134 750 182 500

4. ISTA Publications and Products

4.1 ISTA Handbooks and Proceedings

In 2012, total sales of publications amounted to 294, excluding copies of the International Rules for Seed Testing and Amendments and subscriptions for Seed Science and Technology. Table B.4.1 gives an overview on the total sales of ISTA publications (handbooks, proceedings and working sheets) for 2005 to 2012. Table B.4.2 gives an overview of the sales figures of the newly published handbooks in the ring binder format.

Table B.4.1. Total sales of ISTA publications 2007–2012

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Copies 541 313 338 449 380 294

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Table B.4.2. Sales of ring binder handbooks

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Handbook on Seed 22 39 20 70 81 33 Sampling (2nd edition, 2004) Handbook on Seedling 291 56 (+ 45 50 74 (+ 55 61 (+ 12 50 (+ 9 Evaluation (2003 & updates) (+ 103 updates) updates) updates) 2006 + updates 2009) updates) Handbook on Pure 48 39 Seed Definitions Handbook on Moisture – 26 18 20 14 19 Determination (2007) Handbook on Flower – 25 11 10 12 (3) 14 (1) Seed Testing (2010 Updates) ISTA Working Sheets 17 18 17 18 11(6) 12 (13) on Tetrazolium Testing Vol. I 2003 (Supplements 2011) ISTA Working Sheets 10 10 12 4 8 (3) 8 (8) on Tetrazolium Testing Vol. II 2003 (Supplements 2011)

4.2 Calibration Samples

The Secretariat offers calibration samples of the grass species Dactylis glomerata (3.0 g) and Poa pratensis (1.0 g) for General Seed Blowers. In 2012, 3 samples of Poa pratensis and 2 of Dactylis glomerata were sold.

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5. ISTA Training and Education Programmes

5.1 ISTA Workshop overview

In 2012, seven workshops were held on various seed testing subjects (Table B.5.1).

Table B.5.1. ISTA workshops and seminars held in 2012

Country/Distinct Date ISTA Event Economy Moldova March ISTA Workshop on Seed Sampling of Agricultural Seeds Netherlands June ISTA Workshop on Flower Seed Testing Netherlands June ISTA Workshop on Variety Testing Canada September ISTA Workshop on Vigour Canada September ISTA Workshop on Germination Australia September ISTA Workshop on Vigour, Moisture & Tetrazolium Testing Canada September ISTA Seminar on Statistics in Seed Testing

6. Scientific Journal ‘Seed Science and Technology’: Report of the Editorial Board, 2012

Chief Editor: Fiona R. Hay (The Philippines)

Associate Editors: Christophe Bailly (France) Physiological and biochemical aspects of seed germination, dormancy, ageing and development Mark A. Bennett (United States) Seed enhancements, vigour, vegetable seed production, and germination Charles Block (United States) Pathology, non-bacterial (also bacteria) Antonio Dell'Aquila (Italy) Innovative techniques in assessing seed germination and quality Seed storage aspects applied to germplasm conservation in a gene bank Ibrahim Demir (Turkey) Germination, vegetables, field production Ronald Don (United Kingdom) (appointed November 2010) Germination, tetrazolium Brigitte Hamann (Switzerland) Germination, vigour and seed quality Stan Matthews (United Kingdom) (appointed November 2010) Vigour, storage, priming, deterioration, seed treatment

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Julio Marcos-Filho (Brazil) Seed vigour testing (grain crops and vegetables) maturation, priming and deterioration Athole Marshall (United Kingdom) Germination, field results David Mycock (South Africa) Storage, cryopreservation, physiology and micropropagation Alison A Powell (United Kingdom), (from 1 October 2011) Seed vigour, seed storage and deterioration, priming. Zdenka Procházková (Czech Republic) Forest seeds Moctar Sacandé (United Kingdom) Tropical tree seed physiology, seed storage longevity, desiccation tolerance and seed conservation, biophysics of seed storage, tropical dry land species, silviculture of tropical Norm W. Schaad (United States) Plant health, bacteria Michael Sussman (United States) GMO and related methods Christopher Wood (United Kingdom) Seed storage (especially palms and orchids), seed cryopreservation, screening for desiccation sensitivity

6.1 Editorial figures for 2012

Papers received: 303 Papers accepted for publication: 44 Papers rejected: 222 Papers published in 3 issues: 19 + 13 + 17 = 49 Full papers in 3 issues: 9 + 10 + 12 = 31 Research Notes in 3 issues: 10 + 3 + 5 = 18 Pages published in 3 issues (incl. content lists etc.): 154 + 128 + 175 = 457 Average number of pages per paper (excl. content 9 lists etc): Issues published: 40-1, 40-2, 40-3

6.2 Sales of ‘Seed Science and Technology’

In 2012, 300 copies each were printed of Volume 40/1, 40/2 and 40/3. The numbers of subscriptions sold were 209 for the print edition, 11 for the individual online and print edition, 12 for the individual online edition, 8 for the institutional online and print edition, and 14 for the institutional online edition. In addition, all ISTA Personal Members and staff of ISTA Member Laboratories are entitled to free online subscriptions: 201 institutional subscriptions to laboratory members, 42 individual subscriptions to Personal Members and 17 individual subscriptions to Associate Editors of the journal were released. Twenty back issues were sold.

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7. Report of the ISTA Secretariat

7.1 Secretariat staff

In 2011 a new structure in the ISTA Secretariat was established. The resignation of Christof Neuhaus from his position as Head of Technical Development Department in March 2012 necessitated a further restructuring of the Secretariat. This new structure came into effect at the beginning of August 2012. The position as Head of Technical Development Department was not filled. Instead the roles of the Technical Development Department with the Accreditation Department were combined within an „Accreditation and Technical Department‟, headed by Rasha El-Khadem (former Head of Accreditation). The position of „Assistant Technical Development‟ was discontinued. The position of Technical Committee (TCOM) Coordinator was re-created and offered to Nadine Ettel, former Assistant Technical Development. Ronald Don, who had previously helped during the absence of the TCOM Coordinator during 2010, agreed to help Nadine Ettel develop the additional skills needed for the position of TCOM Coordinator. The publishing tasks of ISTA, formally grouped under the Technical Development Department, were organised into a newly created „Publications Unit‟. This Publication unit consisted of the Publication Specialist, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Muschick as the head. In addition, the Publication Specialist provided administrative assistance to the Secretary General. The position of Agnes Hegedues as Publication Sales Assistant, formally in the Technical Development Department, was transferred to the Administration Department headed by Patricia Muschick. At the end of June, Mary Jane Kelly left her position as System Auditor after 4 years. In mid-August, Florina Palada joined the Secretariat as a System Auditor. In November, Rasha El-Khadem went on maternity leave. Some of Rasha El-Khadem‟s tasks have been postponed until her return. The day to day operation of accreditation has been undertaken by the two system auditors with staff management deputised to the Head of Administration and/or Secretary General. Branislava Opra undertook the audits that would have been carried out by Rasha El-Khadem. Ronald Don has assisted with accreditation as required. Cannice Gubser was on maternity leave from her position of Membership Administrator during 2012. This position was temporarily filled by Manuel Raithelhuber. There were no additional costs associated with the employment of Manuel Raithelhuber. On October 21, after 13 and a half years, Michael Muschick resigned as Secretary General.

Secretariat staff 2012:

Secretary General/Head of Publications Unit Michael Muschick full-time Publication Specialist/Assistant Secretary General Jonathan Taylor full-time Head of Accreditation Department (Jan-Nov, on Rasha El-Khadem full-time maternity leave) System Auditor (Jan-Jun) Mary Jane Kelly full-time System Auditor/Accreditation Administration Branislava Opra full-time System Auditor (Aug-Dec) Florina Palada full-time TCOM Coordinator (Apr-Dec) Nadine Ettel full-time Head of Administration Department Patricia Muschick full-time Membership Administration (on maternity leave) Cannice Gubser Membership Administration Manuel Raithelhuber part-time

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Event Organizer Martina Haefeli full-time Publication Sales Assistant Agnes Hegedüs part-time Finance- & Office Administration Axel Ohleyer full-time Head of Technical Development Department (Jan- Christof Neuhaus full-time Mar) Assistant Technical Development (Jan-Mar) Nadine Ettel

7.2 Tasks

In 2012, the ISTA Secretariat was responsible for: Contributing to the development of strategies for all areas of the Association (for the Executive Committee) International presentation and representation of the Association among partner organisations Collaboration with partner organisations on the global, political and technical levels (on request of the TCOMs) Overall finances of the Association (investment planning, budgeting, accounting, invoicing) Human resource planning and recruiting of staff Governing of the Secretariat of the Association (overall administration, back- office, IT systems maintenance) Administration of all ISTA members (membership applications, cancellation processes, maintenance of membership database) Handling, administration and enforcement of the ISTA voting rights Administration of, collaboration with and supporting of the Executive Committee and corresponding Working Groups Administration of and supporting of the Technical Committees and corresponding Working Groups in management, administration and representational tasks Administration and coordination of the Method Validation Programme Planning and organisation of the Annual Meeting of the Association in Venlo, The Netherlands (programme development, venue planning, publication of Congress documents, registration of participants) in collaboration and support of the National Organising Committee Planning and preparatory organisation of the 30th ISTA Congress in Antalya, Turkey (programme development, venue planning, online registration of participants) in collaboration and support of the National Organising Committee Collating, editing, typesetting, contributing to and publishing of the magazine Seed Testing International Operation, administration, database maintenance and information updating of the ISTA web site Operations of the ISTA Accreditation Body (strategy, administration of the audit programme, auditing of laboratories, organisation and travel arrangements for audit assessments with laboratories and external auditors) Elaboration, organisation of and lecturing ISTA Quality Assurance Workshops Administration, sample distribution, entering of results for all the ISTA Proficiency Tests Administration, sales, distribution and production of ISTA Orange and Blue Certificates

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Operations of the ISTA publishing house (typesetting, editing and printing of publications, creation and production of publications catalogue, publication sales, invoicing and dispatching of books, stock management) Handling of subscriptions and page charges for the scientific journal Seed Science and Technology (SST), marketing, sales and publishing process online and print Organisational support, coordination, announcement and administration of the ISTA workshops and seminars Process operation, database maintenance and administration of the ISTA GMO Proficiency Tests Administration and addressing of requests from international bodies, members and non-members Handling and administration of general requests from members and non- members Enforcement, administration and handling of requests related to ISTA copyrights Conception, design and maintenance of assorted ISTA information, documents and marketing pamphlets in print and electronically Planning, formulation, transmission and administration of ISTA electronic newsletters Participation in interviews / writing of articles on ISTA related issues Marketing efforts to attract new members Elaboration, organisation and staffing of ISTA information booths at international meetings

In addition to these tasks, the Secretariat was involved in the following important projects: ISTA representative in the World Seed Project in collaboration with FAO, OECD, UPOV and ISF as a follow-up on the 2nd World Seed Conference International registration ensuring protection of the ISTA logo Legal clarifications with regards to the legal status of the Association Efforts to evaluate the Accreditation System as requested by the Ordinary Meeting 2010 Recruiting efforts to fill the vacancy at the Secretariat Reorganisation of management structure Application of new payment policy for membership fees as per ISTA Articles Elaboration and application of draft for new cost accounting system Elaboration of a time registration system

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8. Finances of the Association In January 2013, the ISTA accounts were audited by financial auditors of BDO AG, who found them to be in order. The report of the financial auditors is included after the presentation of the financial figures. The total turnover increased to a total of Swiss Francs CHF 2’881’251.20 for 2012 (CHF 2‟548‟722 in 2011 and CHF 2‟497‟412 in 2010), which is an increase of 13.05% compared with the year before (2.86 % for 2011; 1.93 % for 2010). The financial result for the year 2012 is positive, with a declared profit of CHF 45'083.83 (CHF 8‟755.76 for 2011; CHF 28 037.49 for 2010). On the income side, more income than expected could be gained from member subscriptions due to the affiliation of more members (CHF 29‟568) and some unexpected payments of outstanding membership fees from former years (CHF 22‟802). The losses on membership subscriptions were high but as expected. Income on Annual Meetings was much less than in 2011 due to the fact that in 2012 the financial matters were carried by the hosting country (Netherlands), whereas in 2011 these were carried by the Association as the Annual Meeting was organised by the Secretariat in Switzerland. However, this position is always in balance (if higher income, expenses are higher and reverse). Whereas sales figures for ISTA Rules and Seed Science and Technology remain at a stable range, the ISTA Handbooks saw quite a reduction in income. This can be explained by the fact that no new technical books have been produced in 2012. Nevertheless, this reduction in income is balanced by less costs for about the same amount. The income on accreditation was CHF 24‟000 less than budgeted for, however, due to 2012 being a high number audit year (as every 3rd year) the income is much higher than compared to 2011 and 2010. There were many more ISTA Workshops in 2012 than expected for, however, since ISTA Workshop are performed on a cost covering basis, income and expenditures are balanced out. As price increases for the Certificates were announced to come into force by 2013, a lot of Certificates were purchased in the second half of 2012, shown in a tremendous growth in the income figures (CHF 144‟150). Consequently more Certificates had to be produced, explaining the higher accounts on the expenditure side as well. The income shown for Technical Committees results from the non-members participating in the ISTA GMO proficiency test. The income is higher than in previous years as two test rounds were executed instead of one as in 2011 and 2010. The Technical Committee expenses were unusually low in 2012. The expenditure for the journal Seed Science and Technology was unusually low due to reduced production costs in printing, typesetting and editorial work due to much less pages printed for volume 40/2012. The reduction in salaries and social charges resulted from the reduction of staff members employed at the Secretariat. The office costs include exchange gain or loss caused by currency fluctuations. In 2012 there was a gain whereas in 2011 and 2010 the losses were CHF 20‟000 and CHF 98‟000 respecitvely. Also costs were held at a low level because there were no major incidents with computers and/or any need for legal advice. The detailed overview on the accounts is presented in the following pages and gives figures for the profit and loss for the years 2010 to 2012, the budgeted figures for 2013, as approved by the Executive Committee, and the preliminary budget figures for the year 2014, as well as the balance sheet as per 31 December 2012.

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The increased income (Certificates and a high number of audits performed) identified above is included in the profit and loss account as „Provisions for fluctuations‟.

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Accounts Accounts Accounts Budget prel. Budget Profit and Loss Account 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

CHF CHF CHF CHF CHF Income Subscriptions Annual Membership Subscription 1'232'516.00 1'306'075.00 1’335’643.00 1'301'730.00 1'301'730.00 Extraordinary Income on Subscriptions 8'708.06 14'563.59 37’365.68 0.00 0.00 Extraordinary Losses on Subscriptions -44'017.66 -73'269.16 -58’945.86 -26’070.00 -26'070.00 Website 0.00 350.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Ordinary Meetings 42'288.20 132'058.64 15’248.37 44’160.00 9’000.00 Technical Committees 10'030.00 10'030.00 25’370.00 29'500.00 29'500.00 Seed Testing International 3'373.77 254.16 0.00 0.00 0.00 1'252'898.37 1'390'062.23 1’354’681.19 1'349'320.00 1'314'160.00 Service Centres ISTA Rules 94'239.05 79'242.81 84’447.75 84'000.00 84'000.00 Accreditation 598'000.00 446'000.00 632’000.00 663'000.00 494'000.00 Workshops 5'824.20 21'437.68 56’524.33 72'677.00 72'677.00 Seed Science and Technology 132'252.06 135'081.40 136’977.49 135'000.00 135'000.00 Technical Publications 75'688.28 79'555.43 50’790.41 48'000.00 48'000.00 Certificates 415'950.00 403'350.00 547’500.00 400'000.00 450'000.00 Interests, Profit and Loss on Exchanges -77'439.57 -6'007.24 18’330.03 10'000.00 10'000.00 1'244'514.02 1'158'660.08 1’526’570.01 1'412'677.00 1'293'677.00

2'497'412.39 2'548'722.31 2’881’251.20 2’761’997.00 2’607’837.00

Expenditures Direct Costs Ordinary Meetings 33'658.42 151'294.08 4’255.66 0.00 0.00 Direct Costs Executive Committee 27'640.50 18'169.80 8’738.99 15'000.00 15'000.00 Direct Costs Technical Committees 141'841.14 27'464.28 3’971.15 60'000.00 60'000.00 Seed Testing International 31'790.61 32'826.95 32’782.95 35'000.00 35'000.00 234'930.67 229'755.11 49’748.75 110'000.00 110'000.00 Service Centres ISTA Rules 53'450.74 21'903.62 40’493.35 42'000.00 42'000.00 Accreditation 545'576.99 514'886.72 559’571.35 565'906.61 565'906.61 Workshops 2'576.36 15'005.76 56’524.33 72'677.00 72'677.00 Seed Science and Technology 75'425.29 76'588.44 62’990.10 85'000.00 85'000.00 Technical Publications 46'031.71 31'750.67 7’522.01 15'000.00 15'000.00 Certificates 32'694.42 34'113.34 40’375.93 45'000.00 45'000.00 Provision for Fluctuations 330’000.00 0.00 0.00 755'755.51 694'248.55 1’097’477.07 825’583.61 825’583.61 Operating Costs Salaries and Social Charges 912'020.27 1'199'904.31 1’144’458.49 1'262'544.04 1'262'544.04 Staff Training 3’891.50 16’502.76 22613.17 85’000.00 50’000.00 Office Costs 411'019.03 334'525.43 242’434.60 245'000.00 245'000.00 Travel Costs Internat. Representation 44'746.91 43'771.40 42’618.03 43'160.70 43'160.70 Marketing Costs 31'727.99 17'107.29 2’801.26 3'000.00 3'000.00 Website 75'283.02 4'151.70 134’016.00 10'000.00 10'000.00 Projects 175’000.00 55’000.00 Provision for Recruitment costs 100’000.00 0.00 0.00 1'478'688.72 1'615'962.89 1’688’941.55 1'823’704.74 1'668'704.74

2'469'374.90 2'539'966.55 2’836’167.37 2’759’288.35 2’604’288.35

Result 28'037.49 8'755.76 45’083.83 2’708.65 3’548.65

Kindly note that a possible higher income from a feasible membership fee increase has not been considered for the figures presented in this preliminary Budget 2014.

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Balance Sheet as per December 31st 2009 2010 2011 2012 CHF CHF CHF CHF Assets Current Assets Cash Petty cash 3'744.31 7'019.29 5'180.85 11’646.06 Postal account 14'605.28 955'773.09 982'473.26 1’040’506.49 Zürcher Kantonalbank, current account 342'312.77 230'903.50 244'995.23 950’023.72 Zürcher Kantonalbank, deposit account 133'201.44 389'131.00 311'748.43 340’510.76 Zürcher Kantonalbank, USD account 123'637.66 23'578.13 70'520.01 38’725.38 Zürcher Kantonalbank, EUR account 550'473.88 43'761.36 170'430.92 144’248.79 Zürcher Kantonalbank, short-term deposit account, CHF 0.00 0.00 0.00 Zürcher Kantonalbank, short-term deposit account, EUR 6'990.50 2'247.46 6'777.66 4’322.72 1'174'965.84 1'652'413.83 1'792'126.36 2’529’983.92 Accounts receivable Membership subscriptions, Certificates and Publications 76'151.68 156'654.37 97'968.02 76’756.15 ./. Allowance on doubtful accounts -27'900.00 -59'400.00 -65'000.00 -15’000.00 48'251.68 97'254.37 32'968.02 61’756.15 Other accounts receivable Other accounts receivable 7'825.70 158.30 40'085.50 27’489.77 Withholding tax 3'548.66 7'281.28 4'784.23 3’739.69 Value added tax 8'740.71 16'886.26 10'623.43 8’553.63 20'115.07 24'325.84 55'493.16 39’783.09

Prepaid expenses 48'712.38 47'404.84 16'148.99 56’063.33

1'292'044.97 1'821'398.88 1'896'736.53 2’687’586.49 Noncurrent Assets Fixed Assets Furniture, Computer 5'200.00 3'700.00 2.00 14’476.06

Financial Assets Securities 160'834.00 150'916.00 120'836.00 126’958.00

Intangible Assets ISTA Logo 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

166'034.00 154'616.00 120'838.00 141’434.06

1'458'078.97 1'976'014.88 2'017'574.53 2’829’020.55

Liabilities Liabilities Accounts payable 35'042.12 63'385.81 42'841.65 58’010.09 Other accounts payable 25'965.70 20'201.55 62'998.85 52’449.00 Advance payments 327'696.63 529'527.66 622'315.38 858’231.05 Accrued expenses 188'925.61 249'413.46 102'176.49 103’004.42 Accrued liabilities 228'000.00 433'000.00 498'000.00 1’023’000.00

805'630.06 1'295'528.48 1'328'332.37 2’094’694.56 Retained Earnings Surplus as of January 1st 649'213.67 652'448.91 680'486.40 689’242.16 Result 3'235.24 28'037.49 8'755.76 45’083.83 Surplus as of December 31st 652'448.91 680'486.40 689'242.16 734’325.99

1'458'078.97 1'976'014.88 2'017'574.53 2’829’020.55

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C. Reports of the Technical Committees

You will find on the following pages the reports of the Technical Committees for the calendar year 2012. These reports give an indication of progress towards achievement of the working programmes approved by the TCOM for the period up to June 2013. Activity Working Programmes arranged in alphabetical order of Committee: ATC Advanced Technologies Committee BSC Bulking and Sampling Committee FSC Flower Seed Committee FTS Forest Tree and Shrub Seed Committee GER Germination Committee GMO GMO Committee MOI Moisture Committee NOM Nomenclature Committee PUR Purity Committee SHC Seed Health Committee STA Statistics Committee STO Storage Committee TEZ Tetrazolium Committee VAR Variety Committee VIG Vigour Committee

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1. ATC Advanced Technologies Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Bert van Duijn Netherlands 2 VICE-CHAIR: Brigitte Switzerland Hamman 3 Birte Boelt Denmark 4 Kent Bradford United States 5 Rukui Huang China 6 Bob Legro Netherlands 7 Harry Nijenstein Netherlands 8 Graeme Smith Australia 9 Joost van der Burg Netherlands 10 Zhujun Zhu China 11 Ghasem Tohidloo Iran Joined ATC from beginning of 2012

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 New ATC early Feb Published in STI 143 (April 2012 2012, page 20)

B3. Scientific information publications

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 ATC Web-pages 2011 Are now updated and ready to be built on in future 2 Overview new 2013 New method of recording technologies list has been discussed and will be implemented on-line 3 Review Image analysis Feb 2013 Was decided to split into this into different topics and one general paper. Deadline for the general paper is set for early 2013 4 Article on chlorophyll Feb 2013 fluorescence technology 5 Article on X-ray images Oct 2013 Working group established in seeds 6 Article on multispectral Oc 2013 Working group established imaging

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C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Specific technology Sept 2013 Idea has been discussed workshop (to be and will be worked out in discussed) collaboration with the ECOM and Secretariat 2 Specific technology Will be discussed early 2013 workshop (to be discussed) C2 Seminars

remarks Seminar subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Seminar New June 2012 Realised at Venlo 2012 developements and technologies in seed testing; Venlo 2012

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating proposed collaboration update committees finalisation progress 1 Chlorophyll Early 2012 See B3.4 fluorescence and germinating seeds 2 Image analysis Early 2013 See B3.3

3 Seed Analyser 2012 See B3.4

4 Oxygen Sensor 2012 Will be reinitiaited based on technology imminent journal publications 5 Finding new continuous technologies

New project New proposed finalisation date

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2. BSC Bulking and Sampling Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Leena Pietilä Finland 2 VICE-CHAIR: Max Netherlands Soepboer 3 Laura Carlson United States 4 Lotta Claesson Sweden 5 Marie Duter New Zealand 6 Eddie Goldschagg South Africa 7 Fabio Gorian Italy 8 Gerry Hall United Kingdom 9 Michael Kruse Germany 10 Andrei Mihalachi Moldova 11 Jette Nydam Denmark 12 Mable Simwanza Zambia 13 Jean-Claude Stephan France 14 Dot Vittrup Pedersen Denmark

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 The minimum inside 2016 diameters of Nobbe triers and sampling sticks 2 Validation of the tube 2016 Will be considered how to continue trier 3 Sampling of 2016 PUR Orobanche 4 Sampling of seed 2016 Under discussion mixtures A2. Introduction of New Species

remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Addition of certain 2013 FTS Rules proposal accepted in AM Prunus species to the 2012 table 2A (P. besseyi, P. mahaleb, P. virginiana, P. besseyi) 2 Addition of bamboo 2013 FTS species to Table 2A A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress Revision of the Table Rules proposal to be made in OM 2B in the Rules, 2013 Chapter 2: Sample 1 sizes for pelleted 2013 seeds, encrusted seed and seed granules Revision of the 11.2 (Sampling) in the 2 2013 Rules, Chapter 11: Testing Coated Seeds

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3 Storage of samples 2013 Rules proposal to be made in OM after testing, Rules 2013. Question raised by Attilio Chapter 2.5.3. Lovato 4 Revision of the 2012 Rules proposal to be made in OM Chapter 16 in the 2013 Rules: Rules for size and grading of seeds, (submitted sample sizes) 5 Proposal to change 2013 Rules proposal made and accepted ISTA/ISF Experiment in AM 2012 on Herbage Seed Lot Size to a permanent regime 6 How to take a 2012 Rules proposal made and accepted container sample for in AM 2012 heterogeneity test

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 ISTA Handbook on 2013 ISTA BSC meeting in Denmark in Seed Sampling Accreditation November 2012 on the subject Department B2. Training publications on specific seed testing topics

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Supporting material 2013 Under discussion for „Train the trainers‟ B3. Scientific information publications

remarks proposed collaboration update finalisation progress ISTA Monitoring ISTA seed Authors: Don R., Pietilä L, El 1 2012 Accreditation samplers Khadem R. Department 2 Monitoring ISTA seed 2012 ISTA Authors: Don R., El Khadem R., samplers: results of Accreditation Pietilä L. questionnaire Department

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 ISTA workshop on Mar 2012 General Completed: March 2012 seed sampling of Inspectorate for agricultural seeds Phytosanitary Chisinau, Republic of Surveillance and Seed Moldova Control 2 Workshop on Apr 2013 DLF-Trifolium To be held in Odense, Denmark Sampling and Quality 16-19.4.2013 Assurance in Seed Sampling. Odense Denmark

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F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating proposed collaboration update committees finalisation progress 1 ISTA/ISF Herbage Jun 2013 Rules proposal made and accepted Seed Lot Size in AM 2012. The final report will be Experiment: final presented in 2013 as is described report 2013 at the in the experimental protocol latest 2 Seed mixtures 2016 PUR, GER Under discussion in the Committee 3 Sampling of small 2016 STAT Under discussion seed lots 4 Monitoring of Jun 2013 ISTA Under discussion in the Committee sampling Accreditation Department

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE subject of question from Country/Distinct Economy 1 Advice on rotary and Australia centrifugal dividers: e.g. do they cut down the time spent on division and are they easy to clean compared with the soil divider 2 How to monitor the Brazil work of seed samplers? 3 Requirements for via ISTA Secretariat Nobbe trier 4 Does maximum seed Canada lot size apply to BIC? 5 Does a certain type of Germany soil divider fulfil the ISTA requirements? 6 Sealing requirements Brazil for packages 7 Submitted sample Israel size when the seed lot is small and seed is expensive 8 What are suitable Czech Republic tests for analysing check samples? 9 Are bigger working Czech Republic sample sizes than prescribed in the ISTA Rules allowed to be used? 10 Sealing requirements Japan for containers and who is allowed to seal the containers 11 Sampling method via ISTA Secretariat when Nobbe trier is used

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12 Training in seed USA sampling for issuance of BIC 13 Maximum seed lot Korea size requirements 14 Sampling intensity via ISTA Secretariat when seed lot is in small containers (of 1 kg) 15 Suitability of different Argentina types of dividers for fragile or chaffy seed species 16 Minimum Canada requirements for monitoring of seed samplers 17 Possible ways to Canada reduce the size of a very big composite sample

New project New proposed finalisation date

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3. FSC Flower Seed Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Rita Italy Zecchinelli 2 VICE-CHAIR: Sharon United States Davidson 3 Miriam Dekalo Keren Israel 4 Sylvie Ducournau France 5 Anton Grim Netherlands 6 Kumiko Jinno Japan 7 Dusica Jovicic Serbia 8 Frikkie Marais South Africa 9 Aleta Meyr United States 10 Zita Ripka Hungary 11 Wen-shi Wu Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 Alcea rosea: GER The test plan has been germination method approved by the in sand reviewers; the study will start soon A2. Introduction of New Species

remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Felicia heterophylla 2012 PUR, GER, The validation study is STA ongoing A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Samples size for 2013 PUR, BSC Planned for 2013 flower species (Tab. 2A part 3)

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 New Method Sheets 2010/2011 GER, PUR, Finalised. Sent to the for the ISTA Flower TEZ Secretariat for publication Seed Testing Handbook: Alyssum; Arabis; Aubrieta deltoidea; Aurinia saxatilis; Erysimum; Iberis; Lobularia maritima; Campanula; Abutilon x hybridum; Alcea rosea; Althaea; Lavatera trimestris;

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Malope trifida; Lobelia 2 New Method Sheets 2011/2012 GER, PUR, Finalised. Waiting for for the ISTA Flower TEZ PUR approval Seed Testing Handbook: Amaranthus; Aquilegia; Convolvulus tricolor; Ipomoea; Chrysanthemum indicum; Glebionis; Leucanthemum; Tanacetum; Papaver 3 New Method Sheets 2012/2013 GER, PUR, The preparation is on- for the ISTA Flower TEZ going, draft working Seed Testing sheets ready to circulate Handbook: Achillea; within the committee Anemone; Ranunculus asiaticus; Linum; Cleome hassleriana; Clarkia; Oenothera macrocarpa; Lathyrus; Lupinus; Mimosa pudica

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Workshop on flower 2012 The workshop has been seed testing organised succesfully (Netherlands, in (June 2012, 6-9) conjunction with the Annual Meeting)

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test proposed collaboration update subject location finalisation progress 1 PT11-1 Lathyrus 2011 GER, FSC Finalised odoratus

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject Remarks collaborating proposed collaboration Update committees finalisation Progress 1 Seedling evaluation in 2011 GER Finalised. The final report Salvia spp. is to be completed 2 Root system 2012 GER The study in the development in laboratory has been Lupinus flower completed. The species Committee decided to proceed with a new study being organised, in order to evaluate the influence of the primary root in the develpment of the plant. The finalisation is postponed to the end of 2013

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE subject of question from

Country/Distinct Economy 1 Germination of January Netherlands Eucomis spp. 2012

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2 Germination of . December Poland Delphinium spp. 2012

New project New proposed finalisation date

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4. FTS Forest Tree and Shrub Seed Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Fabio Gorian Italy 2 VICE-CHAIR: Zdenka Czech Republic Prochazkova 3 Heidi Bye Norway 4 Rosa Colomer Spain 5 Isolde Ferraz Brazil 6 Robert Karrfalt United States 7 Dave Kolotelo Canada 8 Czeslaw Koziol Poland 9 Steffi Kraemer Germany 10 Efisio Mattana Italy 11 Beti Piotto Italy 12 Hugh Pritchard United Kingdom 13 Dale Simpson Canada 14 Victor Vankus United States

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 Water activity 2013 MOI, STO, Working Group led by measurement Kew R.Karrfalt. No news in 2012 2 Alternative germination 2014 GER, STO, This proposal was raised with substrates (i.e. agar)-for Kew the GER in 2012 during the conservation programs Annual Meeting in Venlo (seed banks)-small seed lots 3 Pretreatments of 2013 FSC, GER, A workshop will be held in Mediterranean shrub TZ, STO 2013, May in Madrid seeds 4 Introduction of the 2012 OECD Seed lot quality OECD Forest Scheme characteristics were procedures introduced in the OECD guidelines A2. Introduction of New Species

remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Validation of 2014 GER (Kew) Germination studies germination methods for conducted on 34 palm tropical/subtropical tree species from H.Pritchard and species T.Marks need to be validated. Expensive cost of shipment: how can we solve this problem? 2 Tetrazolium (new 2013 TEZ no progress species) 3 MOI determination of 2013 MOI (Kew) no progress large tropical seeds species 4 Validation of 2013 GER Germination studies have germination methods for (Montaraz- been conducted on more mediterranean tree and Spain) than 10 Mediterranean species by Semillas

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shrub species Montaraz-Madrid (Spain). In May there will be a workshop in Madrid A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 To define standard 2015 RUL In order to avoid any doubts conditions of the about the MC of a lot, laboratory environment especially with species having a TSW around 200 g (eg Fagus sylvatica) 2 If TSW is >200 g sample 2013 RUL, PUR, If you test large seeds (TSW is of 500 seeds BSC >200 g) you don't reach the minimum number of 2500 seeds. 3 Checking if the 200g 2015 MOI, STA Validation protocol approved. TSW in 9.1.5.5 Cutting Validation testing is planned for tree and shrub for 2013 (Mc Giil and species is appropriate Pasquini). and if 10g or 20g of seed rather than 10 intact seeds can be cut.

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Tree and shrub seed 2015 No discussion among the Handbook (revision) FTS members, due to the retirement of some member of the Working Group. We need to find other members for a new Working Group 2 Sampling Handbook 2013 BSC Discussion is in progress (revision adding the tree among BSC members seed part) B2. Training publications on specific seed testing topics

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Guia de propágulos e 2013 Kew no progress Plantulas da Amazônia, volume 1: to publish in English, Edited by Isolde D.K.Ferraz 2 Guia de propágulos e 2013 Kew no progress Plantulas da Amazônia, volume 2: to publish in English, Edited by Isolde D.K.Ferraz 3 Handbook on seedling 2013 GER Discussion regarding the evaluation: standardization of the Improvement of tree and pictures to include in the shrub photos of Handbook will starts soon seedlings within the GER B3. Scientific information publications

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update

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finalisation progress 1 Thermal niche for seed 2012 Kew Orrù M, Efisio Mattana E, germination in the wild Pritchard HW, Bacchetta G. grapevine Vitis vinifera 2012. Annals of Botany, L. subsp. sylvestris doi:10.1093/aob/mcs218). (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi. 2 Post desiccation 2012 Kew Chen H-Y; Pritchard HW, germination of mature Seal CE, Nadarajan J, Li W- seeds of tea (Camellia Q, Yang S-X, Kranner I . sinensis L.) can be (2012) Plant Science 184, enhanced by pro- 36-44. oxidant treatment, but partial desiccation tolerance does not ensure survival at -20 °C 3 Narrowing of the critical 2012 Kew Popova EV, Kim DH, Han hydration window for the SH, Pritchard HW, Lee JC cryopreservation of Salix (2012). CryoLetters 33, 219- caprea seeds following 230. ageing and a reduction in vigour. 4 Rates of water loss and 2012 Kew Xia K, Daws MI, Stuppy W, uptake in recalcitrant Zhou Z-K, Pritchard HW seeds of Quercus (2012). PLOS One 7, issue species are determined 10, e47368 by pericarp morphology. 5 Spatial and temporal 2012 Kew Hu D, Wang Q, Yao J-H, nature of reactive Wand Y, Pritchard HW, oxygen species Wang X-F (2012). Plant Cell production and and Environment published programmed cell death online: 6 JUN 2012, DOI: in elm (Ulmus pumila) 10.1111/j.1365- seeds during controlled 3040.2012.02535.x.) deterioration. 6 The use of MRI in seed 2012 CRA (I), A presentation was done testing SSGC (I) during the ISTA seminar in Venlo; a poster will be presented during the ISTA congress in 2013; a paper is in progress 7 Seed germination of a 2012 Udine Pasquini S., Mizzau M., recalcitrant species University (I), Petrussa E., Braidot E., (Quercus ilex) stored in CRA (I) Gorian F., Lambardi M., polyethylene bags: Vianello A.(2012). An oral analysis of some presentation will be held in bioenergetic and Antalya oxidative parameters

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 FTS Workshop on 2013 Montaraz Madrid, (Spain), May 7-9 Mediterranean species (ES) (trees and ): germination 2 International seed kiln 2013 Rheinald- Bernkastel-Kues (Germany) conference Pfalz (DE) 3 OECD Forest scheme 2013 CFS, OECD Verona and Peri (Italy) Technical working group

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meeting

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 PT13-4 Pinus sylvestris 2013 PUR, GER The organisation of the PT will start soon.

New project New proposed finalisation date

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GER Germination Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Sylvie France Ducournau 2 VICE-CHAIR: Anny van Netherlands Pijlen 3 Ignacio Aranciaga Argentina 4 Ronald Don United Kingdom 5 Kari Fiedler United States Retired 2012 6 Fabio Gorian Italy 7 Andrea Jonitz Germany 8 Krystyna Kolasinska Poland Retired 2012 9 Augusto Martinelli Argentina 10 Lea Mazor Israel 11 Gillian McLaren United Kingdom 12 Harry Nijenstein Netherlands 13 Takayuki Okuda Japan 14 Hakon Tangerås Norway 15 Rita Zecchinelli Italy

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 Shortening the time of 2012 STA Results were preseented in the final count for certain June 2012 at the side grass species (Festuca meeting of the Germination rubra, Poa pratensis, Committee and discussed. Lolium perenne) The final report was produced in October 2012 and validated in December 2012. Amendments have been proposed to be voted on in 2013. Some concerns have been sent to the committee from German seed lab group regarding the proposal of shortening the duration of germination test for some grass species and answers have been given by the committee

2 Use of KNO3 for lettuce 2013 STA The study has not yet seed germination test started. The committee needs to find another working group leader for this validation study

3 Add the temperature of STA The study is cancelled. No 20°C for the germination more interest in this project of Spinacia oleracea 4 Use of KNO3 for 2013 STA The study will start in 2013 Panicum maximum and Panicum coloratum seed germination test 5 Shortening the time of 2013 STA The study has just been the final count for started Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense and Medicago sativa from 10 days to 7 days

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6 Use of BP for Lolium STA The report of the validation perenne and Festuca study has been produced. rubra Due to the results of repeatability the committee decided not to validate the use of BP for the germination method of these species. A proposal is to repeat the validation study with more laboratories involved. The committee is waiting for the decision of the working group leader on whether to repeat the study or to not

A2. Introduction of New Species

remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Solanum nigrum: 2010 STA Germination method is Introduction of validated and included in germination method ISTA Rules but there is a need to include working sample weight in order to be able to issue ISTA certificate. This will be done by the Purity Committee 2 Bamboo seeds: 2013 STA, BSC, After many proposals to Introduction of PUR, FTS Indian colleagues in order to germination method help starting this study for germination and after no answer and no information given from their side for many months, the proposal is to cancel this study

3 Eustoma sp.: 2012 STA, BSC, The study is cancelled. No Introduction of PUR, FSC more interest in this project germination method 4 Brassica carinata: 2012 STA, BSC, The study is cancelled. No Introduction of PUR more interest in this project germination method 5 Chenopodium quinoa: 2013 STA, BSC, The test plan has been Introduction of PUR developed and validated. germination method Seeds are ready to be sent to the participants 6 Cleome gynandra: 2013 STA, BSC, The study is planned for Introduction of PUR 2013 germination method A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Ending germination tests 2012 RUL A proposal has been once pre-determined prepared by the committee germination levels are and voted at the ISTA achieved Meeting in Venlo 2 Not differentiating 2011 The proposal was withdrawn between categories of during the side meeting of non-germinated seed the germination committee in June 2011 3 Introducing flexibility in 2012 STA A proposal was prepared by germination test the committee to be voted

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methods on in 2012. The Executive Committee decided not to propose it to the vote in 2012 but initiated a debate on this item during the ISTA Meeting in Venlo. The debate was led by Steve Jones, Chair of the Rules Committee, and involved Joost van der Burg, Sylvie Ducournau, Jean-Louis Laffont, Rasha El Khadem and Andrea Jonitz. B2. Training publications on specific seed testing topics

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Handbook on Seedling 2013 Amendment is ready to be Evaluation: Changes in published relation to ISTA Rules chapter 5 changes. Examples: counting apparatus, growing media checks 2 Handbook on Seedling 2013 FSC for In progress. Ignacio Evaluation: Guidance on Helianthus Aranciaga is working on a assessment of Glycine guidance on Glycine max max and Helianthus that will be presented in the annuus seedlings first part of 2013. Augusto Martinelli is going to work on Helianthus annus and select some pictures to illustrate special cases of interest for seedling evaluation (E.g. terminal bud and surrounding tissue is intact or up to 50% not functioning normally to describe normal seedlings) 3 Handbook on Seedling 2013 No progress Evaluation: Guidance on assessment of fused cotyledons and apical meristems of dicotyledons 5 Handbook on Seedling 2013 FTS Discussion regarding the Evaluation: Improvement standardization of the of tree and shrubs pictures to include in the photos of seedlings Handbook 6 Handbook on Seedling 2013 No progress Evaluation: List of species where hard seeds may be found 7 Contribution to the FSC Validation of the new validation of the working sheets germination aspects of the Handbook on Flower Seed Testing

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress

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1 Germination Workshop 2012 Saskatoon The Workshop was in Canada laboratory organised by CFIA in Saskatoon from 17 to 19 September 2012 with 21 participants from Canada, France, Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu and the United States. The agenda of the workshop has covered various apspects of the ISTA Seedling Evaluation Handbook, QA, accreditation, calculations, tolerance tables, proficiency testing and the ISTA Rules process. The practical sessions included examples of different germination media: on top of paper, in

rolled towels, in sand, soil plus crepe paper and organic growing media and on different species 2 Workshop on Flower 2012 FSC, TZ, The Workshop was Seed Testing PUR organised by NAKt from 6 to 9 June 2012 in Roelofarendsveen in the Netherlands. The Germination Committee has contributed to the lectures and practical sessions on germination of Pelargonium and Zinnia 3 Workshop on Purity and 2013 Ankara The workshop will be held Germination Station, PUR by the Variety Registration and Certification Center (VRCC) in Ankara from 6 to 9 June 2013. The announcement has been published on the ISTA Website.

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 PT11-2 Triticum 2011 PUR, TZ, Completed aestivum MOI, GER 2 PT11-3 Trifolium 2011 PUR, GER Completed 3 PT12-1 Sorghum 2012 PUR, TZ, Completed GER 4 PT12-2 Phleum 2012 PUR, TZ, Completed pratense GER 5 PT12-3 Lactuca sativa 2012 GER

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating committees proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Survey on light 2012 A questionnaire was (intensity/wavelength) prepared by Ronnie Don in used in germination order to know what the tests conditions used in laboratories are

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1 Survey on particle size 2012 A questionnaire was of sand and OGM used prepared by Ronnie Don in for germination tests; order to know what the conditions used in laboratories are 1 Survey on the need for 2012 A questionnaire wase seed disinfection before prepared by Ronnie Don in germination test; order to know what the conditions used in laboratories are and the needs of ISTA members 2 Comparing results 2013 International No progress obtained from all the Institute for possible ISTA methods Beet for Beta vulgaris and Research, Helianthus annuus in STA order to keep only the best ones 3 Questionnaire regarding 2012 The questionnaires were Calibration of equipment sent to the members of the - Verification of committee and individual equipment answers have been sent to the ISTA Accreditation Department. More time should have been provided to make a common reply

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE

subject of question from Country/Distinct Economy 1 Address of a company Jan 2012 Zambia that supplies good quality paper 2 Double seedlings and Jan 2012 India Fused seedlings 3 Blended seed Jan 2012 Iran germination test 4 Tolerance tables for Jan 2012 Belgium germination tests in different laboratories 5 ISTA Hndbook on Jan 2012 USA Seedling Evaluation - Seedling Type D 6 Equipment of light for Feb 2012 Japan germination testing 7 Germination of spinach Feb 2012 The Netherlands 8 List of the germination Mar 2012 Zambia temperatures for vegetable seed 9 Germination of grasses Mar 2012 The Netherlands 10 Photos of maize Mar 2012 Iraq seedlings 11 Calculation and Apr 2012 New Zealand reporting of germination results 12 Beet washer Apr 2012 USA 13 Rounding tool Apr 2012 France 14 Manufacturer producing Apr 2012 Moldavia Jacobsen Germinators

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15 Treated seeds April 2012 Brazil laboratory germination test 16 Sand for germination Apr 2012 USA testing 17 Standardised Apr 2012 Germany germination testing method of tomatoe seeds according to ISTA 18 Decayed terminal bud May 2012 Argentina evaluation in Cicer 19 Bean germination in soil May 2012 The Netherlands 20 List of ISTA May 2012 India approved/recommended manufacturers of Seed Germinator 21 Media for sorghum Jun 2012 USA germination 22 Methods for breaking Jul 2012 South Africa dormancy in Helianthus annuu 23 Evaluation of loops on Jul 2012 USA Helianthus annuus hypocotyl 24 Reporting the Jul 2012 Switzerland monogermity for sugar beet 25 Testing less than 400 Aug 2012 USA seeds 26 Number of samples for Aug 2012 Germany testing phytotoxicity of substrate 27 Germination method for Sept 2012 The Netherlands the species Ammophila arenaria 28 Amount of water on Sept 2012 Argentina paper for germination testing 29 Extended duration for Sept 2012 Argentina germination testing 30 Shortening the duration Oct 2012 Poland of the germination test of Lupinus luteus 31 Use of Lactuca sativa Nov 2012 Brazil and Lycopersicon esculentum for detection of phytotoxicity in paper 32 Addition of another Nov 2012 Sweden temperature for germination of Phleum pratense and Festuca pratensis? 33 Use of water retention Nov 2012 Indonesia 34 Tolerances for 2 x 50 Dec 2012 Indonesia seeds 35 Boxes for germination Dec 2012 Sweden

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testing

New project New proposed finalisation date

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5. GMO Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change date change comments 1 CHAIR: Cheryl Dollard Canada Chair as of June 2012; WG Lead - (June 2012) Proficiency Tests, PT Expert Team 2 VICE-CHAIR: René France Temporary Task: Lead - Rules - Mathis Handbook 3 CHAIR: Christoph Switzerland PT Expert Team Haldemann (June 2012) 4 Clara Alarcon United States Resigned 5 Elizabeth Bates Belgium WG Lead - Accreditation program (Performance Based Approach) 6 Sofia Ben Tahar France 7 Tajinder Grewal Canada 8 Lutz Grohmann Germany 9 David Grothaus United States 10 Mihael Ichim Romania Resigned 2012 11 Andrea Jonitz Germany 12 Beni Kaufmann United States WG Lead - Information Exchange - Workshops 13 Jean-Louis Laffont France PT Expert Team 14 Charlotte Leonhardt Austria Resigned 2012 15 Enrico Noli Italy 16 Elena Perri Italy Temporary Task: Lead - Establishment of an audit check list for GMO testing laboratories 17 Kirk Remund United States Temporary Task: Lead - Identification of Stacked genes 18 Guy Van den Eede Italy 19 Ana Laura Vicario Argentina GMO TCOM Contact person for ATC 20 Ruojing Wang Canada Resigned 2012 21 Bruno Zaccomer France Temporary Task: Lead - Publication of the results of the Proficiency Test 22 Dabing Zhang China

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 Establish a new R Mathis - WG Lead: A draft of Chapter in the GMO Rules Chapter has been Rules for GMO submitted to GMO TCOM Testing members (October 1). An improved version has been sent to the Technical Committee Coordinator (November 9).and will be considered at the 2013 Congress

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B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Handbook of GMO 2013 New project: in development to Testing accompany Rules Chapter - proposed Lead - Enrico Noli: Meeting planned for February 2013, Toulouse, France to write first draft of Handbook B3. Scientific information publications

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Publication on the 2012 STA Bruno Zaccomer - Temporary GMO PT results. Task WG Lead: No progress to Title not yet report available 2 Workshop Report: 2012 STA Beni Kaufman - WG Lead: No Biotechnology Trait update to report Detection Workshop - Shanghai 2011

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Depending on STA Beni Kaufman - WG Lead: No request. It is aimed update to report to have one workshop per year 2 Update of the periodically No update - Currently seeking a Information leader for this WG Platform for GM Seed

3 ISTA GMO STA and Bologna, October 9 – 11, 2012 - Auditors Workshop Secretariat E.Noli, C. Haldemann, J-L Laffont

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test proposed collaboration update subject location finalisation progress 1 PT16: Zea mays March-June ISTA C.Dollard - WG Lead - PT16 2012 Secretariat, Completed Statistics Committee

2 PT17: Glycine max September- ISTA C. Dollard - WG Lead - In December Secretariat, progress: Seed Events secured 2012 Statistics for PT17, pre-testing complete, Committee registration complete.

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3 PT18: Zea mays March-June ISTA C. Dollard - WG Lead - In 2013 Secretariat, progress: Seed Events secured Statistics for PT18 - Maize. Note - Crop Committee change from the originally planned alfalfa, as no GM seed could be secured

4 PT19: Gossypium September- ISTA C. Dollard - WG Lead - In hirsutum - December Secretariat, progress: Working on securing Tentative 2013 Statistics seed for PT19 Committee

5 PT20: Medicago March-June ISTA C. Dollard - WG Lead - Seed sativa - Tentative 2014 Secretariat, Secured and pre-tested for (or Glycine max) Statistics Glycing max round if alfalfa is Committee unavailable

6 PT21: To be September- ISTA C. Dollard - WG Lead - No decided December Secretariat, progress for this PT to date, 2014 Statistics Sugar beet will not be available. Committee

7 Evaluate program March-June C. Dollard - WG Lead - for improvements 2015 discussion within WG ongoing. and cost savings Awaiting feedback/ideas from ECOM on the proposed changes to secure delivery of program

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / remarks subject collaborating proposed collaboration update committees finalisation progress 1 Improvement 2010 -2013 ISTA Elizabeth Bates - WG Lead: No (clarification, Accreditation update to report simplification) of Department, the PBA STA document 2 Finalizing the 2011 ISTA SOP 1 was transferred to the SOP for the Secretariat Secretariat, official issue administration of postponed/pending the PT program

3 Periodically March-June ISTA The procedure proposes to adaptation of the 2012 Secretariat review and update every 2nd PT SOP for the and reviews/updates will administration of commence once the document the PT program has been officially issued 4 Establishment of 2010-2012 ISTA E. Perri - Temporary Task WG an audit check accreditation Lead: the work is still in progress. list for GMO department A GMO check-list with the testing technical ISTA Laboratory

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laboratories Accreditation Standards as almost been organised. On the basis of the discussion during the ISTA Auditors Workshop, held in Bologna (Italy) in October several minimum requirements for each relevant topic were highlighted. These requirements will be added to the Check-list.The document will be submitted to the Accreditation Department for a feedback 5 Assistance with continuous ISTA No update: assistance will be the new data task Secretariat provided upon request base

6 Identification of March-June STA K. Remund -Temporary Task stacked genes 2012 WG Lead - No update to report

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE

subject of question from Country/Distinct Economy 1 Advice on Reference 2012 Japan Material 2 Import requirements to 2012 US Spain 3 ATC Image Inventory 2012 ATC committee 4 0.9% threshold in 2012 USA Europe 5 Accreditation 2012 Japan 6 Sampling and Test 2012 Secretariat methods 7 Low Level Presence EU 2012 Canada Regulations 8 GM sampling for 2012 Zimbabwe Tobacco 9 Reference Samples 2012 Nepal Permanent Tasks: 1.1 Proficiency tests The future direction of the PT programme is under discussion. 1.2 Accreditation programme (performance-based approach) 1.3 Information exchange: workshops 1.4 Information exchange: webpage „Info Platform for GM seed' Temporary Tasks: 2.1 Identification of stacked genes 2.2 Publication of the results of the Proficiency Test 2.3 Establishment of an audit check list for GMO testing laboratorie

New project New proposed finalisation date

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6. MOI Seed Moisture Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Craig McGill New Zealand 2 VICE-CHAIR: Jette Denmark Nydam 3 Joseph Ahenda Kenya 4 Mark Bennett United States 5 Matt Daws Australia 6 Gerarda de Boer Netherlands 7 Olfat El Bagoury Egypt 8 Todd Erickson United States 9 Robert Karrfalt United States 10 Harry Nijenstein Netherlands 11 Takayuki Okuda Japan 12 Sergio Pasquini Italy 13 Maria Tillman Brazil

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 Use of Water Activity 2013 FTS, STO for Seed Moisture Determination A2. Introduction of New Species

remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Solanum nigrum 2013 STA Data still being analysed with a Rules proposal to be submitted in November 2013 if supported by the data 2 xFestulolium 2013 STA Validation testing completed, data being analysed with a Rules proposal to be submitted in November 2013 if supported by the data 3 Cleome hassleriana 2013 Seed being collected for validation studies. Test leader identified. 4 Carica papaya Cleome hassleriana being worked on. 5 Passiflora edulis 2013 Cleome hassleriana being worked on. 6 Jatropha curcas No progress (subject to sufficient seed being available) A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Checking the need for 2013 STA Validation testing yet to begin grinding of Gleditsia triacanthos, Albizia julibrissin, Medicago sativa, Lotus pedunculatus, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium

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repens, Vigna radiate 2 Checking if the 200g 2013 STA, FTS Validation testing is planned TSW in 9.1.5.5 Cutting for 2013 for tree and shrub species is appropriate and if 10g or 20g of seed rather than 10 intact seeds can be cut 3 Tolerance Table 2013 STA, PTC No progress Development: Oven-oven for comparison of the same sample in one laboratory Oven-oven for different samples in the same/different laboratories 4 Changing the grinding No date STA No test leader identified requirements for Avena set strigosa to fine grinding (subject to finding a test leader) 5 Removal of the low- 2012 Rules change approved at temperature method for 2012 Ordinary General those species where it Meeting has not been individually validated from Table 9A Part 1

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Review and update 2012 Secretariat Review underway Handbook on Moisture Determination B3. Scientific information publications

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Influence of particle 2012 TBA size and on moisture determination in maize – Seed Science and Technology

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Vigour Moisture 2012 VIG, TEZ, Held in September 2012 Tetrazolium Workshop Secretariat in Melbourne, Australia

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 PT12-2 2012 Phleum pratense (not organised by MOI)

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating proposed collaboration update

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committees finalisation progress 1 Development of heat 2013 ISTA No progress during grinding Accreditation & Technical Department

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE subject of question from Country/Distinct Economy 1 Optimum moisture Jan 12 India content for storage of peas for 12 months. 2 Calibrating moisture Jan 12 Argentina meters. 3 Duration of the moisture Jul 12 Thailand test for Brachiaria spp. - is it long enough? 4 Rounding procedure for Jul 12 Canada reporting the moisture result. 5 Rounding procedure for Aug 12 Indonesia reporting the moisture result. 6 Grinding Luffa Aug 12 Indonesia acutangula and Momordica charantia seeds for moisture content determination . 7 Use of water activity for Oct 12 France seed moisture determination

New project New proposed finalisation date

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7. NOM Nomenclature Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: John United States Wiersema 2 VICE-CHAIR: Michel Australia Porcher 3 Bernard Baum Canada 4 Michel Chauvet France 5 Sandy Dawson United States 6 Axel Diederichsen Sweden 7 Niall Green United Kingdom resigned from NOM due to retirement in January 2013 8 Karl Hammer Germany 9 Wilbert Hetterscheid Netherlands 10 Phyllis Himmel United States 11 Charles Jarvis United Kingdam 12 Klaus Pistrick Germany 13 Kees van Ettekoven Netherlands We now have 3 vacancies on the Committee. An announcement inviting prospective new members will be made at the 2013 ISTA Congress. But interested people can contact the committee or ISTA Secretariat anytime.

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating proposed collaboration update committees

finalisation progress 1 ISTA List of Stabilized Dec 2013 As detailed in web documents Plant Names, ed. 6 posted at , work on this new edition was completed by November 2012, and a report detailing the impact of Committee-approved changes to the 2014 Rules was provided to the Rules Committee on 2 November. The full report of proposed changes to the 6th edition of the Stabilized List will be circulated to the ISTA members for consideration at the ISTA Ordinary Meeting 2013 in Antalya, Turkey. Following the formal adoption of the proposed changes, the new edition of the Stabilized List will be finalised by December 2013

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE subject of question date from Country/Distinct Economy 1 Frequency of updating Oct 2012 United States of ISTA nomenclature

New project New proposed finalisation date

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8. PUR Purity Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Adriel Garay United States 2 VICE-CHAIR: Jane United Kingdom Taylor 3 Myriam Alvisi Brazil 4 Pernilla Andersson Sweden 5 Gerarda de Boer Netherlands 6 Maria Duter New Zealand 7 Fabio Ferrari Italy 8 Charan Jeet Mehta India 9 Andrea Jonitz Germany 10 Augusto Martinelli Argentina 11 Deborah Meyer United States 12 Kepha Oganda Kenya 13 Andreas Ratzenboeck Austria 14 Zita Ripka Hungary 15 Ruojing Wang Canada

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 Blowing: compare 2013 WG leader: Adriel Garay and working AOSA and ISTA Gerarda de group with assistance from procedures and Boer; Steve Jones have prepared a evaluate the interest Collaborators: rules proposal for the use of of ISTA members on Ruojing the anemometer to measure the AOSA method Wang, Adriel the EVA (equivalent air based on Master Garay, Dot velocity) of the Uniform Calibration Samples Vittrup Blowing Point of (General (MCS) and equivalent Pedersen, type) blowers. air velocity Hvolbol Gerarda de Boer organised Jensen, the blowing comparisons Pernilla between the ISTA and AOSA Andersson, calibration samples and Karima worked with the Uniform Bouderhi- Blowing Procedure Working Giresse, Jane Group. They compared the Taylor, ISTA and AOSA calibration Deborah samples. Four European labs Meyer participated in the comparison study. Most labs found that the ISTA calibration sample calibrates at lower air velocity point. This study will continue in 2013 to determine its impact in purity and germination test results. Results will be presented in 2013 and we will explore the possibility of proposing a rule to make sure both AOSA and ISTA calibration samples are comparable. It was agreed that a two step approach be taken, first to introduce the use of the anemometer to measure the calibration setting of the uniform blowing point and to continue with

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research on the calibration samples with the idea of proposing a rule in the period 2013 -2016. The use of an anemometer will have many advantages for those that use uniform blowing procedures. It will reduce the excessive use of calibration samples which can sometimes cause variability and will make the uniform blowing. procedures easier and simpler and more reliable in the future A2. Introduction of New Species

remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Solanum nigrum: Find Finalised GER MOI; Completed, the Rules adapted PSD Current WG leader proposal for purity (PSD) and PSD for Solanum Deborah working sample weights species already in the Meyer for all agreed June 2012, effective in rules the rules = PSD 1-5; rules as from 1st January 10. Collaborators: 2013 Kepha Oganda, Jane Taylor, and other purity committee members 2 Cleome gynandra carry GER MOI No progress, the purity Find adapted PSD, forward to committee needs either the Current PSD for the next data to be able to validate the Cleome hassleriana working working sample weights or a already in Rules = period supply of seed to be able to PSD10 is Cleome 2013- carry out the 1000 seed gynandra 2016 weight and establish the N.B. the scientific working sample weights. The name and family to be original proposal came from a confirmed. See tropical seed working group as comments. species that they would like to progress into the ISTA rules but no one currently is taking responsibility for a co- ordinated implementation

The following information from Deborah Meyer: According to GRIN, Cleome gynandra L. is a synonym for Gynandropsis gynandra (L.) Briq. (Cleomaceae); therefore, rather than appearing in Table 3B under Cleome (PSD 10) a new table entry will need to be made. The PSD assigned should be #10, non-chaffy 3 Bupleurum carry GER MOI No progress, the purity rotundifolium: Find forward to committee needs either the adapted PSD For the next data to be able to validate the Bupleurum working working sample weights or a rotundifolium period supply of seeds to be able to 2013- carry out the 1000 seed 2016 weight and establish the working sample weights. The original proposal came from a tropical seed working group as species that they would like to

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progress into the ISTA Rules but no one currently is taking responsibility for a co- ordinated implementation

The following information from Deborah Meyer: As Bupleurum rotundifolium L. is in the Apiaceae, a new Table 3B entry will need to be made with the assignment of PSD 15 non-chaffy 4 Passiflora edulis carry GER MOI The following information from forward to Deborah Meyer: Table 3B the next entries will need to be made working for Passiflora edulis Sims period (Passifloraceae) assigned to 2013- PSD 10 non-chaffy 2016 No progress, the purity committee needs either the data to be able to validate the working sample weights or a supply of seed to be able to carry out the 1000 seed weight and establish the working sample weights. The original proposal came from a tropical seed working group as species that they would like to progress into the ISTA rules but no one currently is taking responsibility for a co- ordinated implementation 5 Carica papaya carry GER MOI A rules proposal was sent to forward to ISTA Secretariat in November the next 2012 but there was insufficient working validation data for the period germination. Both the 2013- germination and purity 2016 committees need a supply of seed to be able to carry out the work to validate the data on TSW, working sample weights and germination methods

The following information from Deborah Meyer: Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) assigned to PSD 10, possibly chaffy, unless there is a need for the seeds of these species to have a portion of the testa attached 6 Chenopodium quinoa 2013- GER MOI. A request for data on 2016 B & S thousand seed weight had WG Leader: been circulated to the purity Augusto committee. A set of data for Martinelli the TSW of 20 samples has been received. This needs to validated and finalised before proposals for the working sample weights can be made. Needs to be co-ordinated with other committees to ensure that all proposals are

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submitted at the same time A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Clarification Finalised Completed in 2011, effective concerning weight as from 1st January 2012, precision for OSD with a clearer interpretation of Two previous rules the ruling with a new table in proposals were Chapter 4 about the minimum withdrawn. number of decimal places for Common practice is reporting weights of samples to report it as whole examined figures e.g. 60 g not the actual weight e.g. 60.34 g 2 Amalgamation of Finalised WG leader: Amalgamation completed in Chapter 11 Chapter Augusto 2011 as an editorial 11 needs reviewing. Martinelli amendment, effective as from At the 2010 ISTA 1st January 2012. Minor meeting in Cologne, editorial amendments to text Augusto Martinelli and corrections of old cross offer to references completed in 2012, lead this effective as from 1st January 2013. 3 Improvement of PSD Finalised WG leader: Completed in 2012, changes 36 for Panicum Jane Taylor effective in ISTA rules as from Amend the wording of 1st January 2013 PSD 36 to include attached pedicel 4 Purity method for Finalised Completed in 2011, effective mixtures in ISTA Rules as from 1st January 2012, new chapter on testing of mixtures, results can be reported only on BIC, waiting for Bulking and Sampling committee for advice on sampling procedure. 5 Purity of coated Finalised WG leader: See 2 above seeds (should be Augusto considered Martinelli with number 2 above) 6 Clarification of ISTA 2013 WG leader: Completed in 2012, changes rules for testing of Jane Taylor effective in ISTA rules as from weighted replicates. 1st January 2013 Additional text required in the Rules to provide cross referencing between chapters 2, 3 and 13 7 Change of PSD for Completed in 2012, change Arachis from PSD 11 effective in ISTA rules as from to PSD 21 1st January 2013.

This change in PSD will permit seeds contained within the pod to be classified as pure seed, saving considerable analysis time and possible damage to the seed during removal of the pods during the purity test as is currently required under PSD11. 8 Amendments to Completed in 2012, changes

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wording in the effective in ISTA rules as from relevant Pure seed 1st January 2013 Definitions (PSDs 11 and 20-24) covering Fabaceae to clarify that broken/separated cotyledons within the testa are considered to be pure seed. 9 Review proposal for 2013- WG: blower & Suggestions for this to be adding new varieties 2016 other reviewed by the same working of Poa pratensis with interested group as the Blower WG. 1000 seed weight persons <0.35 g to the list in the ISTA rules. 10 See the questions to 2013- For consideration by the purity the purity committee 2016 committee as rules proposals (items 2 & 6) which to review and develop raised possible rules change proposals for the next triennium

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 PSD Handbook 2013- WG leader: Completed in 2010, 2016 Steve Jones, recommendation to carry this ISTA forward to new term 2013- Secretariat 2016, so that it should be finalised after 6 yearly review of the ISTA List of Stabilized Plant Names Ed 6 is concluded and changes proposed for voting at the 2013 meeting (to be effective as from 1st January 2014). This longer time scale will mean that any nomenclature changes to the ISTA rules and to the ISTA List of Stabilized Plant Name can be harmonised. Additionally, any ISTA rules changes to PSD's from 2010- 2013 can also be carried forward and included in the next triennium 2 “Detection of 2013- WG leader: Rules proposal for Methods of Orobanche spp. 2016 Jane Taylor; Orobanche testing adopted at Seeds” 2008 Collaborators: 2011 Annual Meeting effective Steve Jones, from 1 January 2012. Waiting Adriel Garay, for feedback from Bulking and Ruojing Wang Sampling committee about the sampling methodology for the submitted sample for Orobanche testing so that the result can be reported on an OIC 3 Handbook on Purity 2013- No progress, item was 2016 discussed at the Purity committee meeting June 2012 The Purity Handbook and

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format was discussed but no format or list of topics was agreed, one suggestion was that in the interim we could develop the use of the Purity area on the ISTA website with explanations on „How to do it‟ topics? 4 The Universal List of 2013- WG leader: To carry forward to new term Species – This is due 2016 Zita Ripka; 2013-2016, recommendation for review Collaborators: that it should be finalised after Debbie the 6 yearly review of the Meyer, ISTA List of Stabilized Plant Andrea Names Ed 6 is concluded and Jonitz, Kepha changes proposed for voting Oganda, at the 2013 meeting (to be Pernilla effective as from 1st January Andersson 2014). This longer time scale and Ruojing will mean that any Wang nomenclature changes can be harmonised with amendments to the ISTA rules and to the ISTA List of Stabilized Plant Names (see comments in item 1, PSD handbook). B2. Training publications on specific seed testing topics

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Identification of 2013- WG leader: The working group have been species of the 2016 Andrea Jonitz reviewing the images Universal List (UL) and / or / with available as although the Rita Zipka; layout for the text and images Collaborators: had been set out about half of Augusto the images needed were not Martinelli and yet agreed. A review of the Ruojing Wang information regarding the regional lists for species in the UL was circulated 2 Handbook on tropical 2013- Proposed WG Work in progress between species: seed 2016 leader: Myriam Alvisi and Dr. Angela identification and Myriam Alvisi; Tillman in Brasil. Some image seed Technology Collaborators: examples presented at ISTA Kepha meeting in 2012 Oganda, Augusto Martinelli, more members needed B3. Scientific information publications

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Development and 2013- WG leader: To carry forward to new term applications of 2016 Adriel Garay; 2013-2016, recommendation blowing procedures. Collaborators: that it should be finalised once The idea is to develop Kepha the proposal for use of the a publication for Oganda, anemometer to measure the educational purposes Pernilla equivalent air velocity (EVA) and to assist labs or Andersson, has been accepted industry people that Myriam Alvisi may want to understand and use blowing procedures

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for managing seeds and for testing seeds

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Workshop on purity June 2013 WG leader: A joint workshop on Purity and testing for Turkey Jane Taylor Germination testing has been agreed, for Ankara, Turkey to be held in June before the 2013 ISTA Congress

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test proposed collaboration update subject location finalisation progress 3 PT13-1 Phalaris 2013 PT tests as stated by ISTA PT canariensis Programme plan for 2011- 2013 4 PT13-3 Brassica 2013 PT tests as stated by ISTA PT napus Programme plan for 2011- 2013

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS Project title /subject remarks collaborating proposed collaboration update committees finalisation progress New Technologies in 2012 Pernilla Anderson carried out purity testing a survey to understand what new technologies are being used and what needs the member laboratories are. A questionnaire was circulated in 2012 and presentation made at the ISTA meeting in June 2012. An article has been prepared for Seed Testing International

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE

subject of question from date Country/Distinct Economy 1 Clarification/interpreta Jun 2012 USA tion of ISTA Rule 3.2.5.1 regarding seeds that might be empty but which cannot be visually assessed. 2 Clarification of Aug 2012 USA reporting for seed that are not identifiable to species level. Suggestion to add clarification to other parts of the rules, e.g. 4.7 same as for 3.7

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3 Query relating to Aug 2012 Iceland 1000 seed weight method 4 Query regarding Nov 2012 Australia rounding of purity percentages and documenting the results 5 Queries on weight Dec 2012 Australia determination tests – regarding number of places to weigh the replicates to and clarification on calculation and reporting and the number of decimals places needed. 6 Queries on reviewing Dec 2012 Sweden and updating the current list of Poa pratensis species in the ISTA rules (Table 3A) for the purity committee to consider whether the current rule needs amending so that laboratories can determine the 1000 seed weight value and if the value is <0.35g they should be permitted to use the lower blowing point without the variety being listed?

New project New proposed finalisation date

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9. SHC Seed Health Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Terry Aveling South Africa 2 VICE-CHAIR: Valerie United Kingdom resigned from SHC Cockerell (June 2012) 2 VICE-CHAIR: Valerie France Grimault 4 Ilaria Alberti Italy 5 Siham Asaad Syria 6 Rouke Bakker New Zealand 7 Stephan Brière Canada 8 Harrie Koenraadt Netherlands 9 Ronit Kohen Israel 10 Gary Munkvold United States 11 Reyes Blanco Prieto Spain 12 Masatoshi Sato Japan 13 Karin Sperlingsson Sweden 14 Krystyna Tylkowska Poland resigned from SHC (Nov 2012) 15 Sandra Walker United Kingdom

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 Xanthomonas hortorum pv. 2011 ISHI cancelled carotae/Daucus carota – Bio- PCR 2 Fusarium spp./Zea mays 2013 project 3 Tobamo viruses/ finalised ISHI voted June 2012 Lycopersicon esculentum - bioassay 4 SHC 16: Pseudomonas pisi 2013 ISHI sent to reviewers, if pv pisi accepted will be submitted to vote June 2013 5 Xcc PCR as alternative to finalised ISHI voted June 2012 pathogenicity 6 SHC 30: Xcc disinfected 2013 ISHI sent to reviewers, if seeds accepted will be submitted to vote June 2013 7 SHC 32: Acidovorax/corn 2014 analysis of results salad grow out under progress 8 Xcc bio-PCR TBA project 9 Tobamo viruses/pepper - TBA project bioassay 10 Fusarium graminearum, F. 2013 project lansethiae, F. culmorum and F./cereals 11 Living Neotyphodium, grass TBA project seed 12 Nematodes on onion seeds TBA project 13 Fusarium circinatum on 2014 Euphresco report received, to be Pinus – new method reviewed 14 SHC 29: Xanthomonas 2014 ISHI CT under progress campestris pv campestris media - modification of Method 7-019- SHC.29 15 SHC 45: Xanthomonas 2013 ISHI accepted by SHC, axonopodis pv phaseoli - submitted to vote June

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modification of method 7-021 2013 16 SHC 35: Detection of Botrytis 2013-2016 ISHI test plan accepted, new allii in onion seeds lots- pretests and CT to run SHC.35 17 Fusarium oxysporum on 2013-2016 . test plan received tomato A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Botrytis/sunflower 7-003 – 2011 voted June 2011 modification to method 2 Leptosphaeria maculans 7- 2013-2016 included in TESTA 004 –removal of 2,4D project 3 3 pathogens Linum sp. 7- 2013 accepted by SHC, 007, 017 and 018 –combine submitted to vote June to one method 2013 4 Pea, Pisum sativum 7-005, 2013-2016 test plan accepted, new add pathogens CT to run 5 Five year Method reviews 2011-2013 done, reports done, actions identified 6 SHC 42: Method 7-026 grow 2014 ISHI test plan accepted, CT out to confirm ELISA results- under progress addition to method B2. Training publications on specific seed testing topics

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Seed Health Handbook 2013-2016 8 of 12 chapters written

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Seed Health Workshop, Cancelled Aleppo, Syria 2 Seed Health Workshop, Cancelled Almeria, Spain 3 Seed Health Symposium, Cancelled Aleppo, Syria 4 Seed Health Symposium, 2014 Setting up under Edinburgh progress C2. Seminars

remarks Seminar subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Statistics for analysis of PT 2012 done, reports done, and CT results, France actions identified, ECOM agreement on guidelines expected

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Method 7-009 Fusarium postponed postponed moniliforme var. subglutinans (Fusarium circinatum)/Pinus taeda, Pinus elliottii

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2 Method 7-021 and 23 postponed postponed Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli and Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola 3 Ustilago nuda/Hordeum 2013 postponed, problem: vulgare level of contamination 4 Method 7-019 Xanthomonas 2013 under progress campestris pv. campestris/Brassica spp. 5 Method 7-006 Colletotrichum 2013 planned, no lindemuthianum/Phaseolus contaminated seeds vulgaris found 6 Method 7-016 Phomopsis 2013 samples sent Dec 2012 7 7-026 Cucurbits viruses 2013 8 7-003 Botrytis sunflower 2013

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating committees proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Annotated List crop updates 2013-2016 . in TESTA (European 7th KBBE) project

New project New proposed finalisation date

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10. STA Statistics Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: France Jean-Louis Laffont 2 VICE-CHAIR: United States Kirk Remund 3 Julianna Bànyai Hungary 4 Julia Barabas Hungary 5 Olfat El Bagoury Egypt 6 Mohamed Hanafi France 7 Bonnie Hong United States 8 Winfried Jackisch Germany 9 Zivan Karaman France 10 Tim Perez United States STA representative to the ATC Committee 11 Mustapha El France Yakhlifi 12 Gabriel Carré France Approved Feb 2012

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 Statistical reviews of On-going Any TCOM A total (introduction of new Test Plans and methods and introduction of Validation Reports new species) of four test plans and five validation reports reviewed 2 Contribution to the On-going Any TCOM A total of two validation analysis of some studies analysed Validation Studies A2. Introduction of New Species

remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Statistical reviews of On-going Any TCOM A total (introduction of new Test Plans and methods and introduction of Validation Reports new species) of four test plans and five validation reports reviewed 2 Contribution to the On-going Any TCOM A total of two validation analysis of some studies analysed Validation Studies A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Review of Jan 2012 Germination . Amendments for the Committee Handbook for Seedling Evaluation 2 Contribution to the 2013 GMO Draft Rules Chapter written. writting of new ISTA Committee Three-day meeting planned in Rules Chapter Toulouse in February 2013 to (Genetically Modified work on the handbook Organism Testing) and

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handbook

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks

Publication title proposed collaboration update

finalisation progress 1 Germination 2012 BSC Current version: V1.6 Heterogeneity Testing calculator 2 Theoretical and 2013 GER Prototype written. Beta practical tools for the version planned in June analysis of Germination and Tetrazolium Validation Studies 3 PDE for GMO 2013 GMO Current version supports Testing Calculator current PDE document: Performance Data Evaluation for the presence of seed with specified trait(s) in seed lots. A new version is planned after a revision of the current PDE document B2. Training publications on specific seed testing topics

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Materials for training 2012 GMO Topics: ISTA PDE document, ISTA GMO auditors how to use Seedcalc for reporting probability statements, reporting uncertainty of measurement, estimation, PDE case studies, routine data checking, … B3. Scientific information publications

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Contribution to the 2012 GMO, development of the European PowerPoint Seed presentation: "A Association sampling and testing methodology for the official control of GM material in seed"

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 ISTA GMO Auditors 2012 GMO Held in Bologna, October 9- Workshop 11, 2012

C2. Seminars

remarks

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Seminar subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 ISTA Seed Health 2012 SHC Held in Paris, May 22, 2012 and Statistics Seminar 2 9th ISTA Seminar on 2012 Canadian Held in Ottawa, September Statistics in Seed Food 26-28, 2012. Testing Inspection 22 participants. Topics Agency covered: statistical aspects of GMO testing, measurement uncertainty, tolerance tables, generalised linear models, ISTA calculators, R and R- Excel.

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating proposed collaboration update committees finalisation progress 1 Quantitative rating of 2012 GMO PT 16 quantitative rating. GMO Proficiency Tests

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE

subject of question date from Country/Distinct Economy 1 GMO testing Jan 2012 Mexico 2 Repeatability/Reprod Jan 2012 Netherlands ucibility in SH studies 3 Germination Feb 2012 Netherlands tolerances 4 SeedcalcStack 9: Feb 2012 Argentina installation, results interpretation 5 Germination Mar 2012 Belgium tolerances 6 GMO PT rating Apr 2012 Italy 7 Mixed-effects models Apr 2012 Philippines 8 Germination Apr 2012 France tolerances 9 Germination Apr 2012 France rounding procedure GMO PT rating May 2012 Italy Germination analysis Aug 2012 Austria Germination Nov 2012 France tolerances Germination Dec 2012 Indonesia tolerances Germination tests Dec 2012 India

New project New proposed finalisation date

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11. STO Storage Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Hugh United Kingdom Pritchard 2 VICE-CHAIR: David South Africa Mycock 3 Adesola Ajayi Nigeria 4 Sarah Ashmore Australia 5 Patricia Berjak South Africa 6 Andreas Börner Germany 7 Rekha Chaudhury India 8 Celia de la Cuadra Spain 9 Isolde Ferraz Brazil 10 Elena Gonzalez- Spain Benito 11 Ramni Jamnadass Kenya 12 Pedro Leon-Lobos Chile 13 Isaura Martin Spain 14 Oble Neya Burkina Faso 15 Moctar Sacandé United Kingdom 16 N Sershen South Africa 17 Xiang-Yun Yang China

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Handbook on Seed 2014 MOI, SHC Book outline has been Storage approved by the members and they have started writing. Overall progress remains slow, with c. 20% of the text drafted. For example, there has been excellent progress with the fungal pathogens / seed health chapter. Realistically, the guidelines are not likely to be finished until at least 2014. B3. Scientific information publications

remarks Publication title proposed update finalisation progress 1 Scientific review of 2014 Summary table of storage conditions for many „Rules‟ species of the ISTA Rules species was presented by storage response, as the Chairman at the 2010 ISTA Congress in reference guide. Germany. Article still in preparation by committee members Pritchard and Sacande (Note: Could appear as an Appendix to the Handbook) 2 Scientific publications: 30 papers/ book Details of scientific publication chapters

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Mira S, Estrelles E, Gonzalez-Benito ME, Corbineau F. (2011) Biochemical changes induced in seeds of brassicaceae wild species during ageing Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 33:1803– 1809 Gonzalez-Benito ME, Perez-Garcia F, Tejeda G, Gomez-Campo C. (2011) Effect of the gaseous environment and water content on seed viability of four Brassicaceae species after 36 years storage. Seed Science and Technology 39: 443-451 Mira S, Gonzalez-Benito ME, Ibars A, Estrelles E. (2011). Dormancy release and seed ageing in the endangered species Silene diclinis. Biodiversity and Conservation 20: 345-358 Malik. S.K., Chaudhury R., Kalia R K. and Dullo E (2011) Seed storage characteristics and cryopreservation of Genetic Resources of Tropical Underutilized Fruits in India. Acta Horticulturae 918: 189-198 Chen H-Y; Pritchard HW, Seal CE, Nadarajan J, Li W-Q, Yang S-X, Kranner I (2012) Post desiccation germination of mature seeds of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) can be enhanced by pro-oxidant treatment, but partial desiccation tolerance does not ensure survival at -20 °C. Plant Science 184: 36-44 Colville L, Bradley EL, Lloyd AS, Pritchard HW, Castle L, Kranner I (2012). Volatile fingerprints of seeds of four species indicate the involvement of alcoholic fermentation, lipid peroxidation, and Maillard reactions in seed deterioration during ageing and desiccation stress. Journal of Experimental Botany doi:10.1093/jxb/ers307 Hu D, Wang Q, Yao J-H, Wand Y, Pritchard HW, Wang X-F (2012). Spatial and temporal nature of reactive oxygen species production and programmed cell death in elm (Ulmus pumila) seeds during controlled deterioration. Plant Cell and Environment published online: 6 JUN 2012, DOI: 10.1111/j.1365- 3040.2012.02535.x. Malik SK, Chaudhury R, Pritchard HW (2012) Long-term, large-scale banking of species embryos: comparisons between cryopreservation and other seed banking temperatures. CryoLetters 33: 453-464 Popova EV, Kim DH, Han SH, Pritchard HW, Lee JC (2012). Narrowing of the critical hydration window for the cryopreservation of Salix caprea seeds following ageing and a reduction in vigour. CryoLetters 33: 219-230. CIF 1.1 Xia K, Daws MI, Stuppy W, Zhou Z-K, Pritchard HW (2012). Rates of water loss

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and uptake in recalcitrant seeds of Quercus species are determined by pericarp morphology. PLOS One 7, issue 10, e47368. [BOOK] Malik, S.K., Chaudhury, R., Kumar S., Dhariwal, O.P. and Bhandari, D.C. 2012. Citrus Genetic Resources in India: Present Status and Management. NBPGR, New Delhi, p. 184. ISBN 978-93- 5087-305-2. [BOOK CHAPTER] Chaudhury R. and Malik, S.K. 2012. Conservation of Spices and Tree Borne Oil Seed Crops In : Conservation of tropical plant species (eds M.N. Normah, H.F. Chin and B.M. Reed) Springer Science + Business Medi New York. pp. 419-436. [BOOK CHAPTER] Normah, M.N., Malik, S.K., Chaudhury R., Salma, I. and Makeen M.A. 2012. Conservation of tropical fruit genetic resources In : Conservation of tropical plant species (eds M.N. Normah, H.F. Chin and B.M. Reed) Springer Science + Business Medi New York. pp 137-170.

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Desiccation tolerance 2012 The meeting was held at workshop, South the Cradle of Humankind Africa (Pat Berjak) (near Pretoria, South (NB Achieved) Africa), January 8th – 13th, 2012 2 International Seminar 2012 Vigour As chairmen of the Vigour and on Seed Testing, STO committees, Professors September 2012, Alison Powell and Hugh W. Soeul, Korea. Pritchard were invited by the Korea Seed and Variety Service to lead a one day International Seminar in Soeul, South Korea on 20 September 2012. Each covered theoretical and practical aspects of seed vigour (Powell) and seed storage (Pritchard) in morning and afternoon sessions lasting two hours. The Seminar was opened by Suh, Kyu Yong, the Minister for Agriculture, Government of Korea; and attended by 150 participants. Other activities included educational visits on 19 September 2012 to a seed production company (Nongwoo Bio), the national seed bank and a biodiversity information centre; and the provision of advice to 15 participants on a seed testing course. The participants came from Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Pritchard also gave a seminar at the National Arboretum and

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visited Hankyong National University C2. Seminars

remarks

Seminar subject proposed collaboration update

location finalisation progress 1 International Union for 2012 Pritchard addressed the the Conservation of 20 particpants of the Nature (IUCN) Global Tree Specialist meeting on Group of the IUCN Threatened Trees, attending this meeting on Kunming, China, the topic of tree seed September 2012 storage. He summarised the information seed storage behaviour for 52 tree species of interest to the group and recommended research actions

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating proposed update committees finalisation progress 1 Focus on 2011-13 K.N. Hamilton, Sarah Ashmore et al. characterising seed (Australian Seed Bank Partnership). storage Desiccation Tolerance tested and characteristics of 100 reported in 71 Eastern Australian „new‟ species Rainforest Species. The 100 seed test for (NB 24 in 2010; 36 in desiccation tolerance (Pritchard et al, 2011; 70 in 2012 = 2004, SS&T) was used for this 130 species = assessment. Desiccation tolerant seeds Achieved) included the following 25 species: Acronychia laevis; Auranticarpa rhombifolia; Austromyrtus dulcis; Brachychiton bidwillii; Buckinghamia celsissma; Callerya australis; Cassia brewsteri; Darlingia darlingiana; Eupomatia laurina; Eustrephus latifolia; Flindersia pimenteliana; Glochidion sumatranum; Hedycarya augustifolia; Homalanthus volvulifolius; Livistona decora; Macadamia ternifolia; Macropiper hooglandii; Melicytus dentatus; Persoonia analiae; Pipturus argenteus; Rhodosphaera rhodanthema; Solanum aviculare; Spartothamnella juncea; Stenocarpus sinuatus; Toona ciliata Desiccation sensitive seeds included the following 23 species: Acmena ingens; Atractocarpus chartaceus; Atractocarpus fitzalanii; Atractocarpus stipularis; Archontophoenix alexandre; Archontophoenix cunninghamiana; Clausena smyrelliana; Cryptocarya laevigata; Diploglottis campbellii; Endiandra pubens; Glycosmis trifoliata; Guioa coriacea; Harpullia arborea; Harpullia pendula; Harpullia ramiflora; Micromelum minutum; Rhysotaechia robertsonii; Scolopia braunii; Sloanea australis; Synoum glandulosum; Syzygium australe; Syzygium wilsonii; Toechima dasyrrhache

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Moctar Sacande (UK) and Sidi Sanogo (Mali) have been working on the sustainable use and cultivation of Carapa procera, a useful species in human and animal health in West Africa.Seeds freshly harvested in April-May contained c. 50% water and > 90% germinated without pretreatment. On drying to < 20% within two weeks, germination ability was lost, indicating recalcitrant storage behaviour. However, when stored with a mixture of wood chips, 50% and 23% of seeds germinated after 1 and 3 months respectively as long as the water content stayed above 35% Isolde Ferraz and collaborators. Have been working on more than 50 species form the Amazon classified according the 100-seed test. The species are being cross-checked with existing information on their seed storage biology. The results are in preparation for publication and will be shared with ISTA members early in the 2013-16 triennium Hugh W. Pritchard, Tim Marks (Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, UK), Xia K and Yang X-Y (Kunming Institute of Botany, China) Studies conducted on 22 species evergreen oaks from China and European oaks (Quercus) revealed all had seeds sensitive to drying to c. 10% moisture content: (China) Q. annulata; Q. austroglauca; Q. camusiae; Q. fleuryi; Q. glauca; Q. lamellosa Q. multinervis; Q. myrsinifolia; Q. schottkyana; Q. sichourensis; Q. stewardiana; Q. fabri; Q. franchetii; Q. variabilis; (Europe) Q. cerris; Q. ilex; Q. macranthera; Q. petraea; Q. pubescens; Q. robur; Q. rubra; Q. suber. Of these, three were relatively more desiccation tolerant with some viability remaining after such drying (Xia et al., 2011) 2 Develop 5 innovations 2011-13 One innovation: Using the GC-MS / new technologies determination of volatile fingerprints (cryopreservation, associated with seed ageing in three syn-seeds‟, thermal species under warm conditions and c. fingerprinting, etc) 10% moisture content (Colville et al., with seeds (or 2012) embryos). (NB 1 One innovation: Characterising the innovation in 2010 morphological adaptations in oak fruits and 1 in 2011 = 2. (acorns). During imbibition (rehydration), Also the cathodic the surface area of the cupule scar and protection system the frequency and area of the vascular (2010 report) is bundles contained therein were subject to patent significantly correlated with the rates of application. With 2 water uptake across the scar. As the two innovations in 2012, species with the slowest drying rate and the target is comparatively small scar surface areas achieved) inhabit drier regions, it is possible that these anatomical features may have ecological value (Xia et al., 2012) 3 Maximise dry storage 2011-13 M. E. González-Benito & F. Pérez- potential (including García (Spain). Germination and seed health) for conservation studies have been initiated seeds of 70 species. with Mediterranean shrub and tree (NB 30 species in species (Phillyrea angustifolia, P.

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2010; 8 crops in latifolia).[2 species]. Also, the effect of the 2011, mainly long- gaseous environment and water content term stored; and on seed viability of four Brassicaceae about 20 species in species after 36 years storage has been 2012. May just reach assessed [4 species] the 70 species target. Rekha Chaudhury (India), Pritchard (UK) & Yang (China). Seed or embryos of five species of citrus (Malik et al., 2012) and of tea (Chen et al., 2012) have been shown to have limited (few weeks) tolerance of storage at -20°C after partial drying. However, citrus stored well under cryopreservation conditions over about 6 – 8 years, based on an analysis of 377 accessions stored in the cryobank, with the vast majority of accessions retaining ≥ 70% of the viability observed after desiccation alone. [6 species] Isaura Martin (Spain) Results after 30 years of dry storage (-18ºC and SMC<7%) have been obtained during 2012 on a number or samples of different crop species. Mean germination rates for the new species tested were higher than 90%: Lens culinaris (20 accessions), 91.0%; Lupinus spp.(7 accessions), 91.7%; Phaseolus vulgaris (9 accessions), 95.3%; New data obtained on Triticum and Vicia samples corroborated the good performance of these materials shown in previous years. [3 species] Isaura Martin (Spain) - Seed health studies: Cold storage enhances the survival of seed-associated fungi but studies about the effect of seed desiccation on seed microbiota are very scarce. At the National Spanish genebank, an experiment was conducted on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and cereal (Triticum aestivum, T. turgidum and Hordeum vulgare) seeds to test the effect of seed drying to <13% and 5% RH on seed-borne fungi. Seeds were incubated in PDA and infection rates for the fungi isolated were determined prior and after treatments. Germination and accelerated ageing tests were also carried out on seeds. In bean samples, desiccation treatments decreased the percentage of infected seeds for most of the fungi found (Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Ulocladium, Fusarium, Botritis, Rhizoctonia, among others). In contrast, the percentage of seeds in which Aspergillus and Mucor was detected, tended to increase as seed moisture content diminished. In cereal seeds, fungi infection rates were higher than those detected on beans and treatments had little effect on Alternaria, Cladosporium or Fusarium seed infection percentages. However, similarly to bean seeds, the percentages of detection of Aspergillus were higher in desiccated samples.Desiccation treatments had no

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significant effects on either seed germination rates or seed vigour for all species studied

New project New proposed finalisation date

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12. TEZ Tetrazolium Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Steffi Krämer Germany 2 VICE-CHAIR: Karen Australia Hill 3 Ignacio Aranciaga Argentina 4 Maria Aranguren Argentina 5 Valerie Blouin France 6 Sharon Davidson United States 7 Ronald Don United Kingdom 8 Gary Duffy Ireland 9 Teresita Farras Uruguay Retired 2011 10 Jose Franca-Neto Brazil 11 Irena Jumburga Latvia Retired 2012 12 Linda Maile United Kingdom 13 Augusto Martinelli Argentina 14 Sergio Pasquini Italy 15 Lindsey Robb United Kingdom Retired 2012 16 Anny van Pijlen Netherlands A2. Introduction of New Species

remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Tetrazolium test on 2013 FTS no progress Larix 2 Tetrazolium test on 2013 FTS no progress Picea 3 Tetrazolium test on 2013 no progress Glycine max 4 Tetrazolium test on 2013 no progress Pennisetum 5 Tetrazolium test on unknown GER no progress Bamboo A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Tetrazolium test on 2012 finalised, rules proposal for coated seeds included 2013. Appopriate in chapter 6 informations included in chapter 1 and 11 2 More precise 2012 Corrections in Table 6, explanatory notes to Helianthus and Brachiaria Chapter 6 3 Tetrazolium test on 2012 finalised, rules proposal for seed mixtures 2013 B2. Training publications on specific seed testing topics

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Reorganise Handbook 2013? Tetrazolium 2 Revision of the TEZ 2013 working sheets

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3 Continue TEZ Working open sheets

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 WS on GER, TEZ, and Jun 2012 FSC. GER Purity in Netherlands 2 WS on Moisture,Vigour Sept 2012 MOI, VIG and TEZ in Australia, Melbourne

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 PT12-1 Sorghum 2012 PUR, TZ, bicolor GER 2 PT12-2 Phleum 2012 PUR, TZ, pratense GER

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating proposed collaboration update committees finalisation progress 1 Storage experiment of 2012-2013 durability of Tetrazolium solution

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE

subject of question from Country/Distinct Economy 1 TEZ method for Sep 2012 Greece Arbutus spp. 2 Solution check Oct 2012 Australia 3 Method Phaseolus Nov 2012 India 4 Solution check Dec 2012 ISTA Auditors

New project New proposed finalisation date

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13. VAR Variety Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Berta Germany Killermann 2 VICE-CHAIR: Ana Argentina Laura Vicario 3 Kalyn Brix-Davis United States 4 Wendy Carnegie Canada Resigned 2012 5 Emanuela Casarini Italy 6 Chiara Delogu Italy 7 Cheryl Dollard Canada 8 Jerzy Drzewiecki Poland 9 Kae-Kang Hwu Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu 10 Kunusoth India Keshavulu 11 Rainer Knoblauch Germany 12 Ksenija Taski- Serbia Ajdukovic 13 Hedwich Teunissen Netherlands 14 Eszter Timar Hungary 15 Elisa Vieira Brazil

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 SDS PAGE for the 2012 STA, SEC Forwarded as a Rules verification of Proposal, November 1, 2012 wheat and xTriticosecale varieties 2 IEF for the 2013 or later STA, SEC Looking for an organiser. verification of wheat 3 SDS PAGE for the 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for an organiser verification of Festuca, Poa, Agrostis 4 IEF for the 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for an organiser verification of the Festuca, Poa, Agrostis 5 DNA-based 2013 or later STA, SEC Have started to organise PTs approach (for maize wheat and soy) 6 DNA-based 2012 STA, SEC, The VARCOM has approved methods for the AOSA the study. The organiser is identification of looking for participating labs impurities of Lolium multiflorum in Lolium perenne A2. Introduction of New Species

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remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Festuca: Variety 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for organisers verification with electrophoresis 2 Poa: Variety 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for organisers verification with electrophoresis 3 Agrostis: Variety 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for organisers verification with electrophoresis 4 Sunflower: Variety 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for organisers verification with molecular markers 5 Tomato: Variety 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for organisers, verification with especially in the Netherlands molecular markers 6 Canola: Variety 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for organisers verification with molecular markers 7 Sugar beet: Variety 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for organisers verification with molecular markers 8 Sugar cane: 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for organisers Variety verification with molecular markers 9 Papaya: Variety 2014 or later STA, SEC Looking for orgnaisers verification with molecular markers A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 A-PAGE for the 2012 STA, RUL, Forwarded as a Rules verification of SEC Proposal, November 1, 2012 Triticum spp.

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Handbook on 2013 or later STA, SEC Forwarded as a Rules Variety Testing - Proposal, November 1, 2012 Electrophoresis Testing B3. Scientific information publications

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 CT developed for 2012 STA, SEC Finished A-PAGE 2 CT developed for 2012 STA, SEC Finished SDS-PAGE 3 UPOV/BMT 2011 The presentation was given by meeting in Brazil Elisa Vieira (BR) 4 OECD meeting - ad Jul 2012 The presentation was given by hoc working group Michael Muschick on biochemical and molecular markers

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS

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C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Species and 06/2012 The workshop took place prior Variety Testing – to the Annual Meeting in DNA based Venlo, Netherland methods 2 Species and 2014 Canada; no workshop takes Variety Testing – place in 2013 DNA based methods and/or conventional methods 3 Species and 2015-2016 India and Brazil are under Variety Testing discussion C2. Seminars

remarks

Seminar subject proposed collaboration update

location finalisation progress 1 Discussion on the Jun 2013 ECOM, The Discussion forum will use and SEC, take place during the 2013 international ISTA Congress in Antalya, standardization of Turkey DNA technologies in the area of seeds

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test proposed collaboration update subject location finalisation progress 1 DNA based 2013 or later STA, ECOM PTs are starting to be methods (SSR) - organised maize 2 DNA based 2013 or later STA, ECOM PTs are starting to be methods (SSR) - organised soybean 3 DNA based 2013 or later STA, ECOM PTs are starting to be methods (SSR) - organised wheat 4 DNA based 2013 or later STA, ECOM PTs are starting to be methods (SSR) - organised rice

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / remarks subject collaborating proposed collaboration update committees finalisation progress 1 Revision of the 2014 or later STA, SEC Revisions have started with existing four the handbook protein Handbooks with electrophoresis the aim to have only one handbook in loose-sheet format with several chapters

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2 Development of a 2014 or later STA, SEC, As the DNA based methods new chapter: GMO take a performance-based “DNA-based approach (PBA), they will be methods” for the included as PBA methods, i. e. Handbook of they are mentioned as the Variety Testing – methods for GMO detection versus a guidance document for establishing molecular marker methods for variety identity 3 Handling of 2013 or later STA, ECOM, Is underway reference material GMO (RM) for the first PT for testing variety identity with molecular markers 4 Appointment of an 2013 or later STA, ECOM, Is underway, a PBA is accreditation GMO already approved by the standard for DNA- ECOM based methods (including the PTs) A classical accreditation standard, versus performance-based approach (PBA), as for GMO testing 5 Collection of 2013 or later SEC Is running. The final templates methods for for the different methods are Species and prepared. They will be Variety Testing by forwarded to the VARCOM means of working members and the first edition sheets will be presentetd at the 2013 Congress; this is ongoing work

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE

subject of question from Country/Distinct Economy 1 Do you have Argentnia experiencewith the phenol test for purity testing in wheat? 2 Can you give Canada support for using aluminium lactate in A-PAGE (which and how)? 3 Can you give Switzerland advice on a method for the determination of the N-content of single wheat kernels? 4 Can you forward France information about DUS and VCU (value for cultivation and use)

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testing? 5 Can you give India advise on a protocol regarding cottonseed testing by ELISA? 6 Why do we carry Uganda out crop variety testing in different locations prior to release? 7 Please send Bulgaria literature on methodology of seed testing for viability and germination of Phaseolus seed

F: Further Comments - Responsibilities leader of working groups

DNA based Emanuela Casarini (IT) methods electrophoresis Chiara Delogu (IT) conventional NN methods contact persons

ECOM Rita Zecchinelli (IT), Alexander Malko (RU) UPOV Ana Laura Vicario (AR) website Hedwich Teunissen (NL) workshops Kunusoth Keshavulu (IN) working sheets Ksenija Taski-Ajdukovic (RS) permanent guest Leontino Taveira from UPOV ([email protected]) permanent guest Gerry Hall from OECD ([email protected])

New project New proposed finalisation date

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14. VIG Seed Vigour Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP LIST change comments 1 CHAIR: Alison Powell United Kingdom 2 VICE-CHAIR: Hulya Ilbi Turkey 3 Emanuela Casarini Italy 4 Malavika Dadlani India 5 Ibrahim Demir Turkey 6 Bob Elliott Canada 7 Dionysia Fasoula Cyprus 8 Carina Gallo Argentina 9 Mohammad Hosseini Iran 10 Tim Loeffler United States 11 Stan Matthews United Kingdom 12 Gillian McLaren United Kingdom 13 Marie-Helene Wagner France 14 Yan Wang China

A. RULES DEVELOPMENT A1. Introduction of New Methods

remarks Method name proposed collaboration update subject finalisation progress 1 Tetrazolium staining as 2014 TEZ Test plan submitted; now a vigour test for Glycine being revised max 2 Use of conductivity as 2014/2015 Test plan in preparation replacement for germination in CD test A2. Introduction of New Species

remarks Species and test proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Radicle emergence No date Quality of seeds obtained for test: addition of cotton; set comparative test proved comparative test unsuitable; no plans to continue with the comparative test at present due to difficulties in obtaining more seed. 2 Radicle emergence No date Delayed due to work pressure test: addition of onion; set comparative test 3 Radicle emergence 2013 Laboratory and field work test: addition of oilseed complete; paper published in rape; comparative test SST; method validation report being prepared 4 Radicle emergence Project dropped due to test: addition of viola; problems obtaining suitable comparative test seed material 5 Accelerated ageing test: No date Project delayed due to addition of cereals; set relocation of key member of comparative test working group 6 Conductivity test: 2013 Comparative test complete; addition of chickpea method validation report in (Cicer arietinum); preparation comparative test 7 Conductivity test: No date Delayed due to financial and addition of cowpea set

OGM13-03 Activity Report of the ISTA Committees 2012.doc 2013-04-04 16:17 Approved by ECOM Decision No. 729, 732, 733 Page 106/109 Activity Report of the ISTA Committees 2012

(Vigna unguiculata); work pressure comparative test 8 Radicle emergence No date no progress test: application to set aubergine A3. Introduction of Rules Changes

remarks Subject proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Addition of cotton to N/A Project shelved at present Radicle emergence vigour test 2 Addition of onion to No date see above Radicle emergence set vigour test 3 Addition of oilseed rape 2013 Method validation report to Radicle emergence being prepared; Rules vigour test proposal for 2013 4 Addition of cereals to No date see above Accelerated ageing test set 5 Addition of chickpea 2013 Method validation report (Cicer arietinum) to being prepared; Rules Conductivity test proposal for 2013 6 Addition of cowpea No date see above (Vigna unguiculata) to set Conductivity test

B. PUBLICATIONS B1. Publications to accompany the Rules

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Vigour test handbook 2015 No progress due to work pressures B3. Scientific information publications

remarks Publication title proposed collaboration update finalisation progress 1 Matthews, S., Noli, E., Published 2012; Seed Demir, I., Khajeh Science Research, 22: S69- Hosseini, M. and S73 Wagner, M.-H. Evaluation of seed quality: from physiology to international standardisation. 2 Wagner, M-H., Published 2012; Seed Ducournau, S. and Science Research, 22: S80- Léchappé, J. Knowledge S85 based research towards accurate and rapid testing of seed quality in winter rape. 3 Matthews, S., Wagner, Published 2012; Seed M-H., Kerr, L., McLaren, Science and Technology, 40: G. and Powell, A.A. 413-424 Automated determination of germination time courses by imagecapture and early counts of radicle emergence lead to a new vigour test for winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus)

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4 Guloksuz T. and Demir I. Published 2012; Propagation Vigor tests in Geranium, of Ornamental Plants, 12: Salvia, Gazania, and 133-138 Impatiens seed lots to estimate seedling emergence potential in modules 5 Demir, I., Cebeci, C. and Published 2012; Seed Guloksuz, T. Electrical Science and Technology, 40: conductivity 229-237 measurement to predict germination of commercially available radish seed lots 6 Powell, A.A. and Published 2012; Seed Matthews, S. Seed Technology, 34: 15-25 aging/repair hypothesis leads to new testing methods

C. WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS C1. Training and education workshops

remarks workshop subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 Vigour tests in general, Sept 2012 Workshop successful Canada 3 Moisture, tetrazolium, Sept 2012 MOI ,TEZ Workshop successful vigour

D. PROFICIENCY TESTS Proficiency test subject proposed collaboration update location finalisation progress 1 PT12-2 Pisum sativum 2012 VIG Completed Vigour

F. SPECIAL PROJECTS project title / subject remarks collaborating proposed collaboration update committees finalisation progress 1 Reducing test time in 2013/2014 Electrical conductivity before the CD test: three and after CD test evaluated projects for 40 genotypes of OSR; alternative methods of raising and equilibrating seed MC under investigation 2 Vigour tests for Elymus Depends No information species on progress of research 3 Biotinylated proteins as 2013 Work on protein markers of quality markers in seed longevity completed. oilseeds Relationship with electrical conductivity assessments of seed vigour of 15 seed lots (3 lots x 5 cultivars) to be assessed 4 Cell cycle and DNA 2013 Practical work completed and degradation: relation to report prepared; research vigour paper in preparation for submission to Seed Science and Technology

E. QUESTIONS TO THE COMMITTEE subject of question from

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Country/Distinct Economy 1 Technologies and Jan 2012 Spain sowing protocols to improve consistency and reliability of company's lab tests 2 Pea seed storage - Jan 2012 India appropriate temperature, moisture content and storage containers to avoid loss of germination and vigour 3 CD test for oilseed rape Jan 2012 Germany 4 ISTA vigour test Feb 2012 Hong Kong methods 5 Radicle emergence test Mar 2012 Germany for maize - test conditions and RE evaluation 6 Vigour tests for Mar 2012 Ethiopia switchgrass and sweet sorghum 7 Accelerated ageing May 2012 Argentina chambers 8 Conductivity meters May 2012 Romania 9 Accelerated ageing Jun 2012 Indonesia conditions for sweetcorn 10 Potential for using Jul 2012 unknown conductivity test for barley 11 Accelerated ageing Jul 2012 United Kingdom equipment 12 Can conductivity test be Jul 2012 New Zealand used for snow peas? 13 Is there a cold vigour Oct 2012 Canada test for soybean? 14 Radicle emergence test Oct 2012 Argentina for maize; test conditions 15 Possibility of using Oct 2012 Indonesia radicle emergence test for soyabean 16 Accelerated ageing for Oct 2012 Germany soyabean 17 Procuring suitable Nov 12 United Kingdom oilseed rape seed for practical work

New project New proposed finalisation date

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