Ithaca, New York, USA
October 28, 2010

AOSA is pleased to announce that the 2010 AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds are now available. Updated annually, the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds is a set of dynamic, continually evolving methods that reflect contemporary and progressive research in seed testing. The Rules consist of four volumes:

• AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds Volume 1. Principles and Procedures
• AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds Volume 2. Uniform Blowing Procedure
• AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds Volume 3. Uniform Classification of Weed and Crop Seeds
• AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds Volume 4. Seedling Evaluation

These publications set the standard for seed testing in North America and are utilized internationally. The Rules are available electronically on CD or as printed hardcopies. The Rules CD can be purchased for $75; this includes a set of licenses to print a hardcopy of the four volumes. Information and order forms are available from the AOSA website: http://www.aosaseed.com/publications.htm.

A Tentative Rule Proposal was approved by the AOSA Board on October 14, 2010. The section of the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds that is impacted by this change is 5.2 Identification and Cultivar Determination. The purpose of the Rule is to add additional or optional test methods to further identify ryegrass growth types. The detailed procedures for the two PCR- based test methods will be published in the AOSA Cultivar Purity Handbook. Complete information, including the supporting documentation and test procedures, is available on the AOSA Rules Committee Website: http://www.seedtechnology.net/rules_committee.htm .
If you wish to receive a free printed copy of this information, please contact the AOSA office.

Use of a tentative rule is not mandatory. The purpose of a tentative rule is to give seed laboratories the opportunity to apply and evaluate a new method of testing seed before the method is submitted as an official rule proposal.

The primary functions of the Association of Official Seed Analysts, Inc. are:
• Establish the AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds
• Contribute to the refinement and modification of the rules and procedures for seed testing.
• Ensure that testing procedures are standardized between analysts and between laboratories.
• Influence and assist in enforcement of appropriate seed legislation at state and federal levels.

Website: http://www.aosaseed.com/

Published: October 29, 2010