The USDA Seed Regulatory and Testing Division will host its annual Seed Analyst Workshop at its facility in Gastonia, NC from August 14-16, 2017.  The three day workshop will focus on purity and identification of similar crop and weed species, with emphasis on identification of noxious-weed seeds.  Other topics such as the uniform blowing procedure, calculations for seed testing, TZ evaluations, and pure seed definitions will also be covered.  Depending upon interest, SRTD will also conduct workshops on biotechnology tests in seed variety, traits, and seed health.  The AOSA/SCST consolidated exam will be held on August 17-18, 2017.

These workshops are open to seed analysts from private and government seed testing laboratories.  Presentation of topics will be on a level appropriate for intermediate and experienced seed analysts. Enrollment at each of the workshop will be limited to 16 participants due to the hands-on nature of the topics and one-on-one attention from the instructors.  Participants from non-government laboratories will be charged a fee of $160 ($32 per day).

For more information about these seed schools or to request a pre-registration sheet, please contact Botanist Pattsy Jackson at pattsy.jackson@ams.usda.gov or seedservice@ams.usda.gov.