Training program in Seed Testing

The Danish plant direktorate has established courses majoring on certification of seeds. Besides have the workers played the role of special consultant within their specific fields of specialisation.These courses can be adapted to fit the specific situation, and can for example consist of seminars on international rules, the foundation of a seed laboratory etc.

Finishing students give their comments.

"It has been a wonderful opportunity to upgrade my knowledge in the seed sector." Says Caroline, a student from Kenya." The tutors are understanding and courses easy to follow. The best thing is that the course could also be tailored to suit our individual needs. "Apart from the actual course, we have had the opportunity to interact socially in the Danish community, taste different aspects of this rich culture, sample the spiritual atmosphere and visit different sights around the country. The experience combined with the drastic changes in weather can only be described as phenomenal. I have gathered a lot to tell back home… even sinking my boots in the snow filled minus temperatures of winter, cuddled in a jacket with the thickness of a mattress are an experience in a class of their own." Concludes Caroline with a smile.

Ziams story is not very different

"Snow! Snow so thick outside my door! I could hardly open it! And then came spring, with the beauty of the Creators master mind springing into life everywhere, plants big and small, sprouting fresh green leaves, flowers following and perfecting the beauty of nature, butterfiles flattering thier wings past the trees..."says Ziam with a look of amazement in her eyes,..."that is something that will always be a recollection of treasured memories in my mind. It erased every negative moment that I had experienced because of the cold weather!"
"When I first read about this training program on the internet, I was impressed, but not sure whether to apply or not. I was not even sure that my company would sponsor me to come and study in Denmark for such a short time." Says Ziam with a friendly smile.
So I prepared a proposal based on 100 reasons why the company must send me to study this course. I had to be super creative. When I presented it to my immediate boss, he was so impressed that he promised to call a board meeting in order to float my suggestions. And to my great joy, it worked like divine magic! The decision was unanimous, and that was how I ended up here."Adds Ziam.
My stay in Denmark has been both interesting and positive academically, socially and physically.I am grateful for having been given this opportunity to study here.

The training is based on species grown in both temperate and subtropical/tropical regions: Cereals, small and large seeded legumes, root crops, oil and fibre plants, vegetables and some species of flowers.

Seed samples brought by the participants from their countries are important for the training and relevant to the praticipants. On request special attention can be paid to specific subjects.

The participants perform their own seed analyses, make workshops on e.g. how to establish a seed testing laboratory, visits the Danish seed industry and make presentation material to be used upon return to their home country. The obtained knowledge enables the participants to teach a large part of the subjects.

If you wish further information on the course, please contact:

Head of Department Grethe Tarp	Dr. Anders Lomholt Email: alo@pdir.dk
Email: gta@pdir.dk
Telephone: +45 4526 3600
Fax. +45 4526 3617

Module description:

Module 1: Cleaning of seed samples (2 weeks)
The participants will receive instruction in the principles of small scale seed cleaning and get the opportunity to practise seed cleaning using laboratory machines. The cleaning exercise includes the participants' own samples as well as samples of rice, barley, small and big seeded legumes, rape and seeds of horticultural species. Cleaning on big scale machines will be demonstrated during visits to seed companies.

Module 2: Sampling & certification (1 week)
The international rules (ISTA) and procedures for sampling, labelling and sealing will be explained. Sampling and sealing exercises will be made by the students. The training will also include a visit to an official seed sampler on duty at a seed company.

Administration of the OECD and EU certification proces is a complex task. The participants will get an insight to computerised handling of the administration and handling of the paper work.

Module 3: Quality magement &
sample management 
(2 weeks)
Quality assurance plays an import role in modern ISTA accredited laboratories. The demands of an ISTA quality manual will be presented and the participants will get a chance to start writing on some of the documents. During the other modules the students will receive training in quality assurance connected to each topic.

Information will be given on the reception and registration of various types of samples. Training is provided in checking of standards, editing and issuance of Danish and ISTA certificates.

Module 4: Moisture determination (4 days)
The participants will be trained in moisture determination primarily using the oven method. Training will also be given in calibration and use of moisture meters. Near Infrared moisture determination technology will be introduced.

Module 5: Purity analysis
(3½ weeks)
The participants will be trained in purity analysis according to ISTA rules of species of their choice in addition to cereals, legumes, crucifers and horticultural species. The participants will prepare their own working samples and be trained in dividing to working samples, weighing, calculating results, and use of tolerance tables. Furthermore, there will be an opportunity to learn to start a seed collection.

Module 6: Germination & vigour (4½ weeks)
The participants are taught how to use the germination facilities available at the Danish Plant Directorate; sand, between paper, top of paper and Jacobsen tables. Germination analyses will be pratised on the participants own samples includes preparation, planting, first count and final count of samples. During the evaluation special attention is paid to the distinction between normal and abnormal seedlings and between fresh ungerminated, hard and dead seeds.

The participants will be introduced to seed vigour and how to perform vigour analysis in practise.

Module 7: Basic seed patology (2 weeks)
The participants will be introduced to seed health testing of various crops and to identification of some pathogenic and saprophytic fungi on seeds. Lectures in general mycology and seed pathology will be given. The participants will be introduced to the principles of identifying pathogenic bacteria, virus diseases and insect infestations of seeds.

Module 8: Field inspection & certification (3 days)
The participants will get a thorough introduction to legislation on field inspection and follow the work of an experienced field inspector including practical inspections.

The participants will receive information on the EU and OECD seed certification schemes and will be told how these schemes are implemented in Denmark.

Module 9: Post control & variety testing (7days)
The principles of post control and how to use the rules set up by the OECD seed schemes will be explained.

The participants will attend variety examinations in field plots with cereals, peas and clover. The training will also include field-work in evaluation of control plots and sowing of their own post control plot.

A short introduction will be given to variety testing (DUS testing) on the basis of seed and seedling characters and in electrophoresis testing.

Training period
The training is conducted each year from February until June/July. In 2006 the first module will start on 27th February and end 7th July. The fixed week numbers designated for each module is listed below:

General information
Visits to seed processors and seed equipment companies.
The course offers an opportunity to visit a number of seed companies where both modern seed cleaning equipment and official sampling procedures will be demonstrated. The students will also visit a number of companies related to seed testing.

Litterature
ISTA's handbooks will be used extensively through out the training and the participants will each receive personal copies. OECD seed scheme, will be used during the training in seed certification, in addition to relevant litterature on seed-borne diseases and seed health testing.

Submission of reports
During the course each participant must prepare a report on the subjects studied. Throughout the training time will be allocated for preparation of reports related to each subject. This report could be used for training purposes upon return to the home country.

Conditions for admission:
The applicant must have a relevant university/college education or experience in seed testing. The applicant must possess a good command of the English language in both writing and speaking. The Danish Plant Directorate must accept the applicant.

Please use the application form to apply for attendance. The application form is available both in Word and PDF format.

Certificate
The student will receive a certificate for having completed the course.

Course fee:
The fee for attending each module is mentioned in the table below. In addition, an fee of 500 Euro is charged for each student. This fee is only added once for each student even if several or all of the modules are chosen.

Module No. and name	Participation fee
1. Seed cleaning	1700 Euro
2. Sampling & certification	850 Euro
3. Basic quality assurance	1700 Euro
4. Moisture determination	800 Euro
5. Purity	3000 Euro
6. Germination & vigour	3900 Euro
7. Basic seed pathology	1700 Euro
8. Field inspection & certification	400 Euro
9. Post control	1300 Euro
If all modules are taken	15000 Euro

The fee's includes training, books and excursions, but not food and housing. The Danish Plant Directorate reserves the right to ask for a higher fee if only few students sign up for a module.

Unfortunately The Danish Plant Directorate has no free scholarships.

Further information
If you wish further information please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Grethe Tarp or Dr. Anders Lomholt, responsible for the training programme and always prepared to answer your questions.

Ms. Grethe Tarp
E-mail: gta@pdir.dk or

Dr. Anders Lomholt
E-mail: alo@pdir.dk

Danish Plant Directorate
Skovbrynet 20
DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Denmark

Telephone: +45 4526 3600
Fax. +45 4526 3617
Webpage: www.pdir.dk