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Seed Technology Newsletter 1 October 2012

The Seed Technologist Newsletter

A newsletter for

The Association of Official Seed Analysts &

The Society of Commercial Seed Technologist

October 2012

AOSA/SCST 2012 ANNUAL MEETING RECAP

Genetic Technology Workshop The Genetic Technology Workshop was held on Sunday, May 20, 2012 preceding the SCST annual meeting. The goal of the workshop was to explore technologies that are new to the industry or have not been discussed within SCST. There were 33 attendees. Individual talks were as follows:

Genotyping with the Infinium Assay: Biochemistry, Workflow and Data Analysis

Jill Orwick, Illumina

The Emerging Trend in Molecular Techniques for SNP Genotyping: Deploying Array Tape for High Throughput SNP Analysis

Darren Cook and Satish Rai, Ph.D., Douglas Scientific

Homogeneous Immunoassays for Improved Performance and Productivity Roger Bossé, Ph.D., PerkinElmer

ddPCR (Digital Droplet) System Frank Fischinger, MS, MBA, Digital PCR Specialist, Bio-Rad Laboratories

Multiplexed Protein Quantification by LC-MS/MS: Transgenic Protein Analysis

Lindsey Schacherer, Pioneer Hybrid International


Tetrazolium Testing Workshop Before the start of the 2012 AOSA/SCST Annual Meeting in Des Moines, Iowa the Tetrazolium Testing Workshop was held on a blessed Sunday (May 20, 2012) at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines.

The morning started with a presentation by Aleta Meyr. Aleta defined what the TZ Test is, provided the procedures in performing a TZ Test and ways of reporting both pre-TZ Tests and post-TZ Tests. Also discussed were Protocols for TZ Testing in AOSA Rules, ISTA Rules and Canadian Method and Procedures plus what other references were used in TZ Testing. Pointed out in the presentation were the

benefits of using Tetrazolium Testing as well as the problems associated with the test. The next speaker was Dr. Loren Wiesner discussing seed dormancy specifically hard seed. At the end of a germination test he views that the viability of the hard seed should be determined not just assumed it is viable and added to the germination percentage for total viability. Loren feels the ungerminated seeds at the end of a test need to be tested for viability so the true value of the seed for planting can be reported. Even using a pre-TZ Test to estimate total viable then subtract the germ test results to determine the dormant percentage is not consistent with the dormant seed definition (dormant seeds- seeds are dormant after being exposed to optimum germination conditions). Dr. Wiesner states that the seed testing objective is a truthful estimate of viability that will relate to planting value. After a morning break, Gil Waibel spoke on uniformity in Tetrazolium Testing with some competition from Old-time Ministry in the next room. Gil had performed a study of 15 reclamation seed lots with different seed labs participating. The study showed alarming uniformity problems. There were tolerance issues not only on the TZ test interpretations but also on seedling evaluations and the total viability between the seed labs on all 15 seed lots. With the results of this study there is a need for more training among all analysts that test reclamation species. Hallelujah! The last speakers for the morning were Kevin Stahl and Tim Matthei on TZ Testing on Native Seeds. Their presentation was questioning if the AOSA Rules truly determined native seed estimates and does that estimate truly equal expectations for native seeds. Kevin and Tim also stressed industry’s questions relating to TZ Testing. Is the TZ Test approved, allowed or not? Is variation in lab tests caused by analyst or method? Why are there such varying results on the same lot of seed from different labs? Why are live seed results not reported? Is the analyst aware of how the information from the report is being used? With the questions by the industry, communication is a start to answering them.

Aleta Meyr


After an excellent lunch the participants in the TZ Testing Workshop were broken up into six groups. Each group visited a separate station that dealt with TZ Testing situations. After a certain amount of time the groups rotated to the next station. It kept the participants moving which was great after lunch. At one station Heidi Jo Larsen presented TZ evaluation on different native species using photos. Terry Freeman presented preparing and evaluating seeds in Poaceae also using photos. Terry gave us a quiz so we had the opportunity to evaluate TZ seeds. Michael Aberle presented an informative powerpoint on TZ tests of California native shrubs. Agronomic TZ testing could not be left out and Nancy Heidemen presented TZ testing on corn, soybeans and wheat. Gil Waibel presented a comparison on 4 grass species for determining total viable seed. The present method states that a post TZ on ungerminated seed at the end of a test is performed and a proposed method of doing a pre TZ and subtracting the germ results to obtain dormant seed in a lot. Kevin Stahl and Tim Matthei presented the question about TZ testing estimates equaling expectations of the customer with a discussion on the reasonable and repeatable estimates of potential viability for native seed. The Tetrazolium Testing Workshop was a great success. The presenters showed Different aspects of Tetrazolium Testing and the value of the test. Certain hurdles were presented indicating more training and education is needed to increase the value of Tetrazolium Testing. Amen. Submitted by Donna Grubisic

Hands-On Sessions

Evaluating Various Scary Species by Heidi Jo Larson

Comparing TZ &Total Viable: Four Species by Gil Waibel

Think Outside the Crop by Kevin Stahl & Tim Matthei

Alpha Dormancy: Shrub Species by Michael Aberle


2012 Teaching and Training Workshop, Des Moines, Iowa

The 2012 Teaching and Training Committee meeting was formatted somewhat differently than in past years. This meeting was designed around a survey that was given to the AOSA and SCST memberships late last year. The survey discovered that webinars were a favored means of learning and that a workshop at the convention should cover pertinent topics as well as be in an abbreviated time with little or no cost but would still give continuing education points. So, the normal meeting time slot was expanded to two hours and instead of business topics of the committee being discussed, a mini, free workshop was put on. There were five guest speakers, Loren Weisner, Harold Armstrong, Barbara Cleave, Pattsy Jackson, and Anita Hall, each of whom has an expertise in an area of training. The workshop was very well attended with approximately 80 people. Loren spoke about The National Seed Science and Technology Distance Education Program (http://step.colostate.edu/National_Program_Main.htm) and the Seed Technology Education Program (http://step.colostate.edu/step_certification_program.htm). “The purpose of the coordinated National Certificate Program is to educate seed science and technology professionals to meet the growing needs of the seed industry in a wide range of positions,” while “ The STEP program is designed to prepare students to become seed analysts in a commercial, state, or federal seed laboratory. Students may select from an array of courses offered via distance education from Colorado State University and other institutions.” Harold spoke on tools for aspiring exam takers. The tools Harold suggested were: mentors, a good seed collection, literature with a special emphasis on the RST study guide and the AOSA Rules for Testing Seed, and electronic media such as the Teaching and Training Website. Harold also gave a review of the workshops that are usually offered during the course of a year, such as Federal Seed Schools, the Iowa State Seed School, and the various regional workshops such as Idaho, the Midwest, and California. Barbara gave a talk on the RST exam, especially the structure and expectations placed on the exam candidates. She called special attention to the “RST-CVT-CVP Study Guide” tab under the “Resources” tab of the SCST website. Page 9 of the Study Guide was stressed. The information on this page describes the exam well. It gives times

Agronomic TZ: Corn, Soybean, and Wheat by Nancy Heidemen

Preparing and Evaluating Poaceae By Terry Freeman

http://step.colostate.edu/National_Program_Main.htm

http://step.colostate.edu/step_certification_program.htm


allotted to each section of the exam, the percentage of the type of content to be expected in each section and the grading structure. Any candidate studying for their RST, CVT, or CVP should be thoroughly familiar with this information. Pattsy gave a presentation on “Points to Consider in Training Seed Analysts.” This was a macro view of how analysts can be trained in one’s respective laboratories or in workshops. This was a great presentation that ended with a hand on exercise. The workshop participants were broken up into 4 groups, each working on an idea to hold a workshop. Here are some facsimiles of the groups’ efforts:

The last speaker was Anita Hall. Anita recapped this year’s effort in presenting webinars. Anita explained that webinars are relatively easy once you get the hang of them. They are basically just the same as a PowerPoint presentation. They are however somewhat time consuming from their inception to the final product. Anita also reminded everyone that ideas are always needed for more webinars and that other people are welcome to do them. She would be glad to offer assistance to anyone wanting to produce one. The feedback from the workshop was good. Time is at a premium when conventions are held. This new format of the Teaching and Training Committee meeting seemed to provide good information to a broad-spectrum of the memberships. With this committee in particular, business items can be held back for teleconferences while the goal of bringing pertinent information on uniformity in testing to the membership can be advanced.


Opening Session: Greetings from Affiliate Organizations

Welcome from the Host Committee by Michael O’Neil

Brent Reschly

Dan Curry Dr. Lamkey Joel Lachappe - ISTA

Neil Foster Pat Jennings for CSAAC Steve Malone - AASCO


2012 Awards Banquet

The Keynote Address was given by Dr. Owen Newlin. He is the retired senior vice president and board member of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. His presentation included how Pioneer was started and how the seed industry has developed over the years.

Patsy Jackson receiving the Meritorious

Service Award

Service Award

A few snap shots from the Silent Auction. In 2012 STRF celebrated the tenth anniversary of its founding.


GENERAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Turf-type and Forage-type Varieties of Tall Fescue Pennsylvania State Seed Lab

Nishit Patel

In the Seed Technologist Newsletter Volume 78 No1 page 74-76 there was published a listing of turf-type and forage-type varieties of tall fescue. The list is made available to seed analysts for proper testing and labeling of tall fescue seed which is to be sold in Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West

Virginia. The following is a revised list of tall fescue varieties as approved by the seven states whose seed laws have special labeling requirements for tall fescue varieties. The list is not necessarily complete as new varieties are constantly being released. Additions

or deletions are welcome at any time. For changes please e-mail [email protected] .

TURF TYPE TALL FESCUE

5MN

ACCORD

ACEQUICA

ADAM’S VALLEY

ADMIRAL

ADOBE

ADORA

ADVANTAGE

ADVENTURE

ADVENTURE II

AGGRESSOR

AIRLIE

ALAMO

ALAMO E

AMBASSADOR

AMIGO

ANTHEM

ANTHEM II

APACHE

APACHE II

APACHE III

AQUARA

ARABIA

ARID

ARID 3

ARID II

ARISTOTLE

ARIZONA

ARRIBA

ARROYO

ASHVILLE

AST 7001

AST 7002

AST 7003

AST 9001

AST 9002

AST 9003

ASTRO

ASTRO 2000

ATF 707

ATF799

ATF 806

ATHENS

AUSTIN

AVALON

AVANTI

AVANTI II

AVENGER

AVID

AXIOM

AZTEC

AZTEC II

BAJA

BANDANA

BANSHEE

BARANZA

BARBIZON

BARCELINA

BARFELIX

BARLEDUC

BARLEXAS

BARLEXAS II

BARNONE

BARRERA

BARROBUSTO

BARRINGTON

BARTES

BARUNDI

BARVADO

BEACON

BEAGLE

BEAVO

BENTON

BILTMORE

BINGO

BLACK BEAUTY

BLACK MAGIC

BLACKWATCH

BLADE RUNNER BLADE RUNNER II

BONANZA

BONANZA II

BONSAI

BONSAI 2000

BONSAI 3000

BONSAI E

BONSAI PLUS

BRAHMA

BRANDY

BRAVEHEART

BRAVO

BROCKTON

BROOKSTON

BULLDAWG

BULLSEYE

CAMARILLO

CAMBRIDGE

CANNAVARO

CAREFREE

CAREFREE II

CATELYST

CAVALCADE

CAYENNE

CEZANNE RZ

CHAPEL HILL

CHENELLE

CHESAPEAKE

mailto:[email protected]


CHIEFTAIN

CHIEFTAIN II

CHINOOK

CHIPPER

CIMARRON

CLASS ACT

CLEMFINE

COCHISE

COCHISE II

COCHISE III

COCHISE IV

CODY

COLONEL

COMPANION

COMPETE

COMSTOCK

CONESTOGA

CONSTITUTION

CORGI

CORONA

CORONADO

CORONADO GOLD

CORTEZ

CORTEZ II

COVENANT

COYOTE

COYOTE II

CREWCUT

CREWCUT II

CROSSFIRE

CROSSFIRE II

CROSSFIRE 3

DAKOTA

DARLINGTON

DAVINCI

DAYTONA

DEBUTANTE

DEFIANCE

DELMARVA

DENISE

DESIRE

DIEHARD

DOMINION

DORADO

DUKE

DUR

DURANA

DURANGO

DUSTER

DYNAMIC

DYNAMIC II

DYNASTY

EARTHSAVE

EBONY

EINSTEIN

ELDORADO

ELDORADO GOLD

ELISA

EMPEROR

EMPEROR II

EMPRESS

ENDEAVOR

ENDEAVOR II

ENDURE

EQUINOX

ERA

ESCALADE ESCALANTE

ESSENTIAL

EVERGREEN

EXCALIBUR

EXPEDITION

FAITH

FALCON

FALCON II

FALCON III

FALCON IV

FALCON V

FALCON NG

FAT CAT

FATIMA

FIDELITY

FILIPPA

FINELAWN

FINELAWN 5GL

FINELAWN 5LZ

FINELAWN 88

FINELAWN 8851

FINELAWN ELITE

FINELAWN I

FINELAWN PETITE

FINELAWN XPRESS

FINESSE

FINESSE II

FIRECRACKER LS

FIREBIRD

FIRENZA

FIVE POINT

FLORIDIAN

FOCUS

FORREST GREEN

FORTE’

FORTUNE

FURY

GALA

GALATEA

GALWAY

GARRISON

GAZELLE

GAZELLE II

GENESIS

GEORGIA 51 GEORGIA 5

GLEN EAGLE GOLD MEDALLION

GOOD-EN

GQ

GRANDE

GRANDE II

GRASSLANDS GARLAND

GREENBROOKS

GREENKEEPER- WAF

GREMLIN

GREYSTONE

GREYSTONE II

GUARDIAN

GUARDIAN 21

HELIX

HEMI

HERITAGE

HILLTOP

HOMESTEAD

HONKYTONK

HOUNDOG

HOUNDOG 5

HOUNDOG 6

HOUNDOG II

HUBBARD 87

HUDSON

HUNTER

INFERNO

INNOVATOR

INSIGNIA

ISI 8952

JAGUAR

JAGUAR 3

JAGUAR II

JAGUAR 4G

JAMBOREE

JASMINE

JB-2

JT-3

JT-9

JUBILEE

JUSTICE

KALAHARI

KICKOFF

KITTY HAWK

KITTYHAWK 2000

KITTYHAWK SST

L-89

LABARINTH

LANCER

LANCER-E

LANCER 31

LARAMIE

LEGEND

LEGITIMATE

LEOPARD

LEPRECHAUN

LEXINGTON

LEXUS


LF220

LINDBERGH

LION

LONGHORN

LS-1000

LS-1100 LS-1200

MA127

MA158

MAGELLAN

MARATHON

MARKSMAN

MARKSMAN II

MASTERPIECE

MATADOR

MATADOR GT

MAVERICK

MAVERICK II

MB 215

MEDALLION DWARF

MILLENNIUM

2ND MILLENNIUM

MIRO

MERIDIAN

MESA

MIC 18

MIRAGE

MICRO

MICRO DD

MILLENNIUM

2ND MILLENNIUM

3RD MILLENNIUM SRP

MINI-MUSTANG

MINK

MINX

MIRAGE

MOHAWK

MOJAVE

MONACO

MONARCH

MONET

MONTANA

MONTAUK

MONTEBELLO

MONTSERRAT

MORGAN

MURIETTA

MUSTANG

MUSTANG II

MUSTANG 3

MUSTANG 4

MYSTIX

N.D.

N-25

NINJA

NINJA II

NINJA III

NK 82508

NOBEL

NORDIC

NUICRO

OASIS

OBSIDIAN

OL’ GLORY

OLYMPIC

OLYMPIC GOLD

OLYMPIC II

ONCUE

ONYX

P58

PACER

PADRE

PALADIN

PALISADES

PARAISO

PEDESTAL

PEDASTAL II

PEDIGEE

PEGASUS

PENN1901

PENN PRO

PETITE

PHOENIX

PICASSO

PICK 127

PICK ZMG

PIEDMOUNT

PIXIE

PIXIE E+

PLANTATION

PLATO

POLY 6-38

POLY DUR

PRIDE

PROSPECT

PURE GOLD

PYRAMID

QUEST

RAPTOR

RAPTOR II

REBEL

REBEL 2000

REBEL 3D

REBEL ADVANCE

REBEL EXEDA

REBEL II

REBEL III

REBEL IV

REBEL JR.

REBEL PRO

REBEL SENTRY

REBEL XLR

REDCOAT

REGIMENT

REGIMENT II

REMBRANDT

RENDITION

RENDITION RX

RENEGADE

RENEGADE II

RENEGADE SUPREME

RENOVATE

RESERVE

REUNION

RHAMBLER SRP

RHIZING STAR

RICHMOND

RIVERSIDE

ROCKET

SAFARI

SAMSON

SANTA FE

SAPPHIRE

SAVANNAH

SCORPIO

SCORPION

SCORPION II

SDB

SENTINEL

SERENGETI

SHANNON

SHELBY

SHENANDOAH

SHENANDOAH II

SHENANDOAH III

SHENANDOAH ELITE

SHENANDOAH SPORT

SHERIDAN

SHORTCUT

SHORTSTOP

SHORTSTOP II

SIDEWINDER

SIESTA

SIGNIA

SILVERADO

SILVERADO II

SILVERHAWK

SILVERSTAR

SITKA

SIX POINT

SKYLINE

SOLARA

SOUTHPAW

SOUTHEAST

SOUTHERN CHOICE

SOUTHERN


CHOICE II

SOUTHERN COMFORT

SOUTHERN COMFORT II

SOUTHLAND

SPEEDWAY

SPHINX

SPYDER LS

SR 8000

SR 8100

SR 8200

SR 8210

SR 8250

SR 8300

SR 8400

SR 8500

SR 8550

SR 8600

SR 8650

SRX 8350

ST. ANDREWS

STAGECOACH

STARFIRE

STARLET

STETSON

STETSON II

STINGRAY

STONEWALL

SUCCESS

SUNDANCE

SUNDANCE II

SUNPRO SUNSET GOLD

TAHOE

TAHOE II

TALISMAN

TALLADEGA TANZANIA

TAOS

TAR HEEL

TAR HEEL II

TAURUS

TEMPEST

TEMPO

TEMPO II

TENACITY

TERRANOVA

TERRIER

TF 8805

TF-66

THOROUGHBRED

THUNDERBIRD

TIP

TIPTON

TITAN

TITAN 2

TITAN Ltd.

TITAN RX

TITANIUM

TOCCOA

TOEGA

TOMAHAWK

TOMAHAWK-E

TOMAHAWK GOLD

TOMAHAWK GT

TOMAHAWK RT

TOMBSTONE

TOMCAT

TORPEDO

TOTAL

TRACER

TRADITION

TRAILBLAZER

TRAILBLAZER II

TRANSITION

TRAVELER

TRAVERSE SRP

TRIBUTE

TRIDENT

TRIO

TROOPER

TULSA

TULSA II

TULSA TIME

TURBO TURBO RZ

TURNBERRY

TUXEDO

TWILIGHT

TWILIGHT II

ULTIMATE

UMBRELLA

VAN GOGH

VEGAS

VELOCITY

VENANZIO VENTURE

VERANDA

VIRTUE

VIRTUE II

VIRTUOSO

WAF

WATCHDOG

WILDCAT

WILDFIRE

WILLAMETTE

WINCHESTER

WINCHESTER II

WINDSOR

WINDSOR II

WOLFPACK

WOLFPACK II

WOLVERINE

WPEZE

WRANGLER

WRANGLER II

WYATT XTREME GREEN

YOSEMITE

ZANZIBAR

FORAGE TYPE TALL FESCUE

ADVANCE

ALTA

ALTA II

ARKPLUS

ARONDE

ATLAS

AU TRIUMPH

BARCARELLA

BARCEL

BARDURM

BARELITE

BARFA 6FRD

BARIANE

BAROLEX

BAROPTIMA

BARVETIA

BRONSON

BRUTUS

BULL

BULL II

CAJUN

CAJUN 2

CARMIRE

CATTLE CLUB

CHALLENGER

COURTENAY

COWGIRL

DEMETER

DESOTO

DESPERADO

DOVEY

DROVER


EMERAUDE

ENDO FREE

ENFORCER

ENHANCE

FAWN

FESTIVAL

FESTORINA

FORAGER

FRAYDO

FUEGO

GEORGIA 5

GLORIA

GOAR

GOLIATH

GRASSLANDS ADVANCE

GRASSLANDS FLECHA

GRASSLANDS

ROA

HIMAG

HOEDOWN

HOKURYO

HYMARK

JESUP

JOHNSTONE

KENHY

KENMONT

KENTUCKY 31

KENTUCKY 32

KENWELL

KOKANEE

KORA

MANADE

MARTIN

MARTIN 2

MAX

MAXIMIZE

MAXQ-JESUP

MISSOURI-96

MONTENDRE

MOZARK

NANRYO

OREGON 99

ORYGUN

PENNGRAZER

PENNINGTON 63-70

PHYTER

QUANTUM

QUANTUM MAXP

QUANTUM II MAXP

RESOLUTE

RESOLUTE II

SAFE

SAVORY

SEINE

SELECT

SIBILLA

SOUTHERN CROSS

STAG

STARGRAZER

STEF

STELLAR

STOCKMAN

TETON

TUSCANY

TUSCANY II

TYPHOON

YAMANAMI

Rev. 08/2012

References: AOSA Newsletter Vol. 60 No. 4 71-72 AOSA Newsletter Vol. 61 No. 1 99-101


SPOTLIGHT ON A LAB

Relocated Seed Lab Up and Running in West Lafayette

By Reni Winter

The relocation of the North American Seed Quality Control Lab from Marshalltown, Iowa to West Lafayette, Indiana is functionally complete and the Indiana lab has been in full operation since the first week of January. “I’m very impressed with the speed and safety with which we were able to complete construction,” says Jon Lehman, site manager for the lab. “We’re continuing to work on process improvements and testing updates.”

Four labs in one

The Seed Quality Lab consists of four laboratories, three of which have been up and running since Jan. 3. The Germination/Herbicide Bioassay Lab is the starting point of all seed quality testing, receiving and properly dividing and labeling samples to go to their respective labs. All germination testing also takes place there.

Samantha Smith, Trait Purity Lab Technician, is utilizing lateral flow strips to detect the presence of SmartStax® traits.

“I think this is an exciting time for the Seed Quality Lab in West Lafayette,” says Annette Brown, Germination Lab coordinator. “Our new lab has so much potential for testing a variety of samples, crops and testing new methods for our stakeholders. Our new employees here bring so much valuable experience to Dow AgroSciences. I expect them all to make an impact on Dow AgroSciences quickly. We are looking forward to meeting with our stakeholders and improving our interaction with them to increase the value of the data we provide. We hope to be a partner with the stakeholders and not just a service provider.”

The Trait Purity Lab is focused on testing products against commercial targets and providing technical support. As part of the Seeds, Traits, and Oils Quality Control group in West Lafayette this high throughput lab performs qualitative analysis of the different proteins encompassing Dow AgroSciences’ seed technology. Currently, the technology used to detect the various traits present in the plant samples is the conventional, single and double-plex ELISA. Lateral flow strips, a rapid antibody-based assay performed on a porous membrane, are used for qualitative testing of up to four traits in one seed sample. Efficient extraction methods have been developed, facilitating trait analysis while eliminating any risk of cross contamination. “State of the art equipment allow for greater speed and precision while ensuring optimum ergonomic conditions for the lab personnel,” says Sandra Toledo, Trait Purity Lab coordinator. “We are also committed to innovation, and focus on developing advanced trait detection methods that would allow for the accurate analysis of multiple traits in a high throughput manner while reducing costs and decreasing the number of consumables. This way we look after our customers’ needs as well as caring for our environment.”

mailto:[email protected]

http://dasrsgad.intranet.dow.com/STO_Quality/Newsletter/0212/Samantha Smith.JPG


The Isoelectric Focusing Lab is also off to a great start, says Natae Daniels, Genetic Purity Lab coordinator as well as the future DNA labs. The Isoelectric Focusing Lab tests the protein footprint of the sample against that of the parents to ensure that the traits of the sample seed match those of both parents. It is similar to DNA testing except it matches the proteins rather than the DNA. “We have a great group of contractors and technicians who worked hard to complete all equipment validation as of December 2011. We have also completed the move of the equipment from the Marshalltown lab which will allow us to increase our throughput and implement the Six Sigma Lean design,” says Natae Daniels. The Seed Quality Lab is a tour facility equipped with observation windows and projection screens throughout the visitor-friendly tour halls.

Registered seed technologist Laura Donaldson places wet Kimpak trays, planted with 400 corn seeds for cold tests, on the sanding machine while seed technician John Perry operates the sander in the planting room in the germination lab.

Martina Kidwell, Genetic Purity Lab Technician, is loading an agarose gel for protein purity testing.

ANALYST NEWS

Bryce Callighan Bryce Callighan is an Illinois native who earned his Bachelors of Science from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He currently is employed by Monsanto and works in Waterman, IL at the Seed Technology Center. His seven years with the company have provided experience in row crops that include corn, sorghum, soybeans and cotton. Bryce would like to extend his thanks and gratitude to RSTs Harold Armstrong, Melissa Phillips and David Johnston for all of their help in preparing him for the purity portion of the RST exam. He would also like to thank his family as well as the onsite employees in Waterman for their support in his endeavors. Bryce had a wonderful time at this year’s annual meeting and is looking forward to attending future meetings for many years to come.

http://dasrsgad.intranet.dow.com/STO_Quality/Newsletter/0212/Start of the sanding line.jpg

http://dasrsgad.intranet.dow.com/STO_Quality/Newsletter/0212/Martina Kidwell.JPG

http://dasrsgad.intranet.dow.com/STO_Quality/Newsletter/0212/Start of the sanding line.jpg

http://dasrsgad.intranet.dow.com/STO_Quality/Newsletter/0212/Martina Kidwell.JPG


Lan Chi I went to Lebanon Valley College in PA for Biochemistry. I’ve been working in PA Department of Ag Seed Lab since 2006. And I would like to thank to Johnny Zook and Chuck Boettinger for being such a wonderful guidance and have taught me a lot even up until these days. Lan Chi

Sandra Toledo

Sandra Toledo is currently the Trait Purity Lab Coordinator at the Dow AgroSciences Seed Quality Laboratory in West Lafayette, Indiana at Purdue Research Park. She holds a BS in Biotechnology from IUPUI and has worked at Dow AgroSciences since 1996. In addition to the Trait Lab Coordinator role, Sandra held roles in Research and Development, Information Management and Administration.

John Ferrari

Hi, thanks for letting introduce myself to AOSA/SCST members. My name is John Ferrari and I grew up on a livestock grain farm in Central Iowa on the Des Moines River Valley. I attended Grand Community High School in Boxholm, Iowa. My days growing up on the farm were always involved with seed. From planting alfalfa, cereals, to corn and beans, seeds always amazed me how a small seed can grow into a productive stage and feed the world. After high school I farmed for a few years and then accepted a position at Iowa State University Extension in the Agronomy Department. I worked in soils and yes do not treat our soils like dirt. I worked in soils for almost ten years and greatly appreciated learning how important soils are to our environment. We have seeds, but without a fertile well maintain soil a seed cannot grow into a productive plant. I worked for

Dr. Randy Killorn and Joyce Hornstein and I really enjoyed my years working in soils. My project ended at ISU and I accepted a position for a seed company named Pau Seeds. I worked there for a couple years as an Assistant Corn Breeder then took a position for Limagrain Genetics. I then decided to go back to college and study computers as I knew they had a great future in our lives. I finished college with honors but at the time my father was very ill. I decided to stay back at home taking care of him as you have only one father. I was able to do that until his death. After my father’s death my mom got very sick and I also took care of her until god took her from our family. I have one sister Lisa which is married to her husband Brain. They have one daughter Crystal. My sister and I were able to purchase the family farm. I live on the farm


today. I took a position part-time working at Iowa State Seed Science. The next year I was offered a full time position there. I have learned a lot from working at the Iowa State Seed Science Center and like all my jobs have gained valuable friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime. This past year I had the chance to take the AOSA Germination Test. I learned a great deal studying for this exam. Some of my hobbies are fishing and hunting. I enjoy living in rural America. I especially like hunting with dogs. I have met and gain a lot of friends throughout the USA because of my hunting dogs. I can go almost every state in the USA and see my line if dogs somewhere. I also have enjoyed writing for national known hunting dog magazines on training and breeding hunting dogs. I have helped with the United Kennel Club kids youth program. I helped produce the kids youth book and telling them our first president George Washington had hunting dogs and they were hunted on the front yard of the White House. Our future is so bright in the seed industry with new genes coming out every year and new treatments to be put on seeds. Matter of fact I am studying to be certified to treat seeds. Thanks for letting me introduce myself to the AOSA/ASTA members. Let's be like the seeds we love in the effect of sprouting into great advances in seed and pollinate into great years ahead in the seed industry. Thanks for your time.

Rachael Sondeno

I was born and raised in the central valley of California. I received a M.S. in Genetics from the University of California, Davis in 2003. I had a short internship with Plant Sciences, Inc. in Watsonville, CA setting up DNA fingerprinting of strawberry varieties, followed by two years with SIRM in Las Vegas, NV performing pre-implantation genetic diagnoses. I was introduced to the seed industry in 2009 when I became a genetics lab technician with Indiana Crop Improvement Association. I would like to thank our past and current Genetics Lab

Directors, Rick Vierling, PhD and Emily Dierking, PhD for encouragement and the directors of ICIA for the support in attaining the goal of RGT with the SCST.

Jeanna Mueller I would like to introduce myself to the SCST members. It is an honor to be a part of an organization so dedicated to seed quality and the future of agriculture. I grew up around agriculture in western North Dakota and have been involved in it since I was a kid. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science for Crop and Weed sciences at North Dakota State University. I have worked for experiment stations and also in crop consulting before starting with the North Dakota State Seed Department in 2006. I live on a farm near Hillsboro with my husband and two young girls. I look forward to getting to know the members of SCST and to further gain knowledge of seed testing and seed quality issues.


Ciara Clark I would like to introduce myself to the members of AOSA. I am honored to be a part of an organization dedicated to the future of agriculture. I grew up in a small farming community in North Dakota. Throughout high school I worked at the local veterinary clinic and graduated from NDSU with a B.S. in Animal Science. Taking all the Pre-Vet requirements my plan was to go to vet school. After not being accepted the first year I decided maybe it wasn’t for me. I knew I still wanted to be involved in agriculture, so I started looking for jobs in the Fargo area. I started working at NDSSD in 2009 and have found the seed industry to be very interesting. I do owe a big thank you to my boss and co-workers for helping me prepare for and pass my test, I couldn’t have done it without them. I live in Hunter, ND with my husband and step-son. In our fee time we enjoy hunting, fishing (in the water and on the ice), camping and spending time with family. I look forward to meeting many new people and continuing to be a part of the future of agriculture.

Karen Miller

I grew up on a farm in Carroll County, Indiana. Corn and soybeans were the main crops; we also raised pigs from birth to market. In 1988 I started working at Pioneer Hybrid Seed Company in Flora, IN to help financially support my husband and two sons. I worked at Pioneer for 8 years and did a wide variety of jobs. At the time the plant closed in 1996, I was supervisor of the warm germination, printing tags, sampling carryover seed and working in the weigh station at harvest time as the green corn came into the plant. I learned of Indiana Crop Improvement Association while at Pioneer, so when Pioneer closed the Flora Plant I applied at ICIA. I started in warm and cold germination and inspecting wheat and soybean fields. I became a full time employee of the Genetics lab at ICIA in 2000 under the supervision of Dr. Rick

Vierling. I have learned a tremendous amount from other past and present employees here at ICIA. A few of those that I want to recognize are Dr. Huabang Chen, Pam Hogue, Larry Svajgr, Alan Galbreth, Joe Deford, Rachael Sondeno, and our current Genetic lab director Dr. Emily Dierking. My knowledge of the seed industry today also grows through on the job experience, workshops and as I studied for the CGT accreditation. I like being a part of an industry that helps feed the world.


Reed Barker

Reed E. Barker is joint owner with his wife, Judy, and is Chief Scientific Officer of Grass Genomic Testing, Inc. in Salem, Oregon. Dr. Barker conducts genetic research on cultivar identification, cultivar mixing, and generational stability of grasses grown for seed. Before retiring in 2007, he served as a Research Geneticist for the USDA-ARS for 35 years and was stationed at the National Forage Seed Production Research Center and a Professor (Courtesy) of Plant Breeding at Oregon State University for 19 years before retirement. He earned degrees from Utah State University and the University of Minnesota. While stationed at Mandan, ND, after receiving his PhD, he developed native grass cultivars for rangelands and the

Conservation Reserve Program. Since 1988 when he transferred to Oregon, his genetic research at Corvallis, OR focused on cultivar integrity, stability, and sustainability of grasses grown for seed in the Pacific Northwest. He implemented DNA marker technology to identify changes in cultivars during seed production generations, and for use in seed testing and seed certification to quantify cultivar contamination from other cultivars and species. He was born on 23 March 1946 in Springville, UT, and grew up on a farm in Mapleton, UT. His family raised small fruits, berries, and forage crops. Frequent fruit crop loss to spring frosts left him with an interest in cold tolerance physiology, but student employment in the alfalfa improvement programs with Dr. D.R. McAllister at Utah State University and Dr. M.W. Pedersen at USDA-ARS sparked a new challenge. He was totally converted to genetics research during his first plant breeding class at USU. He completed his B.S. degree in horticulture at USU in 1968, then went on to receive his M.S. degree in 1970 and Ph.D. degree as an National Science Foundation Graduate Trainee in 1972 in Plant Breeding and Genetics at the University of Minnesota under the direction of Dr. D.C. Rasmusson and Dr. A.W. Hovin. He is married to Judy Blanchard and they have three daughters and three sons. Dr. Barker began employment with USDA-ARS at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Mandan, ND in 1972 and was appointed Adjunct Professor at North Dakota State University in 1974. In initiating a new research program to genetically improve grasses for the Northern Great Plains, he established diverse genetic populations that were used at the base for future breeding to develop cultivars for forage, irrigated pastures, and to be used in rangelands. He initiated cooperative efforts with the USDA-SCS (now NRCS) to collect native grasses in the region. Together with Dr. J.D. Berdahl and other associates, he released nine new cultivars and four improved germplasms. Dr. Barker was leader on development of native grass cultivars that became primary components of the native grass mix seeded in the Conservation Reserve Program of the Northern Great Plains. In 1988, Dr. Barker was transferred by USDA-ARS to begin a new grass genetics program at the National Forage Seed Production Research Center in Corvallis, OR. He was appointed Professor of Crop Science (Courtesy) at Oregon State University in 1989. His research focused on genetic aspects related to grass seed production. He developed cooperative programs with breeders in regions where grasses were grown for forage or turf, and formed alliances with breeders in the grass seed industry to provide basic genetic information to help make grass breeding programs more efficient. He developed germplasm with improved resistance to stem rust in tall fescue and tolerance to diclofop herbicides in Italian ryegrass. He initiated studies to monitor genetic shift during seed production generations and to identify genetic integrity of cultivars using DNA markers. Recent research before retirement included


gene expression of traits defining differences between annual and perennial ryegrass. Application of this research has changed rules for testing seedling root fluorescence in ryegrass and implementation of flow cytometry in seed testing labs to detect diploid contamination in tetraploid ryegrasses. Ron Cook of the Oregon Seed Certification Service introduced him the ryegrass fluorescence problem and Sharon Davidson introduced him to the world of the seed analyst. She encouraged him to leave the government and start his own lab to bring modern technology to the grass seed industry. Under her careful guidance and friendship, his lab grew and commercial applications of DNA technology for the benefit of grass seed growers were developed. Thank you, Sharon. There is no one more knowledgeable in grass seed analysis than her. Dr. Barker has been an active member of the Crop Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy since his graduate school days. He was a Research Member of the Society of Commercial Seed Analysts in 2010 and a RGT of SCST in 2012. He served as the CSSA representative to the National Grass Variety Review Board for many years and continues to serve on its Ryegrass Variety Fluorescence (VFL) subcommittee since it was formed in 2001, served 12 years as chair of the CSSA Grass Registration Committee, and served as associate editor of Agronomy Journal. He has served from 1982 to 2006 as Executive Vice-president of the Grass Breeders Work Planning Conference and as chair of the Crop Germplasm Committee for Forage and Turf Grasses where he edited the 1997 report, “Grass Germplasm in the USA: A Status Report.” He has written over 200 scientific and popular publications on grass genetics, and written or contributed to four book chapters, as well as edited several books and proceedings. He serves as USA Coordinator of the International Lolium Genome Initiative and has been invited to present lectures on molecular breeding and DNA identification of grass cultivars in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Wales, England, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and the USA.

Julia Henderson

My name is Julia Henderson. I have a B.A. in Biology from California State University, Northridge. I started my seed career in November 2008 with Seminis Vegetable Seeds in Oxnard, CA. My RST quest was very much a collaborative effort and I was very fortunate to have had a stellar support system for my endeavor. I would like to thank my lab manager, Ethan Waltermire, for providing me the time and resources I needed for my studies; my RST mentor, David Johnston, for sharing his wealth of information

and vast experience, always with patience and good humor; Harold Armstrong, for the countless hours spent providing top notch training materials; Melissa Phillips, for taking charge in the bottom of the ninth to ensure I went in prepared; and finally, my family, friends, and co-workers who provided encouragement, understanding, and the occasional therapeutic cocktail, as needed. In my free time I enjoy gardening (go figure) and volunteering for two local animal rescue groups. In recognition of the hours I volunteered in 2011, I received the silver level Presidential Volunteer Service Award.


Quinn Gillespie

I have been working in seed testing for the past six years, at Tangent Seed Lab Int’l, under Ellen Mary, RST, and recently at Agri Seed Testing, under Sharon Davidson, RST, and Jane Penrose, RST. I obtained my CVT certificate at Tangent Seed Lab, and completed my study for the RST exam and study for the purity portion of the exam while at Agri Seed with Sharon and Jane. I would like to thank Ellen Mary and Marilyn Warren at Tangent Seed Lab for helping me begin the process of learning about seed testing and germination. 30 years of experience in germination testing provided the basis for my training in that area. I utilized the resources SCST has

online for study materials, and worked alongside the many wonderful people at Agri Seed while studying for the exam. I had full access to all of our lab resources, including some samples that were specially ordered and previous RST candidate’s flash cards and study materials. Possibly the best tool I was provided was the time to use those resources to their best advantage and the invaluable knowledge of Sharon, Jane, Dawn, Laurie, Nancy, and everyone else at Agri Seed who helped to support me and prepare for the test. Digital resources proved to be invaluable in helping me to prepare myself for the test and compile images for self-quizzes. I would also like to thank my husband, Miles, who introduced me to the world of seed testing in the first place, and for letting me banish him from the dining room so that I make it into my study area for the past two years. In the future, I hope to always be a very active member of AOSA/SCST, and look forward to contributing in many ways to the organization, be it as a committee member, or as an analyst, or providing supplemental materials for our handbooks. I’m looking forward to the future, and the many new ways our industry is growing, into the worlds of organic and transgenic seeds, and expanding my own knowledge as our industry grows. One of my favorite aspects of our field is the constant flow of information as the science of seed testing advances. I look forward to participating and sharing ideas and resources with the many wonderful people I’ve already gotten to know in the organization and those I’ll have the pleasure of meeting in the future. Quinn Gillespie, RST

Jessica Blake

Jessica Blake was hired at the Iowa State Seed Laboratory as an undergraduate student working towards her Biology degree. Once there, she grew an appreciation for all things seed, and was excited to move up from planting to looking at the seedlings and their structures. In 2010, she acquired her biology degree and was hired full-time at the lab. With a lot of encouragement and help from her Iowa State Seed Lab family, she passed her germination exam in spring of 2011, and was ready for the purity exam this spring.

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