Seed Today - Q1 2008 - (Page 57)

Blowing Chaff AOSA/SCST debate tall fescue testing The method of testing tall fescue seed samples may change in the next year or two. A rule change proposal for purity analysis on tall fescue will be submitted to the AOSA/SCST membership for a vote later this year. The proposed method is based upon the Uniform Blowing Method for Kentucky Bluegrass. Instead of hand picking empty florets from the sample and separating the multiple units, the blowing method uses a calibrated air stream to precisely remove florets with smaller caryopses or with no caryopses at all. Studies demonstrate that material removed by the seed blower is not viable seed. Purity percentages between the current hand method and the proposed blowing method were not significantly different. Several seed testing labs are continuing these studies. Upon request, Mid-West Seed Services (MWSS) will test tall fescue seed using both methods. The Oregon State Seed Laboratory is also soliciting comments from grass seed producers and conditioners to gain additional input into the proposed methods change. Seed blower “Questions were raised about the possi(Seedburo photo) bility of some seed conditioners decreasing their attempts to break multiple floret units apart and thereby sell more inert material to the consumer,” says Anita Hall, Executive Director, Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST). “This concern and others resulted in a very close AOSA/ SCST vote at the associations’ annual meeting in June in Cody, WY. The rule proposal failed in 2007 by only one percentage point,” Hall says. Rule Approval Process Changed In 2005, the rule proposal process was strengthened by AOSA when they voted to allow qualified members of SCST to vote on amendments to the rules. At the same time, the percentage needed to pass a proposal was changed from a simple majority to a super majority of both organizations. The AOSA rules are now the only internationally recognized rules that allow both regulatory and commercial seed technologists to vote on the rules. “The voting process worked perfectly in this case. If a rule is controversial, additional research and discussion is needed before decisions are made that may greatly impact the seed industry. Comments are welcomed from the seed industry on rules proposals.” The 2008 proposals will be posted on the AOSA website, www.aosaseed.com, by March 1. Letters and comments will be posted on the website and circulated to voting members prior to the vote on the proposed Rule change at the AOSA/ SCST annual meeting in June in St. Paul, MN. Response No. 571 First Quarter 2008 57 http://www.taylorproducts.com http://www.taylorproducts.com http://www.aosaseed.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q1 2008

Seed Today - Q1 2008 Contents Editor’s Notes Cover Feature: Agrecol® Corporation Reed Barker, Ph.D. Cal/West Seeds Inc. Annual GM Use Report Bt Resistance Reported Camelina Tony Harper Gayle Jacklin According to ASTA Krauter Structures AOSCA AOSA/SCST GM and Greenhouse Gas Seed Associations Ad Index

Seed Today - Q1 2008

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