Seed Health Testing Workshop
Join us in person with the National Seed Health System (NSHS) and the online Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business (STB) for three days of hands-on seed health testing training!
Who Should Attend?
This short course is specifically designed for early-career seed laboratory technicians who are actively involved in testing. The training focuses on hands-on laboratory techniques supported by lectures and classroom discussions, with special relevance for technicians working in or seeking employment with NSHS-accredited laboratories.
Space is limited; please limit registrations to no more than two individuals per company.
Cost
Non NSHS-accredited companies: $1,895.00
NSHS-accredited companies, and STB graduate students: $1,695.00
Space is limited to 16 attendees. Please limit registrations to no more than two individuals per company.
Location
The workshop will start each morning at the Seed Science Center on Iowa State University’s Campus
2115 Osborn Drive
Ames, IA
50011
Schedule
The three day workshop will cover seed health laboratory techniques that include conventional PCR, culture plating, and qPCR. Hands on experience will be gained through performing NSHS approved methods for selected pathogens focusing on these techniques and interpreting results.
The methods covered include:
- NSHS method Be 4.3 – Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens flaccumfaciens on beans
- Selective media plating with conventional PCR confirmation test and pathogenicity testing
- NSHS method Mz 1.1 – Stenocarpella maydis on maize
- Culture plate
- NSHS method So 7.1 – Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) on tomato and pepper
- Reverse transcription quantitative PCR
What to Bring
- All supplies for labs will be provided. We recommend you bring a notebook and pen to take notes with. There are outlets available for laptop computers.
Lodging
- There are a number of hotels available throughout Ames, but we recommend the Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites as it is both affordable, and is close to campus. Find hotels in Ames on the Convention and Visitors Bureau website
Parking
- Participants in the workshop are not exempt from campus parking regulations.
- General Staff Visitor Permit: If you are planning to park on the Iowa State campus during the STB Short Course, email Calli Sandahl, msandahl@iastate.edu, no later than Wednesday, October 1 so we can reserve your parking permits.
Note: If you park in the wrong lot, you will be fined a $50 parking ticket. Please take care to park in the correct lot – either by the greenhouses, or the horse barn.
Meals
- We will provide lunch for participants on each day of the short course. A light breakfast and afternoon snacks are provided as well.
- If you have any dietary requirements or restrictions, please email Calli Sandahl, msandahl@iastate.edu by October 1 to make arrangements in advance.
- There are great dinner options throughout the city. Check them out through the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau website
Weather
- Weather in Iowa can be quite unpredictable and may require a heavier coat, or light jacket. Please dress accordingly as some of the campus parking lots fill up quickly and it can be a 3-5-minute walk from the SSC.
- In case of inclement weather, the workshop will be delayed or cancelled only if classes on the Iowa State University campus are delayed or cancelled. Please check your email for any notices from staff.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made more than one week before the short course date will receive a full refund, minus a $20 administrative fee.
- Cancellations made within one week of the short course date will receive a 50% refund.
- Registration Transfer:
- You may transfer your registration to another individual at no additional cost. To update the registrant name and information, email Calli Sandahl at msandahl@iastate.edu.
Questions?
- Please contact event coordinator Calli Sandahl (msandahl@iastate.edu), or program coordinator Kelly Iverson (kiverson@iastate.edu)
Sponsors
National Seed Health System
Online Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business