Abstract
The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) was established in 1924 with the idea of standardization in seed testing worldwide. The first international rules for seed testing (ISTA Rules) were published in 1931. The development of ISTA Rules is constant. ISTA members are involved in the ongoing process of developing methods for seed sampling and testing. The methods are validated to ensure that test procedures provide reliable and reproducible results. Since 2001, ISTA Rules have been issued annually. ISTA accredited laboratories have to work according to valid ISTA Rules. In this paper, ISTA Rules changes in seed germination testing since 2001 were presented. Changes in testing methods, criteria for seedling evaluation, procedure of calculation and reporting of results are presented in detail. It can be concluded that the amendments to the ISTA Rules are necessary in order to harmonize seed testing and modern trends in seed trade.
Highlights
The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) was established in 1924 with the idea of uniformity in seed testing worldwide
ISTA members are involved in the ongoing process of developing methods for seed sampling and testing
It can be concluded that the amendments to the ISTA Rules are necessary in order to harmonize seed testing and modern trends in seed trade
Summary
The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) was established in 1924 with the idea of uniformity in seed testing worldwide. In this paper ISTA Rules changes in seed germination testing since 2001 are presented. Milivojević, Marija et al./ Ista Rules Changes in Seed Germination Testing at the Beginning of the 21st Century. Sand and soil were allowed substrates for germination testing until 2002, when compost was added in the ISTA Rules. Top of paper covered with sand (TPS) was added to methods in order to overcome germination media disparity between the ISTA (ISTA Rules, 2009) and AOSA (Association of Official Seed Analysts) Rules (2006). ISTA Rules prescribe different procedures for promoting germination of dormant seed (prechilling, preheating, light, KNO3, GA3 etc.). Validation study confirmed that KNO3 alone or in combination with heat is preferable method for breaking dormancy of Brachiaria brizantha seeds (Aranciaga, 2010), the new species introduced into ISTA Rules in 2010. In 2007 for Betula pendula and B. pubescens germination by counted (4 x 100 seeds) replicates as well as by weighed replicate was allowed
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