Agricultural Marketing Service 

Seed Regulatory and Testing Division

ITEMS OF 

INTEREST IN 

SEED 

2019
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor’s Notes ..........................................................................................................................2

Wheat Variety Testing .............................................................................................................3

Noxious-Weed Seed Showcase...............................................................................................3

Soybean Hilum Color ...............................................................................................................5

What is Seed Quality? ............................................................................................................6

Testing Hemp Seed for Purity and Germination ......................................................................7

Seed Morphology...................................................................................................................10

Submitting Hemp Seed to SRTD............................................................................................12

Trueness – To –Variety Overview .........................................................................................12

Federal Seed Act Cases Settled ...........................................................................................13

Seed Analysts Training Workshop in Gastonia, NC ...............................................................14

AOSA/ SCST Annual Meeting ..............................................................................................14

OECD Seed Schemes 2019...................................................................................................15

2019 National Industrial Hemp Regulatory Conference ........................................................17

32nd International Seed Testing Association Congress ..................................................18

33rd Annual Meeting of the Association of American Seed Control Officials ..........................19

AOSCA Celebrates 100th Anniversary ...................................................................................20

Calendar of Events .............................................................................................................. 22

Staff Directory .......................................................................................................................23

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

Science & Technology Program

Seed Regulatory and Testing Division

801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C 

Gastonia, North Carolina 28054-2193 

https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/science-technology-program
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 2

EDITOR’S NOTES

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap,

but by the seeds that you plant.”

- Robert Louis Stevenson 

Welcome to the 2019 edition of Items of Interest in Seeds! 

This year the Seed Regulatory and Testing Division’s

(SRTD) staff is growing. Please welcome the new

Agronomist, Laura Berrios-Ortiz. She will be taking over 

the Trueness-to-Variety Program as well as working with 

the Botanists in seed testing.

Hemp seed testing is also continuing to grow this year.

With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, SRTD will now 

test hemp seed for purity, germination, and noxious weed 

seed testing. To read about how to submit these samples,

please see the article on page 12. Also see the article 

“Testing Hemp Seed for Purity and Germination” for testing procedures on page 7. Fun facts

about hemp: the first drafts of the American flag were made out of hemp fibers and the 

Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. 

Other topics covered in this edition include wheat variety testing techniques, soybean hilum 

color, and seed morphology. As always, please let me know if you have suggestions for future 

topics by sending an email to elizabeth.tatum@usda.gov. 

On behalf of the SRTD staff, I hope you enjoy these articles and continue to find them 

informative. 

Elizabeth Tatum Stewart

IOI Editor 

SRTD Agronomist Laura Berrios-Ortiz
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 3

WHEAT VARIETY TESTING

Wheat is one of the highest grossing crops in the United States. There are many varieties of 

wheat, each with specific genetic character traits. The variety of wheat can be confirmed by 

different methods such as a phenol test, growth chamber test, protein electrophoresis, and DNA 

marker tests. 

The phenol test involves incubating wheat seed in 1% phenol solution and the enzyme phenol 

oxidase stains the seed brown. The results are compared to a control of the same variety. The 

test is simple to perform and will provide results after four hours. 

During a growth chamber test, wheat seeds are grown in sand at 25°C for seven days. The 

coleoptile colors of either red or green are then compared to a control sample of a known

variety. 

The electrophoresis test separates proteins into distinct bands in a gel as a result of differential 

migration in an electric field. The banding pattern is then compared with the control sample to 

identify varietal similarity. This method includes acid PAGE gel, SDS PAGE gel and nondenatured IEF gel testing. 

The DNA-based test is a biomolecular method for verifying wheat varieties. The International 

Seed Testing Association (ISTA) has published a method which analyzes microsatellite 

markers. The marker DNA sequence can verify and identify varieties. For more details and 

sequence information please see Chapter 8 of the International Rules for Seed Testing. 

All of these variety tests are based on similarities between a test sample and a reference 

sample. A standard reference sample should be a certified official sample.

For information regarding this article, contact Plant Physiologist Yujia Wu (704) 810-

7267; yujia.wu@usda.gov

NOXIOUS-WEED SEED SHOWCASE 

Scientific Name: Common Name:

Aeginetia spp. Indian Broomrape, Forest ghost flower

Aeginetia spp. are in the Orobanchaceae family and are holoparasites, meaning they don’t 

photosynthesize and depend on the host for all nutrients. These plants survive by tapping into 

the host’s conducting tissues and gain access to water, minerals, and other organic products. 

Aeginetia indica is native to India and is known to attack sugar cane and cereals. 

Aeginetia indica; Scher et al 2015
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 4

Scientific Name: Common names:

Ageratina adenophora sticky snakeroot, crofton weed 

Ageratina adenophora is in the Asteraceae family and was originally grown as an ornamental 

plant. A native plant to Mexico, it spread to South America and California. The seeds are easily 

dispersed by wind and water because of their pappus hairs. Not only does the plant crowd out 

crops in the field, it is also poisonous to livestock and toxic to horses. 

 

Scientific name: Common name:

Alectra spp. Yellow witchweed, cowpea witchweed

Alectra spp. is in the Scrophulariaceae family and is a hemiparasitic plant, which means it 

possesses chlorophyll and typically carries out photosynthesis but is partially parasitic on the 

roots or shoots of a plant host. The genus consists of about 40 species. Alectra spp. mostly 

affects legume crops, especially cow peas. The effected crop can be stunted with smaller 

leaves and petioles. 

 

Ageratina adenophora; Scher et al. 

2015

Ageratina adenophora; Scher et al. 2015

Alectra arvensis, Scher et al, 2015 Alectra arvensis, Scher et al, 2015
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 5

References:

Reed, Clyde. Economically Important Foreign Weeds - Potential Problems in the United States. 

APHIS USDA, 1977.

Scher, J. L., et al. “Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules of the United States.” 1 Apr. 

2015, http://idtools.org/id/fnw/index.php.

For information regarding this article, contact Botanist Elizabeth Tatum Stewart (704) 810-

8873; elizabeth.tatum@usda.gov

SOYBEAN HILUM COLOR 

Soybean hilum color is a key classification characteristic used to describe soybean varieties. 

Hilum colors can be used to help identify a variety and determine varietal purity. Hilum colors 

are generally classified as black, imperfect black, dark brown, light brown, gray, buff, or yellow. 

The hilum color and shape can be affected by plant maturity, environment, and disease.

Black Hilum 

 

 

Illustrations of various soybean hilum colors. Top level: Black, Brown, Imperfect Black. Second Level: Buff, Gray, 

Yellow or Clear.

For information regarding this article, contact Seed Marketing Specialist Akhtar Kazmi 

(704) 810-8878; akhtar.kazmi@usda.gov
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 6

WHAT IS SEED QUALITY? 

Seed quality plays an important role in the production of agronomic and horticultural crops. 

Seed quality describes the potential of a seed lot. Characteristics of seed quality are determined 

through physical purity, genetic purity, physiological quality and seed health tests.

The physical composition of a seed lot is referred to as purity. The objective for the grower is to 

have the purest seed lot possible. Therefore, the seed lot should be as free as possible from 

other crop seeds, weed seeds, debris, inert matter, diseased seed and insect damaged seeds. 

Pure live seed, calculated by multiplying percent pure seed by percent germination, determines

the planting value of the seed. This quality character can be achieved by proper cleaning and 

conditioning processes.

Viable seeds will germinate under favorable conditions of moisture, temperature, and oxygen. 

Not all seeds require light to germinate. When seed is purchased, the germination percentage 

expressed on the seed label is determined by a germination test conducted under controlled

environmental conditions. The standard germination test measures the number of normal 

seedlings in a sample. Normal seedlings are those that produce a healthy hypocotyl, epicotyl, 

cotyledon(s), and roots. Substrate moisture is one of the most critical factors in obtaining good 

seed germination.

Genetic purity, or trueness-to-variety, indicates that the seeds being sold are of the variety 

stated on the label. Trueness-to-variety is often determined by records of seed sources, by field 

inspections, and laboratory testing. Field inspections are conducted by certification agencies or 

representatives of commercial seed companies who are trained and authorized by the 

certification agencies to look at the plant morphology. Seed morphology, electrophoresis, 

molecular markers, or microsatellites are some of the different testing methods that are used in 

the laboratory setting to determine trueness-to-variety. 

Seed vigor is a determination of the seed’s potential for rapid and uniform emergence, and the 

development of normal seedlings under a wide range of field conditions. Seed vigor tests

include cold germination tests, accelerated aging, and radical emergence.

Seed health is determined by the presence or absence of diseased organisms, insects, or pests 

on seed. The quality of the seed lot depends to a great degree on its health. The presence of 

disease or insect pests will reduce the physiological and physical quality of the seed in long 

term storage.

Production of high seed quality is a difficult task. Seed producers go to great effort to ensure 

high levels of genetic integrity, physical quality, physiological quality, and seed health, in order

to produce high quality seed. The use of good quality seed is essential for the satisfactory crop 

production, increasing agricultural productivity, and ensuring food security. 

For information regarding this article, contact Seed Marketing Specialist Lan Chi Trinh 

(704) 810-7272; lan-chi.trinh@usda.gov
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 7

TESTING HEMP SEED FOR PURITY AND GERMINATION 

The hemp plant of the Cannabinaceae family is cultivated for its fiber or seed, depending on the 

variety. The pure seed unit of industrial hemp is the whole achene larger than one-half the 

original size. The achenes are round to egg-shaped with veins around the edges. The color 

ranges from yellow to olive to brown and occasionally mottled with distinct white line venation. 

There are some differences of purity and germination 

testing when comparing International Seed Testing 

Association (ISTA), Association of Official Seed Analyst 

(AOSA) and the Federal Seed Act regulations (FSA), as 

outlined below.

Weights of Purity and Noxious Tests 

Method Purity weight in grams Noxious weight in grams

ISTA 60 600

AOSA 50 500

FSA 50 500

Pure Seed Unit Definitions

ISTA AOSA FSA

“Achene, with or without 

beak, pappus or bracts, 

including achenes where two 

or more seeds units are 

joined together by fused 

pericarps, unless it is 

obvious that no seed is 

present. 

Piece of achene larger than 

one-half the original size, 

unless it is obvious that no 

seed is present.

Seed, with the pericarp/testa 

partially or entirely removed. 

Piece of seed larger than 

one-half the original size, with 

the pericarp/testa partially or 

entirely removed.”

“Intact achene whether or 

not a seed is present. Piece 

of broken achene larger than 

one-half the original size, 

unless no seed is present. 

Seed, with or without 

pericarp/seed coat. 

Piece of broken seed, with or 

without pericarp/ seed coat, 

larger than one-half the 

original size.”

The FSA regulations do not 

list specific guidelines for the 

Cannabinacea family. The 

general pure seed unit 

description will apply. 

Hemp seed

Cappers, Rene T. .., et al. 2009. 
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 8

One main difference to note is that if it is obvious that no seed is present, the unit is considered 

inert in ISTA methods but pure in AOSA methods. Empty achene units are commonly 

encountered when conducting purity exams. 

Germination Test Conditions

 Substrate Temperature 

(°C)

First Count

(days)

Final Count

(days) 

ISTA TP;BP 20-30; 20 3 7

AOSA B, T 20-30 3 7

FSA B, T 20-30 3 7

The general description of a normal seedling according to the FSA regulations is:

201.56-12

(a) General description

(1) Germination habit: Epigeal dicot.

(2) Food reserves: Cotyledons; endosperm may or may not be present, depending on 

the kind.

(3) Shoot system: The hypocotyl elongates, carrying the cotyledons above the soil 

surface. The epicotyl usually does not show any development within the test period.

(4) Root system: A primary root; secondary roots may or may not develop within the test 

period depending on the kind. 

(b) Abnormal seedling description: 

(1) Cotyledons:

(i) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue remaining attached.

(ii) Less than half of the original cotyledon tissue free of necrosis or decay. 

(2) Epicotyl:

(i) Missing (May be assumed to be present if the cotyledons are intact.)

(3) Hypocotyl: 

(i) Malformed, such as markedly shortened, curled, or thickened. 

(ii) Deep open cracks extending into the conducting tissue. 

(iii) Watery. 

(4) Root:

(i) None. 

(ii) Missing or stubby primary root with weak secondary or adventitious roots.

(5) Seedling:

(i) One or more essential structures impaired as a result of decay from primary 

infection. 

(ii) Albino 

ISTA and AOSA have the same general description, both emphasizing that the primary root 

must be intact. ISTA also adds that the terminal bud is between the cotyledons yet hardly 

visible. 
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 9

 

References: 

Baxter, Doris, and Lawrence O. Copeland. Seed Purity and Taxonomy: Application of Purity 

Testing Techniques to Specific Taxonomical Groups of Seeds. Michigan State University Press, 

2008.

Cappers, Rene T., et al. Digital Atlas of Ecomomic Plants Volume 2A: Acanthaceae -

Hypoxidaceae. Barkhuis & Groningen University Library, 2009.

AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds. Association of Official Seed Analysts, 2018.

International Rules for Seed Testing. The International Seed Testing Association, 2019. 

Part 201- Federal Seed Act Regulations. Rules and Regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture. 

Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. 

For information regarding this article, contact Botanist Charlene Burton (704) 810-

8880; charlene.burton@usda.gov; or Elizabeth Tatum Stewart (704) 810-8873; 

elizabeth.tatum@usda.gov

Normal Hemp Seedlings Abnormal Hemp Seedlings with 

no primary roots
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 10

SEED MORPHOLOGY

Morphological characteristics provide useful data in seed identification and help solve 

systematic and phylogenetic problems. Seeds can usually be placed in the appropriate seed 

family based on characteristics such as seed shape, dimensions, surface texture, hilum shape, 

and internal characters. For example, seeds whose surface texture is warty or bumpy often 

belong to the Solanaceae family (see images below). Being able to identify seeds by external 

and internal characters can help identify some critical noxious-weed seeds quickly in order to 

eradicate or manage them, such as placing a stop sale on the seed lot.

Not only are the external characters of a seed used for identification, the internal characters can 

help to determine its kind as well. View the cross sections of a legume (true seed) and the 

cereal seed (seed-like fruit). Do you see the differences? A trained analyst would be able to 

identify immediately that the legume is a dicot and the cereal is a monocot based on the embryo 

and/or the endosperm.

 

Reference: 

Capsicum annuum (sweet pepper) Datura stramonium (jimsonweed)

Phaseolus vulgaris

(Garden Bean) 

Cross section of a legume 

picture, Gunn, Ritchie 1988

Zea mays (Sweet Corn) Cross section 

of a cereal picture

Gunn, Ritchie 1988
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 11

Below are examples of some morphological structures in relation to the seed family it belongs 

to:

Morphological Structures Family

Wing Acereae

Mericarp Asteraceae

Aril Euphorbeaceae

Caryopsis and floret Poaceae

 

Acereae- Acer opalus Mill. Asteraceae- Coriandrum sativum Poaceae- Alopecurus sp. 

wing mericarp caryopsis and floret 

Euphorbeaceae- Ricinus sp., aril 

References:

Gunn, Charles R., and Carole A. Ritchie. Identification of Disseminules Listed in the Federal 

Noxious Weed Act. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1988. 

For information regarding this article, contact Botanist Anitra Walker (704) 810-

7269; anitra.walker@usda.gov
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 12

SUBMITTING HEMP SEEDS TO SRTD

With the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp has been removed from Schedule I of the 

Controlled Substances Act and is no longer a controlled substance. As a result, the Seed 

Regulatory and Testing Division will now accept and test hemp seeds for voluntary service 

testing and/or testing in cooperation with State seed laboratories for violations of the Federal 

Seed Act (FSA).

Hemp transported in interstate commerce is treated like any other agricultural seed that is 

shipped across State lines. The FSA regulates the interstate shipment of agricultural and 

vegetable seeds. The FSA requires that seed shipped in interstate commerce be labeled with 

information that allows seed buyers to make informed choices. Seed labeling information and 

advertisements pertaining to the seed must be truthful. The FSA helps promote uniformity

among State laws and fair competition within the seed trade.

Address for Submitting Federal Seed Act Complaints:

ATTN: Regulatory Samples

c/o Roger Burton, Regulatory Supervisor

USDA, AMS, S&T

Seed Regulatory and Testing Division

801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C

Gastonia, NC 28054-2193

Address for Submitting Service Testing samples:

c/o Todd Erickson, Lab Supervisor

USDA, AMS, S&T

Seed Regulatory and Testing Division

801 Summit Crossing Place, Suite C

Gastonia, NC 28054-2193

For information regarding this article, contact Seed Marketing Specialist Rodney McNeace 

(704) 810-8879; rodney.mcneace@usda.gov

TRUENESS-TO-VARIETY OVERVIEW

Each year the Seed Regulatory and Testing Division (SRTD) conducts trueness-to-variety (TTV) 

field tests to determine if seed lots are properly labeled for variety, as required by the Federal 

Seed Act and State seed laws. Field testing is conducted by crop experts at State universities 

and State departments of agriculture in cooperation with SRTD. SRTD relies heavily on State 

seed control programs to submit samples for inclusion in the TTV tests. 

SRTD conducted TTV field tests on soybean at the Sandhills Research Station in Jackson 

Springs, NC during the summer of 2019. Also, SRTD will plant tall fescue samples at the 

Sandhills Research Station in Jackson Springs, NC to be evaluated in the upcoming spring 

2020. During the fall of 2018, the tall fescue seed was directly planted in the field. Due to 

weather related issues and volunteer ryegrass within the plots, the tall fescue plantings were 

essentially wiped out. This year SRTD will repeat these grow-outs by planting the tall fescue in 

the greenhouse in August 2019. The plantings will then be transplanted in the field in

September 2019 for further evaluation in the spring of 2020. SRTD has also conducted 

electrophoresis tests on Kentucky 31 tall fescue samples to identify those samples that have 
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 13

different banding patterns when compared with Kentucky 31 Foundation seed check samples. 

These results will be cross referenced against the field trials.

SRTD would like to thank the States which participated in the TTV program. Once results and 

information have been compiled, participating States will be notified of any mislabeling. 

 

For information regarding the TTV program or directions for submitting samples, contact Seed 

Marketing Specialist Akhtar A. Kazmi (704) 810-8878; akhtar.kazmi@usda.gov.

FEDERAL SEED ACT CASES SETTLED 

The Federal Seed Act (FSA) provides authority for the regulation of the interstate shipments 

of agricultural and vegetable seeds. The FSA requires that seed shipped in interstate commerce 

are labeled with certain information necessary for the seed buyer to make an informed choice. 

The labeling information and any advertisements pertaining to the seed must be truthful. 

Between September 1, 2018, and August 31, 2019, a total of 33 seed companies paid $117,350 

to settle alleged violations of the FSA. 

For specific information regarding these violations, please visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/rulesregulations/fsa then Filing a Complaint and View a list of settled FSA Cases. USDA’s 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers the FSA by leveraging its resources with State 

departments of agriculture. These investigations were a result of joint efforts with seed 

regulatory officials in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, 

Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. By working collaboratively with 

State partners, SRTD helps promote uniformity among State seed laws and fair competition 

within the seed trade through the enforcement of the FSA.

For information regarding this article, contact Seed Marketing Specialist Kevin Robinson 

(704) 810-7264; kevin.robinson2@ams.usda.gov

Tall Fescue samples grown in greenhouse 

before transplanting in field 

Soybean samples in TTV field trial 
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 14

SEED ANALYSTS TRAINING WORKSHOP IN GASTONIA, NC

The Seed Regulatory and Testing Division (SRTD) held a Seed Analysts Training Workshop in 

Gastonia, NC on August 19-21, 2019. Eighteen seed analysts from State and private 

laboratories attended. The workshop focused on purity and identification of similar crop and 

weed species, with emphasis on identification of noxious-weed seeds. Other topics included: 

seed and seedling structures, germination and botany terms, pure seed unit definitions, uniform 

blowing procedure, and various calculations. 

Following the workshops, the purity and germination exams were given to analysts to become 

either a Certified Seed Analyst (CSA) or a Registered Seed Technologist (RST). 

The workshop promotes uniformity in testing by fostering greater compliance with State and 

Federal seed-labeling laws. The mission of the Federal Seed Act is to promote uniformity in 

seed laws and fair competition within the seed industry. This effort is supported by State seed 

control programs through authorization provided by cooperative agreements between the States 

and the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). 

For information regarding this article, or information on how to register for 2020 seed school, 

contact Laboratory Supervisor Todd Erickson (704) 810-8877; todd.erickson@usda.gov

ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL SEED ANALYSTS – SOCIETY OF COMMERCIAL SEED 

TECHNOLOGISTS ANNUAL MEETING 

The 2019 Joint Annual Meeting of the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) and the 

Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST) was held from June 1 – 6 in Sparks, NV. 

SRTD Laboratory Supervisor Todd Erickson represented the USDA AMS at the meeting, along 

with the AMS Science and Technology program’s Deputy Administrator Ruihong Guo.

Ms. Guo spoke at the opening meeting and outlined SRTD’s ongoing projects that involve 

AOSA/SCST. Mr. Erickson, co-chair of the Laboratory Standards and Documentation 

committee, gave a presentation at that committee’s meeting on the basic requirements for a 
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 15

quality management system. Mr. Erickson is also on the Rules committee, and attended that 

committee’s closed meeting to discuss this year’s rule proposals.

Twenty-nine rule proposals were voted on at this year’s meeting: twenty five passed, three 

failed, and one was removed. Testing methods for a number of native species were added. 

Clarifications were added for verification of species on coated purities, retesting when reps are 

out of tolerance, classifying contaminants that are not currently in volume 3, and updating lux 

values using the correct conversion factor.

Two main topics of discussion this year were hemp seed testing, and recruitment of new seed 

analysts/succession planning. With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp seed can now be 

legally traded across state lines. SRTD has already begun receiving regulatory samples of 

hemp for testing. See the other articles in this publication on hemp seed testing and regulation.

There was also general agreement that more work needs to be done to promote the seed 

testing industry and recruit new analysts. Many of the current leaders in AOSA/SCST plan to 

retire in the next five years, making succession planning vital. AOSA/SCST, with help from 

USDA, is working on a promotional video highlighting the importance of the work that seed 

analysts do. Many analysts were interviewed by the video team at the meeting. They also plan 

to take videos of seed testing laboratories, as well as drone footage of agricultural fields.

For more information on this year’s AOSA/SCST joint annual meeting, please visit 

www.analyzeseeds.com. The 2020 AOSA/SCST annual meeting will be a joint meeting with 

ASTA in Indianapolis, IN.

For information regarding this article, contact Laboratory Supervisor Todd Erickson 

(704) 810-8877; todd.erickson@usda.gov.

OECD SEED SCHEMES 2019

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes is an 

international agreement involving 61 countries for the purpose of promoting the use of highquality seed around the world through the establishment of common standards for certified seed 

moving in international trade. The Seed Schemes was first established in 1958 and became part 

of OECD in 1961. The United States has been a participant in several of the individual schemes 

since the early days. USDA-AMS-S&T-SRTD serves as the National Designated Authority 

(NDA), representing the United States to the Seed Schemes and coordinating the OECD Seed 

Schemes activities performed by State Seed Certification Agencies (SCA’s).

Rule Updates for 2020

At the Annual Meeting the following changes to the OECD Seed Schemes rules were agreed 

upon, which will go into effect, pending confirmation by the Committee on Agriculture (COAG) 

and the OECD Council, on January 1, 2020:

• Either the seed weight or number of seeds is to be stated on the OECD label, depending 

on how the seed is packaged.

• For seed lots of species that are commonly packaged by count, the weight of the seed 

lot may be omitted from the OECD Certificate. 

• Standards for certification of hybrid barley varieties were approved. 
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 16

• A long-debated revision to the guidelines for Control Plot Tests that dealt with the use of 

Biochemical and Molecule techniques as aids to determine variety purity and identity 

was approved. The change allows for greater use of these techniques at the discretion 

of the NDA. It also includes a longer list of internationally recognized methods. Future 

work will focus on streamlining the process for adding new methods. 

• A 3-part training module on Seed Biology Breeding and Production and a module on 

Seed Lot Identification and Traceability was approved. Following on the reception to the 

maize field inspection module, the annual meeting agreed to the development of 

additional crop specific inspection training modules. The United States will work with 

Italy on a training module for rice, and with South Africa on modules for sunflower and 

sorghum.

• The publication of the list of label security, fastening and traceability methods catalog as 

a guideline was approved. The list specifically does not approve or prohibit specific 

methods but is to be used as a source of information for countries considering upgrades 

to their current practices.

• The request from Iran to extend their participation to include the Crucifer Seed and Other 

Oil and Fibre Species scheme was approved

Ongoing discussions to be continued by Ad Hoc and Technical Working Groups:

• Following the rule changes adopted in 2018, the subject of rules for mixtures was 

referred to the ad hoc working group (AHWG) and technical working group (TWG) for a 

new proposal to amend the common rules to make the mixture rules common across the 

various schemes. 

• The AWHG on new seed production techniques will continue to work on general 

guidelines for development of certification standards for novel seed production systems 

under the schemes. In 2020, the AHWG will consider a revised proposal from New 

Zealand regarding what is being called an F1 Hybrid Lolium system. The current 

proposal on the later was sent back to New Zealand and the company that developed it 

for revision. 

• The AHWG on Intervention Processes after Certification continues to revise their 

proposed rules changes. Although their initial proposals were good, the impact on other 

sections within the rules became apparent and will be addressed between now and the 

next set of meetings. 

Current members of the Seed Schemes Bureau are Chair Pedro Lavignolle (Argentina), ViceChair Kristiina Digryte (Estonia), and Past-Chair Eddie Goldschaag (South Africa). Mona ElKasier (Egypt) was elected by the Annual Meeting as Vice-Chair, and will join the Bureau in 

2020, when Ms. Digryte becomes Chair, Mr. Lavignolle becomes Past-Chair, and Mr. 

Goldschaag’s term on the Bureau concludes. 

U.S. OECD Seed Schemes Program Manager Dr. Steve Malone represented the U.S. OECD 

Seed Schemes AHWG & TWG meetings held January 28-February 1 in Buenos Aires, 

Argentina; and at the Annual Meeting on June 10-14 in Vienna, Austria. Chi Trinh, Seed 

Marketing Specialist and OECD Seed Schemes Assistant, also participated in the annual 

meeting. Alan Galbreth, CEO of Indiana Crop Improvement Association, represented the 

American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). The Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) 

was represented by Dan Curry, Oregon State University at the January meeting, and by Janine 

Marushak, from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at the 

June meetings. 
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 17

In 2020, the TWG and AWHGs will meet January 27-30 in Milan, Italy. The 2020 annual 

meeting is scheduled for June 15-19 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The 2021 annual meeting will be hosted

by Estonia. 

U.S. Program Updates:

• Utah Crop Improvement Association and Colorado Seed Growers Association inquired 

have joined the Cooperative Agreement with AMS to participate in the U.S. OECD Seed 

Schemes program.

• Assessment fees for all species, except corn, were increased from 14 cents to 15 cents 

per hundredweight effective July 1, 2019. We will review revenue and expenses this fall 

and announce in December whether an increase is necessary to go into effect the 

following July 1, and the details if needed. 

For information regarding this article, contact Steve Malone at (704) 810-8888; 

stephen.malone@usda.gov. For more information on the OECD Seed Schemes, go to 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/fsa/oecd-schemes or http://www.oecd.org. 

2019 NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL HEMP REGULATORY CONFERENCE

The 2019 National Industrial Hemp Regulatory Conference was held June 17-20, 2019 in 

Minneapolis, Minnesota. The meeting was hosted by the Minnesota Department of 

Agriculture, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection, and the 

North Dakota Department of Agriculture. There were approximately 150 attendees.

The Conference opening was addressed by Thom Petersen, Agriculture Commissioner of 

Minnesota Department of Agriculture. 

Speakers and Topics of discussion included:

• “Federal Developments with Hemp” by Michael Bowman, Founding Board Chair 

National Hemp Association; and Aline DeLucia, Public Policy Director NASDA

• "Developing a U.S. Hemp Seed Industry” by Roger Burton, Seed Regulatory & Testing 

Division; and Fawad Shah, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association

• "Plant Variety Protection & Hemp” by David Chalkley, Plant Variety Protection 

Office

• "Genetic Testing to Determine THC Output” by Dr. George Weiblen and Jonathan 

Wenger, University of Minnesota

• "THC Proficiency Testing Results” by Frank Sikora, University of Kentucky

• “Importing Hemp Through Customs” by John Sagle, U.S. Customs and Border 

Protection

• “Hemp Economics and Pilot Program Update” by Dr. Tyler Mark, Jonathan 

Shepherd, and Will Snell, University of Kentucky

• “State Legal Perspectives” by Legal Counsel’s from Multiple States and Tribal 

Governments

• “Law Enforcement Perspectives on Cannabis – Confusion and Dilemmas” by 

MN Law Enforcement Representatives
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 18

• “Lungs, Stomach or Skin: How to Deliver Cannabinoids” by Dr. Aidan Hampson, 

Program Officer, Clinical Research Grants Branch, Division of Therapeutics & 

Medical Consequences

• “Disease and Pest Issues in Hemp Production” by Dr. Burton Johnson, North 

Dakota State University

• “Pesticide Issues in Cannabis” by Dale Mitchell, OR Department of Agriculture;

and Taryn LaScola, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture

Forinformation regarding this article, contact Regulatory Supervisor Roger

Burton (704) 810-8873; roger.burton@usda.gov

32nd INTERNATIONAL SEED TESTING ASSOCIATION CONGRESS

Seed Regulatory and Testing Division (SRTD) Director Ernest Allen, Agricultural Research 

Service Botanist Melanie Schori, and Forest Service’s National Seed Laboratory Botanist Victor 

Vankus, participated in the 32nd International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Congress and 

Ordinary General Meeting (OGM), June 26 – July 3, 2019, in Hyderabad, India. 

The Congress began with a three day symposium covering a variety of topics involving recent 

advances in seed technology. Presentations included topics on seed health, germination and 

dormancy, environmental effects on seed quality, and new approaches in determining seed 

quality using cellular and molecular methods. ISTA’s Technical Committee chairs reported on 

their activities since the last annual meeting, which included updates on current and future 

projects, finalized projects, and 2020 rule proposals submitted by various committees. Ernest 

Allen chairs the ISTA rules technical committee and reported on behalf of the group. Melanie 

Schori (USDA Agricultural Research Service) chairs the Nomenclature Committee and 

presented a report focusing on the groups work updating the ISTA Stabilized List of Plant 

Names. Reports can be viewed on the ISTA web site.

At the OGM on July 2nd, Mr. Allen served as the voting delegate on behalf of the Agricultural 

Marketing Service, which is the U.S. Designated Authority to ISTA. Over 200 seed professionals 

attended the 2019 ISTA Congress. Of 77 ISTA member countries and distinct economies, 60

were represented at the meeting. Thirty-one designated members, entitled to vote at the OGM, 

were present. This exceeded the required quorum of 26. ISTA President, Craig McGill (New 

Zealand), gave the welcome address and chaired the OGM.

Discussion points and decisions of the Ordinary General Meeting:

• ISTA members voted to remove the industry member category from the ISTA Articles. 

ISTA remains committed to industry stakeholders and will continue to work with them on 

items of common interest primarily through the International Seed Federation.

• ISTA members voted to change the deadline for posting the OGM minutes on the 

website to two months prior to the next OGM. This change is consistent with other voting 

documents made available to the membership at the next OGM.
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 19

• ISTA annual membership fees for 2020 will remain unchanged. No increase was 

proposed by the Executive Committee or the Secretariat of the organization.

• There were a total of 24 proposals submitted to the ISTA Rules Committee. Three were 

withdrawn prior to final vote and 21 proposals were passed. Approved rule changes

which will take effect January 1, 2020, include the following:

o The ISTA List of Stabilized Plant Names has been updated and approved by the 

ISTA membership. The Stabilized List is reviewed and updated by the 

Nomenclature Committee every six years. The nomenclature changes have 

consequential effects on almost every chapter in the rules. It is important that 

seed analysts and companies take note of the changes and use them when 

conducting ISTA tests or issuing ISTA certificates. This change will bring the 

Stabilized List into closer harmonization with the USDA Germplasm Resources 

Information Network (GRIN). SRTD voted to accept this change to the rules.

o Added the ability to use organic growing media for Glycine max and Phaseolus 

vulgaris. Table 5A Part 1. This rule adds a method that has already been 

approved by AOSA. SRTD voted to accept these rules. 

o Added the ability to use Crepe Cellulose Paper (CCP) for the germination of Zea 

mays. Table 5A Part 1. This rule adds a method that has already been approved 

by AOSA. SRTD voted to accept these rules.

o Clarified requirements for test extensions and added additional flexibility related 

to adapting the date of the final count when it ends on a non-working day. 5.6.4 

This proposal put ISTA in better harmonization with AOSA. SRTD voted to 

accept this rule.

o Removed the requirement to conduct a control test when the prescribed ISTA 

protocol is followed for radical emergence. 15.8.4.4.1 SRTD voted to accept this 

rule.

o For a complete list of changes approved during the Ordinary General Meeting 

please visit the ISTA website at www.seedtest.org.

Next year, the ISTA Annual Meeting will be held on May 25-28, 2020, in Verona, Italy. 

For information regarding this article, contact SRTD Director Ernest Allen (704) 810-

8884; ernest.allen@usda.gov.

33rd A NN U A L MEETING OFTHEASSOCIATION OFAMERICAN SEEDCONTROL OFFICIALS

The Association of American Seed Control Officials (AASCO) held its 33rdAnnual Meeting

on July 14-18, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas. The meeting was hosted by the Texas 

Department of Agriculture. Representatives from 24 State seed control programs, the 

Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA), the American Seed Trade 

Association (ASTA), the Association of Official Seed Analyst (AOSA), the Seed 

Innovation and Protection Alliance (SIPA), and nine industry representatives attended the

meeting.
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 20

Deputy Administrator Dr. Ruihong Guo (AMS/Science & Technology Program) and 

Regulatory Supervisor Roger Burton represented the Seed Regulatory and Testing Division 

(SRTD) at the meeting. As part of the Monday morning session, Dr. Guo addressed current 

changes related to the moving of the Seed Regulatory and Testing Division to the 

AMS/Science & Technology Program in addition to hemp related issues and the current and 

upcoming Farm Bill. Roger Burton gave reports on 2018-2019 Federal Seed Act (FSA) 

activities and SRTD updates. Other presentations included Pat Miller (ASTA), Mike Stahr 

(AOSA/SCST), Chet Boruff (AOSCA), Christina Rowan (CFIA), and Todd Martin (ISPA).

In the general session, Mr. Burton gave presentations on "FSA Labeling Requirements for 

Hemp Seed" and "FSA Training for State Seed Control Officials."

Other general sessions topics and discussions included:

• "Hemp Facilitation" by Don Robinson (IN) & Jason Goltz (ND)

• "Wild Species Working group" by Gil Waibel (ICIA) 

• "Weed Seed Risk Assessment Process" by Denise Thiede (MN)

• "Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Issues" by Elizabeth Savory (OR)

• "Farmers Business Network" by Matthew Meisner

• “SIPA – Patent & PVP Expirations” by James Weatherly

• “Expired Germination Test dates” by Jeff Claxton (TX)

• “Inconsistencies in Laboratory Testing” by Jason Goltz (ND)

The current AASCO officers are:

• President Jason Goltz (ND)

• First Vice-President Jeff Claxton (TX)

• Second Vice-President Jan Morawski (NY)

• Treasurer Greg Helmbrecht (WI)

• Secretary Don Robison (IN)

• Past President Johnny Zook (PA)

The 2020 AASCO Annual Meeting will be held in New York. Meeting dates and location

information will be announced later. For more information about AASCO, visit their 

website at www.seedcontrol.org.

Forinformation regarding this article, contact Regulatory Supervisor Roger Burton 

(704) 810- 7265; roger.burton@usda.gov

AOSCA CELEBRATES 100th ANNIVERSARY 

The Seed Regulatory and Testing Division (SRTD) congratulates the Association of Official 

Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) on its 100th anniversary. Steve Malone and Chi Trinh from 

SRTD attended the annual meeting on June 23-26, 2019, in Chicago. 

The General Membership meeting and the Standard Council meeting took place during this 

time. Some amendments to the existing AOSCA Standard included: changes for industrial 
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 21

hemp, sunflowers, and the Pre Variety Germplasm programs. For more details about these 

proposals please visit www.aosca.org. 

During the awards banquet, Alan Galbreth (Chief Executive Officer of Indiana Crop 

Improvement Association) and Cindy Wippler (General Manager of Minnesota Crop 

Improvement Association) were given the AOSCA Honorary Membership. 

In addition to serving as a member of the AOSCA Advisory Committee, SRTD has a longstanding Memorandum of Understanding with AOSCA, whereby AOSCA is the liaison between 

SRTD and individual state Seed Certification Agencies who are AOSCA member agencies. 

This relationship has been very beneficial in promoting efficient communication and analysis of 

industry trends, making sure agencies understand and continue to adhere to FSA Regulations 

for seed certification, and in the development of new or revised Regulations to make the U.S. 

seed certification system work better for all stakeholders. The U.S OECD Seed Schemes 

program relies heavily on input and involvement from AOSCA and its member agencies. SRTD 

looks forward to continuing its working relationship with AOSCA and its member agencies. 

For information regarding this article, contact OECD Program Manager Steve Malone 

(704) 810-8888; steve.malone@usda.gov
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 22

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Event Name Date

Organization for Economic Cooperation and 

Development (OECD) Seed Schemes Technical 

Working Group Meetings 

Milan, Italy 

January 27-30, 2020

American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) 

Vegetable and Flower Seed Conference

Monterey, CA

February 1-4, 2020

Association of Official Seed Analysts/ Society of 

Commercial Seed Technologist (AOSA/ SCST) 

Annual Meeting with ASTA

Indianapolis, IN 

June 13-17, 2020

Organization for Economic Cooperation and 

Development (OECD) Seed Schemes Annual 

Meeting 

Sofia, Bulgaria 

June 15-19, 2020

American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Policy 

and Leadership Development Conference

Denver, CO

June 16 - 17, 2020

Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies 

(AOSCA) Annual Meeting

Seattle, WA 

June 23 - 24, 2020

International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) 

Annual Meeting 

Verona, Italy 

May 25-28, 2020

SRTD Seed School

Gastonia, NC 

August 2020
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 23

SEED REGULATORY AND TESTING DIVISION STAFF DIRECTORY 

Division Director 

Ernest Allen, (704) 810-8884, Ernest.Allen@usda.gov

Laboratory Supervisor

Todd Erickson, (704) 810-8877, Todd.Erickson@usda.gov

Seed Marketing Supervisor

Roger Burton, (704) 810-7265, Roger.Burton@usda.gov

Botanists

Charlene Burton, (704) 810-8880, Charlene.Burton@usda.gov

Pattsy Jackson, (704) 810-8881, Pattsy.Jackson@usda.gov

Elizabeth Tatum, (704) 810-8873, Elizabeth.Tatum@usda.gov

Anitra Walker, (704) 810-7269, Anitra.Walker@usda.gov

Agronomist

Laura Berrios-Ortiz, (704) 810-8870, Laura.BerriosOrtiz@usda.gov

Plant Physiologist

Dr. Yujia Wu, (704) 810-7267, Yujia.Wu@usda.gov

Seed Marketing Specialists (Regulatory)

Akhtar Kazmi, (704) 810-8878, Akhtar.Kazmi@usda.gov

 Rodney McNeace, (704) 810-8871, RodneyB.Mcneace@usda.gov 

Kevin Robinson, (704) 810-7264, Kevin.Robinson2@usda.gov

 Chi Trinh, (704) 810-7272, Lan-chin.Trinh@usda.gov

Management Analyst 

Marshalle (Tina) Jackson, (704) 810-8882, Marshalle.Jackson@usda.gov

OECD Manager

Dr. Stephen Malone, (704) 810-8888, Stephen.Malone@usda.gov

Main Office Phone, (704) 810-8871

Main Laboratory Phone, (704) 810-8870
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN SEED 2019 24

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil 

rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions 

participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 

race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual 

orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public 

assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any 

program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). 

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program 

information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact 

the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 

contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program 

information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination 

Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint 

and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 

information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. 

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 

D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.