Seed testing laboratory passed the ISTA accreditation!

More common crop and tree seeds can be tested now!

Seed testing is an important task during seed propagation and production. For  international seed trading, in order to check the quality and value, seed lots must be inspected including moisture content, purity analysis, other seeds by number, germination test, seed health testing and the topographical tetrazolium test (TTC test), etc.

International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) is an international seed testing organization with more than 130 member laboratories from 70 counties. It aims to establish uniform seed testing methods and standards for all member laboratories around the world to serve as credibility for international seed trade. Therefore, Seed Testing Laboratory, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan (STL) certified the ISTA audit from 2001, and obtained the qualification to issue the international seed certificate to help seed exportation.

TSIPS illustrates ISTA dispatches on-site audit every 3 years, and then obtain the authorization after certificating. Seed testing laboratory certified the 7th ISTA audit in September, 2019. In addition, in the crop that can be issued now include the common crops such as cereals and vegetables, it certified tree seeds this time.

TSIPS indicates that papaya seed is one of the top crops in Taiwan's export. According to the statistics of Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance in 2018, the export value of papaya seeds is about NT$ 200 million. In the past 7 years, the export value of papaya seeds has increased by 22%. However, since papaya is a kind of tree seed and not included in the original issuing items. In recent years, the requirements from seed companies for issuing the international seed certificate of papaya seed were raised. Therefore, tree seed added will help seed exportation including papaya and so on, and avoid repeating tests, thereby reduce costs and non-tariff trade barriers. The common crops that can be issued in Taiwan are shown in Table 1. The relevant application procedures and charging standards can be found on the official website of TSIPS.

▲Figure 1. ISTA certificate

▲Figure 2. ISTA audit