Dear AOSA & SCST Members,

This is a call for your lab’s participation in a referee study for the germination of canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis). We plan to send this referee in early April 2023 with a deadline for submitting referee results on May 31^st, 2023.
 
This referee will be used to obtain information on the uniformity of the germination test of canarygrass using two different temperatures on different counting dates to evaluate the equivalency of testing rules of the ISTA, AOSA, and Canadian Methods and Procedures for Testing Seed (Canadian M&P), and to obtain valuable feedback from participating laboratories for available germination testing methods for the species. The referee is NOT used for evaluating the proficiency of a participating lab. The data would be used for supporting a testing rule proposal and a rule harmonization.
 
1. Aim
The aims of the referee study are:

1. To promote uniformity among seed testing rules with regard to the germination test temperatures and counting days in canarygrass.
2. To provide data as supporting evidence for proposing seed testing rule changes, such as the harmonization of seed testing procedures and rules of AOSA, ISTA, and Canadian M&P.
3. To identify specific areas in the canarygrass germination test in which investigation or research is needed to promote uniformity among laboratories.

 
2. Samples and testing conditions

• Each participating laboratory will receive 3 seed lots of canarygrass samples. For each lot, the seeds will be subjected to the following two treatments
  • Alternate temperature 15 -25 °C
  • Alternate temperature 20 -30 °C
• Seed germination will be counted and recorded in 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days after planting.

Please send your response to address ssts@inspection.gc.ca by March 24, 2023

Thank you in advance for your participation. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Regards,

Lei Ren
lei.ren@inspection.gc.ca