The Seed Pathology Sub-committee will present a workshop in the afternoon on June 6. Speakers will focus on multiple aspects of hazards to the health of analysts who work with seeds.

Pathogens like Aspergillus and Fusarium which can infect seedlings during a germination test and cause a reduction in the percent germination will be emphasized. The AOSA rules for how to handle samples where saprophytes or pathogens reduce the germination percentage and how AOSA rules say results are to be reported will be reviewed.

Speakers:
Bill Grey, Plant Pathologist at the Montana Foundation Seed Program, will speak on head scab of wheat and the problems caused when Fusarium infection occurs. Primary and secondary infection and variance in germination results will be discussed. Toxins produced by Fusarium and the health hazards related to contact and ingestion will be addressed.

Mike Stahr from the Iowa State Seed Science Center will speak on receiving, storing and germinating freshly harvested seeds and conducting germination tests on seeds when Aspergillus is present.

Albert Patin, a Safety and Health Consultant at South Dakota State University, will speak on the hazards of working with airborne fungal spores and the personal protective equipment that should be worn and how to prevent contaminating lab space with these hazardous spores.

Chip Witcher, an industrial hygienist with Syngenta Crop Protection, will speak on the hazards of working with pesticide treated seeds, good laboratory practices and how to monitor laboratories for contamination.

At the end of the workshop, there will be a Question and Answer period where all speakers will be available for further discussion. 

This is a preliminary outline and is subject to change.