Table 3 Survey download

AOSA Germination and Dormancy Subcommittee
Survey on the ‘Additional Directions’ in Table 3 of the AOSA Rules

Dear colleagues, members of the AOSA/SCST/AOSCA:
The objective of this document is to have your input on the following questions:

1.      Whether the ‘Additional Directions’ column in Table 3 should be split into two columns:” Required” and “Optional”?

2.      Should remain in one column and add more clarification into it?

3.      Should we form a working group to develop further refinements to Table 3?

Your input is very important to study this issue and make an objective decision about it, so we appreciate taking the time to read and to complete this survey.

Background
 At the 2005 Germination and Dormancy subcommittee meeting in Saskatoon there was discussion concerning the ‘Additional Directions’ column in Table 3 in the AOSA Rules.  There was a wide range of opinions as to whether the instructions in this column are always required or optional (i.e., can be done at the discretion of the analyst).  The consensus was that this part of the rules was leading to different interpretations of the Rules and can be a source of variation among results.  At that time, the committee suggested to split this column into required and optional and discuss the draft at the next meeting.

            At the 2006 Germination and Dormancy Subcommittee meeting in Indianapolis, a draft of Table 3 was presented that had the ‘Additional Directions’ split into required and optional columns. Many of those present thought that splitting the ‘Additional Directions’ column would help clarify what is required and what is optional in this part of the Rules. Others thought it may be better to keep the “Additional Directions” column as is because these directions are actually instructions that are neither optional nor required but they need objective judgment from the analyst whether these instructions are in one column or in two columns. The members suggested to survey this issue among AOSA/SCST/ AOSCA members.