Official Newsletter of the WANA Seed Network
No. 30,
January 2006
PDF File (611
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Literature, books and journal articles of interest to readers are presented here. Please send lists of seed publications on policy, regulation and technology to the Editor for inclusion in Seed Info.
ISTA. 2006. International Rules for Seed Testing, Edition 2006
ISTA's primary instrument in promoting uniformity in seed testing procedures is the 'International Rules for Seed Testing (IRST)', which provides detailed standard techniques and procedures. The publication includes 17 chapters and appendices describing the principles and definitions including tables and methods to be used. The IRST is designed for the principal crop species, but apply in general, if not in detail, to any crop including those not covered in the text.
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The 2006 edition (valid from 1 January 2006) is available in a binder. Each year, updates in the form of a 'single paper collection' including additions or replacements of existing pages will be published, and could then be separately inserted into the binder. This system enables ISTA to provide more flexibility, enabling faster updates and improvements of the Rules.
The IRST includes annexes to chapter 7 and both binders are included in the price (CHF 379 for members and CHF 189.50 for non-members). For more details on ISTA publication visit the website at: http://www.seedtest.org/en/productrubric.html
Black, M., J.D. Bewley and P. Halmer (eds.). 2006. The Encyclopedia of Seeds: Science, Technology and Uses
The book is intended for researchers in seed science and professionals in the seed industry. This is the first reference work to cover all the major scientific themes and facets of the subject of seeds. It outlines the latest fundamental biological knowledge about seeds, together with the principles of agricultural seed processing, storage and sowing, the food and industrial uses of seeds, and the roles of seeds in history, economies and cultures. With contributions from 110 expert authors worldwide, the editors have created 560 authoritative articles, illustrated with tables, figures, black-and-white and color photographs, suggested further reading matter and 670 supplementary definitions. The contents are alphabetically arranged and cross-referenced to connect related entries. CABI Publishing; 960 pp; Price $350; Website: http://www.cabi-publishing. org
Albrechtsen, S.E. 2006. Testing Methods for Seed-Transmitted Viruses: Principles and Protocols
The book is intended for students and researchers in seed science and technology and plant pathology. This practical guide covers the commonly used detection methods for seed-transmitted viruses and viroids that affect both tropical and temperate crops. It contains 25 complete step-by-step procedures for biological, serological and molecular techniques to detect and identify such viruses. Combining helpful practical notes with more detailed explanations of the principles behind the techniques, the book describes the general characteristics of seed-transmitted viral diseases and discusses outlines for the organization and interpretation of seed health assays. The techniques reviewed are also applicable to non-seed-transmitted viral agents.
The book is in two parts and part 1 include (Introduction; Seed transmission of viruses; Ecology, epidemiology and control) and part 2 (Biological assays; Serological testing methods,; Nucleic acid-based testing methods, Nucleic acid hybridization, Epilogue) including the appendix (List of list of seed-transmitted viruses and viroids; Reagents, solutions and buffers; Suppliers of laboratory equipment and materials). CABI Publishing; 288 pp; Price $100; Website: http://www.cabi-publishing.org.
Useful Internet Websites
New Open Access E-journal Launched: An open access electronic 'Journal of Land and Water' has been launched, with the aim of publishing scientific papers of international significance covering basic, applied, and strategic research in the area of land and water. The journal is also peer reviewed and will focus on the integration of the various aspects of land and water management and conservation at a range of scales. Submission of manuscripts are welcomed and should be sent through the online submission section of the journal at http://www.ejlw.sakia.org. For more information, please contact: Thomas M. Stein at thomas-manuel.stein@sakia.org.
Good Seed Initiative: The site has been established by CABI Bioscience as a facility for debate, information exchange and communication about the seed needs of poor farmers and the people and processes that influence and address those needs. You can make use of the GSI Forum on the site to contribute and share ideas on your website. For more information you may contact: N. A. Phiri, GSI Coordinator-East Africa, CAB International, Africa Regional Centre, ICRAF Complex, P O Box 633-00621, Nairobi , Kenya; Fax: ++254-20-7122150; E-mail: n.phiri@cabi.org or visit the website:
http://www.gsi-cabi-bioscience.org.
CG-Online Learning Resources: This CGIAR virtual training community site under the CGXchange is developed in collaboration with ARIADNE as the CGIAR learning objects repository. From this website you can access a repository of CGIAR Centers' learning objects and other training resources, as well as web-based training courses. You can access these sites to search and retrieve information and resources as well as enroll in courses. If you wish to contribute resources or need further information, please contact the Learning Resources Team at: E-mail: admin_cglearning@cgiar.org. Website: http://learning.cgiar.org
FAO Websites
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is bringing access to its knowledge and information to a new level by launching an interactive facility to provide direct access to both the formal and tacit knowledge of its staff and technical experts.
Ask FAO allows users to post questions directly to experts in FAO, and it includes a searchable 'knowledge base' of answers to frequently asked questions covering issues as varied as how to ask FAO for technical assistance to finding out national rates of deforestation. AskFAO's website: http://www.fao.org/askfao
FAO's Best Practices website serves as a one-stop source of technical information on recommended practices and techniques in food production, rural development, natural resource management and other areas. FAO's Best Practices website: http://www.fao.org/bestpractices
For more information on both websites please contact: Charlotte A. Masiello-Riome, Communication and Promotion Officer, WAICENT Capacity Building and Outreach Branch, FAO, Rome, Italy; Tel: ++39 06 57055972; Email: charlotte.masiello@fao.org
FAO Portal on Technology for Agriculture: The FAO Research and Technology Development Service has launched a 'Technology for Agriculture' (TECA) portal. It aims to improve 'access to information and knowledge about available proven technologies in order to enhance their adoption in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forestry'. The portal offers an array of tools including the TECA database currently containing over 500 entries organized in eight different categories. The portal is available in English, French and Spanish. For more information visit the website at http://www.fao.org/sd/teca/index_en.asp or contact teca-editor@fao.org