Participants of the Basic Seed Technology Training
Laguna, Philippines — Seed industry actors completed a basic seed technology training offered by the Postharvest and Seed Science Division, Institute of Crop Science (ICropS), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) on 30 May 2024 at the Nemesio B. Mendiola Hall, UPLB. Seed technology refers to the production, maintenance, quality assurance, and preservation of seeds aimed at rapidly multiplying popular varieties, ensuring high seed quality and supply at a timely manner, and improving seed availability in terms of reasonable pricing. The one-day training combined comprehensive lectures and hands-on exercises on seed technology principles and practices.
Participants during the hands-on application of seed technology methods and tools
Supported by training coordinators and staff from the ICropS, esteemed experts in seed science and technology served as lecturers such as: (1) Prof. Fatima Mercado on Overview of Seed technology, Seed Biology, and Chemistry; (2) Dr. Annalisa Aquino on Postharvest Handling and Seed Storage; (3) Dr. Lucille Elna de Guzman on Seed Quality Testing and Laboratory; and (4) Prof. Julie Mandap on Seed Health. Pre- and post-tests were also administered by the training coordinators before and after the training program, respectively.
Ms. Sunshine Cantimprante doing demo/discussion of electrical conductivity (EC) test
ICropS Director, Dr. Eureka Teresa Ocampo warmly welcomed the guests and the PSIA member-participants to the UP Los Baños community. PSIA Executive Director, Dr. Gabriel O. Romero expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between ICropS and PSIA through its Technology Development Committee, which is headed by Reinald Del Valle. He emphasized the value of the training in enhancing the knowledge and skills of the member company and institute representatives.
Twenty-eight professionals from 14 member companies of the Philippine Seed Industry Association (PSIA) that participated were into seed production, seed quality assurance, sales and marketing, business development, communication and public affairs, research, management, and operations in their respective entities.
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