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Seed E-News
October 7, 2009
ASTA Feature Story
ASTA Receives TASC Grant to Work on Improved Diagnostic Test for Stewart's Wilt on Corn
In September, ASTA was awarded a grant under USDA's Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) to improve diagnostics for Stewart's wilt (Pantoea stewartii) on corn. Current diagnostic capabilities have technical challenges that can either produce false positives or be untimely in their detection of the disease, a bacterium spread primarily through a corn flee beetle which can stunt and damage the growth of a corn stalk which either then dies or fails to produce a marketable ear.
ASTA was made aware that the ELISA test for Stewart's wilt, currently recognized by most countries, has been providing what is believed to be unusually high numbers of false positives. Many countries require that corn seed be tested for Stewart's wilt as a condition of entry. If the test is providing false positives, many shipments of corn seed could potentially be rejected based on inaccurate test results. Scientists from ASTA's member companies and Iowa State University (ISU) suspect that there are previously unrecognized species of microorganisms closely related to the Stewart's wilt pathogen that may be responsible for these questionable positive results. For example, recent reports of a maize disease caused by P. agglomerans in Mexico have come to light. Occurrences of other Pantoea strains on maize and sorghum from tropical areas have also been recently reported. P. stewartii has been considered distinct from all other maize bacterial pathogens, so it is possible that these new strains and isolates could also be reacting to the reagents in the current ELISA test.
In addition to the ELISA test for Stewart's wilt, there is a PCR-based diagnostic protocol developed in the European Union. If confidence in the accuracy and dependability of the ELISA test erodes internationally, it is feared that other countries will begin mandating the use of this PCR-based method. The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) bulletin outlining this protocol contains an extensive flow chart that, when followed, often requires weeks to pass a single seed lot for export. The U.S. seed industry has already incurred problems with the lengthy and potentially non-specific EPPO assay where delay of planting and destruction of seed lots have been threatened, but later retracted due to erroneous results obtained from the EPPO protocol. This protocol requires confirmation of suspect positives by PCR, and false positives have been documented.
ASTA submitted a grant proposal prepared by the ISU Seed Science Center to the TASC program to address and hopefully resolve this problem. The proposal was favorably received, and an award of $82,750 was granted. The research will be performed over a two year period by ISU scientists through a contract with ASTA. This project will address three goals: review and re-optimize all components of the Stewart's wilt ELISA kit; conduct an evaluation of the EPPO PCR-based protocol; and characterize isolates of other species in the genus Pantoea that may be responsible for causing the ELISA test to produce false positives.
TASC is a program within USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) that provides Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to eligible organizations, on a grant basis, to implement activities that are intended to address a sanitary, phytosanitary or related technical barrier that prohibits or threatens the export of U.S. specialty crops currently available on a commercial basis. The TASC program is intended to benefit the represented industry rather than a specific company or brand. Examples of expenses that CCC may agree to cover under the TASC program include, but are not limited to: initial pre-clearance programs, export protocol and work plan support, seminars and workshops, study tours, field surveys, development of pest lists, pest and disease research, database development, reasonable logistical and administrative support, and travel and per diem expenses. Eligible projects may take place in the United States or abroad.
"We are very excited that the USDA supported this project," notes Ric Dunkle, ASTA's senior director for seed health and trade. "We continue to be confronted with problems associated with discrepancies over seed testing methodologies and results for phytosanitary pests. It is unfortunately quite common that inaccurate and inconsistent test results disrupt seed movements, thereby causing unnecessary economic impacts to our industry.
ASTA is currently exploring additional opportunities that may qualify under the TASC program which will facilitate seed trade for its members.
ASTA News
Registration for CSS 2009 & SEED EXPO Now Open!
Registration for CSS 2009 (the 64th Corn and Sorghum Seed Research Conference and the 39th Soybean Seed Research Conference) and Seed Expo 2009 is now available online. Early registration rates are in effect until Nov. 16, after which the registration rates will increase in all attendee registration categories. The CSS 2009 conference includes two and a half days of educational programming on current topics in corn, sorghum and soybean, as well as two general sessions on Wednesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 10, covering topics relevant across all three commodities. The printed version of the Registration Brochure for this conference will arrive by mail to ASTA members and former conference attendees in the coming weeks. The conference will be held in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency from Dec. 8-11, 2009. Register today or visit the event's Web site to learn additional information about this annual December conference.
Panel on APHIS Biotechnology Quality Management System Pilot Project Offered at CSS 2009
CSS 2009 will feature a panel of participants in the Pilot Project for the Biotechnology Quality Management System (BQMS) of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Biotechnology Regulatory Service (APHIS/BRS). BQMS is a voluntary compliance assistance program designed to help entities regulated by BRS develop sound quality management practices. APHIS initiated the development of BQMS to assist universities, small businesses and large companies to be compliant with regulatory requirements for field trials and movement of regulated genetically engineered organisms. In January 2009, APHIS launched a BQMS Pilot Project to test the applicability of the BQMS draft audit standard and to assist APHIS in further development of a quality program for its applicants. During this panel at CSS 2009, BQMS pilot project participants will provide insight into their experience, and APHIS/BRS will provide an update on next steps for BQMS.
Notice: Correction on DTN Ag Summit
In a previous issue of the Seed E-News it was reported that a special cross-promotion would be offered for attendees of ASTA's CSS 2009 & Seed Expo to attend the DTN Ag Summit this December. After further discussion internally at DTN, the organization has reluctantly had to retract its offer due to pre-existing sponsorship agreements that precluded this possibility.
Washington Watch
Appropriations See Movement on Capitol Hill
On Sept. 30, House-Senate conferees met and resolved differences in the two versions of the Fiscal Year 2010 (FY) Agriculture Appropriations bill (H.R. 2997). As approved by the conferees, the conference report includes full funding of $200 million for the Market Access Program (MAP) and $34.5 million for the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD). The Continuing Resolution (CR), as signed by the President, will fund the federal government through Oct. 31, 2009. The CR will ensure that all necessary and vital functions and programs of the government remain fully funded. ASTA is a USDA Cooperator and receives funding each year for key programs that address member-identified priorities, including advocacy and programs affecting and influencing intellectual property rights protection, phytosanitary issues, trade and marketing of seed.
NIFA Director Named
Roger N. Beachy has been appointed the first director of the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) by President Obama. Beachy, the founding president of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, MO., will join the new agency on Oct. 5. NIFA was established as an agency of the USDA in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 to spearhead agricultural research. The new agency will have a proposed budget of $1.3 billion and 300 employees. Congress is currently debating the amount of research funding the agency will distribute through competitive grants, but a proposed figure hovers at $250 million. In recent years, USDA has distributed between $120 million and $180 million in competitive research grants. ASTA applauds the appointment of Dr. Beachy to this important post. His acknowledged and proven leadership is especially timely as the seed industry works tirelessly to provide the quality seed necessary for food, fiber, and energy security.
State of the States
Seed Industry Visits in New York Build Understanding and Communication
On Sept. 23, representatives from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets (NYSDAM) and the New York State Seed Association (NYSSA), along with other interested parties, met in Geneva, N.Y., to jointly discuss seed quality programs in the state. The meeting, coordinated by ASTA on behalf of the two entities, provided the opportunity to generate dialogue toward greater knowledge of the challenges facing the industry and the seed quality regulators. Presentations at the meeting provided a foundation for the discussion. "How NYS Samples and Tests Seed for Conformance with Label" was delivered by Mike Sarnowski, NYSDAM, and Kyle Arvin, New York State Seed Testing Lab, and a presentation on New York State seed law and an overview of seed testing results and label inspections was given by Ed Rowley and Margaret Kelly of NYSDAM. Also on the agenda were Mike Hamilton of The Scotts Company, presenting on industry seed testing as a basis for product labeling, and Alan Taylor of the Geneva Agricultural Experiment Station, presenting on research prospects affecting seed quality. Following the presentations, NYSSA President John Uvegas led a group discussion of the industry expectations of NYSDAM. Both organizations agreed that outreach and education to the state's growers and consumers would be helpful. Attendees commented on the success and value of the meeting. The channels of communication between the state's agricultural suppliers and producers were enhanced as a result of the meeting.
Global Markets
ASTA Concludes Seed Industry Mission with Afghanistan National Seed Organization
On Sept. 23-30, ASTA members traveled to Turkey to conduct a seed industry mission with members of the Afghanistan National Seed Organization (ANSOR). The goal of the mission was to provide insight and perspective on seed trade associations, the value of intellectual property rights, certification, plant breeders' rights and opportunities for joint ventures and international cooperation. The ASTA delegation included Kelly Keithly, Keithly Williams Seeds; Mike Gumina, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business; John Gerard, Access Technology; and Chet Boruff, Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies. ASTA Vice President for Government Affairs Leslie Cahill accompanied the group as they toured seed industry operations in Turkey. Members of the team were hosted by a number of companies and Turkted, Turkey's national seed association. Team member and past ASTA Chairman Kelly Keithly summed up the trip by saying, "ASTA, in coordination with Turkted and in-country seed companies, provided an opportunity to showcase their seed industry and the progress being made. The team's broad experience and commitment to quality seed and strong intellectual property rights were central themes in every visit and discussion." As a USDA cooperator, ASTA worked closely with USDA personnel to ensure the success of this activity and to reinforce ongoing Administration focus on Afghanistan and its fledgling seed industry
Seed Association of the Americas (SAA) 2nd Bi-Annual Congress a Success!
The Congress took place Sept. 28 - 30, in Atibaia, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Over 250 delegates from the Americas and the global seed industry attended this year's congress. The program focused on three key topics important to seed trade in the Americas: phytosanitary issues, intellectual property rights and biotechnology, specifically low level presence in seed. There was lively discussion in all of the sessions with both public and private sector participants. ASTA member companies along with U.S. government and key public sector representatives contributed to the Congress program. Alan S. Green, executive director of Plant Health Programs at USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS), presented a U.S. country report, and Bob Griffin, director of USDA/APHIS' Pest Risk Analysis Laboratory spoke on the concept and process of pest risk assessment (PRA) during the Congress's full day devoted to phytosanitary issues within the region. Todd Rands, legal advisor with Monsanto Company, delivered a "Country Experiences" report during the Intellectual Property Rights Session. Contributing to the Biotechnology Session were Jerry Flint, also with Monsanto Company, who set the stage for the discussion related to low level presence, followed by Adelaida Harries, Iowa State University (ISU), on the movement of seed in the Americas and Sally McCammon, USDA/APHIS science advisor, on the new project by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on low level presence in seed. ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne, Vice President of Science and International Affairs Bernice Slutsky, Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade Ric Dunkle and Director of International Programs Lisa Nichols participated in the Congress. "This congress was a great success, bringing together government and seed industry representatives from 10 different countries throughout the hemisphere to discuss issues that significantly impact the movement of seed throughout the region," said LaVigne. "ASTA was well represented throughout the meeting and played a key role in enhancing the interaction between the government officials and the seed industry." In a post-congress session on Oct. 1, industry and public sector representatives discussed regional approaches to adventitious presence and low-level presence in seed. If you have any questions on the congress or the Seed Association of the Americas in general, please contact Diego Risso, SAA secretary general, or Lisa Nichols at ASTA.
ASTA Committees: Involvement = Greater Value
Phytosanitary Committee
Description
The Phytosanitary Committee represents ASTA in all national and international regulatory matters dealing with seed health, focusing on phytosanitary aspects of seed movement. The committee maintains a close relationship with USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service and foreign government plant quarantine bodies including the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO) and other regional organizations, as well as national and regional seed associations. Through this network, the committee closely monitors plant quarantine developments that might affect the movement of seed within and outside of the United States.
Current Activities
The committee is busy with a wide host of issues, including current activity related to seed re-export in relation with the IPPC, the International Seed Federation and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); addressing a proposed regulation on noxious weeds; responding to a proposed rule that establishes a new risk category, "Not Authorized Entry Pending Pest Risk Assessment (NAPPRA);" creation of an updated phytosanitary pest lists, as well as monthly conference calls with APHIS.
Next Scheduled Meeting
Mon., Jan. 25, 2010, from 9:45-11:45 am (49th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference, Las Vegas, Nev.)
Key Contacts
Out & About
Sept. 22. ASTA Director for State Affairs Pat Miller attended a facility tour at the Seedway LLC production plant in Hall, N.Y. The tour, sponsored by the New York State Seed Association and the New York State Agribusiness Association, had over 20 attendees who observed corn seed processing, along with a detailed description of the production system involved for all types of seed distributed from the facility.
Sept. 30-Oct. 2. ASTA North Central Regional Vice President Wayne Vassar, of BCAP Seeds, LLC, attended the Annual Meeting of the Missouri Seedsmen's Association at the Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
Oct. 6-7. ASTA Chairman Jerry Monk, Warner Seeds Inc., attended the California Seed Association Mid-Year Meeting held in Monterey, Calif.
Business Briefs
Agricultural Retailers Association Names New President and CEO
On Oct. 2, the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), a trade association that represents the agricultural retail and distribution industry, named Daren Coppock as the organization's new President and CEO. Coppock is an experienced association leader with deep ties to the agricultural community having been raised on a farm in Oregon and serving as an advocate for production agriculture for the past decade. He joins ARA from the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) where he served as the organization's CEO since July 2001. "I look forward to joining the team at ARA as we tackle some important agricultural challenges on behalf of agricultural retailers," said Coppock. "I'm impressed by the leadership of the organization and eager to get out and meet some of the members in the coming months." On Nov. 1, Coppock will begin transitioning from his current position with NAWG to ARA and will be working full time for ARA by Jan. 1, 2010. He is filling the position vacated by ARA's former President and CEO Jack Eberspacher, who passed away in July after a brief battle with cancer.
In the News ...
Government Reports
USDA
USDA/AMS
USDA/ARS
USDA/APHIS
USDA/ERS
Click here for a schedule of additional
industry events
ASTA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact ASTA at (703) 837-8140.
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