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 n this section we provide technical/practical information that seed sector staff may find useful in issues related to seed production and quality control.
How to No 24: Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Seed Testing Laboratory
In the last three issues of Seed Info, calibration of analytical balances, germination cabinets and germination media were discussed. In this issue of Seed Info the focus is on operating procedures for seed testing.
In seed testing, the quality assurance program is based on establishing and applying rigorous and demonstrable process control. This can be achieved through use of good quality equipment, regular calibration of equipment and well organized working procedures.
Under the new ISTA accreditation system, preparation of detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each of the tests performed in a seed testing laboratory is one of the major criteria for accreditation. These Standard Operating Procedures should be:
prepared in the same sequence that the job is executed in a descriptive or flow chart format
simple and user friendly, preferably prepared by those who do the job themselves using their own working language
laboratory and seed analyst specific, explaining exactly how a seed analyst uses the equipment in this particular laboratory
The Standard Operating Procedures for each test include:
the purpose of the test to be carried
the scope of the test i.e. for which crops
a detailed procedure including all the steps for the test to be carried (processes)
responsibilities (who does what)
the equipment to be used
references (documents to refer)
After preparing the SOPs in writing or as flow chart, these instructions are printed and clearly displayed in the working place or kept in a folder which is known and easily accessible to all users. Abdoul Aziz Niane, Seed Unit, ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria; E-mail: a.niane@cgiar.org
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