Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija|The Bureau of Plant Industry – National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS) conducted a specialized training for Varietal Seed Analysts on Rice Seed Certification from September 30 to October 4, 2024 at NIA Pantabangan Lake Resort and Hotel, Nueva Ecija. Hosted by BPI-NSQCS Region III under Regional Chief Josephine A. Reyes, the event gathered varietal seed analysts from different NSQCS laboratories nationwide to strengthen their technical capability in varietal purity testing, field inspection, and seed certification of inbred and hybrid rice production.

The training covered essential topics including guidelines for seed certification, field inspection techniques, grow-out test establishment, varietal characterization, and the application of molecular markers in varietal purity testing. Participants were equipped with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to enhance their skills in rice seed certification.

The training highlights the field practicum on various NSIC-registered rice varieties in the “Grow Out Test (GOT) and Varietal Familiarity of Different Rice Varieties” project of BPI-NSQCS Region III at PhilRice Central Experiment Station in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. OIC Assistant Director for Regulatory Services and NSQCS Chief, Ruel C. Gesmundo also visited the said GOT as he emphasized that this part of the training is essential to continually upgrade the technical expertise and competence of varietal seed analysts who are vital in ensuring the integrity of seed certification.

The training successfully combined learning with practical application, ensuring that analysts are well-prepared to apply their skills in the field, marking another achievement in NSQCS’s commitment to enhancing seed certification services.

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