ILLINOIS CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Trait Testing What is

ILLINOIS CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Trait Testing: What is Needed? Trait Confirmation Matt Raymond, Field Services Director Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc, Inc. 2017 Matt Raymond

Why Is Trait Testing Needed? � Provide a quality product ◦ Customer satisfaction ◦ Performs as described � Required ◦ Licensing agreements ◦ Truth in labeling � Preventative testing ◦ Unhappy customers ◦ Lost business ◦ Litigation Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc, Inc. 2017 Matt Raymond

How Is Trait Testing Conducted? � Single seeds tested for the presence of the intended traits. ◦ Herbicide tolerance �Bioassay ◦ Insect resistance �Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc, Inc. 2017 Matt Raymond

Herbicide Bioassay Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc, Inc. 2017 Matt Raymond

ELISA Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc, Inc. 2017 Matt Raymond

What Is Needed for Trait Testing? � Seed ◦ Initial testing and possible retest �More traits requires more seed ◦ Representative sample ◦ Viable seed ◦ Arrive intact Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc, Inc. 2017 Matt Raymond

What Is Needed for Trait Testing? � Knowledge ◦ What traits and how many seeds? �Trait provider requirements �Licensing obligations �Internal QC policy �Sheller/bin vs. conditioned �Male vs. female donated traits �Linked or individual traits ◦ Not sure? �Online resources �Check with your Testing Lab for assistance Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc, Inc. 2017 Matt Raymond

What Is Needed for Trait Testing? � Communication ◦ Labeled bags �Tests clearly identified �Multiple methods to denote same testing �Internal codes ◦ Packing lists ◦ Contact information �Who to contact if questions Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc, Inc. 2017 Matt Raymond

Questions? Matt Raymond Field Services Director mraymond@ilcrop. com Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc. 3105 Research Road Champaign, IL 61822 217 -359 -4053 www. ilcrop. com Illinois Crop Improvement Assoc, Inc. 2017 Matt Raymond