May 9, 2006
A workshop at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center will focus on the analysis of biotech traits in seed and grain.
The three-day workshop, which began Monday, has attracted leading biotech developers from the United States and international scientists from Germany, Canada, France and Switzerland. Manjit Misra, director of the Seed Science Center, said the detection of biotech traits in seed and grain plays an important role in crop development, stewardship and regulation. The workshop is cosponsored by Pioneer Hi Bred International and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).
"This workshop brings together leaders from government, universities and the private sector to discuss issues related to the biotech detection technologies," Misra said.
The 35 attendees will participate in roundtable discussions and presentations about the technical and scientific challenges in the field of testing seed and grain.
The center's lab uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques (QPCR), a sensitive test to determine the presence of genetically modified organisms. The technology amplifies a target DNA sequence within a sample. A QPCR procedure not only determines if the gene is present but also specifies the amount.
The Seed Science Center conducts research on seed performance and develops standardized, science-based tests to facilitate the movement of seed throughout the world.