Seed Identification Advanced course (module 5 to 7)

Full name identification of seeds in seed purity tests becomes more and more important. And impurties can theoretically originate from species all over the world. Increase your identification skills and make better and faster decisions on which species you are looking at. This course will improve your knowledge  for a substantial amount of the 693 different species from 105 plant families that are mentioned at the most recent ISTA list. In this training, you will learn the differences between seeds and fruits of seven plant families. See overview of families below. By means of pratical work and discussion you will identify many of specimen onto their full species names.

The aim of the training course is to improve the identification of seeds that are found as impurities in seed samples. A first step in seed identification is to recognize the plant family based on the composition of the diaspore, which makes it possible to efficiently consult seed reference collections and seed atlases for a definitive identification.

We will build on the knowledge you may have gained during the first international training on seed identification. This course will also briefly discuss the nine families from the previous course to point out the differences in characterisics to the families at hand. We will also spend time introducing and working with the Digital Diaspore Atlas of the Netherlands.

The lecturers of the course are prof. dr. René T.J. Cappers and dr. ir. Renée M. Bekker, Biological Archaeological Innovation centre, Groningen.

Target group

The training is for laboratory technicians and employees who are practically involved in identifying seeds. Other interested parties can also participate. No special prior knowledge is required, this follow-up course follows on from the first international training by using the same manual. Working with the new Diaspore Atlas is a mandatory and new component for all participants, as are the introductions and practical work on the charactieristics of the new plant families that are presented.

Date and location

Duration: 3 day trainingcourse.
Training hours: 09.00 till 17.00 hours
Location: Naktuinbouw, Roelofarendsveen, the Netherlands

Program

The training course will include lectures and practical work. 

The following new plant families will be dealt with:

• Caryophyllaceae
• Linaceae
• Papaveraceae
• Solanaceae
• Asparagaceae
• Plantaginaceae
• Scrophulariaceae

Practical work will focus on identifying representative seeds from these families. The Digital Diaspore Altas of the Netherlands (book and website) will be introduced and available during the course. Participants may bring their own manual if already in possession from the previous training. For participants without a manual and Diaspore Atlas, both will be administered at the start of the training and are included in the course fee at reduced price.

Fee

Included are:

• All course related costs such as materials, lunch/coffee/tea and administration.
• A copy of the new Digital Diaspore Atlas of the Netherlands (Cappers, Bekker & Fennema – 2023) https://www.barkhuis.nl/product/digital-diaspore-atlas-of-the-netherlands/- at reduced price.
• A copy of the 'Manual for the identification of plant seeds and fruits' (Cappers & Bekker – new 2021 2nd edition; Barkhuis Publishing – Groningen.) https://www.barkhuis.nl/product/a-manual-for-the-identification-of-plant-seeds-and-fruits/- at reduced price.

Questions or interested in participation? 
Team Training courses: (071) 332 62 70 / opleidingen@naktuinbouw.nl