Professional Seed Research, Inc. has been accredited by the National Seed Health System, under the authority of USDA-APHIS, to perform Phytosanitary Seed Health Testing that may be used in the issuance of a Federal Phytosanitary Certificate.

This applies to all corn diseases for all countries requiring a seed test for the phytosanitary certificate. To use PSR for this service, submit a 400K sample for each disease required. After completion of the tests, PSR will return a letter with results to be submitted by the seed company to the state APHIS representative. This part of the procedure is no different than when the Iowa State Seed Lab. was the only laboratory available for the testing.

The National Seed Health System uses uniform testing methods, a few of which are changes from those used in the past. The most significant change is with the Stewart's Wilt pathogen (Pantoea stewartii). The new method uses ELISA methodology that is quicker and more expensive than the previous method.

Testing times range for 2 days for Stewart's wilt to 8 days for some fungi. PSR intends to begin the tests the day after sample arrival. The price is $75 for the Stewart's wilt and $50 for each of the others.

Contact Jim Dodd at Professional Seed Research, Inc. for information on which tests are needed for individual countries.