International ISTA workshop on insect detection in seed lots at GEVES

On 4 and 5 March, GEVES welcomed 30 participants from various countries to discuss methods for detecting insects in seed samples. The relationship between insect pests and seeds is a growing problem, and countries are imposing increasingly strict restrictions on the import of seed lots. Every year, laboratories receive requests to detect insects in samples, reflecting a real need to find effective detection methods.

This international workshop was designed to provide an opportunity for constructive discussions on this common problem. The 1st day was devoted to a series of lectures on the issues specific to insect pests of seeds and on the results obtained during the special project funded by the ISTA, with a description of the different methods tested and their advantages.

The 2nd day was dedicated to practical workshops. This enabled participants to practise different methods such as visual inspection, sieving, the use of traps and radiography. In addition, thanks to the presence of an entomology expert, participants had the opportunity to take an introduction to the identification of insects such as bruchids and weevils.

Finally, the workshop ended with a round-table discussion to promote debate on the needs, advantages and disadvantages of the methods and their applicability.

These two days were a real opportunity to explore, question and discover a new aspect of seed quality. A full report of the main discussions will be provided to ISTA shortly. It should help define future directions for the challenge of detecting and identifying insects in seed samples.