Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
February 16, 2010

Colorado State University (CSU) is offering a new Certificate Program in Seed Technology to train seed analysts to work in State or Commercial Seed Laboratories. The Certificate is an invaluable tool for anyone who wants a career in seed technology or for current seed analysts working to become a Registered Seed Technologist or a Certified Seed Analyst (RST or CSA). The Certificate Program is designed to help fill a well documented need for new seed analysts within the industry.

Although CSU has been offering courses in seed technology since 1998, it has recently expanded the training to a Certificate Program which includes 10 online courses and laboratory training. The program offers 10 distance education courses through CSU and 3 other institutions: the University of Kentucky, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Iowa State University. The laboratory training may be taken at CSU or at a wide range of state and private seed testing labs throughout the U.S.A. The courses are:

1. Seed Anatomy and Identification
2. Seed Development and Metabolism
3. Seed Germination and Viability
4. Seed Purity Analysis
5. Seed Separation and Conditioning
6. Seed Storage and Deterioration
7. Large Seeded Legume Seed Production
8. Vegetable Seed Production
9. Seed Dormancy
10.  Vigor Testing

The Certificate Program is a two year program that costs about $3000. Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. Anyone interested in this new educational and employment opportunity should visit http://step.colostate.edu. 

For further information please contact Dr. Jack Fenwick at j.fenwick@colostate.edu, phone # (970)-491-6907 at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Website: http://www.colostate.edu

Published: February 16, 2010