From 31 May till 3 June 2010 Wageningen Seed Centre organises the 2010 Master Class on Seed Technology. The four day intense course is aimed at offering professionals in the seed industry and seed research a broadening and actualisation of their knowledge and expertise.

Objectives of the master class
The aim of the master class is to offer professional seed technologists the possibility for a further deepening, broadening and actualisation of their knowledge and expertise. Through an intensive in-depth seminar programme and informal discussions, along with several demonstrations of recent technological developments, participants will be challenged with the latest developments in seed technology. The course will enhance participants to make strategic choices in seed technology research and development. 

The Wageningen Seed Centre
Farmers all over the world share one concern: how to get the best seed and planting material for next season’s crops. Propagation material of high quality is a prerequisite for a crop that is superior in quantity and quality. Through fundamental and applied research Wageningen Seed Centre (WSC) develops expertise in all fields related to plant breeding, seed technology and other seed related issues. WSC is an alliance of seed experts from Plant Research International and Wageningen University.

Seminar programme
Invited speakers and WSC staff will give seminars each day in the mornings and evenings. Themes of the seminar programme will be selected from topics including  embryogenesis, seed expressed genes, dormancy and seed quality, seed stress tolerance, longevity and germination equations, germination markers, seed enhancement maturation sorting, cDNA micro-arrays, seed proteomics, seed metabolomics, seed health, seeds for organic farming, priming, molecular identification of seeds and variety protection, seed management and business, seed quality control and statistics, international seed supply systems and property rights.

Demonstrations
Participants will be involved in demonstrations in the afternoons. Techniques and methodologies include cell cycle activity and cell sorting by flow cytometry, chlorophyll sorting by laser induced fluorescence, spectral analysis of seeds and seedlings, seed health seed vigour, stress tolerance and respiration measurements. 

Target group of the master class
The master class is designed for professional seed technologists at PhD or post-doctoral level, or those who have acquired an equivalent expertise through experience. Participants may be affiliated with industry, research institutes, seed quality laboratories, universities or other governmental institutions. The master class will be restricted to a maximum of 16 participants and a minimum of 8. The selection of participants will be made on the basis of their professional background and on the importance of the class programme for their own work. Applicants should have a good working knowledge of English.
 
WSC's academic and training staff have expertise in virtually every field of plant propagation, ranging from the basics of plant improvement to issues concerning seed legislation. WSC contributes to capacity building in the seed sector of many countries world wide through education, research and execution of projects. WSC has a wide variety of clients: universities, national and international research institutes, non-governmental organisations and the private and public seed industry. WSC services include international courses, MSc courses, PhD programs, tailor-made courses, and research and project management.

Dates
In 2010 the master class will comprise 4 full days including two evening sessions. The programme starts on Monday 31  May to end Thursday afternoon on 3 June. This intensive programme allows the participants to get the maximum amount of information. The previous four master classes were very positively evaluated by the participants.  Supervisors of the participants complimented WSC on the broadened view of their staff after attending the course.

Registration fee
The fee, including tuition fee and course materials, but excluding board and lodging and travel to and from Wageningen, is Euro 2950. The participants will be accommodated in Hotel the Wageningse Berg (www.hoteldewageningseberg.nl). Room rates (incl. breakfast) Euro, 60-  per day. Lectures will be given at the same venue whereas demonstrations will be held in laboratories of Wageningen University and Plant Research International.

Organisation, Course co-ordinators:

Dr. Steven P.C. Groot
Plant Research International, Wageningen UR
P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Phone: +31 317 480 833; Fax: + 31 317 423 110
E-mail: steven.groot@wur.nl 

Dr. Henk W.M. Hilhorst
Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen UR
Arboretumlaan 4, 6703 BD Wageningen, The Netherlands
Phone: +31 317 483 646 ; Fax: +31 317 484 740
E-mail: henk.hilhorst@wur.nl