The National Seed Health System (NSHS) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2025 seed health proficiency testing program, designed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratories in detecting seed-borne pathogens. The program is a critical initiative aimed at maintaining high standards in seed health testing, a key component in safeguarding agricultural productivity and global food security.

Proficiency testing involves distributing blind samples—seeds with known levels of contamination—to participating laboratories. These samples are tailored to specific pathogen/host combinations, enabling a focused evaluation of each lab’s testing procedures. Laboratories then analyze the seed samples and submit their findings to NSHS, where their performance is assessed based on the accuracy of pathogen detection.

By participating in this program, laboratories can benchmark their testing processes, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate their competency in seed pathogen identification. Accurate detection of seed pathogens is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases that can compromise crop yields and quality.

While the program is primarily intended for NSHS participants, it is also open to external laboratories seeking to validate and improve their testing capabilities. This initiative reflects NSHS’s ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative network of laboratories dedicated to upholding the highest standards in seed health.

Laboratories interested in participating in the 2025 proficiency testing are encouraged to reach out to NSHS at nshs@iastate.edu for additional information. The NSHS team is ready to provide guidance on the testing process and ensure that all participants are equipped to succeed in this vital program.

For those working in seed health, the 2025 proficiency test represents an opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing agricultural sustainability through improved seed health practices.