Updates from APSA Technical Affairs

The committee had tremendously contributed to APSA Seed Association Meeting Apr 26-27 by engaging in sessions on topics such as Access and Benefit Sharing for genetic resources and PVP, farmers' rights, breeders' rights, and Essentially Derived Varieties (EDV) issues. Key representatives from seed associations in multiple countries had fruitful discussions on collaborative priorities in the Asia-Pacific region. Besides, the committee is actively finalizing the APSA Congress Workshop agenda, which focuses on the theme of the perspective of breeders regarding EDV and also the SC IPR & Biodiversity Technical Session program during November ASC.

First, we are pleased to announce a significant milestone for Bangladesh's seed industry. The MNT Seed Testing Laboratory, a division of Lal Teer Seed Limited led by our Seed Tech committee, Md. Azizul Hoque, has become the first lab in the country to receive accreditation from the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). This accomplishment highlights Bangladesh's commitment to seed quality and underscores the lab's exceptional standards. Visit this link for more info.

The first ST webinar on seed priming was successfully organized on May 16 with almost 200 live participants. A recorded webinar video, presentations, and a Q&A list are available for free access through the APSA Seed Academy Platform, which is the newest digital learning hub for APSA members to enhance your expertise in key areas such as intellectual property rights, seed technology and breeding innovation. For more info visit APSA Seed Academy webpage.

virus (ToBRFV). A joint letter from APSA, CropLife Asia and ISF was sent to express these concerns to the Director General of the Plant Protection Department in Vietnam regarding the addition of ToBRFV without reference to PRA results and without specifying commodity and crops.

of seeds to Pakistan. The SC ITQ committee is currently discussing the possibility of providing comments to the Plant Quarantine in Pakistan to request the removal of this pest.

The SC ITQ committee has been engaged in policy advocacy to support the international movement of quality seeds. The first update pertains to an SPS notification from Vietnam, which includes the proposed adoption of an updated quarantine pest list that includes Tomato brown rugose fruit

The APSA Field Crops Webinar on Millets organized in commemoration of the International Year of Millets (#IYM2023) on June 15 was a resounding success. The webinar served as a valuable platform to explore the significance of millets and their role in addressing food security and climate change challenges. Voting reps can access webinar records via APSA Seed Academy Platform.

Another update concerns the import conditions of cucumber and bitter gourd seeds to Pakistan. Cucurbit aphisborne yellow virus (CABYV) has been added as a quarantine pest, which has significant implications for farmers in Pakistan. However, authorized labs in exporting countries have confirmed that there are no available lab tests for CABYV except in Thailand. This has resulted in a halt in the movement

In other news, the government of Pakistan has granted a five-year grace period for the implementation of a previously announced seed production mandate. This mandate required seed–importing companies to produce a certain percentage of seed locally. The grace period, outlined in a circulated document, applies retroactively from 2022 through 2027 and is the result of sustained advocacy efforts by the international seed sector, led by CropLife Pakistan. Click APSA Seed Industry News of each country for detailed info.

Besides, the committee is pleased to announce the exciting "Hybrid Rice and Corn Study Tour in the Philippines" from Sept 17 to 23. Organized by the APSA SIG Field Crops Committee and the Philippine Seed Industry Association (PSIA) in collaboration with the Rice Board, this tour promises an immersive and informative experience for hybrid rice and corn seed production. For more info hybrid rice and corn study tour page.

SIG Field Crops

Co-Chair:

The committee has been communicating with sub-groups on the activity updates. Based on the survey result, the SIG Veg & Orn study tour on urban and hitech farming will be organized in Japan tentatively early next year. Besides, it was agreed on the APSA-ISTA workshop on “Seed Vigor Testing Workshop”. will be in Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand in September. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and initiatives from the committee.

SIG Vegetables & Ornamentals

The first WIC 2023 meeting was organized on April 25 in Bangkok, Thailand. During the meeting, members updated on progress and activities concerning the burning issues in the APAC region, University Connect Program, Disease Resistance Terminology (DRT) project and an update on the Seed Innovation and Protection Initiative (SIPI) project. Other new initiatives motioned include a proposal to establish a new a sub-group focused on vegetable seed production, and initiate a new survey amongst members to generate more ideas of new initiatives to work on together. Among them is to develop an agenda for APSA Young Club for the coming Asian Seed Congress. The next physical WIC meeting will be held on November 19 in Christchurch, New Zealand during the ASC. (See also WIC update on page 32).

The group changed a plan to send seeds via one of the Indian coapplicants because WorldVeg could not provide additional information required to send the seeds. WorldVeg and the 2 Indian companies are working together with APSA on the preparation of the documents and to update the National Biodiversity of India about the changes. As for the Watermelon Fusarium Wilt subgroup, we are still waiting for the completion of the phytosanitary process from USA. Once seeds are shipped to Thailand, the seed multiplication process can be started.

We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Seetharam Annadana, Chair of APSA's R&D AG, who was recognized during ICAR Annual meeting for his exceptional research contributions in horticulture. His innovative techniques and technology have enabled farmers and breeders in the Asia Pacific to effectively screen for thrips and other costly pests, resulting in substantial cost savings and improved seed and vegetable food crop production. Additionally, Dr. Latha J. Reddy from Bayer has recently joined the APSA R&D AG, bringing her extensive expertise to the group. Lastly, Dr. G. Radhakrishnan's commendable work and dedication to the group have been greatly appreciated, and he is thanked wholeheartedly for his significant contributions since 2021.

This quarter, the group has successfully organized 2 webinars of APSA

Solanaciars TGIF on the theme of “Speed Breeding” and “the Omics of Solanaceous Crops" in April and June respectively. Besides, the APSA-ICAR IIHR project on Breeding for Chilli Leaf Curl Disease (ChiLVD) and South East Asian Thrips resistance in Chilli is moving forward with 10 companies joining.