Project Summary and Intended Outcomes
The New York State Seed Testing Laboratory (NYSSTL) recently relocated from the Geneva Experiment Station to the New York State Food Lab located on the Harriman Campus in Albany, NY.
The seed testing lab performs tests to ensure that seeds meet minimum standards for germination and purity that are set by the regulations of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Association of Seed Control Officials. Along with state regulation, NYSSTL collaboratively works with the USDA Federal Seed Laboratory for compliance with the Federal Seed Act (FSA). NYSSTL also works in conjunction with the New York Seed Improvement Project for quality testing with certified seed. Testing services are also offered to New York stakeholders on a fee basis.
Roles and Responsibilities
The seed lab intern will work under the supervision of the seed lab director and will assist with receiving, dividing, cataloguing and preparing seed samples for analysis, planting and monitoring seeds that are being germination tested and will be exposed to the concepts behind purity analysis and seed identification. The intern will also become familiar with the Association of Official Seed Analysts Rules for Testing Seed, Article 9 the New York State Seed Law and the New York State Seed Certification Standards.
The intern may also assist with entry of test data, report preparation, maintaining a clean lab environment and outreach activities associated with the NYS Seed Testing Laboratory.
Qualifications and Previous Coursework
Seeking CALS students with and interest and coursework in horticulture, agronomy, or taxonomy
Benefits and Skills
Student will learn how to divide, catalog, plant and monitor seeds being tested and learn about purity analysis and seed identification.
Student will become familiar with Association of Official Seed Analysts Rules for Testing Seed, Article 9 of the New York State Seed Law and the New York Seed Certification Standards.
More info, application link: http://cce.cornell.edu/internship/16601