Central Laboratory of Seeds, Seedlings and Parents of the Department of Agriculture of SP receives score from international entity

The year 2021 began with excellent news for the Central Seeds, Seedlings and Parents Laboratory (LCSM) of the Seeds, Seedlings and Parents Department (DSMM) of the Sustainable Rural Development Coordination (CDRS). The unit of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo received the results of its participation in the 2020 proficiency test, organized by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA international reference entity in seed science and technology) for which it obtained excellent performance, with high marks in the analysis of bean (Phaseolusvulgaris) and leek (Alliumporrum) seeds for purity tests, identification of other species, germination, viability test (tetrazolium) and determination of the degree of humidity.

"The proficiency program organized by ISTA is a global reference for evaluating the quality of associated seed analysis laboratories, which are distributed throughout all member countries. The objective is to guarantee standards in the execution of analyzes in laboratories distributed throughout all member countries; that is, the ISTA certificate certifies that the quality of our analyzes complies with international standards", explains agricultural engineer Patrícia Ribeiro Cursi, director of LCSM, informing that the unit has been an associate member of ISTA since 1997 (having been the first laboratory in Brazil to integrate this institution). "ISTA was founded in 1924, with its main focus on developing and publishing standard procedures for conducting and evaluating tests, aiming for uniformity in the evaluation of seed quality throughout the world."

Annually, ISTA chooses representative seed species to carry out rounds of proficiency tests. "We consider our participation in this event as extremely important, as the positive results show that the services provided by LCSM are in accordance with the strict quality policy established since its creation in 1952", says Patrícia.

Given the certifications obtained ‒ from international recognition and from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), which is accredited as an official laboratory in the National Registry of Seeds and Seedlings ‒, as well as from other entities in the sector, in Brazil and abroad , LCSM has maintained the excellence of services provided to rural producers and seed producing companies, based on a solid quality management system. "Through this evaluation system, it is possible to ensure that technical and administrative activities have the highest level of reliability, safety, competence and quality, guaranteeing the results of physical-physiological and sanitary analysis activities of seeds, with the adoption of Good Practices and procedures", highlights Patrícia.

Main activities of LCSM

Among the main activities of the Laboratory are the quality control of seeds produced and sold by the Department of Agriculture and Supply, in the CDRS Production Centers, which are subjected to identity and quality analyzes to guarantee compliance with the required and published standards. by MAPA. Furthermore, the LCSM has national relevance in the inspection of imported seeds, with an entry point through the State of São Paulo, as it is the only accredited laboratory for analyzing official samples and issuing the Official Seed Analysis Bulletin report, serving the Inspection of Agricultural Inputs of the Ministry.

With the aim of sharing and offering quality services throughout the country, LCSM serves seed production companies and producers who are interested in knowing and evaluating the quality of seeds acquired for the installation of their production fields. "We have more than 450 species in our scope of analysis, covering large crops, forage, horticulture, ornamental and forestry. We also carry out analysis services for rural producers who are interested in checking the quality of the seeds purchased and for companies in the sector", informs the director, highlighting that, on average, before the pandemic, around 1.000 analyzes were carried out monthly. "With the need to adopt the health and distancing protocols required at the moment, we had to adjust our schedule, which generated a reduction in the number of appointments; but, with the commitment of the entire team, we guaranteed essential services and attendance to emergency demands, such as the analysis and issuance of reports for seeds intended for export".

Another relevant work of LCSM is to share the knowledge generated and acquired throughout its work in the sector. "We maintain an annual training schedule aimed at analysts and technical managers in the area, both for public and private laboratories. As it is in-person, our calendar is suspended for now, but we are outlining the content for future courses to be taught", highlights Patrícia , reinforcing that, in addition to training, the unit works in partnership with research institutions, aiming at the development and continuous improvement of seed analysis methods in the country.

Completing, in 2021, 69 years of services provided throughout Brazil, LCSM does not just carry out analyses. "We carry out extensive technology development work in seed analysis, with the development and proposal of norms and standards for seed analysis and health in the State of São Paulo", concludes the director.