Deana Namuth-Covert, Laura Pottorff
This course provides learners a basic understanding of the concept of seed vigor, methods for seed vigor testing, and the relationship of crop performance.
The SEED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM (STEP) is recognized by the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) and the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST) and has been offering online academic credit courses since 1998. The program is designed to develop the skills and techniques needed monitor seed quality and ultimately communicate to the end user if the seed is alive, healthy and clean. The traditional program is a main stay for training skilled seed analysts, the backbone of seed consumer protection. STEP has recently updated course content and is making these classes available to anyone that may benefit from seed technology education. Participants now have the option to take the courses either for academic credit to support their academic degrees or to take them for professional learning (nonacademic credit) at a reduced rate.