Workshop Objectives:
The specific objectives for the workshop are to:
· Bring the most acclaimed ISTA Seed Health workshop presenters to South Africa to present the workshop;
· Provide opportunities for South African and other researchers, analysts and students to learn the international seed health testing methods accredited by ISTA;
· Provide a forum for both theoretical and practical exposure to seed health testing;
· Promote exchange of ideas and collaboration between presenters of the workshop and researchers attending the workshop.

Workshop Format:
The training workshop will be held over 5 days from 7-11 April 2008. The equivalent of a two day period will be spent on Fungal seed health testing and the equivalent of one day will be spent on each of Bacterial, Viral and Nematode Seed Health Testing. The course will include theory and hands-on practical work within a laboratory

Presenters of the workshop:

The workshop will be presented by Dr Mortensen, Denmark (bacteria), Prof Blanco, Spain and Prof Tylowska, Poland (fungi), Ms Remeeus, Netherlands (nematodes) and Dr Mumford, United Kingdom (viruses). 


Location:
The workshop will be held at the University of Pretoria. Pretoria is situated in the transitional area between the Highveld and the Bushveld, approximately 50 km north of Johannesburg in the north-east of South Africa. It lies in a warm, well sheltered, fertile valley, surrounded by the hills of the Magaliesberg range, 1,370 m (4,495 ft) above sea level with temperatures ranging from 12 to 24 ºC (minimum and maximum, respectively in April). Many of the city's streets are lined with Jacaranda trees that blossom mauve (purplish blue) in spring, giving rise to the city's nickname "Jacaranda City". Pretoria is one of South Africa's leading academic cities, and it is home to the largest residential university in the country (the University of Pretoria with a total of about 53,063 students being enrolled in 2007).

 Accommodation:
Courtyard Arcadia, Pretoria – 6 – 12 April 2008

 Twin / double sharing room = R1130.00 per room on a bed and breakfast basis

 Single room = R940.00 per room on a bed and breakfast basis

 Protea Pretoria Hatfield Apartments – 6 – 12 April 2008

 Twin / double sharing room = R820.00 per room on a bed and breakfast basis

 Single room = R705.00 per room on a bed and breakfast basis

 Airport transfers:

Airport transfer one way OR Tambo International airport to Pretoria Hotels

 R315.00 per person one way

Registration:

There will be a minimum number of participants required for this workshop to take place, with a maximum number of 20.

Registration Fees:

ISTA Members: South African Rands R 3500
Non-ISTA members: South African Rands R 5200
The workshop fee includes participation in the workshop and all associated literature, coffee breaks, lunches and the workshop dinner.