Calendar of Seed Preparation and Distribution at IWIN

 

June, Year 1. Seed is planted in El Batan. Field plots are repeatedly treated with systemic fungicides, and harvested seed is disinfected with a sodium hypochlorite solution. Seed from each line is inspected by CIMMYT's Seed Health Unit (SHU) and approved for quarantine multiplication in Mexicali.

July, Year 1. Nursery request forms are sent to IWIN cooperators. The global distribution list is finalized in January, Year 2.

November, Year 1. Seed is sent by air from El Batan for quarantine multiplication in Mexicali. Mexicali is recognized by the Mexican Government (NOM-001-FITO-1995), the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), and the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) as a Karnal bunt-free area. Mexicali field plots are repeatedly treated with systemic fungicides, visually inspected, and sampled for more diagnostic pathogen testing.
June-December, Year 2. Mexicali seed is harvested and returned to El Batan in sealed trucks. Internal seed from each line (>5,000 lines) is inspected by the SHU. Seed health certification is required before seed is cleaned, washed, treated, dried, and packaged.

 

January-December, Year 3. Nursery shipments are dispatched by express air couriers, or air freight, to cooperators in more than 120 countries.

January­December, Year 4. Data are returned to CIMMYT-Mexico by IWIN cooperators, entered into the IWIS database, analyzed, and returned to cooperators on CD-ROM. They can also be made available in real time via web access (pending future application).

IWIN seed preparation methodology:

  • Seed is washed with detergent and high pressure water for 2 minutes.

  • It is then rinsed with a pressure hose for 6 minutes.

 

  • The seed is submerged in a "jacuzzi bath" of 1.2% sodium hypochlorite solution for 3 minutes, and rinsed with high pressure water. Excess moisture is removed with compressed air.

    The seed is covered with a mixture of fungicides and placed in an oven to dry at 28-30o C for 1.5 hours.

  • Dry seed samples are placed in new bags and stored in a sterile room.

  • As trials are prepared, envelopes are filled with the appropriate seed and arranged in boxes.

  • Field books, a phytosanitary certificate, and appropriate paperwork are included in each box.