Seed Identification (new module 2025)

How do you tell the difference between the seeds of 693 different species from 105 plant families that are mentioned at the most recent ISTA list? Two thirds of these species belong to 30 major plant families. In this training, we will build on the knowledge you may have gained during the first international training on seed identification. We will work on seven additional plant families that represent many of species from the ISTA list of stabilized plant names.

The aim of the training course is to improve the identification of seeds that are found as impurities in seed samples. A first step in seed identification is to recognize the plant family based on the composition of the diaspore, which makes it possible to efficiently consult seed reference collections and seed atlases for a definitive identification. The course will also briefly discuss the first nine families from the previous course. We will also spend time introducing and working with the Digital Diaspore Atlas of the Netherlands.

The lecturers of the course are prof. dr. René T.J. Cappers and dr. ir. Renée M. Bekker, Biological Archaeological Innovation centre, Groningen.

Starting date: September 24, 15, & 26 2025

Target group

The training is for laboratory technicians and employees who are practically involved in identifying seeds. Other interested parties can also participate. No special prior knowledge is required, this follow-up course follows on from the first international training by using the same manual. Working with the new diaspore atlas is a mandatory and new component for all participants, as are the new plant families that are presented.

Date and location

Duration: 3 day trainingcourse.
Dates: September 24, 25 & 26 2025
Training hours: 09.00 till 17.00 hours
Location: Naktuinbouw, Roelofarendsveen, the Netherlands

Program

The training course will include lectures and practical work.

The following new plant families will be dealt with:

Caryophyllaceae
Linaceae
Papaveraceae
Solanaceae
Asparagaceae
Plantaginaceae
Scrophulariaceae

Practical work will focus on identifying representative seeds from these families. The Digital Diaspore Altas of the Netherlands (book and website) will be introduced and available for consultation. Participants may bring their own manual if already in possession from the previous training. During the training, a copy of the new Digital Diaspore Atlas of the Netherlands will be handed out to the participants.

Fee

2025 Training fee: € 2.349,-

Included are:

All course related costs such as materials, lunch/coffee/tea and administration.
A copy of the new Digital Diaspore Atlas of the Netherlands (Cappers, Bekker & Fennema – 2023) https://www.barkhuis.nl/product/digital-diaspore-atlas-of-the-netherlands/ - at reduced price.
A copy of the 'Manual for the identification of plant seeds and fruits' (Cappers & Bekker – new 2021 2nd edition; Barkhuis Publishing – Groningen.) https://www.barkhuis.nl/product/a-manual-for-the-identification-of-plant-seeds-and-fruits/ - at reduced price.

Questions or interested in participation?
Team Training courses: (071) 332 62 70 / opleidingen@naktuinbouw.nl