IN QUALITY WE TRUST!

This month we have visited our Quality Testing Laboratory and have had a nice talk with the staff.

Name:

Valerius
Chiara
Tania

What is your role in the company?

V: Laboratory Manager
C: Laboratory Analyst
T: Laboratory Assistant

How long have you been working in Sais?

V: I have been working in SAIS for 18 years, part of which was spent in the SAIS Research Department in the establishment of new varieties
C: I have been with the Quality Testing Laboratory for just over a year
T: I have been working in SAIS for 14 years

Which are the aspects of your job that you like most?

V: I love my job very much, I am fascinated to face the challenges that come up every year by looking for optimal solutions to best support both the Sales department and the Seed Selection department to provide optimal service for high quality seed production.

C: I enjoy the various stages of seed analysis, assessing the purity, the germination rate and the quality of our seeds and being able to contribute in making a quality product.
T: I like taking care of the success  planting of seeds in the various germinability tests of different types of seeds and in maintaining the efficiency of the laboratory’s inhouse seed samples.

What are the most difficult challenges you face in your job?

V: Our laboratory analyses all the seed batches in SAIS: certainly one of the most difficult challenges is to be diligent in providing the results of the various analysis with particular attention to the detection of weeds or species that may often be banned in certain markets. The international nature of SAIS trade and clients puts us before increasing challenges in meeting the import requirements of various countries

C: The most difficult challenges arise along the process of analyzing newly arrived seed lots or a processed batch ready for shipment, but it is always very satisfying to find a solution and undertake new procedures to improve and lessen any inconvenience
T: Keeping up with the various stock entries and processing in order to give other departments an opportunity to benefit in their work.

What is the secret to best planting and germinating seeds? What advice can you give our customers?

V: Each species has its own optimal germination conditions. In our laboratory, we follow international standards for seeding and seed germination. These rules codified by ISTA (International Seed Test Association) suggest specific and optimal methods for each species, of course these methods often cannot be replicated in open field, but the nature of SAIS selected seeds is such that even in a nursery under optimal conditions of temperature, light and moisture, excellent results are obtained. My advice is to maintain a good temperature and keep the substrate well hydrated
C: The secret to best germinating seeds is being a good observer and figure out which standard best suits the substrate and the available equipment. Not all varieties behave the same, and through observation one can make assumptions closer to the truth and get better results
T: the best advice is to take care of choosing a good substrate and exposing the seeds / plants to the right temperature, light and watering.