Ring analyses in the proficiency assessment of authorised seed samplers

The objective of this study was to apply the ring analysis in the proficiency assessment of authorised seed samplers form 18 accredited laboratories from the Republic of Serbia and two seed samplers from the Republic of Macedonia. The seed sampling was performed in the Processing plant, while the assessment was performed at the Seed Testing Laboratory of the Maize Research Institute, Zemun Polje. Two maize seed lots, placed in containers and jumbo bags, and one barley seed lot packed in paper bags, were sampled. Drawing of submitted samples and the estimation of the sampling intensity by seed samplers were done during the course of sampling. Seed purity, 1000-seed weight and seed germination were determined in the drawn samples. Results obtained by authorised samplers were within toleration limits. All samplers from accredited laboratories proved to be well trained, the samples were properly drawn, while insignificant nonconformities were detected in the calculation of sampling intensity.