This Joint ISTA and FAO Handbook provides comprehensive guidelines for the setting up and managing of seed testing laboratories, including those that cater to small- and medium-scale seed enterprises and farmers’ cooperatives, which operate in low input production systems. The adherence to the guidelines by seed testing laboratories results in the use of uniform procedures across the board thereby facilitating inter-laboratory transferability of data. This harmonization enhances confidence in seed quality assurance mechanisms. The publication is an update of a previous one that was also jointly published by both organizations in 1969 and revised in 1979 and 1983. Its utility is enhanced by a set of new up-to-date information that builds upon existing data. The Handbook provides guidance on the range of seed testing equipment, procedures, and management systems that have become available in the several decades since the previous editions. Seed testing is a critical component of the seed value chain and is essential for the production of quality seeds, i.e. seeds that are alive, can germinate and produce vigorous seedlings; are healthy and come from lots that meet set thresholds for genetic and analytical purity. The Handbook covers all aspects of seed testing, from laboratory design and equipment selection to sample preparation, testing methods, and data analysis. Importantly, the publication also addresses the challenges of testing seeds in low input systems and provides guidance on how to adapt procedures to these settings. Therefore, it serves as a reference material and training resource for everyone involved in seed quality assurance procedures, in particular the personnel of seed testing laboratories and regulatory agencies; seed producers and farmers. The updated publication represents a significant improvement over previous guidelines, as it incorporates advances in technology and provides guidance on a broader range of testing procedures. The guidelines are designed to be adaptable to different contexts and seed types and include recommendations for quality management systems, proficiency testing, and inter-laboratory comparisons, which are essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of seed testing results.

This catalogue aims to improve the dissemination and outreach of FAO’s knowledge products and overall publishing programme. By providing information on its key publications in every area of FAO’s work, and catering to a range of audiences, it thereby contributes to all organizational outcomes. From statistical analysis to specialized manuals to children’s books, FAO publications cater to a diverse range of audiences. This catalogue presents a selection of FAO’s main publications, produced in 2023 or earlier, ranging from its global reports and general interest publications to numerous specialized titles. In addition to the major themes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it also includes thematic sections on climate change, economic and social development, and food safety and nutrition.