The ISU Seed Science Center is launching a new symposium series named for Leroy Everson, former director of the ISU Seed Laboratory, pictured above. Larger image. Photo courtesy of ISU Seed Science Center.
AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State University Seed Science Center is launching a new symposium series supported by a generous contribution from the family of Leroy Everson, former director of the ISU Seed Laboratory.
The first Leroy and Barbara Everson Seed & Biosafety Symposium, titled “Seeding the Future: Emerging Policy & Science,” will be held April 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center, 2100 Green Hills Drive, in Ames.
Kicking off the seminar on April 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. will be a celebration at the Seed Science Center honoring Everson. Former colleagues and students, as well as faculty and staff who worked with Everson, are invited to attend the event during which speakers will highlight his contributions to Iowa State and the seed industry.
“Leroy Everson dedicated many years of his life to improving seed testing and the seed industry,” said Seed Science Center Director Manjit Misra. “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to honor him not only with this celebration but also with this new symposium series.”
“This symposium is targeted toward addressing important issues that face not only the seed industry, but also those who depend upon it for their livelihoods. It continues Everson’s legacy of service to others,” said Adelaida Harries, global seed program specialist and co-organizer of the event.
Agronomy professor Jeff Wolt, who also organized the event, said that the symposium will examine changes in seed science and technology that have occurred in the 30 years since Everson last served as Seed Laboratory director.
“It will also highlight issues of current importance to public sector seed science as well as to the seed industry,” Wolt added.
Marcel Bruins, secretary general of the International Seed Federation, will serve as the keynote speaker for the morning session of the symposium. Bruins will share his perspectives on seed science and the seed industry in the 21st century.
Other featured speakers for the morning session include:
-- Diego Risso, secretary general, Seed Association of the Americas, speaking on “Facilitating Seed Trade in the Americas – A Science-Based Strategy”
-- Moses Siambi, Malawi representative for the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, highlighting “Seed of Orphan Crops for Food Security”
-- Miller McDonald, professor emeritus, Ohio State University, discussing “Public Sector Seed Science”
The keynote speaker for the afternoon session, Margaret Karembu, director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications Africenter, will provide an overview of the global status of commercialized biotech/GM crops.
Other afternoon speakers include:
-- Kenneth Ostlie, professor and extension entomologist, University of Minnesota, discussing “Emergence and Implications of Resistant Corn Rootworm”
-- Iain Kelly, Bayer CropScience, highlighting “Seed Treatment and Pollinators”
-- Dave Stimpson, seeds regulatory specialist, Dow AgroSciences, speaking on “Refuge in a Bag”
-- Micheal Owen, extension weed specialist and professor of agronomy, Iowa State University, presenting “Herbicide Resistant Crops: Old Chemistry and New Traits”
-- Alan Taylor, professor of seed science and technology, Cornell University, highlighting “New and Emerging Seed Treatments”
A representative from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will serve as luncheon speaker for the event.
Register soon
Anyone interested in attending the symposium can register by calling 515-294-6222 or visiting www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/bigmap/home.html. Iowa State faculty and staff receive complimentary registration but must register by close of business on April 15.
The Seed Science Center is a center of excellence in seeds at Iowa State University. Its mission is to improve the production, quality assurance, marketing, utilization and regulatory environment of seed through research, testing, teaching, outreach and international programs.