One of the more valuable services available through the ICIA Genetics Lab Program is Forensic Seed Services^SM.  Forensic Seed Services^SM is the application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions and solve problems. The genetics program’s expertise in genetics, plant breeding, biotechnology, assay design, statistics and seed production enables the Genetics Lab team to solve significant problems involving genetic purity and identity. Customers have found that the facts uncovered with scientific analysis have given them insight into their QA/QC systems and helped assure overall quality. 

Customers literally walk in with samples of corn leaves or ears pulled from a field and want to know if they represent a particular hybrid. Some bring in samples from two different plants and want to know if they are the same or different hybrids. Or they may bring in a plant and want to know quickly if it contains a particular trait - or not. Generally we can have the data within 24 or 48 hours. Many of these situations represent complaints from a farmer customer and rapid, accurate results enable our customers to manage problems quickly and effectively.

This type of service is not "cookbook" technology. We have scientists on our staff with education and training in plant breeding, plant genetics, molecular genetics and seed technology. We also have developed a large library of testing materials and information enabling us to provide a broad spectrum of service. We work with corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, tomatoes, potatoes and other crop kinds.

More and more customers are learning the ICIA Genetics Program is the “go to” technology provider for problem solving as well as the highest quality genetic testing.

More information may be obtained by calling Dr. Emily Dierking at 765-523-2535, emailing her at dierking@indianacrop.org.