ISTA Workshop to Explore Multispectral Imaging for Seed Quality Assessment

Multispectral imaging is becoming an increasingly important tool in seed quality assessment, offering new possibilities for objective, efficient, and data-driven analysis. From May 27th, 2026 to May 29th, 2026, the International Seed Testing Association, together with Leiden University and Aarhus University, will host a dedicated workshop on multispectral imaging for seed quality assessment, with a particular focus on its use in seeds determination and purity determination.

The workshop will take place at Rødvig Kro & Badehotel in Denmark and will bring together seed testing professionals, researchers, technology providers, and industry experts to explore the current status and future potential of imaging technologies in seed analysis.

Hands-on experience with multispectral imaging

A key part of the workshop will be practical, hands-on training. Participants will work with the VideometerLab technology and learn how to build test sessions designed to distinguish between small samples of weed seeds and crop seeds.

The demo samples will include Cuscuta spp., a group of invasive plants of which 15–20 species are distributed and regulated worldwide as agricultural and horticultural pests. Cuscuta seeds are particularly relevant for imaging demonstrations because their seed surface can vary from finely to coarsely rough, granular, pitted, reticulate, or scurfy. These surface characteristics make them suitable examples for exploring how multispectral imaging can help detect and differentiate challenging seed samples.

These training sessions will provide valuable insight into how the Videometer technology can support seed analysts in identifying visual, surface-level, and spectral differences that may not be easily detected by the human eye alone. By combining image data with advanced analysis methods, the VideometerLab products can help create more consistent and reproducible assessments.

From current applications to future potential

The workshop will also present current cases from seed companies, giving participants a chance to see how Videometer’s imaging technologies are already being explored and applied in real-world seed quality assessment.

In addition to practical demonstrations, the workshop will address important questions around implementation. Introducing new technologies into seed testing is not only a technical challenge; it also requires careful consideration of validation, standardization, regulation, and user adoption.

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss potential pitfalls and future opportunities for integrating multispectral imaging into established seed testing workflows.

Lectures

The workshop will feature lecturers from leading institutions and organizations working with seed technology and advanced imaging, including:

• Bert van Duijn, Leiden University/Fytagoras, The Netherlands, Chair of the ISTA Advanced Technologies Committee
• Birte Boelt, Aarhus University, Denmark, Member of the ISTA Advanced Technologies Committee and ISTA Seed Science Advisory Group
• Martin Himmelboe, Tystofte Fonden, Denmark
• Jens Michael Carstensen, Videometer, Denmark

Videometer is pleased to see multispectral imaging being highlighted in this setting. As the technology continues to develop, collaboration between researchers, testing laboratories, seed companies, and technology providers will be essential to understanding how imaging-based methods can support the future of seed quality assessment.

A step toward the future of seed testing

As seed testing laboratories and companies look for more reliable, efficient, and scalable ways to assess seed quality, Videometer’s multispectral imaging offers significant potential. Workshops like this play an important role in building knowledge, encouraging discussion, and supporting the responsible introduction of new technologies into seed testing and regulation.

For seed professionals interested in the future of imaging-based seed analysis, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to learn, test, and discuss the technology with experts in the field.

Learn more about Videometer’s Seed Testing applications.