Taxonomy

The initial course, includes theory and practical sessions, and will last for 4 days. There is a 1-hour test after the completion of the course.

The course will be limited to 12 participants in order that the full value of the practical demonstration and tuition may be obtained

A further 2 days of practical work takes place in the Cereal Plots in July. On the 1st day there may be a 1-hour refresher on the main taxonomic characters if required. The final day will consist of a 2 hour plot test which will commence at 10.30.

This is a 2-day course which, will consist of tuition in barley grain characters and practical sessions. Both the tuition and practical sessions will involve using microscopes.

The course will be based on the identification of barley varieties and detection of varietal impurities using grain characteristics.

The course also includes short talks on Electrophoresis and other chemical test used in grain identification.

There will be a test on the 2nd afternoon of the course. Candidates who pass are issued with a certificate of competence.