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Valerie Cockerell

Head of Official Seed Testing Station for Scotland

Telephone Number
+44(0)131 244 8890

Email Address
valerie.cockerell@sasa.gsi.gov.uk

 Valerie Cockerell

 

Research interests/Areas of expertise

  • The provision of seed testing services and supervision of licensed seed testing stations; UK training of seed analysts and seed samplers; seed quality research and development; and strategic planning of seed testing services.
  • Promotion of International method validation and proficiency testing through collaboration with the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). I attend ISTA Meetings ensuring that Scotland’s growers are supported by the most appropriatte, robust and cost effective methodolgy to determine seed quality. 
  • Epidemiology and control of seed-borne pathogens.

Biography

  • I joined SASA in 1979 as Seed Analyst, at the same time completed a BSc (Hons.) Life Sciences (Microbiology & Biochemistry), after a short spell as a Pesticide Usage Surveyor, I was promoted to Senior Seed Analyst: Seed Health in 1987 and to Seed Pathologist in 1990.  With over 30 years of experience of seed testing I now lead the OSTS as Chief Officer and Head.
  • As Quality Manger of the OSTS I ensured our successful accreditation (ISO 17025) to both ISTA and UKAS in 1998 and maintenance of those accreditations since.
  • My experience of seed health testing and seed pathology led to my nomination as Chair of the ISTA Seed Health Committee from 2004-2007, of which I now participate as Vice-chair.

Publications

McNeil M, Cockerell V.  2009.  Relationship between seedling emergence in winter wheat and levels of Microdochium nivale DNA determined by real-time PCR. BCPC Symposium Proceedings No. 83: Seed Production and Treatment in a Changing Environment. :102-107.
Cockerell V, Jacks M, McNeil M.  2009.  Spring cereal seed infected with Microdochium nivale: cause for concern? BCPC Symposium Proceedings No. 83: Seed Production and Treatment in a Changing Environment. :95-101.
Paveley N, Blake J, Gladders P, Cockerell V.  2009.  The wheat disease management guide 2009.
Cockerell V.  2008.  7-022: Agar method for the detection of Microdochium nivale on Triticum spp. Annexe to Chapter 7 Seed Health Testing Methods.
Blake J, Paveley N, Fitt B, Oxley S, Bingam I, Cockerell V.  2008.  The barley disease management guide 2009.
Cockerell V, Koenraadt H.  2007.  Five year review of official methods introduced in 2001 to Chapter 7, ISTA International Rules for Seed Testing. Seed Testing International: ISTA News Bulletin. (No. 133 April 2007):42-47.
Cockerell V, Roberts AMI.  2007.  Method for the detection of Microdochium nivale on Triticum spp. ISTA Method Validation Reports 2007. :36-52.
Cockerell V, Weinhappel M.  2007.  Modification to ISTA Method 7-013 Detection of Ustilago nuda in Hordeum vulgare. ISTA Method Validation Reports 2007. :32-35.
Cockerell V.  2006.  Contributions on seed health testing, pathogens - seedborne infection, phytosanitary certification. The encyclopaedia of seeds: science, technology and uses. :323-326,474-475,505.
Rennie WJ, Cockerell V.  2006.  Seed-borne diseases. The epidemiology of plant diseases. :357-372.