Marian McEwan

Seed Pathologist Telephone Number +44(0)131 244 8879

Research Interests/Areas of expertise

• All aspects of seed health testing, test method development for new/improved seed health tests including development of quantitative real-time PCR assays for seed-borne pathogens.
• Testing for Mycotoxins on cereal seed and identification of causal Fusarium species.
• Resistance tests for DUS pea candidates.
• Responsible for phytosanitary examinations and certificates for export of small seeds from Scotland.

Biography

• I trained as a seed analyst while employed at Scottish Agricultural Industries (SAI).
• I joined SASA in 1991 as a seed analyst in the Official Seed testing Station (OSTS). I obtained a BSc (hons) in Life Sciences. I moved on to become a seed technologist in the OSTS conducting research and development in seed health and in 2009 became the Seed Pathologist for the OSTS. I am responsible for delivering a seed health testing service, managing a small team of trained analysts, training in seed health and carrying out research and development.
• I am responsible for issuing advice on small seed export and providing a phytosanitary certification service for export from Scotland.