SGS Crop Science News: April 2021
In this edition of SGS Crop Science Canada News:
- Horticultural Analysis for Understanding Plant Health and Nutrition
- Forage Interpretation Resource for Benchmarking and Decision Making
- Soil Pathology to Aid Crop Planning and Growing Season Diagnostics
- ISTA Sampler Training Open for Registration
HORTICULTURAL ANALYSIS FOR UNDERSTANDING PLANT HEALTH AND NUTRITION
Whether managing crops in a greenhouses, nursery, or retail garden center, enhancing crop quality is the overarching goal. Consider SGS diagnostics for management of these key inputs and considerations:
Soil-less media and mineral soils: Testing prior to planting builds confidence that EC levels are not too high, and provides valued data points to adjust fertility according to expected plant uptake.
Water: Monitoring background levels of nutrients and chemical characteristics benchmarks starting points for the upcoming growing season.
Nutrient solutions: Analyzing frequently to ensures that levels are balanced to plant needs and that detrimental concentrations are flagged.
Plant tissue: Diagnosing microbiological bacteria satisfies food safety requirements and plant disease confirmation by DNA provides key triggers for risk management.
FORAGE INTERPRETATION RESCOURCE FOR BENCHMARKING AND DECISION MAKING
Analysis of forage and feed products is complex with 25 plus parameters for measurement. At SGS we value our clients and understand the importance of communicating usage of the test results and units of measure. Our Guelph experts have built a Forage Interpretation Guide describing each individual test, and how it contributes to livestock and dairy health. The most commonly submitted samples are corn silage and alfalfa with grass mixes. Wondering how your results line up with other submitted samples? We have tabulated the average test result for the 25+ parameters then presented this value with minimum and maximum values. We have built the most comprehensive resource guide in Canada!
SOIL PATHOLOGY TO AID CROP PLANNING AND GROWING SEASON DIAGNOSTICS
Soil borne plant pathogens have become front and center in Canada, particular in western Canada, which has resulted in reduced tonnage per acre production and a move towards longer crop rotations. DNA diagnostics are precise means to plan crop rotation, to create risk plans when entering fields and to confidently identify the pathogen. SGS offers many tools to assist agronomists and producers, whether prior to planting or during the growing season:
- Single Pathogen Analysis: PCR and qPCR analysis of Aphanomyces euteiches and Clubroot.
- Diagnostic Scan: Comprehensive analysis of 60+ fungal and spore pathogens
ISTA SAMPLER TRAINING OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
As an International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) accredited laboratory SGS Sherwood Park conducts precise seed quality analysis to generate ISTA certificates for bagged seed shipments which provides confidence in meeting international standards. In addition to our top-notch service portfolio, we are pleased to offer ISTA Sampler Training for seed industry professionals and seed company employees. This summer we have training sessions planned, so do not delay in registering. Most of the training will be presented remotely.
Our Canadian laboratory is approved by ISTA for Germination, Tetrazolium, Other Seed Determination, Percent Pure Seed, Moisture and Kernel size. Our ISTA services benefits seed exporters with speed of analysis, international understanding of quality, and control of documentation
