SGS Crop Science Canada News: January 2024
• Plan Maintenance Testing for Greenhouse & Vertical Farming
• Choose Experts for Delivery of Seed Trade Analysis & Certification (ISTA, AOSA, CDN)
• Seek Understanding of Elevated Zearalenone in Ontario Grains
PLAN MAINTENANCE TESTING FOR GREENHOUSE & VERTICAL FARMING
Healthy crop development during the growing cycle is critical to ensuring optimal crop production. To achieve this, avoiding any potential issues before they become apparent is essential. That’s why we highly recommend utilizing preventative testing and maintenance. Preventative testing can help you identify and address issues before they impact your crops, allowing you to adjust your strategies and optimize yield and quality. By monitoring nutrient levels, detecting pathogens early on, and analyzing water quality, you can safeguard your crops against potential outbreaks and ensure the perfect balance for your crops to thrive. We understand that every crop, farm, and grower is unique. That’s why we offer maintenance programs tailored to your specific needs. By partnering with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are proactively protecting the health and well-being of your crops. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
CHOOSE EXPERTS FOR DELIVERY OF SEED TRADE ANALYSIS & CERTIFICATION (ISTA, AOSA, CDN)
Our accredited seed testing laboratories and engaged staff deliver top performance, which is unmatched in the seed sector. Our swift delivery of Federal Noxious Weed Exams and issuance of APHIS PPQ925/CFIA5289 documentation ensures you can coordinate seed shipments with no delays. Seed importers expect ISTA Blue or Orange Certificates, so let our team provide the analysis (Germination, % Pure Seed, Other Seed Determination, TZ %) and documentation for your bagged, sealed seed. If your business is on the opposite side of transactions, meaning importing, we can help with Seed Import Conformity Assessments and fill in the testing gaps identified. Our seed laboratories may be situated in western Canada, but we work extensively with western crops, eastern crops and the horticulture industry.
SEEK UNDERSTANDING OF ELEVATED ZEARALENONE IN ONTARIO GRAINS
Zearalenone is a mycotoxin that can develop from Gibberella fungi in grains. Although zearalenone is not usually problematic in grain corn, this year our analytical team has been finding higher than typical levels in more samples. And, although it can occur alongside DON (vomitoxin) it isn’t always at equitable ppm relative to DON. Some low DON samples are high in zearalenone, and vice-versa. Testing corn for zearalenone is important as its presence can increase feed refusal, lowering intake and thus decreasing weight gain and productivity. Zearalenone can also detrimentally impact reproductive performance causing infertility, fetal loss, or abnormal estrous cycles. Although there are no guidelines for safe levels, it is generally considered that any value above the standard 0.05 ppm detection limit could be problematic. Seek out thorough analysis by testing Vomitoxin (DON), Zearalenone, T-2, and Aflatoxin in tandem. You can count on us to provide the tools to create success on the farm.
