SGS Crop Science Seed: May 2025

by | News | 0 comments

In this edition of SGS Crop Science Canada Seed News:

  • Tissue Testing to Understand Target-Site Herbicide Weed Resistance
  • Pathology Testing to Determine Causal Disease in Peas and Soybeans
  • Identifying Weed Species Early Through Molecular Testing
  • Get Ready for the Quick Turnaround for Winter Wheat Harvest & Seed Sales

TISSUE TESTING TO UNDERSTAND TARGET-SITE HERBICIDE WEED RESISTANCE

Imagine understanding your weed herbicide resistance within 1-2 weeks! SGS has partnered to deliver genetic plant tissue testing from spring to fall, delivering data which can be utilized to promptly address weed herbicide resistance. This target-site resistance innovation increases the speed to decision making and therefore, mitigation of weeds. SGS bringing to western Canada genetic leaf tissue testing, as either a single leaf or a field scan. Our offers include:

  • Wild Oat (groups 1 and 2)
  • Kochia (group 2, 5 and 9)
  • On Demand Resistance Testing. Reach out for groups applicable to the following weeds:

Broadleaves: Lamb’s quarters, stinkweed, common chickweed, false cleavers, pale smartweed, narrowleaf hawksbeard, pale smartweed, Russian thistle, rough cocklebur, Canada fleabane

Grasses: Foxtail barley, green foxtail, yellow foxtail, Japanese brome, downy brome, Italian ryegrass

Amaranths: Common ragweed, giant ragweed, redroot pigweed, green pigweed, common ragweed

Other weeds and herbicides are available on-demand, so do reach out.

Results are reported as ‘Resistant’ or ‘Susceptible’. Reach out to our lab for Field Scan Sample Kits, so we can provide you with the supplies to sample 10 unique plants within the field.

PATHOLOGY TESTING TO DETERMINE CAUSAL DISEASE IN PEAS AND SOYBEANS

Are you concerned about your 2025 field pea and soybean performance. As peas move into 3-4 node stage, impacts of Aphanomyces euteiches start to emerge, which includes stunting, color change and in severe cases deterioration of the young plant. Assessment of symptomatic disease is essential for knowledge building and future crop planning. SGS’s laboratory services use precision to elevate your understanding, whether our analytical team deploys PCR molecular methods or other laboratory procedures. Reach out to our team to help you make informed decisions

  • Field Peas: Aphanomyces euteiches root tissue or soil analysis
  • Field Peas: Fusarium species root tissue or soil analysis
  • Soybean: Cyst Nematode Scan soil scan
  • Wheat, Barley and Rye: Bacterial Leaf Streak tissue analysis
  • Canola: Plasmodiophora brassicae (clubroot) root tissue or soil analysis

IDENTIFY WEED SPECIES EARLY THROUGH MOLECULAR TESTING

Weed establishment occurs throughout the growing season, as driven by environmental triggers such as soil temperature, rainfall and soil disturbance. SGS develops services through our internal expertise, regulatory liaisons, and partner labs. We are excited to share that SGS Sherwood Park is offering weed identification through genomic markers. Usage cases are:

  • Grassy weed seedlings are difficult to identify. Our genetic test can clearly report grass species which can be challenging to visually identify at early stages, such as downy brome and Japanese Brome.
  • Species in the genus Amaranthus are difficult to differentiate, plus they are known to hybridize. Palmer amaranth and water hemp are weeds of concern across eastern Canada due to its outcrossing reproduction, resistance to numerous herbicide Groups, and its ability to produce prolific amounts of seeds. Let us help you differentiate palmer amaranth, waterhemp, common ragweed, redroot pigweed, green pigweed, smooth pigweed and common ragweed.

GET READY FOR THE QUICK TURNAROUND FOR WINTER WHEAT HARVEST & SEED SALES

With yearly Canadian winter wheat seeding at ~1.5 million acres, seed growers and retailers understand the quick turnaround for harvest, seed certification, and sales. SGS’s team of 9 CFIA accredited seed analysts are ready to delivery fast turnaround for your winter wheat.

  1. May: Order seed bags and sign up for SGS CONNECT portal for LIVE results.
  2. June: Send in carryover inventory for an updated germination test.
  3. July – Harvested Seed: Consider tetrazolium (TZ) testing which will determine viability prior to cleaning. This 2-day test is ideal for submissions received early in the week, as you will have the ‘% Viable Seeds’ on your desk before the weekend.
  4. July – Clean Seed: Order your germination and 1,000 kernel weight when the seed is cleaned, for grade designation and seeding rate targets. Fusarium graminearum screen is another suitable laboratory diagnostic tool.

BACK TO MAIN PAGE