SGS Crop Science Seed: September 2025

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In this edition of SGS Crop Science Canada Seed News:

  • Seed Certification Kick Off Has Arrived
  • Streamline Data Storage with SGS and Seedtrakr Software
  • Determine Seed Genetics and Field Selection with Post-Harvest Pathology Testing
  • Thoughts on Target-Site Herbicide Weed Resistance

 

SEED CERTIFICATION KICK OFF HAS ARRIVED

Seed certification passes through many steps, with seed growers, seed cleaners, and regulatory bodies working hand in hand. At SGS we focus on laboratory diagnostics to meet the Canada Seeds Act and Regulatory framework. Our team delivers mandatory certification testing for breeders, seed growers and seed retailers, all under the lens of accurate, timely and scientifically sound analytical services:

  • Wheat Midge Refuge: Our standard test turn-around, of 7 days, is the fastest in the industry.
  • Germination, Purity, True Loose Smut: Seed Grade Tables outline the minimum benchmark and we work closely with our partners if the results fall outside the parameters. How do we accomplish this? With digital images to aid cleaning and decision making!
  • Erucic Acid: This key analytical certification requirement for hybrid canola seed is scientifically analyzed by the experts at the SGS Foods laboratory, who uphold food safety and compliance testing daily.
  • Breeder Seed Requirements: At SGS, we are prepared for the elevated disease diagnostics penned for breeder seed, such as Fusarium graminearum, Cochliobolus sativus (spot blotch), True Loose Smut, Anthracnose, Blackleg and more.
  • Tetrazolium: A not-so-new test for the grass seed industry, has gained traction in the cereal seed sector. Your fast paced business will have the ‘% Viable Seeds’ on your desk within 2 consecutive business days, guiding your business as you wait for the official germination for seed sealing.

 

STREAMLINE DATA STORAGE WITH SGS AND SEEDTRAKR SOFTWARE

Announcing our partnership with Seedtrakr, Canada’s leading seed grower and seed cleaner software platform. If you haven’t already given it a try, seed laboratory test results from our SGS CONNECT portal can be imported into Seedtrakr account. Seed quality data, such as germination, fusarium and thousand seed weight are automatically linked to inventory lots with matching lot or bin numbers. Seedtrakr users are then able to print pedigreed seed declarations from their lots – no extra manual input required! With web and mobile apps, Seedtrakr is a proven software platform that connects seed distributors, seed operations, and growers, while also managing complexity and solving real world problems for seed operations.

 

DETERMINE SEED GENETICS AND FIELD SELECTION WITH POST-HARVEST PATHOLOGY TESTING

Are you planning out seed genetics and field selection for 2026? This is a common thought as harvest progresses and new seed varieties are announced.  Our laboratory services use precision to elevate your understanding, whether our analytical team deploys PCR molecular methods or other laboratory procedures. Reach out to our SGS team to help you make informed decisions this fall.

  • Canola:
    • Clubroot – Root tissue or soil analysis
    • Blackleg Race – Stem tissue
    • Verticillium Stripe – Stem tissue
  • Field Peas: Aphanomyces euteiches – Soil analysis
  • Field Peas: Fusarium species – Soil analysis
  • Soybean: Cyst Nematode – Soil analysis
  • Seed: Fusarium, Root Rot, Ascochyta, Anthracnose, Wheat Streak Mosaic, Barley Strip Mosaic, Bacterial Leaf Streak and many more.

 

THOUGHTS ON TARGET-SITE HERBICIDE WEED RESISTANCE

SGS has partnered to deliver genetic weed tissue analysis from spring to fall, delivering target-site resistance testing. Our clients have indicated that this innovative genetic test enables rapid initial screening and provides valuable insights to guide future weed management strategies. Results are reported as ‘Resistant’ or ‘Susceptible’ to the Herbicide Group(s) chosen.  In addition, our clients have identified the need for additional Herbicide Groups, and we are moving to secure them for 2026! If you missed our initial announcement, we offer single leaf or a field scan for:

  • Wild Oat (Groups 1 and 2)
  • Kochia (Group 2, 5 and 9)
  • On Demand Resistance Testing.

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.

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