SGS Crop Science Seed: March 2026

In this edition of SGS Crop Science Canada Seed News:

• ISTA Pathology Workshop: Hosted by SGS – Register before May 1^st, 2026
• Water Testing Builds Knowledge for Spraying and Irrigation Management
• Weed Resistance Packages Expand for Optimal Flexibility
• Canada’s First Corn Trait Validation Eases Shipment Uncertainty

ISTA PATHOLOGY WORKSHOP: Hosted by SGS – REGISTER BY MAY 1, 2026

Join ISTA Seed Health Committee Members and local academic experts at our SGS Sherwood Park laboratory for a multi-day day learning workshop, designed for seed industry professionals involved in seed pathology testing. With leading Canadian and International seed disease experts, plus representative from the ISTA Seed Health Committee, we will explore comprehensive guidelines to design and execution of fungal method validation. Two key pathogens, Tilletia species and Ustilago nuda, will encompass the hands-on agenda, building upon the earlier theoretical platform. Guest lecturer, Troy Locke, from the University of Alberta, will feature modern molecular techniques and their integration into routine diagnostics.

ISTA Workshop on Seed Health Testing: A Deep Dive into Mycology Method Execution and Validation June 15-17, 2026.

Workshop speakers:

• Chair of ISTA Seed Health Committee: Ruud Barnhoorn
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Stephan Briere
• University of Alberta: Troy Locke
• SGS Sherwood Park: Nicole Calliou

Deadline for workshop sign up is May 1, 2026. Start your registration here: ISTA Workshop on Seed Health Testing, a deep dive into mycology method execution and validation – Workshops and Webinars – International Seed Testing Association

WATER TESTING BUILDS KNOWLEDGE FOR SPRAYING AND IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

Water supply for delivery of crop protection products and plant growth is essential. With our biome changing, especially with heat and drought, water tables are adjusting and laboratory water analysis has become a key tool. Whether you are interested in understanding water impact on pesticide and fertilizer efficacy or curious about present nutrients, SGS is ready to assist.

Irrigation and Spray Water Package: Total salt (EC), pH, nitrate nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, sulphate, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, boron, silicon, molybdenum, total hardness, bicarbonate, total dissolved solids

Microbiological:  E. coli, Total coliforms, Listeria, Faecal Streptococcu and more.

Critical sample containers and instructions:

• Irrigation and Spray Water: Clean, plastic bottle is suitable. Submit 250ml.
• Microbiological: Prescribed bottles are required to ensure sample viability during shipment. Contact us with your bottle order at least a week before sampling. Two bottles are need for greater than 3 pathogens.

WEED RESISTANCE PACKAGES EXPAND FOR OPTIMAL FLEXIBILTIY

As we move into our second year of target-site weed herbicide resistance testing, we have added the ‘Essential Package’. This Package is ideal for customers who have multiple weed populations which are not responding to herbicide treatment. Under this package, 4 unique tissue samples will be tested, with results assigned to each sample.  This genetic test is for the growing season, giving immediate insight into plant resistance. Results are reported as ‘Resistant’ or ‘Susceptible’ to the Herbicide Group(s) chosen. In some cases, numerous resistance markers have been validated in Canada and we will Report each one. Do keep in mind that metabolic resistance is not covered by this service. Review the options:

• Wild Oat (Groups 1 and 2)
• Kochia (Group 2, 5 and 9)
• Comprehensive List:

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

CANADA’S FIRST CORN TRAIT VALIDATION EASES SHIPMENT UNCERTAINTY

Our analytical team is thrilled to announce that SGS Sherwood Park is the first Canadian company authorized by Bayer Crop Science to deliver a comprehensive suite of corn trait testing in Canada. Under this scope, SGS is the sole provider of ELISA trait testing for Bayer corn traits within our borders. In combination with this targeted test, SGS is also approved for herbicide bioassay testing, which has been in the Canadian marketplace for numerous years.

This important development brings confidence for Canadian testing. Samples which once were shipped to the United States for testing, can now remain within our borders. Certainty in shipping, reduction of export documentation and reduced costs removes barriers for corn seed companies.