Seed Quality Control Services

SGS seed testing labs are accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and monitored by Seeds Canada. Our accredited seed analysts are experts in cereal, pulse, canola, grass, legume, vegetable, flower, industrial hemp and native species germination, purity and disease testing.
We are an INTERNATIONAL SEED TESTING ASSOCIATION (ISTA) lab, authorized to issue Orange and Blue International Certificates, plus provide ISTA Sampler Training! LEARN MORE HERE.
NEW! Drop off location in Guelph, ONT. FIND ADDRESS HERE.

Germination and Physical Purity We understand the global reach of seed testing and conduct analysis based on validated standards outlined by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).

Seed Pathology Our seed borne disease services range from targeted single species identification to comprehensive Fungal Scan quantification, with focus on pathogens that impact seedling emergence and development.

Seed Health and Viability We assess storability, stress and morphological characteristics for seed longevity and health.

Trait and GMO Events Our herbicide growth bioassays and GMO event PCR analysis, through our SGS partner lab, determines suitability and robustness.
1) Germination & Physical Purity
Standard Germination, Treated Germination, Custom Seed Treatment Application, Replicated Germination for Research.
Physical Purity, Pure Seed, Seed Grading, Seed Demotion, Seed Identification
Federal Noxious Weed Exam, APHIS PPQ925 and CFIA 5289
ISTA Purity %, ISTA Other Seed Determination, ISTA Germination
REGAL phytosanitary analysis for grain exports to all countries
SICA program for seed import
2) Seed Pathology
Cereals: Fusarium graminearum (plated/DNA), Fusarium species ID (5 species), Fungal Scan (all seed borne diseases), True Loose Smut, Cochliobolus sativus, Bacterial Leaf Streak (PCR for seed)
Pulses: Ascochyta, Botrytis, Anthracnose, Sclerotinia, Aphanomyes (PCR & qPCR for soil and tissue)
Canola: Blackleg (growth assay/DNA for seed and stem), Alternaria, Clubroot (PCR & qPCR for soil and tissue)
Corn: Fusarium graminearum
3) Seed Health & Viabilty
Cereals: Cool Stress Test (vigor), Tetrazolium, Kernel Weight, Moisture
Pulses: Cool Stress Test (vigor), Electrical Conductivity, Kernel Weight, Moisture
Canola: Cool Stress Test (vigor), Controlled Detrioration, Radicle Emergence, Chlorophyll Content, Electrical Conductivity, Green Seed, Kernel Weight, Seed Size Uniformity, Cracked Seed Assessment, Moisture
Soybean: Cold Test, Accelerated Aging, Seeds/lb, Moisture
Corn: Cold Test, Saturated Cold Test, Seed Count, Moisture
Hemp: Cool Stress Test (vigor), Tetrazolium, Kernel Weight, Moisture
Grasses & Legumes: Tetrazolium
4) Trait & GMO Events
Wheat: Clearfield Confirm Bioassay
Lentils: Clearfield Confirm Bioassay
Canola: Herbicide Bioassays, GMO Events
Soybean: Glyphosate Bioassay, Dicamba Bioassay, GMO Events
Corn: Glyphosate Bioassay, GMO Events
Flax: GMO Event
Need help or have question?
SEND US A REQUEST 1.800.952.5407 CA.cropscience@sgs.comSample Submission Forms