Though the seed industry knows quite a bit about required tests the seed must go through to make it to a farmer’s field, going above and beyond in seed testing ensures fields get the right agronomic start.
“Seed testing helps minimize risk, determines quality issues and identifies possible problems for potential claim complaints,” says Amanda Patin, key account manager with SGS North America. “Along with this, you’re looking at producing high quality seed free of disease and weeds that has strong germination and vigor to give you a competitive edge.”
But, proper seed assessment isn’t just monitoring germination and vigor. Another aspect is monitoring trends — especially in seedborne diseases — from year-to-year, according to Trevor Blois.
“Usually with most of the crops, we’re looking at one big pathogen, but in any given year, there can be other problem pathogens,” Blois, supervisor of the Disease Department at 20/20 Seed Labs, says. “We’re also looking at trends from year to year, whether or not there’s some sort of issue that’s emerging as the testing season progresses.”
In Canada, these problems typically are determined from grain growing and harvest conditions of the year. Typically, because of that, the diagnosis isn’t a surprise because it’s based on problems being seen in the field as well.
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