A prairie seed testing lab warns that testing backlogs might be the new reality in Western Canada.
Bruce Carriere of Saskatoon’s Discovery Seed Labs recently told Saskatchewan seed growers that a shortage of high quality seed testing facilities could pose problems for them and for commercial growers, under the right circumstances.
Those circumstances might occur this year, according to Bob Cormier of Environment Canada. He said the cooling trend of a La Nina season could potentially bring more rain and with it the increased risk of crop disease.
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Barry Little of 20/20 Seed Labs in Nisku, Alta., said the total capacity of seed testing facilities is acceptable, but the large number of smaller labs in Western Canada, which might not be adhering to the same types of standards used by larger labs, may be causing a shortage of high quality testing.
The problem might get worse when DNA testing of varietal blend seed lots is required to maintain long-term orange wheat blossom midge resistance in new midge resistant cereals.
Trevor Nysetvold of Biovision Seed Labs in Edmonton feels seed lab capacity is not a problem.
He said the largest three labs – Discovery, 20/20 and Biovision – are capable of handling prairie testing, even in years when seed borne disease risk is greatest.
“I think we need more consolidation – fewer small labs. More of these being grouped together or acquired by larger operations will add the high quality capacity that is important.”
Carriere said higher commodity prices might prompt producers to do more testing to ensure seedling vigour and reduced disease in their seed.
“The need to know what you sow should be evident out there with higher prices. One would hope producers see that their whole season is built on the quality of their seed.”
However, Little said many continue to plant untested bin-run seed, despite the proof that using high quality seed can make them more money.
“Even if it isn’t the best that you are putting in the ground, wouldn’t you want to know, considering the investment you have in the farm?” he said.
“I think we can handle the capacity issue. Maybe producers might want to manage their timing of when they send in samples. Start a little earlier to ensure they can plan for seed treatments if their seed has issues that require it.”
Bob Elliot of Agriculture Canada said producers with poor quality seed can improve their odds by increasing seeding rates, but they have to know what they’re dealing with first.
“Testing tells you what you’ve got,” he told producers earlier this year.
“It’s critical to maximizing yield.”
Carriere said labour is a challenge for seed companies because of the seasonal nature of the business and the demand for advanced skill sets, especially as DNA testing becomes a new standard.
“It takes a couple of years for a technician to become certified, so expanding takes time.”
Little said his company’s lab now has three microbiologists on staff and with its recent International Seed Trade Association accreditation, which is Canada’s first outside of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, it will likely need more highly skilled workers.
“We are moving now to certifying (grain) for the European Union markets. We train grain company staff and certify standards for sampling and handling. These are some of the markets of the future. It’s the future for seed labs. Getting and keeping staff with the right skills is a challenge, but I think the industry is up to it.”
