The Canadian Grain Commission is advising farmers to ensure seed treated with inoculants is not mixed into grain intended for delivery to the handling system.
Recently, the CGC detected seed treated with Provide in a shipment of peas for human consumption loaded for export. Provide is an inoculant registered for use with several crops. It improves the availability of phosphate to plants.
The CGC said grain containing seed treated with inoculants will be graded Sample Account Treated Seed, in accordance with an order of the commission pertaining to off-grades of grain and grades of screenings.
Len Seguin of the commission said the concern is that inoculants color the grain. Grain can also be colored by seed treatments such as lindane. While some inoculants are not toxic, many seed treatments are, so colored grains are given the special designation.
Unplanted treated seed should be disposed of safely according to government standards.
For more information call the CGC producer information line at 800-853-6705.
