Canadian seed lab takes over Bayer CropScience corn trait testing

A Canadian seed lab is taking over as a destination for corn seed trait testing in response to a rash of new roadblocks facing the shipment of seed to U.S. labs.

SGS Canada Crop Science, based in Sherwood Park, Alta., has been accredited by Bayer CropScience to adopt the company’s corn seed diagnostic and trait testing duties that were, until recently, performed in the United States, a first for seed testing in Canada.

Why it Matters: Faster seed testing can help producers make timely decisions.

The challenges included shipments stuck in transit for extended periods, limited visibility into sample status and samples being returned to senders, often without explanation, says Holly Gelech, senior business development manager for SGS Canada Crop Science.

“When trait testing results are needed to make timely decisions, even small disruptions can cause major operational issues,” wrote Gelech on seedworld.com.

“More importantly, it creates uncertainty. One shipment may clear quickly, while another is delayed without warning.”

There are two testing “buckets” Bayer has commissioned SGS for: bioassay testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The first, bioassay testing, has been done in Canada for years, says Gelech. It involves growing seeds in a herbicide solution at a prescribed rate on media such as roll towels and blotter paper.

The seeds are then grown out in a chamber for seven to 10 days, followed by evaluation of herbicide tolerance or resistance.

ELISA trait testing, meanwhile, is a “major milestone” because it marks the first time it’s been performed in Canada.

This form of testing enables analysis of seed for detecting specific traits, including stacked traits, using a biological/chemical assay. It’s ultimately meant to confirm that traits the seed is said to contain are present, says Gelech.

“It elevates turnaround time for Canadian companies. We’re very excited to be operating with this ELISA test.”