Browse our testing services below, learn more about their benefits with our tech bulletins, or view our testing packages. All domestic analysis is accredited by the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency.

Seed Quality Testing

Purity – An analysis to determine the number or weight of the contaminants in the seed sample. All impurities are recorded as per Canada Grade Tables.

Purity on Treated Seed – Purity as previously defined but on seeds treated with an insecticide, pesticide or coating. This test includes removal of treatment for analysis.

Canadian Seed Institute Monitoring Sample – Verification of grade on purity.
Dormancy Test – Determines type of dormancy for expected germination.

Germination - Also known as warm germination, is a test legally accepted as the foundation of seed quality. The test evaluates a seed’s capability to develop into a normal healthy plant under favorable field conditions.  We offer germination testing for treated seeds, or for soil tests requiring fungicide or insecticide. Read more...

Weed Check – Seed sample is analyzed for weed content.

% Pure Seed – Percentages of pure seed, weed seeds, other crops and inert matter analyzed according to Canadian Methods and Procedures.

Seed Health Testing and Pathology Tests

Fusarium Head Blight (Fusarium graminearum) – Detection of highly virulent Fusarium graminearum causing severe crop losses over several years once introduced into the soil. DNA-based PCR testing is available for all cereal crops and is recommended for faster, more sensitive detection. Culture plate testing is recommended for quantitative estimation of infected seed.

Fusarium Species Test - A 200 seed culture test to identify and quantify all species of Fusarium present. Read more...

Smut Testing – Percentage of True Loose Smut infected seed. Read more...

Vomitoxin – High sensitivity deoxynivalenol (DON) ELISA plate, antibody-based test for the quantitative analysis of Vomitoxin in grain, grain products and malt.

Fungal Screen™ (for Cereals) & Complete Disease Diagnostics™ (for Pulses) – Fungal pathogens known to affect seed quality are identified by genus. Cultures also indicate the percentage of pathogenic fungi capable of producing toxins and/or deterioration to seed and feedstuffs. Read more about cereals... or Read more about pulses...

Specialty Testing & Quality Control

Percent Moisture – Moisture loss can affect test results; please submit all samples in a moisture proof bag (ISTA method).

Tetrazolium Chloride (TZ) Test – A biochemical test to determine the potential viability and vigour of seed. Imbibitions of the chemical solution and enzyme reactions within the seed result in staining patterns, which are indicative of the seed’s viability. Read more...

Vigour & Viability Testing – Seeds are placed under stress in a cold environment to determine the potential for rapid and uniform emergence.

Herbicide Tolerance – Antibody blotter or greenhouse bioassay tests are available. Please inquire as to which would be most appropriate to your situation. Either Clearfield Confirm SM for Spring Wheat, Canola & Lentils or Roundup Ready® for Canola & Soybeans.

Canola Testing Services

Preliminary Purity - An extensive physical purity search that includes retrieving all contaminants in the harvest sample. The objective is to identify weed and other crop seeds that can cause difficulties both for cleaning and production. Typically 50 grams is analyzed, but 100 grams can be more comprehensive. We will also conduct a visual analysis to assess uniformity and general appearance.

Germination - Also known as warm germination testing is legally accepted as the foundation of seed quality. The test evaluates a seed’s capability to develop into a normal healthy plant under favorable field conditions. Read more...

Electrical Conductivity - A seed soak method used to measure the amount of electrolytes and leachates in the soak water. This test will establish the integrity of the seed coat. Immature, broken or damaged seed will have high EC readings which will be reflected in the seed vigour.

Moisture Testing – It is imperative that seed is dried to a safe moisture content to preserve the viability. A “safe” moisture content will reduce the seeds respiration rate therefore putting the seed into a natural resting stage which is key to seed vigour and health.

Chlorophyll Content - We measure the level of chlorophyll to determine seed maturity. The higher the chlorophyll, the more likely the seed will deteriorate over time. Seed with chlorophyll content over 30 ppm should be observed carefully.

Pre Chill Tests - A basic vigour method. The seed is subjected to a cool period of 7 days at 5ºC and then 5 days at 15ºC - 25ºC. The theory is that the seed with high vigour will establish strong seedlings under moderate stress. This method is also very beneficial for determining whether secondary dormancy may be present.

Controlled Deterioration Test – We subjects the seed to the most extreme stresses that seed can endure. Elevated moisture content of 20% and temperatures of 45ºC will successfully deteriorate seed that is of poorer quality, whilst seed that is immature can be dormant. This test is also very beneficial for predicting quality issues with storage.

Blackleg (Leptospharia maculans) Testing -  A test required for seed sold in Alberta. Blackleg causes significant yield losses and should  be monitored closely. It is recommended that a blackleg screen be conducted on every 15,000 kilograms of seed. Read more...

Alternaria Testing - There are two types of Alternaria, A. raphii and A. brassicae that affect canola. This disease occurs during wet harvest periods and can be controlled effectively with seed treatment. In the field at harvest, Alternaria causes premature ripening and often leads to decay of the seed in a germination test, it will also affect the vigour of the seed. Read more...

1000 Kernel Weight – A test to give an idea of the number of seeds per pound and targeted seeding rate. This helps seed users becoming more precise with seed placement and plant population.

Herbicide Tolerance Testing - There are two profiles available for herbicide tolerance testing for canola. Both the blotter and greenhouse grow out are recognized and are used extensively to determine the presence of genes that are tolerant to certain herbicides.