FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2024
Sarah Foster, President
20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
780-955-3435
sarah@2020seedlabs.ca
Using DNA Testing to Identify Aggressive Weed Threats
Farmers have access to information to make yield-saving decisions
Nisku, Alberta: 20/20 Seed Labs Inc. announced today a new DNA-based test capability for Tall Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) weed identification. The test complements our existing Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) test to identify two feared invasive weeds that are otherwise difficult to differentiate from other Amaranthus species commonly present in Canada (e.g. Amaranthus retroflexus, aka Red Root Pigweed). It can be used on plant tissue or seed in pools of up to 25 Amaranthus species individuals.
“DNA testing is already recommended to check for Palmer Amaranth’s presence if pigweed or amaranth species are found in phytosanitary checks of import/export crops. We are pleased to extend our capability to include Tall Amaranth for in and out of field season testing,” says Sarah Foster, President & Senior Analyst. “Reliable identification of both weeds is so important in limiting spread. They are classified as Type I Noxious weeds in Manitoba, but all of Western Canada is at risk of them coming up from the US.”
Features and benefits of the Tall Waterhemp DNA test include.
- Applicability to plant green tissue, seed heads, seed, or screenings after cleaning
- Test report indicating the presence or absence of both Tall Waterhemp and Palmer Amaranth in the submitted sample
- Timely identification of plants recommended or required for eradication.
Testing for Tall Waterhemp will be available starting July 2, 2024. For further details, please get in touch with the Lab or read more here. For more information on DNA testing for Tall Waterhemp and Palmer Amaranth, visit 2020seedlabs.ca
About 20/20 Seed Labs Inc.: Canada’s first independent accredited seed lab, 20/20 Seed Labs has served customers since 1989. ISTA, AOSA & CFIA accredited, award-winning and innovative, we serve our customers from our labs in Nisku, Winnipeg and Chile.
Media: Contact Shanyn Silinski, Marketing Manager, for further information at shanyn@2020seedlabs.ca or 780-862-981
View PDF version: Tall Waterhemp Press Release 2020 Seed Labs.
