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April 21, 2022

Contra-season Seed Quality is Good but Future Challenges Loom

Ioana Stroe Crop Inspection, Seed Health

It goes without saying that it’s a seed analyst’s dream to escape winter and work in warmer climes for three months like Chile’s, as we have for over a decade.

The Canadian seed industry has been invested in contra-season production to supply hybrid canola, soybean and corn to farmers in the northern hemisphere for over 30 years. Chile, according to the International Seed Federation (ISF), is the leading exporter in the Southern Hemisphere and the world’s fifth-largest seed exporter. It also ranks third in the country’s agricultural exports.

I am a senior seed analyst, manager of our Chile laboratory and program administrator continuing to secure our position for expediting shipments of seed to Canada. This is due largely to having the credentials that are recognized by both Chile and Canada.

Working in other countries broadens and informs an analyst’s outlook as we continue to learn about seed production, seed testing, phytosanitary requirements and shipping.

There are many challenges associated with contra-season production, and they’re not unlike challenges we face at home. The difference with contra-season production is that the challenges faced are compressed into a short window.

Quality is paramount, facilitating and expediting seed shipments more so as seed needs to be shipped to Canada in time for spring sales. It’s tested again in Canada in order to meet the strict regulatory requirements for Canadian seed standards.

As I’ve said previously, Chile’s climate is changing, and our holdings in Chile may change. Cooler summers mean Chile is not immune to the climate change challenges faced in the rest of the world.

Chilean government officials are drafting legislation that could potentially prevent GMO seed production in the country, after a recent election took the country in a different policy direction. There are many within the Chilean government who appreciate the need for modern technologies like GM, and we’re hopeful these voices will be recognized to ensure contra-season production of GM seed can continue in Chile well into the future.

Depending on what happens, seed companies both in Canada and abroad may one day be looking to other nearby countries — like Argentina, Paraguay and Peru — for contra-season production. Their climate is very similar to Chile’s and benefits from two growing seasons, meaning it could be an ideal place to do such production if it could no longer be done in Chile.

Of course, things are far from certain, and for now Chile remains an important place to produce canola, soybean and maize seed in the off-season.

Regardless of what happens, the situation illustrates the need for mobile seed analysts like me — analysts who can travel to where seed is tested to better enable seed movement across borders. This year we were glad to expand our Chile seed testing program to wheat crops. A client needed to import the seed into Canada as soon as possible, and for that process to go smoothly, you need at least an accredited purity test done.

Our client submitted the sample in the morning to our location in Chile, and we were able to deliver the results and report of analysis before noon, which made all the difference.

Enabling timely seed movement is essential and something that will make mobile seed analysis more important as time goes on. But timely results are also important here at home and delivering those results fast is a skill learned over time. When it’s time to plant you can’t afford delays, and you can’t afford to use poor quality seed.

The good news is that any seed bought from Chilean production is tested to reach its maximum potential. In many cases well over the minimum requirements. If Mother Nature cooperates, we should once again see great canola, soybean and corn crops thanks in no small part to contra-season seed testing we carry out in Chile every year.

This article was originally published in Germination magazine. Read the latest news in the Canadian and international seed industry at Germination. 

Canola & Chile — Our Dual-Hemisphere Approach Spornado in A Drought Year

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2020 Seed Labs

Contact Us

support@2020seedlabs.ca

Manitoba
3489 Pembina Hwy
Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
Phone: 1-204-261-3755

Alberta
507 – 11 Avenue
Nisku, AB T9E 7N5
Phone: 1-877-420-2099

© Copyright 20/20 Seed Labs Inc. 2024. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
  • 1-877-420-2099
  • support@2020seedlabs.ca

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How to Submit a Sample
to 20/20 Seed Labs Inc.

  Please use our our ‘3-Step Process’ when submitting samples to be tested.

Take a Representative Sample

Select Your Testing and Enter Your Sample Details

Ship or Drop Off Your Sample To Our Lab

STEP 1: Take a Representative Sample

We provide testing on seeds, plants and soil. Select the type of sample below that you are submitting for sample collection instructions.

  • Seed Samples

    The table below outlines the type of seed test and required sampling amount needed for each test. Be sure to follow the 4 steps indicated to collect your sample.

    Cereals

    Seed Health & Disease Tests
    500 g (2 1/2 cups)
    Purity Tests
    1 kg (5 cups)

    Pulses

    Seed Health & Disease Tests
    500 g (3 cups)
    Purity Tests
    1 kg (6 cups)

    Grasses & Forages

    All Testing
    250 g

    Canola

    All Testing
    250 g
    20/20 Seed Labs - How to Take a Seed Sample
  • Plant Samples

    The sampling cards below outline the steps to collect your required plant samples for testing.



  • Soil Samples

    The sampling cards below outline the steps to collect your required soil samples for testing.


STEP 2: Select Your Testing and Enter Your Sample Details

Select the testing services you will require from the pricing schedule below, then choose how you want submit your sample: 

Option 1:
Submit your sample online: 

Option 2:
Write Your customer number and sample details on the sample bag and prepare the sample for shipping or drop-off.

STEP 3: Ship or Drop Off Your Sample to Our Lab

Mailing Addresses

NISKU, ALBERTA

20/20 Seed Labs, Inc.
507-11 Avenue
Nisku, AB T9E 7N5
Toll Free: 1-877-420-2099

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

20/20 Seed Labs, Inc.
3489 Pembina Hwy
Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
Toll Free: 1-866-540-7333

After Hours Drop Off

There is a locked and secure after hours drop off box in front of both the Nisku, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba 20/20 Seed Labs offices. Please leave your samples in the drop off box if you are dropping off a sample on the weekends, a statutory holiday, or after 4:30 p.m. on a weekday.

Sample Drop Off Locations

agroplus-logo

Agro Plus Inc.

3895-9th Avenue North
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1H 6G8
Phone: 1-403-327-7070

down-to-earth-labs-logo

Down to Earth Labs

3510-6th Avenue North
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1H 5C3
Phone: 1-403-328-1133

ici-logo

Independent Crop Inputs Inc.

Hwy #3, 2.5km East of Barnwell, Alberta
Box 4690, Taber, Alberta
T1G 2E1
Phone: 1-403-223-1325

  • Step 1: Review Requirements

    Requirements for Submitting Samples

    Please submit the correct sample size for the test required.

    Germination and Vigour Tests
    Most tests of this type require approximately 250 grams or 1 cup of seed. For very large seeds such as some types of peas or beans, up to twice as much seed may be required.

    Disease and Seed Health Tests
    The quantity of seed for most disease testing is the same as a germination test. Some tests with special requirements may require larger amounts of seed.

    Purity Tests
    Test volumes for purity and % pure seed vary with crop type and are available on the purity weight form.

    Rhizobia Test
    Small seeded legumes require a 1 cup sample. Large seeded legumes require a minimum 2 cup sample. Inoculant, loose peat, granules, and liquid  should be tested in the original sealed container size.

    Canadian Seed Institute Samples
    Follow the CSI instructions for the crop type and the weight to be submitted. Example: Wheat, Purity = a minimum of 1 kg of seed.

    APHIS Samples
    Quantities of seed to be tested for an APHIS certificate for export to the US vary with crop type. Please contact us for the correct volume required.

    Soil Samples
    We test soil for clubroot and for a weed check analysis. It is preferable to have a minimum 2 cup or 1 kg sample size.

    Plant Specimens
    Root samples for clubroot analysis should have only one plant per bag and other plant or leaf samples should contain an adequate amount for representation of the tissue. Please pack fresh samples with moist paper towel and drop off at lab or ship by overnight courier only. Pack in a cooler with ice packs if possible. Do not allow sample to contact ice directly.

    FLAX / TRIFFID Tests
    This test requires either 1 or 2 kg of seed. Please CLICK HERE to use the FLAX SAMPLE SUBMISSION FORM for all samples and to confirm the exact amount of seed required.

    If you’re still unsure of the sample size required for your test, please contact us.

  • Step 2: Packaging

    Packaging

    Printed Sample Bags

    20/20 Seed Labs Inc. provides printed sample bags to all of our customers so they may submit samples with all the information clearly noted. As well, you can use packaging or bags from other labs if necessary.

    Special Requirements

    Some samples require special packaging to ensure the sample’s integrity is not compromised during shipping. Please determine if your sample may require any of the following procedures to keep the sample in proper condition.

    Ice Packs

    For samples that need to remain cool during shipping, such as seed or inoculant samples for rhizobia testing.

    Heavy-duty Sealed Poly Bags

    Samples requiring moisture testing should be in a container that will reduce the risk of moisture loss that could cause a change in the sample quality from time of shipping to the time of testing.

  • Step 3: Submit Your Sample

    Guide to Submitting Your Sample Online

    1. Login or sign up for a 20/20 account
    2. Click the “create sample” button
    3. Pick a crop
    4. Choose the number of similar samples for a crop
    5. Enter the information about the seed lot(s); lot numbers, sampler, processor, etc.
    6. Enter the packages or tests you require. (Click here to download a list of our testing packages)
    7. Choose method of printing a bar-coded label (Either a small self-adhesive label or a regular paper label)

    LOG IN NOW | CREATE ACCOUNT

    Other Submission Options

    Submit Your Sample by Mail

    20/20 Seed Labs Inc. receives shipments from all couriers, bus and mail services on a daily basis. You should determine the best method of shipping your samples to ensure it meets your requirements for timeliness and sample integrity upon arrival. We process all samples on arrival and customers with a user name and login can monitor the status of their sample online to determine when it arrived, estimated completion date and check test results.

    Submit Your Sample In-Person

    You may bring your samples directly to our lab, or the after hours drop-off slot. Please call if you have any questions:

    Toll Free: 1-877-420-2099

    In Alberta:
    20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
    507 – 11th Ave
    Nisku, Alberta, Canada
    T9E 7N5

    In Manitoba:
    20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
    3489 Pembina Hwy
    Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
    Phone: 1-204-261-3755

X

STEP 3: Ship or Drop Off Your Sample to Our Lab

Mailing Addresses

NISKU, ALBERTA

20/20 Seed Labs, Inc.
507-11 Avenue
Nisku, AB T9E 7N5
Toll Free: 1-877-420-2099

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

20/20 Seed Labs, Inc.
3489 Pembina Hwy
Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
Toll Free: 1-866-540-7333

After Hours Drop Off

There is a locked and secure after hours drop off box in front of both the Nisku, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba 20/20 Seed Labs offices. Please leave your samples in the drop off box if you are dropping off a sample on the weekends, a statutory holiday, or after 4:30 p.m. on a weekday.

Sample Drop Off Locations

agroplus-logo

Agro Plus Inc.

3895-9th Avenue North
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1H 6G8
Phone: 1-403-327-7070

down-to-earth-labs-logo

Down to Earth Labs

3510-6th Avenue North
Lethbridge, Alberta
T1H 5C3
Phone: 1-403-328-1133

ici-logo

Independent Crop Inputs Inc.

Hwy #3, 2.5km East of Barnwell, Alberta
Box 4690, Taber, Alberta
T1G 2E1
Phone: 1-403-223-1325

  • Step 1: Review Requirements

    Requirements for Submitting Samples

    Please submit the correct sample size for the test required.

    Germination and Vigour Tests
    Most tests of this type require approximately 250 grams or 1 cup of seed. For very large seeds such as some types of peas or beans, up to twice as much seed may be required.

    Disease and Seed Health Tests
    The quantity of seed for most disease testing is the same as a germination test. Some tests with special requirements may require larger amounts of seed.

    Purity Tests
    Test volumes for purity and % pure seed vary with crop type and are available on the purity weight form.

    Rhizobia Test
    Small seeded legumes require a 1 cup sample. Large seeded legumes require a minimum 2 cup sample. Inoculant, loose peat, granules, and liquid  should be tested in the original sealed container size.

    Canadian Seed Institute Samples
    Follow the CSI instructions for the crop type and the weight to be submitted. Example: Wheat, Purity = a minimum of 1 kg of seed.

    APHIS Samples
    Quantities of seed to be tested for an APHIS certificate for export to the US vary with crop type. Please contact us for the correct volume required.

    Soil Samples
    We test soil for clubroot and for a weed check analysis. It is preferable to have a minimum 2 cup or 1 kg sample size.

    Plant Specimens
    Root samples for clubroot analysis should have only one plant per bag and other plant or leaf samples should contain an adequate amount for representation of the tissue. Please pack fresh samples with moist paper towel and drop off at lab or ship by overnight courier only. Pack in a cooler with ice packs if possible. Do not allow sample to contact ice directly.

    FLAX / TRIFFID Tests
    This test requires either 1 or 2 kg of seed. Please CLICK HERE to use the FLAX SAMPLE SUBMISSION FORM for all samples and to confirm the exact amount of seed required.

    If you’re still unsure of the sample size required for your test, please contact us.

  • Step 2: Packaging

    Packaging

    Printed Sample Bags

    20/20 Seed Labs Inc. provides printed sample bags to all of our customers so they may submit samples with all the information clearly noted. As well, you can use packaging or bags from other labs if necessary.

    Special Requirements

    Some samples require special packaging to ensure the sample’s integrity is not compromised during shipping. Please determine if your sample may require any of the following procedures to keep the sample in proper condition.

    Ice Packs

    For samples that need to remain cool during shipping, such as seed or inoculant samples for rhizobia testing.

    Heavy-duty Sealed Poly Bags

    Samples requiring moisture testing should be in a container that will reduce the risk of moisture loss that could cause a change in the sample quality from time of shipping to the time of testing.

  • Step 3: Submit Your Sample

    Guide to Submitting Your Sample Online

    1. Login or sign up for a 20/20 account
    2. Click the “create sample” button
    3. Pick a crop
    4. Choose the number of similar samples for a crop
    5. Enter the information about the seed lot(s); lot numbers, sampler, processor, etc.
    6. Enter the packages or tests you require. (Click here to download a list of our testing packages)
    7. Choose method of printing a bar-coded label (Either a small self-adhesive label or a regular paper label)

    LOG IN NOW | CREATE ACCOUNT

    Other Submission Options

    Submit Your Sample by Mail

    20/20 Seed Labs Inc. receives shipments from all couriers, bus and mail services on a daily basis. You should determine the best method of shipping your samples to ensure it meets your requirements for timeliness and sample integrity upon arrival. We process all samples on arrival and customers with a user name and login can monitor the status of their sample online to determine when it arrived, estimated completion date and check test results.

    Submit Your Sample In-Person

    You may bring your samples directly to our lab, or the after hours drop-off slot. Please call if you have any questions:

    Toll Free: 1-877-420-2099

    In Alberta:
    20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
    507 – 11th Ave
    Nisku, Alberta, Canada
    T9E 7N5

    In Manitoba:
    20/20 Seed Labs Inc.
    3489 Pembina Hwy
    Winnipeg, MB R3V 1A4
    Phone: 1-204-261-3755

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