When seed testing is complete, you will receive a Report of Seed Analysis that provides information about the test results and the lab. You will receive a separate Report of Seed Analysis for each seed lot you submit. Here is an explanation of the information you will find in these reports. Each Report is signed by a senior seed analyst and sealed with the approved seal of the Commercial Seed Analyst Association of Canada. A locked pdf Report of Seed Analysis is available on our website.
Click here to download a sample Report of Seed Analysis.
1. Date. This is the day of the Germination test on this report if applicable; otherwise it is the date of the last test completed on this sample.
2. Lab Number. This is a unique number issued by 20/20 Seed Labs Inc. when we receive your sample and we use it to track the sample throughout its tests in the lab. This is also the number you need to reference if you have any questions about the testing results.
3. Sample Information. Your seed sample is clearly identified by crop kind and variety, as well as crop certificate number (if applicable) to authenticate pedigree, origin and year of production. Samples are also identified by lot or bin for both pedigreed and non-pedigreed seed.
4. Analysis Method. This sentence tells you by what method the sample was analyzed. Samples can be tested according to three different internationally recognized procedures or by lab developed protocols:
a) CFIA (Canadian Methods and Procedures for Testing Seed)
b) ISTA (International rules)
c) AOSA (American standards).
Purity Results. Purity testing results reflect two types of analysis:
a) Weed seeds and off-types.
i. Noxious weed seeds (listed on the weed seed order)
ii. Other weed seeds (common weeds that are less troublesome than noxious weeds)
iii. Crop seeds (cultivated crop types as listed in Schedule 1 of the Canada Seeds Act).
b) Pure seed. The number shown reflects the percentage of pure seed, weeds, other crops and inert matter in the sample. This is not a requirement for most crops (other than grasses).
6. Germination Results. This section shows the overall germination rate of the seed lot, supported with percentages for normal and abnormal seedlings, fresh, hard and dead seeds.
7. Vigour Results. Results of various stress tests are shown here. This information will giver you an indication of how well this seed lot will perform in the field if growing conditions are less than optimal.
8. Disease Results. By federal law, the only accredited test required for cereals is Ustilago nuda “smut”. All other tests, with the exception of Leptospharia maculans “blackleg” and Fusarium graminearum “FHB” (which are controlled in Alberta), are for information purposes only.
9. Signature. The signature and CSAAC seal tell you that one of our senior analysts has seen and approved the test results shown on the Report of Seed Analysis.
