b'Here, experts from across the industry will discuss issues that are top of mind, share technical advancements, talk about tips for success and provide perspective on policy.SEED TESTINGSeed Quality is Good, but Availability is Another StoryMoses Palmer, Senior seed analyst/laboratory manager with 20/20 Seed LabsDURING HARVEST 2021, many of us were worried aboutquality of seed that you have before you put it in the ground. seed quality. Make no mistake, the Prairie drought did affectFungal screening is also useful. This test looks at all the pathogens seed in many ways. But as we move into 2022, we are beginningthat could be on your seed and can give you better insight as to to breathe a little sigh of relief as we realize that the seed qualitywhat seed treatments to use to ensure your crops are protected.disaster many feared is not really coming to pass. Of course, we cant test your seed unless you send it to us. For most of the seeds that we tested this season, we expectedWith seed damage being an issue right now, its crucial you to see some level of dormancy, but we havent seen much ofpackage it correctly to avoid damage during shipping. Any that. Mostly, its been mechanical damage in peas that is anform of handling has to be done with care, including moving issue, which was expected because of how dry conditions were.the seeds from the silos. Dry seed can crack easily, and once Disease pressure was low, which is also a great thing for growers. you have those micro-fractures on the seed, as more handling The bigger issue is not seed quality, but seed availability. Wehappens those tiny cracks can open up and cause more severe know that yields overall were low across the Prairie provinces.damage to the seed.Low yields mean that seed is not necessarily as readily available20/20 Seed Labs Inc. provides printed sample bags to all for growers as they would like. Many of the proverbial shelvesof our customers so they may submit samples with all the may be empty. information clearly noted. As well, you can use packaging or In years where we have seed availability issues, its expectedbags from other labs if necessary.that some people might resort to falling back on lower-qualityRemember to handle gently when packaging and ensure seed. Thats where testing comes in.seeds are packed securely to avoid damage during travel.Testing for germination and for vigour helps you know theFor more packaging tips visit 2020seedlabs.ca/submit/GET A HEAD START FOR THEGROWING SEASON!AGTIV RHIZO Liquid and ACTIVE Liquid PLSJoin Forces-To Produce The Best Outcome ForYour Seed!For more informationconnect with us30 Day on Seed Viability Positively Impact Nodulation anytime:When Stored Below 12 degrees C and Root Development48seed.ab.ca'