b'PARTNER CONTENTSGS Canada Crop Science Now Authorized for Bayer Corn Trait Testing in CanadaNew Canadian-based corn trait testing includes herbicide bioassays and ELISA trait testing, helping seed corn companies avoid cross-border delays and improve turnaround time.I n seed production, where timing and certainty areincluding canola, wheat, lentils and soybeans.essential, trait verification and diagnostics are criticalFor corn, the key step was completing Bayers to ensuring quality and maintaining market confidence. required validation process and adding the crop into our Thats why Im excited to share an important devel- service offering.opment for Canadian seed companies: as of January 2026, Bayer Crop Science has authorized SGS to con- 2)ELISA trait testing for corn (Bayer corn genetics)duct corn trait testing in Canada. The second bucket is a major milestone for Canada: For clients, this introduces something the CanadianELISA trait testing for corn.seed industry has needed for a long time: a validatedELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing By: Holly Gelech,Canadian option for corn trait testing, so seed compa- allows us to analyze seeds for the presence of specific Senior Businessnies dont have to rely exclusively on shipping samplestraits using a biological/chemical assay. Depending Developmentto the United States. on the product, trait verification may involve multiple Manager, SGSevents.Canada CropWhy corn trait testing in Canada matters now Many corn platforms include stacked traits, meaning Science For many years, Canadian seed companies have shippedmultiple trait components may need to be confirmed as corn samples to U.S. laboratories for corn seed diagnos- part of standard seed quality and verification processes.tics and trait testing. That pathway has been well estab- What makes this especially significant is that SGS is lished, but this season, challenges became more visible. currently the only laboratory in Canada accredited by We heard from clients who experienced: Bayer Crop Science to conduct this ELISA-based cornshipments stuck in transit for extended periods trait testing. limited visibility into sample status samples being returned to sender Supporting Ontario seed corn and Canadian seed When trait testing results are needed to make timelycompaniesdecisions, even small disruptions can cause majorCorn seed production in Canada is concentrated in operational issues. More importantly, it creates uncer- Ontario. When seed samples must cross the border tainty. One shipment may clear quickly, while another isfor testing, the process introduces logistical risk, not delayed without warning. because delays always happen, but because when they A Canadian solution helps reduce that unpredict- do, the impact can be substantial.ability. By offering corn trait testing in Canada, SGS provides a practical advantage: improved turnaround time, What SGS Canada Crop Science is now authorized toreduced shipping uncertainty, and better continuity for provide seed diagnostics and trait verification.The Bayer authorization includes corn trait testing in two main buckets: Built on proven capability and North American col-1) Herbicide bioassay testing (grow-out testing) laborationThe first bucket, herbicide bioassay testing, meas- SGS also benefits from strong internal collaboration ures herbicide resistance through a controlled grow-outacross North America. Our SGS laboratory in Brookings, test. In this process, seeds are grown in an herbicideSouth Dakota already performs this testing and played a solution on media, and seedlings are evaluated after akey role in helping us complete validation quicklysup-set periodtypically a seven-day grow-outto quan- porting sample sets, procedures, and method alignment.tify resistance. The combination of Canadian delivery backed by This type of testing is already familiar to SGS. Weproven SGS capability positions us to serve clients conduct herbicide bioassays across multiple crops,quickly and reliably.MARCH 2026SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 25'