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April 8, 2026 - Seed to Sprout

Seed variability and knowing what you are putting in the ground.

We all know how busy producers get when the snow starts to melt, the sun starts to shine, and the ground starts to thaw. One key chore usually on their minds is seed testing. This season, the importance of seed testing cannot be stressed enough as last year’s variable growing conditions are manifesting in this year’s seed samples. 

According to recent findings, seed samples from across the Prairies are showing multiple discrepancies including elevated disease levels, reduced seed strength and health, and inconsistencies tied to moisture conditions during harvest and storage. Although this is alarming, due to the variation across regions and crop types, it is difficult to generalize risk. This emphasizes the importance of thorough seed testing before planting. 

One of the most concerning findings is the detection of seed-borne diseases. Pathogens that are carried within or on the seed can affect germination rates, weakening plant establishment. In some cases, the presence of disease might not be immediately visible but can significantly impact crop yields and health. Disease mixed with lower seed performance is a recipe for disaster that can result in lower and inconsistent emergence. This ultimately lowers field performance, yield, and of course, profitability. 

Seed vigor is rising as an important factor in crop performance. Germination tests predict how many seeds can sprout in the ideal environment while vigor tests assess seed germination and emergence performance under stressful conditions that we all know can be common during the growing season.  The test simulates adverse environments such as cold or wet soil and high heat and humidity. The Alberta Seed Guide recommends using seeds with low or declining vigor sooner rather than stored, as their performance will likely continue to deteriorate over time. 

Another key factor to this year’s seed testing findings is moisture conditions during harvest. Wet conditions can lead to pre-sprouting, increased fungal development, and mechanical damage during handling. These factors reduce seed quality and create variability within a single seed lot. Producers may see uneven emergence creating difficulty in crop management, reduction of yields, and once again reduction in profit. 

For cereal crops, high levels of glyphosate residue are showing up in some samples linking to last fall’s harvest conditions. Pulse crops are showing higher disease levels. In some cases, pulse seeds that did not fully dry down internally have lost germination and vigour during the storage period. Fusarium levels are showing up in some seed samples which  directly correlate to increased moisture during flowering stages last season. 

Despite these challenges, there are tools and knowledge to help mitigate risk. Advances in the seed testing technology world opens the possibility of more detailed vigour assessments and temperature-based germination analysis. 

Seed cleaning can remove the problem seeds and provide the chance to get a more uniform seed lot. Additionally, knowing the disease levels are elevated in your seed gives opportunity to deploy a seed treatment with good coverage. This helps mitigate the risk before it becomes a reality. 

These technologies serve as a pillar for producers to be more informed about what they’re putting in the ground and have a general idea of the growing behaviour they’ll see from seed to sprout. Seed testing is more important than ever for producers to protect their crops, increase their yields, and maximize profitability.