Laboratory testing is now available for both trait confirmation testing and Adventitious Presence (AP) screening for alfalfa seed and hay from Mid-West Seed Services, Inc. of Brookings, South Dakota.

A 600-seed test is offered on Roundup Ready® alfalfa seed samples using the herbicide bioassay method for trait confirmation.  Trait confirmation testing is offered for new crop alfalfa or carryover seed lots.  Seed companies should submit scarified seed samples and expect herbicide bioassay test results in seven days.

The herbicide bioassay or ELISA lateral flow strips can be used for AP screening.  Sample size recommendations for testing seed samples for domestic uses and for export shipments are available.  The AP test report provides information on testing methodology and the percentage of AP in the sample.  The higher the number of seeds tested, the greater the confidence level for a lower level of contamination in the test. Hay samples are tested using ELISA lateral flow strips.  Accurate sampling and preparation of hay samples is a critical step and information is available from MWSS to assist you in sampling hay.

Mid-West Seed Services, Inc. also offers herbicide trait confirmation on canola, corn, cotton, rice, soybeans and sugar beet seed. Contact Deb Rud at MWSS, 236 32nd Ave, Brookings SD, 57006 at 877-692-7611 or debr@mwseed.com for more information.