March 23, 2011

March Seed of the Month

Can you identify this seed?

Steve Hurst. Provided by ARS Systematic Botany and Mycology Laboratory. Turkey.

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February Seed of the Month

Verbascum thapsus L. Common mullen

U.S. National Seed Herbarium image: collected by P. Russell from Washington, D.C., United States [photographed by Steve Hurst*]

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Distribution Map: Verbascum Thapsus L. Common mullen

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Did you know that Continuing Education points can be earned by writing articles for the Germination Magazine?

CSAAC needs members to write articles that can be submitted for printing in the Germination Magazine which is published 4 times a year. We would like to be able to have an inventory of articles ready to go, so we are not scrambling at the last minute to meet our deadline.

These articles provide your fellow analysts, as well as other seed industry members with technical information on seeds that they might not find anywhere else. It also reminds readers of what seed testing is all about.

The articles are a challenge to write, but can also be fun and exciting as you research a topic and put your ideas onto paper. The articles are to be no more than 500 words. Don’t let that scare you. When you have an interest in a topic, the words will come. Check your word count easily by going to “Tools” option and clicking on “Word Count”. I have at this point 169 words already! And now 174!

Topics can be on Seed Identification, Seed Testing, Germination, Purity, Challenges in the Seed Industry, or any other topic of interest. I have written a few over the years and it is good to have an “editor” to look it over and give you feedback. Frank at the CSAAC office can do that for you; or I can if you like. It is just for a double check. When writing, it is important to keep it in the 3rd person which limit using many “I’s” in the article; or saying “well” instead of “while”. Having an editor check things like that just makes it easier.

(Feel free to come up with any topic you wish; Please check with Frank at the CSAAC office first in case it is already being done.)

Each member who submits a topic will get 2 points on the Continuing Education requirements. A way to get points without traveling any further than your computer! If you wish, you can have your name and contact information attached to the article as well for exposure to your lab. Or you can write them anonymously. It is your choice.

Any Potential Writers Out There – We need you!

Please e-mail Frank at CSAAC office or myself if you require any further information.

Frank Lewis [email protected] or Betty Girard [email protected]

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The table below gives a list of articles previously written by other contributors. If you can write an article by the proposed deadline (see chart) below. Please forward the information to the CSAAC office.

Articles for Germination Magazine

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CSAAC Annual Meeting, 2011

Plans are moving ahead for the 2011 Annual Meeting. It is scheduled to be held in , Q.C on June 27 – 29. The Board of Directors’ meeting will be held on June 27, the workshop on June 28 and the members open forum and annual meetings on June 29. Workshop and meetings will also be at the Maritime Hotel, located in . Rooms have been blocked off and will be available to CSAAC members until April 26th 2011 at the special room rate per night of $129.00, inclusive of high-speed internet, locals calls, parking for single or double occupancy plus 17% tax (Room Tax 3.5%) + 5% GST +8.5% PST). Please note, when making the room reservation, make reference to Government National Research Council. Dinner is planned for the night of June 28. We will be joined by some members of the Quebec Seed Conditioners who will be meeting in Montreal at the same time. Further details about the workshop will be in the April Breaking Dormancy Newsletter.

Note: You are asked to make your hotel reservation before April 26th, because there are many activities going on in Montréal during the same period, so the hotel would not hold rooms after April 26th.

SCST Referees

CSAAC members are encouraged to participate in the series of referees and/or surveys indicated below. You can earn continuing education points by participation and completing any of these referees or surveys.

Region 2 Online Virtual Referee: The online virtual referee is now available, each participant will receive 2 continuing education points (please note you must include your name on the survey to receive the points, this information will be kept confidential). Please complete the referee by April 30, 2011 Referee Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GWX59MN

Partridge pea referee survey: The Southern Region Referee is focused on development of a standard lab procedure for partridge pea. Thank you for taking the time to fill out this short survey. Please return results by April 1, 2011 via email: [email protected] or fax: 859-257-7351. Only one set of responses per laboratory (or location) is necessary. Thanks!

Tall fescue referee participation: The samples for the national tall fescue blowing point referee are being put together. Cindy Finneseth is the project coordinator, the samples will be sent from the SCST office. The main objective of the referee is to compare the uniformity and timeliness of separating inert matter from tall fescue blind samples representing different varieties, seed sizes, production regions and cleaning levels using: a) the current AOSA method, b) a uniform blowing procedure

______CSAAC Breaking Dormancy March 23, 2011 Page 6 of 17 (UBP), and c) a modified UBP where both the light and heavy fractions are examined. A detailed protocol will be sent to the laboratories that decide to participate.

If your laboratory would like to participate in this referee please respond to Anita Hall by April 1, 2011. Please include a contact name and mailing address.

Anita Hall, Executive Director Society of Commercial Seed Technologists, Inc. 101 East State St., #214 Ithaca, NY 14850, USA Telephone: 607-256-3313 Fax: 607-273-1638 Cell phone: 607-592-2951 [email protected] www.seedtechnology.net

HOTEL Maritime Plaza 1155, rue Guy, Montréal (Québec) H3H 2K5

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Reservations: Tel. (514) 932-1411 Toll Free 1-800-363-6255 Fax: (514) 932-0446 email: [email protected] Internet reservations: www.hotelmaritime.com ______

Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada 67th Annual Meetings and Workshop Montréal, Québec June 27-29, 2011

Hotel Registration Form Please complete and return to the Hotel Maritime

If not using this form, please be certain to indicate “CSAAC Meeting” – Government National Research Council to receive the CSAAC rate.

First Name ______Last Name ______

Address ______

City ______Prov/State ______Postal Code/Zip ______

Phone No. ______Fax No. ______

Email ______

1 bedroom, single or double occupancy, per night: $129 + 17% taxes

Hotel arrival date ______Time ______

Hotel departure date ______Time ______

Number of adults ______Number of children ______

Credit card name and # ______Exp. Date ______

Children 12 years and under free sharing room with parents.

Check-in time from 3 pm, Check out time noon

Reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card at time of booking. Failure to cancel a guaranteed reservation by 4 pm on the day of arrival will incur the cost of the first night’s accommodation plus tax. ______CSAAC Breaking Dormancy March 23, 2011 Page 8 of 17

CSAAC 67th Annual Meeting Hotel Maritime Plaza 1:00 pm, June 29, 2011 Preliminary AGENDA for Business Meeting

1. Call to order – Dianne Gilhuly 2. Opening and Presidential address – Dianne Gilhuly 3. Approval of Minutes of last annual meeting – Dianne Gilhuly 4. Affiliate Organizations greetings and updates a. Canadian Seed Trade Association b. Canadian Seed Institute c. Canadian Seed Growers Association d. Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Seed Section e. Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Seed Lab f. International Seed Testing Association g. Society of Commercial Seed Technologists 5. Regional Directors and Committee reports a. Eastern Regional Director – Christine DeRooy b. Central Regional Director – Krista Erickson c. Western Regional Director – Morgan Webb d. US Regional Director – Pat Jennings e. Membership Committee – Sherry Corvalan f. Ethics Committee – Cathie Ornawka g. Historian Report – Gail Livingstone h. Exam Committee – L.Greenan, C.Beadner, J.Hinke, M.Webb i. Research and Review Committee – Lisa Greenan/Cathy Breadner j. Nomination Committee – Terry McIntee 6. CSAAC financial report – Frank Lewis 7. New Business 8. Acknowledgement of sponsors 9. Next CSAAC Annual Meeting- Brandon, Manitoba, 2012 10. Adjournment

Work Shop Agenda

The agenda for the workshop is not yet finalized. Tentatively, we are planning on having the following topics on the agenda. a. Abnormality found in the evaluation of Field and Garden Beans b. The identification of difficult to ID seeds. c. Seed Grading questions and concerns.

If you have any suggestion on a topic for the workshop, please contact Annette Charlton immediately. Her email address is: [email protected]

______CSAAC Breaking Dormancy March 23, 2011 Page 9 of 17 Attractions in Montréal

The following list of attractions are available in the Montréal area. You may consult the Websites below for more details: Thanks to Brigette Moore for putting this information together. www.montrealkiosh.com www.bonjourquebec.com www.tourisme-montreal.org

Site Seeing Old Port

Montreal's Old Port (Vieux Port de Montreal) is the most popular site for visitors to the city - drawing five million people there each year. The Old Port itself is a thriving arts and entertainment venue where something is always happening. The area offers a huge open-air skating rink, IMAX cinema, and a Science and Technology Center with interactive displays. The port also has fun, energetic cafe culture – great for people watching. Though there are also many boats in evidence, they are mainly tour boats, ferries and even amphibious buses, which offer sailing tours along the St Lawrence or around the port. This is where you can get on a ferry to cross to the Parc des Iles, site of the Expo 67 World's Fair, which lies in the St Lawrence and offers family outdoor activities like picnicking, swimming, skating or skiing in winter. The clock tower at Old Port will give you an excellent view across the city and contains an exhibition that traces Montreal's history. The original 17th-century fortifications around the city can still be recognized. Old Port’s address is De la Commune Street.

La Basilica Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame is only one of many beautiful churches in the city. It's a neogothic building dating from 1829, constructed on the site of a much older and smaller church, which had been outgrown by its parishioners. Everything about the basilica is on a grand scale. The twin towers are 228 feet high and the western tower holds the 12-ton le Gros Bourdon, the largest bell on the continent. Notre Dame is noted for its lavish and beautiful interior: • Stained glass windows • Paintings • Statues • Thousands of 24-karat gold stars on its vaulted ceilings • Ornately decorated pulpit It also has a notable 7000-pipe Casavant organ, the largest on the continent. Sometimes called “the wedding chapel,” hundreds of Montréal get married at Notre Dame every year. In fact, this is where Celine Dion was married in 1994.

Insectarium de Montreal

Do you like creepy crawlies? If so, you need to visit this place! However, if you have an aversion to insects, be assured that you’ll love this place too! Montreal’s unique Insectarium features a collection of more than 350,000 insects in a building designed to resemble an insect.

______CSAAC Breaking Dormancy March 23, 2011 Page 10 of 17 You’ll be able to walk through aviaries and living displays in 6 geographically themed areas. The butterfly aviary is a favourite of its visitors, and a children’s amusement center is fun for the family. Call ahead to see if any special events are happening while you’re in the city. The Insectarium is at 4581 Sherbrooke St. E.

Museum of Archaeology and History

This imposing building was built at 350 Place Royale. A visit to this museum will begin with an audiovisual show that gives you an overview of the area from the Ice Age to the present. Then you’ll descend deep below street level to the bank of the River St. Pierre, which flowed pas the site.

It was here that the first settlers of Montreal built their homes and traded goods with the Native American inhabitants. One of the most impressive exhibits here is the city’s first Catholic cemetery with some tombstones still intact. The museum has four parts: • The Eperon building - a modern structure set on the ruins of an older building • The archaeological crypt in the basement • The renovated Old Customs House • The Youville Pumping station, an industrial exhibit

The Old Customs house was built between 1836 and 1838 and was one of the first architectural elements to attest to the British presence in Montreal. Self -guided tours allow you the opportunity to explore at your own pace, although interpreter-guides are available along the way.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

During the past 140 years the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has assembled one of North America’s finest collections, totalling more than 30,000 objects. Located at Sherbrooke Street West, plan at least an hour when you tour. When you visit this museum, you’ll see exhibits including Canadian art, contemporary art, Inuit and Amerindian Art, European Masters, prints and drawings and decorative arts. The museum also regularly features special activity programs for adults and school aged children alike. Admission is free, but temporary exhibits require a fee. 514.285.2000 514.285.2000

Montreal Tower

Rising 575 feet into the sky and leaning out a 45-degree angle, the Montreal Tower stands as the world's tallest inclined tower. An architectural symbol of Montreal, the world's tallest inclined tower welcomes more than 300,000 visitors per year. Those not afraid of heights need to take on the adventure of a trip to the top. A 2-story glassed-in cable car can whisk up 92 passengers at a time to the Tower's Observatory. There, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view that will amaze and awe-inspire you. Also located at the top of the tower is the Salon Montreal, a reception room capable of accommodating as many as 240 guests. The Montreal Tower is located in Olympic Park.

Mount Royal ______CSAAC Breaking Dormancy March 23, 2011 Page 11 of 17

The city’s most enduring symbol and the jewel of Montreal’s city parks is . This large green space occupies part of the mountain that lies in the midst of Montreal island immediately north of downtown, and includes the highest spot in the city. In fact, city ordinances don’t allow any building to be higher than Mount Royal. The park, most of which is wooded, contains: • 2 belvederes, the more prominent of which is the Kondiaronk Belvedere, a semicircular plaza with a chalet, overlooking downtown Montreal • Beaver Lake, a small man-made lake • A short ski slope • Sculpture garden • The Smith House interpretive centre • And a well-known monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier (currently being restored). The park hosts athletic, tourist, and cultural activities. Mount Royal is where Montréalers go to get a breath of air on a hot day, to cross-country ski without leaving the city, to walk off a bad mood, to picnic, to jog, to ice skate, or just to rest. To get to Mount Royal Park you only need to start up any hill from downtown and you’ll eventually find yourself there. Or go to Mont-Royal metro station and take the 11 bus. Mount Royal shares the top of the mountain with 3 cemeteries. If you’re visiting Montreal on a Sunday, you won’t want to miss the free-spirited experience of attending a Tam-Tam Gathering at Mount Royal Park. Every Sunday in the summer time, hundreds – or thousands, if the weather is nice – people gather to play tam-tams, a type of hand drum, and dance. Spectators relax in the sun, play a game of hackey sack or toss frisbees back and forth. You’ll find all of this activity happening around the Sir George-Etienne Cartier monument, on the east slope of the mountain. The origins of this spontaneous gathering are unknown, and it is not organized by the municipal authorities.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Found at185 rue Ste-Catherine Ouest in downtown Montreal, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a spirited museum that houses a permanent collection of more than 5000 works of contemporary art. Its exhibits feature many media, from paintings and sculptures to more avant-garde installations. Features of the museum are 72 Borduas paintings and 80 Riopelle paintings. You and other visitors may share different opinions about the art, but it’s presented in a thought-provoking and fun way. The museum often has weekend programs and art workshops for adults and children. Contact them ahead of time to see what’s scheduled when you’re visiting.

Bonsecours Market

Inaugurated in 1847, this market is the jewel in Montreal's heritage. The , acknowledged as one of Canada's finest heritage buildings, has become an essential stop on any visit to . This imposing building was the city's main agricultural marketplace for over a century. It also housed a concert hall and was a city hall in Montreal's early days of municipal government. Its symmetrical composition and Greek Revival portico (cast iron columns from England), and tin-plated dome make it typical of the neo-classical style favoured at the time.

______CSAAC Breaking Dormancy March 23, 2011 Page 12 of 17 Recent renovations have turned it once again into a bustling marketplace. Its restaurants and their terraces, open during warm weather, offer local fare. You can even share a meal in the 17th-century ambience of the famous Cabaret du Roy. There are ongoing exhibitions of contemporary photography and arts and crafts, with free admission. Visit this charming area at 350 St. Paul Street East.

Olympic Park

Montreal's futuristic Olympic Park was built when the 1976 Summer Olympic Games were held there; it still serves as a showpiece today. Designed by French architect, Roger Tallibert, it is impressive in both size and shape, able to hold up to 80,000 spectators who now gather here for concerts. The landmark tower on the main stadium, standing at 575ft, is the world's tallest inclined tower. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Montreal and its surroundings from the observation floors, accessible by a funicular-type elevator. The Olympic Park complex also features the unique attraction known as the Biodome, a building containing 4 ecosystems. Located at 4141 Pierre-De Coubertin Avenue.

Place Jacques-Cartier

Not only will you be entertained, you’ll be able to find a wonderful café at Place Jacques- Cartier. This historic square in the heart of Vieux-Montreal is the venue for musicians, magicians and acrobats that entertain summer crowds. Find restaurants lining the square, their patrons taking in the atmosphere while sitting in the open air seating. The monument at the top of the square was erected in 1809 to honour Lord Nelson’s victory over Napoleon Bonaparte’s French navy. Place Jacques-Cartier is bordered by rues Notre- Dame Est and de la Commune.

Saint Joseph's Oratory

Holding bells that were originally meant for the Eiffel Tower, St Joseph's Oratory is a spectacular landmark in Montreal that you’ll want to experience for your own. Its imposing dome on the northwest side of Mont Royal is visible for miles. This Oratory is a famous pilgrimage site, despite only being completed in 1967, attracting over 2 million visitors and pilgrims each year, hoping to have their various ailments healed. There is a wall in the basilica covered by thousands of crutches from visitors. Its dome is the second largest in the world, being 318ft high; it is second only to St. Peter's in Rome. The Oratory's carillon is made up of 56 bells. If you’re up to the climb, you can make your way up the 283 steps to the basilica’s portico for beautiful sightseeing over the city. The Oratory is located at 3800 Queen Mary Street and is open daily for tours.

Phone number: 514.733.8211

Square Saint-Louis

Between Rue St Denis and Avenue Laval, Square Saint-Louis is one of Montréal's prettiest old squares, set in a turn-of-the-century French-Canadian residential quarter. In the narrow ______CSAAC Breaking Dormancy March 23, 2011 Page 13 of 17 streets around the tree-shaded square there are still a few of the attractive Victorian houses, some of them now restaurants. Part of the Rue Saint-Denis and the pedestrian mall along the Rue Prince-Arthur at the western end of the square are given over in summer to outdoor cafés and all the lively street life of a modern bohemian quarter. Visiting this neighbourhood is a charming way to spend the afternoon.

Montreal Jazz Festival

Sat June 25 – Mon July 4th www.montrealjazzfest.com 514-871-1881 or 1-888-515-0515

Montreal Casino

The Casino de Montreal offers more than 3,200 slot machines, 120 gaming tables, four restaurants, four bars, a cabaret and meeting and banquet facilities. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to patrons aged 18 and older. 1, avenue du Casino 514.392.2746 or 800.665.2274

Bell Centre

Home to the NHL Montreal Canadiens, the is a hockey haven and just minutes from our hotel. Cheer the Canadiens on to victory or catch a world-class concert at this newer, beautiful arena. 1260 Rue de la Gauchetiere Ouest 514.932.2582 514.932.2582 www.centrebell.ca

Sade & John Legend in concert on Thursday June 30th at 7:30pm

Montreal Biodome

Walk through replicas of four ecosystems found in the Americas at the . The building was originally constructed for the 1976 Olympic Games and this amazing exhibition that ranges from a tropical forest habitat to an Antarctic habitat was opened in 1992. 4777, avenue Pierre-De Coubertin 514.868.3000 514.868.3000

Boat Cruises

Le Bateau Mouche 1-800-361-9952 or 1- 514-849-9952 www.bateaumouche.ca Cavalier Maxim – Montreal 1-514-842-9300 or 1-866-856-6668 www.croisieresaml.com Ride the Rapids - Expeditors sur les Rapids de Lachine Ltee ______CSAAC Breaking Dormancy March 23, 2011 Page 14 of 17 47, rue de la Commune O, Montréal 1-514-284-9609 www.monavis.ca Amphibus Tour Inc. 1-514-849-5181 www.montreal-amphibus-tour.com

Shopping:

Underground City

The most famous aspect of shopping in Montreal is the Underground City, directly under the heart of the city, 19 miles long. Constantly growing, the "city" - which links many major buildings and multi-level shopping malls in the area - is a shopper's paradise in any season. You’ll be amazed by its brightly lit, scrupulously clean passageways, linking thousands of boutiques, major hotels, restaurants, universities, dozens of office buildings and attractions. This is definitely the Montréal of Montréalers. Every day more than 500,000 people connect through here on their way to work, shop, dine or spend a night or day on the town. One major section is reached via Peel and McGill metro stations on the green line, and another via Bonaventure station on the orange line. Safe and sheltered from the elements, the Underground City offers a huge range of goods and services as well as a handy way to get from place to place without weather or traffic problems.

Other websites for shopping: www.out-there.com www.worldtravelguide.net/montreal/shopping www.complexedesjardins.com

Transportation:

Montreal has an excellent urban transit system which is efficient and well coordinated. The jewel of the system is the Metro (the subway) which is a tourist attraction all to itself. It's clean, comfortable (except at rush hour, where it's passable) and fast. Most of Montreal's landmarks and tourist attractions are accessible by Metro. The AMT regional train and bus system provides access to certain off island locations. Check with their web site in our resources section for details. www.montreal.streetviewtours.com/extras/maps-of-montreal/metro As you can see there are lots of things to do while visiting Montréal.

Have a great time!!! Ayez du bon temps!!!

Employment Opportunity with BioVision Seed Laboratory

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BioVision Seed Laboratory is searching for suitable candidates for various positions at its two laboratories:

Join one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Seed and Grain testing companies! Are you motivated, organized, and able to work without supervision? Are you interested in or currently working in Seed Testing?

We are looking for SEED ANALYST TRAINEES and ACCREDITED SEED ANALYSTS. BioVision Seed Labs is a government accredited, ISO 9001:2008 registered seed and grain testing laboratory. Our growth in all markets is unmatched and we are currently seeking SEED ANALYST TRAINEES AND ACCREDITED SEED ANALYSTS to meet the growth requirements in our Edmonton and Winnipeg locations.

Preference will be given to those candidates with purity and/or germination accreditation. You need to be able to multi-task and are very organized. We offer on the job training and will work with you in advancing your career.

BioVision offers relocation assistance, competitive salary, incentive plan, company sponsoring retirement plan and excellent benefits. Your remuneration package will be commensurate with experience.

This is a demanding, rewarding, full-time permanent position. The seasonal nature of the business allows us to offer our employees flexible hours in the summer months.

All applications will be held in strict confidence.

Please fax or email your cover letter, resume, and minimum of two references to:

Trevor Nysetvold Fax: 1 (866) 855-9729 Email: [email protected]

References will not be contacted without your permission. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted

New Member

Welcome to Lisa Pugh who has been accepted as an Affiliate Member. Lisa is currently working at Vesey’s Seeds Ltd, in York, Prince Edward Island.

______CSAAC Breaking Dormancy March 23, 2011 Page 16 of 17 Member Retired

Associate Member Ernestine Demers has retired from Pride Seed and would not be renewing her membership.

ISTA Annual Meeting

The ISTA Annual Meeting 2011 will be held, on June 13-16, 2011 in Tsukuba, Japan. You can use the following link for more detailed information about the ISTA Annual Meeting 2011 and registration: https://www.seedtest.org/stream/nl-l---1--%40b1790c310306--210.html

Calendar – 2011

ISTA Annual Meeting in Tsukuba, Japan. June 13-16, 2011. The Sustainable Seed Banking Forum will be held in the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Sarawak between June 28 & 29th, 2011. Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada Annual Meeting, Montreal Q.C. June 27 - 29, 2011.

Breaking Dormancy is distributed to CSAAC Members. Please note the opinions expressed are those of the contributors and are subject to change. Comments do not necessarily reflect the policies of the CSAAC Board of Directors. Feedback and/or comments from members are invited.

Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada Inc, 43 Norista St, Whitby, ON L1R 3R3, Phone: 905-425-1442, Fax: 905-425-1446; Email: [email protected] Website: www.seedanalysts.com

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