>But contaminated is the proper word to describe the situation. The issue of contamination goes beyond GM crops. Seeds of certified cultivar should be free from seeds of off type varieties (cultivars), similar crop varieties and weed. Any finding of these mixed seeds in certified cultivar seed is considered contaminated seeds. What about contamination from GM crops? The widespread usage of genetically modified (GM) crops in Canada has caused some export markets to implement a zero tolerance policy for GM seed. However, it is difficult to maintain varietal purity in open pollinated crops like canola. The current varietal purity standard for certified canola seed is 99.75 per cent This means that in a seeding rate of 100 plants m-2, one GM canola plant may be found. For more information about certified seed and contamination, Please check: http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=e1011fbf-2859-4a51-96c5-e410c38bdcfc Medhat Medhat Nasr, Ph. D. Provincial Apiculturist Crop Diversification Centre North 17507 Fort Road Edmonton, AB, Canada T5Y 6H3 Tel: (780) 415-2314 Fax: (780) 422-6096 Mailto:[log in to unmask] *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Access BEE-L directly at: http://community.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-LSOFTDONATIONS.exe?A0=BEE-L