PSA Member Spotlight: SoDak Labs Advances DNA Testing for Routine Seed Analysis

This PSA member company update highlights how SoDak Labs, Inc. is bringing DNA technology into routine seed testing, from ryegrass allelic discrimination and Amaranthus ID to SNP-based purity and GMO/trait confirmation services. Their expanded DNA testing menu and easy online sample submission give PSA members practical new tools to manage purity, weeds, and adventitious presence with greater confidence.

Evolution of DNA testing into Routine Seed Analysis Testing Spring 2026

SoDak Labs, Inc., an employee-owned company, is one of the few “Seed Laboratories” to invest in seed DNA testing as a service to other Seed Laboratories and the Seed Industry.  SoDak Labs’ DNA testing services include Ryegrass Allelic Discrimination (RAD), Amaranth species identification, Cultivar/Hybrid Purity (SNPs), Adventitious Presence of Genetically Modified Organisms (AP-GMO) and Trait (Event) Confirmation using DNA.

Ryegrass Allelic Discrimination (RAD) test utilizes DNA markers to determine if fluorescent and nonfluorescent seedlings from the germination test for ryegrass are apparent annual ryegrass, apparently perennial ryegrass and/or apparently a hybrid of annual and perennial ryegrass. SoDak Labs provides RAD testing of individual ryegrass seedlings to identify the type of ryegrass.

Figure 1. RAD (Ryegrass Allelic Discrimination) workflow

Amaranthus Species (Pigweed Family) Identification

Palmer amaranth is one of the most aggressive and herbicide-resistant weed species in the agricultural systems. Positive identification of these seeds is critical for effective weed management. SoDak Labs offers a DNA-based species identification test for Amaranthus species - including A. palmeri (Palmer amaranth) and A. tuberculatus (waterhemp) from individual seeds. All Amaranthus species seeds identified during routine purity analysis undergo DNA testing at Sodak Labs.

Figure 2. qPCR plot of three Amaranthus species using different fluorophores

Cultivar/Hybrid Purity (SNPs)

Maintaining genetic purity is essential in hybrid seed production. SoDak Labs offers SNP testing using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) for cultivar and hybrid purity estimation. Validated SNP panels are currently available for corn and sweet corn.  Custom SNP panels for other crops can also be developed and tested based on customer requirements

Figure 3.  Example of SNP panel showing selfed and hybrid seeds in sample.

Adventitious Presence of Genetically Modified Organisms (AP-GMO) and Trait (Event) Confirmation using DNA methods

SoDak Labs provides GMO testing services for crops such as corn, soybean, and others. Adventitious presence (AP-GMO) testing is performed using pooled seed samples of varying number of seeds, enabling efficient detection of low levels of GMO (As low as 0.03% with 10,000 seed tested) via sensitive qPCR methods, with results reported as impurity estimation. Additional services including trait confirmation (GM events) are also available using DNA methods.

Submitting Samples

SoDak offers an online portal where you can submit samples, track testing status, and retrieve results. To set up an account, visit: https://sodaklabs.com/client-profile/. Once logged in, you can submit samples by clicking on the “New Sample” page. Enter the species, lot, and variety, and include the number of seeds or seedlings in the “Size/Count” field. For DNA confirmation testing, select “DC-Species” from the test list.

After completing the form, submit your sample information, print the QR code, attach it to the sample bag, and send the samples to the laboratory. Testing begins the day samples are received, and an estimated completion date will be available on your dashboard.  Reports of analysis are emailed daily.

Figure 4. Sample submission showing selection of DC-Species test.

For questions, please contact samples@sodaklabs.com.