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Module 6 - SPAR orchard

Last updated on March 28, 2024

This page contains training modules tailored for orchard staff who use SPAR to request tests and to register seedlots.

Overview of orchard items in SPAR

The Seed Planning and Registry System (SPAR) provides orchard users with online access to the provincial registry for forest tree seed, a gene resource inventory management tool. Additionally, there are guidelines and information bulletins from the Tree Seed Centre regarding: shipping, priority processing and moisture content.

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Seedlot registration

Part one - Beginning the registration and obtaining a new seedlot number

1. Click on the Registration tab and select Application For Seedlot Registration or Application For Veg Lot Registration to find the registration form.

2. Enter data into the following fields in the General Lot Information Section:

  • To Be Registered = Yes

  • Status = Incomplete (this is the initial status that the system defaults to when entering a new Seedlot)

  • Species

  • Genetic Class

  • Superior Provenance (Class B) / Class A Source (Class A)

  • BC Source

3. Enter data into the following fields in the Applicant Information Section:

  • Applicant Agency (i.e. Client Number and Location)

  • Applicant Email Address

4. Click the Save Button.  The remaining sections of the form are displayed.  If you wish, you can print this form to take to the field.  A Seedlot Number or Vegetative Lot ID is automatically generated.  Jot this down for future reference.

To Print: 1. Right click on the page or popup; 2. Click on Print

Part two - Continuing the registration

1. Click on the Registration tab and select Application For Seedlot Registration or Application For Veg Lot Registration to find the registration form.

2. Enter your Seedlot Number or Vegetative Lot ID and click the Go Button.

3. Update your Registration form as you wish.  

  • Once you have entered all mandatory fields, you may change the status of your registration from Incomplete to Pending.   

  • Please note: to save your request in Pending Status, the follow fields are required:

    • Orchard ID;

    • Cone Collector Agency;

    • And the Ownership Section: Owner Agency, Owner Portion (%), Reserve (%), Surplus (%), Funding Source and Method of Payment;

4. Always remember to click the Save button to save your registration information.  If you wish to print the page, you may click  the Printer Version button.  This will provide you with a printout that includes the Seedlot Number or Vegetative Lot ID on each page.

To Print: 1. Right click on the page or popup; 2. Click on Print

Part three - Entering parent tree contribution information and data

Once all mandatory information has been entered on the main seedlot registration screen and to save the application in pending status, the applicant can open the parent tree contribution screen.

 

Shipping to the Tree Seed Centre (2023-2024 processing season)

The TSC Shipping Guidelines (PDF, 1.3MB) document provides guidelines for shipping cone sacks to the TSC.  Cones should be fully cured by the collector before shipping.  Shipments must be scheduled ahead of time;  as we are expecting a heavy crop year, you may need to store your cones until we are able to accept them.

 

Understanding priority processing

The priority processing (PDF, 113KB) document provides an explanation of the TSC’s priority processing request guidelines.  With large crop volumes expected this year, we will be keeping to the maximum crop sizes listed for priority processing requests.

Wild stand collections will be priority processed by pre-approval only, depending on surplus seed supply and whether the seedlot is to be sown in the upcoming year.

 

Cone Moisture Content

The TSC cone moisture content estimation 2022-23 (PDF 112KB) document provides instructions on how to estimate cone moisture content (MC%) before shipping.  If you are able to assess cone MC%, please send the average and range in values (lowest – highest individual values) to Marilyn.cherry@gov.bc.ca

 

Viewing seedlot processing status

Once you have entered seedlot data in SPAR and included the seedlot owner, you will be assigned a a Request ID (CSP#) for each seedlot, which will be reported in your cone receipt letter. To view the processing status of your seedlot(s), complete the following:

1. From the SPAR home screen, click on the "Requests" tab and in the drop down menu select "Activity Status".

steps taken to get to the activity status screen

2. In the Activity Status screen, enter the Request ID (CSP#) and click the "Go" button. The screen will populate the output below and provide users with a list of seedlots, activity code, activity description, Start Date and Completion Date.

output from the Activity Status Screen

Please note: SPAR updates occur as processing and testing activities are complete.

Previous page: Module 5 - SPAR nursery

Next page: SPAR tutorial demos

Note: Use Internet Explorer for the SPAR application (IDIR or BCeID required).

Contact information

If you are having problems using SPAR and can't find the answers in this Tutorial or on SPAR's online Help Guide, contact:

Phone
1-250-356-1598
Email
FORHTIP.SEEDHELP@gov.bc.ca