PLANT ID AND DIAGNOSTICS

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's), or Genetically Enhanced Organisms (GEO's). are produced by cloning genes and transforming or transfering them into living organisms, including plants and animals

Genes that that give plants greater advantages have been identified, cloned and transferred into new plant lines. These parental lines are then used as gene donors in breeding programs. These new lines are called Genetically Modified Lines (GML). These are subsequently used the development of (Genetically Enhanced Hybrids (GEH) or Products (GEP) that are used in the production of material used in animal or human feed or food.

There has been global concern about the sfatey of these Genetically Modified (GM) products. Further regulation is needed to such as labelling seed, feed, and food products so that the consumer is informed about the source of these products.

Thus, a processed food manufacturer needs to demonstrate that a food product does or does not contain GMO such as Starlink (Bt) protein in corn or the Roundup (RR) transgene in corn or soybeans. An organic farmer needs to provide evidence that the seed being sold to him or the grain that he is producing and marketing has not been genetically engineered. A breeder needs to verify that a seed or an animal contains the intended genetic modification(s) that will result in a value-added product. A researcher needs to profile and identify a newly developed line for protection purposes. A seed company needs to ensure that it is producing and marketing pure inbred or hybrid seed. A fish hatchery needs to verify that its salmon or trout are free of Myxobolus cerebralis which causes whirling disease. A rancher needs to verify parent/offspring relationships of his animals. What do all of these requirements have in common? They can all be satisfied with molecular genetic screening performed by Biogenetic Services, Inc. using either protein or DNA based technology.

Two methods are used to verify the presence of GMO/GEO in seeds, plants, food ingredients, finished food products, and other commercial commodities or products important to agriculture production and marketing:

ELISA protein antibody tests are being used primarily separate GMO grain from non-GMO grain foods.. These tests allow for a relatively rapid turnaround time, ELISA is however limited to protein of specific events (e.g. Bt or RR). Strip tests and ELISA tests are not useful for detecting "any GMO" in a commodity or product.

DNA tests using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is mostly used for breeding, production and marketing decisions involving seed, grain, food ingredients, and finished food products. This method is more sensitive, accurate, and robust. It is very rare that false positive or negative results is obtained from this type of analysis and as a result It is often the prefered method for detecting GMO's.

DNA diagnostics also plays a major role in disease detection and identification in the field of agriculture. Internationally, the monitoring and early detection of plant diseases caused by parasites or viral and bacterial agents, now rely heavily on DNA testing. As agriculture is a major contributor to the economy of Jamaica and other countries in the region it is very important that we protect this industry from diseases. Extensive monitoring of imported agricultural products at our ports is key to the protection against imported diseases as well as the prevention of exporting our inherent diseases to other countries.

DNA identification techniques is applied in the identification and characterization of strains of agricultural products as well as modernize breeding programs to search for new and more valuable lines. With the advent of genetically modified products (GMO’s), the ability to detect and monitor the movement of these products throughout the region also becomes vital. Coming soon.