DNA Fingerprinting, Plant Identification Services

Jerry Dangl manager, Plant Identification Lab
Foundation Plant Services
(530) 752-7540
[email protected]

The Plant Identification Lab at Foundation Plant Services provides variety identification using DNA Fingerprinting technology for: almond, apple, apricot, cherry, grape, olive, peach, pistachio, plum, strawberry and walnut. The service makes DNA-based variety identification available to the public on a fee-for-service basis. The services is used by nursery managers, growers, processors, breeders and other industry representatives. Services are available only for the above-listed crops.

Because within a given crop, nearly all the DNA of one variety is identical to all other varieties, only small specific regions of the DNA are useful for variety identification. Analysis of a panel of these specific DNA markers produces the DNA profile or "DNA Fingerprint". To identify the variety, the DNA profile of the client's sample is matched to a reference database that is specific to each fruit or nut crop.

The service is available to both domestic and international clients. Dried young leaves are the standard sample, but plant varieties can also be identified using other parts of the plant such as fruit or dormant cuttings. This allows samples to be tested in any season. There is a $50 per sample surcharge for all international samples and all sample types other than leaves dried using our standard protocol. The service does not distinguish between bud-sports (somatic mutations, clones) within a given variety.

Sample collection materials are provided as part of the service. Results are typically ready in three to four weeks. An invoice will be sent with the results after testing is completed.

Grape | Fruit & Nut Trees | Olive | Strawberry

Price: 1-5 samples $355 per sample
6 or more samples $285 per sample