Scaling Up DNA Fingerprinting for Crop Variety Identification
-
From
CGIAR Independent Science and Partnership Council (ISPC)
-
Published on
05.02.18
- Impact Area

DNA fingerprinting is the process through which genetic material is extracted from a sample taken from an individual plant, or population of plants, in a field and then compared to a known set of genetic profiles – referred to as a “library” of reference samples. The individual sample is then matched to its closest reference sample providing a definitive answer to the question of whether the sample is or is not that variety or cultivar. DNA fingerprinting has long been used by breeders and geneticists, but it is starting to be used by economists and social scientists as a tool for data collection. There are two reasons for this: The first is that the per-unit cost of analysis is coming down (See Figure 1); the second is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate varieties based on phenotypic (observable) characteristics.
Related news
-
IRRI and ICRISAT Set a Joint Vision to demonstrate Integrated Seed Systems for Dryland Farming in South Asia
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)25.04.25-
Food security
CGIAR centers align efforts to drive inclusive, impact-oriented research from 2025 to 2027 New Delhi…
Read more -
-
Unveiling a new vision for animal breeding in Africa
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)16.04.25-
Food security
The African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet), a new platform for animal breeding professionals to ad…
Read more -
-
Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in digital agriculture
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)16.04.25-
Food security
Stronger institutional partnerships and knowledge co-creation will accelerate the digital agricultur…
Read more -