Genetic Identification
AGRF currently provides the following microsatellite-based genetic identification services to the agriculture markets:
- Grapevines
- Olives
- Sugarcane (via BSES Ltd).
Please contact us to arrange service provision for the identification of other clonal varieties.
Grape Variety Genetic Identification Test
A genetic identification service to identify or confirm grape varieties is now available through the AGRF. This test was previously marketed by Provisor Pty Ltd.
The test is based on DNA profiling (“fingerprinting”) a sample using microsatellite markers and the result is then compared to a known database.
To download the Microsatellite Identification Database list for Grapevines, please click here.
To enquire about submitting test samples, or to contact us, please click here.
Olive Genetic Identification Test
A genetic identification service for most commercially grown olive cultivars in Australia is now commercially available through the AGRF.
The test is based on findings of the NOVA trial (National Olive Variety Assessment) conducted on behalf of the RIRDC, and concluded in 2005. The study found that over 50 of the most commonly grown varieties had consistent genetic makeup. Only these varieties are covered by the current test, as it was found that the other varieties tested consisted of more than one clonal variety. The final report of the study can be downloaded here here.
The AGRF’s service has been accessed by a number of growers in the past year to aid in conflict resolution and to help resolve pollination difficulties. It is hoped that in the future, the test will be used to verify nursery stock prior to sale.
The cultivars that can be identified by the test are; 177, Amelon, Areccuzo, Ascolano, Atro Rubens, Atroviolacea Brun Riber, Azapa, Barnea, Barouni, Benito, Big Spanish, Black Italian, Blanquette, Blanquette Early, Bouquettier, Buchine, Columella, Coratina, Del Morocco, Dr Fiasci, Frantoio, FS17, Hardys Mammoth, Hojiblanca, Institute, Jumbo Kalamata, Kalamata, Katsourela, Koraneiki, Large Pickling, Leccino, Maniaki, Manzanillo, Mission (WA), Mission (CA), Nevadillo Blanco, Oblitza, Oblonga, Palermo, Pendolino, Pendulina, Picholine, Picual, Pigale, Praecox, Queen of Spain, Regalise de Languedoc, Rouget, Sevillano, Souri, UC13A6, Verdale (SA), Verdale and Volos.
