WCR has just launched an Arabica coffee genetic fingerprints

– FIND THE ORIGIN –

On August 15, 2023, the World Coffee Research Organization (WCR) announced the launch of Arabica coffee genetic fingerprints. Public database tools make access to identification, genetic verification and traceability of plant varieties easier than ever. Join 43 Factory Coffee Roaster to explore this new tool!

WCR’s Arabica coffee genetic fingerprints provide publicly available data

WCR has worked with Intertek AgriTech , a laboratory providing laboratory services to the global agricultural industry, with the goal of ensuring the coffee community has immediate access to coffee genetic fingerprinting services. . Experts have carried out validation and fine-tuning of the database and technical processes so that the markers can be used for high-volume applications (typically a minimum of 376 samples). This has enabled WCR’s fingerprinting kit to possess molecular genetic markers that can be analyzed faster and at a lower cost than other genetic markers. Furthermore, the platform makes the data publicly available for use by other providers to develop crop DNA testing services. Using SNP markers freely accessible private and public laboratories verify coffee varieties.

For example, a random farm wants to test the genetic purity of a plant to ensure the accuracy of the variety. The farm owner can collect small pieces of leaves from that coffee plant, sending them to a laboratory for genotyping. DNA was extracted from leaf samples and SNP profiles were read. Then, the sample’s SNP fingerprint was compared with the known SNP fingerprint of the variety in question.

Arabica coffee genetic fingerprints saves the cost of tracing the origin of planted varieties

One of the most important uses of the database is the development of low-cost seed authentication, WCR said. However, current tools require very high costs or are impractical to use on a large scale. The Arabica genetic fingerprint tool was born to serve as an important tool to help farmers save costs in retrieving the genetic structure of planted varieties.

The tool’s database uses 45 molecular markers Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) microscopic genetic variations dispersed through a plant’s DNA sequence to create a unique genetic fingerprint for 23 The most commonly recognized coffee variety in commercial coffee production in Latin America. Additionally, the database developed by WCR’s breeding team builds on the marker panel developed by Dr. Dapeng Zhang – Research Geneticist from USDA ARS. The reference database was validated and refined by World Coffee Research using more than 30,000 leaf samples from trees in six countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Peru) between 2021 and 2016. 2023. Thus, SNP markers are accurate and can be analyzed quickly and at a much lower cost than other genetic markers.

This Arabica genetic fingerprint is a valuable application for farmers. Through databases, coffee growers can quickly and economically authenticate their cultivars, contributing to the transparency and sustainability of the industry.

If you want to experience high-quality sustainable coffees, visit XLIII Coffee – The brand developed from the forerunner 43 Factory Coffee Roaster to discover and enjoy!

Source: dailycoffeenews, WCR

Related articles:

– Maybe you don’t know that coffee grounds can replace construction sand

– How does the roasting process affect the body of a cup of coffee?

– Is ICO’s income benchmarking study for coffee farmers really useful?