Biotech Updates

Identification of Transgenic Tomatoes Using Non-Destructive Techniques

May 11, 2007

Results of a recent study showed that tomatoes can be classified either as transgenic or non-transgenic by using visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics techniques. These non-destructive methods may have potential use in commercial and regulatory applications. The detection methods may likewise avoid the time-consuming, costly, and laborious chemical and sensory analyses.

Researchers in China’s Zhejiang University, have demonstrated the utility of Vis/NIR spectroscopy by correctly identifying all of the transgenic tomatoes in a sample lot with conventional tomatoes. The transgenic tomato variety has the antisense ethylene receptor gene LeETR1, a gene that delays ripening.

The paper published by the Journal of Food Engineering, is available for subscribers at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2007.02.062.