Trait Testing: What is needed? Testing for non-GMO seed lots Emily Dierking, PhD, Genetics Program Director

Topics Non-GMO Testing Why this type of testing is needed DNA-based: RT-PCR Why this type of testing is needed How the testing is conducted

Why is non-GMO testing needed? Provide a quality product To ensure conventional seed is free of GMOs To meet licensing agreement requirements To export Truth in labeling

How is non-GMO testing conducted? 3000 seed test 3 replicates of 1000 seeds each 0.1% (1/1000) detection limit Controls included with every sample Method: Semi-Quantitative Real-Time PCR – DNA based 99% confidence, results reported as positive or negative at 0.1%, for positive results a half-percent interval can be indicated

How is non-GMO testing conducted? All corn GMO events have 35S and/or NOS All soybean GMO events have 35S, NOS, and or P4FMV DNA

What do non-GMO testing results mean? Negative: no GMO presence found Positive: make decisions about rejecting or blending Each company may have a unique threshold European tolerance is 0.9% Sample Information Customer Information

www.indianacrop.org 765-523-2535 dierking@indianacrop.org

GMO Detection Method: DNA-based, RT PCR Quality Standards for DNA Extraction 260:280 ratio Quantified – 200 ng starting DNA Quality Standards for Results Certified reference materials Standards included with each run on the machine 0.1, 0.5, [0.7, 0.9], 1.0, 2.5, 10