Detection of Transgenic Papaya Lines: Extraction Protocol Optimisation and Verification of DNA Quality by PCR Assay

Food matrices are controlled for the presence of authorised and unauthorised GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). Transgenic papaya was developed and approved for the market in the USA. However, authorisation in EC have not been accomplished. Recently, unauthorised GM papaya was catch on EC market. Therefore it is necessary to dispose by an assay revealing genetically modified fruits. High quality DNA is required for the assay. We tested and optimised CTAB, Wizard and spin column based procedure for DNA extraction. We found that CTAB based protocol allows isolation of amplifiable DNA from fresh fruit flesh and stones, whereas spin columns alowed isolation of amplifiable DNA from candied fruits. Modified protocol is described. No transgenic fresh fruit or candied fruit from the market was detected.