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Varietal Genetic Methods

 
 
Traditionally, fruit varieties are identified based on visible characteristics such as shape, color, or taste. However, these phenotypic traits alone are often insufficient for precise identification. This is where genetic fingerprinting comes in: it enables accurate variety identification by comparing genetic data with reference databases.

A key advantage of this molecular genetic method is its flexibility. The analysis can be performed regardless of the season or the plant's growth stage. Even small amounts of plant material such as leaves, bark, or roots (excluding seeds and flowers) are sufficient for the examination.

In Switzerland, the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) has established or is in the process of building reference databases for various fruit types. To ensure compatibility with these databases, all analyses must follow the same method — using microsatellite marker sets.

Ecogenics employs this standardized procedure and aligns its approach with the FOAG guidelines. This ensures reliable and consistent genetic data analysis for the clear identification of fruit varieties.

 
 

Overview



Variety Identification Service

Our variety identification service supports two possible scenarios:

  • Direct Comparison: Two samples are compared, with one sample serving as a reference variety based on previous genetic and/or phenotypic descriptions.
  • Database Comparison: The unknown genetic fingerprint of a sample is compared with a reference database for identification.


Variety Identification for Small Sample Quantities
Twice a year, we offer variety identification for smaller sample batches (1–39 samples per fruit type). The deadlines for these analysis rounds are June 15 and September 15. To ensure your samples are included in the respective round, they must arrive at our facility before the deadline. Late submissions will be stored and processed in the following analysis round.

Sample Material and Fruit Types
We accept leaves only as sample material for analysis. Our variety identification service is available for the following fruit types:

  • Apple
  • Pear
  • Cherry
  • Apricot/Nectarine/Peach
  • Plum/Prune
  • Quince


For more information on the marker systems used, visit our Marker Systems page. Details on reference lists can be found under Databases.

Analysis and Results
We generate a genetic fingerprint for each sample and compare it with the relevant database. You will receive the genetic data along with information on potential matches. Results are delivered within 2 to 3 months after the respective deadline.

Contact
Would you like to learn more about our variety identification service or the ordering process? Please fill out our contact form.

 

Marker Systems

Databases