Sign in Subscribe
Genetic research

Sweet Orange Origin Detection Method Developed

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Catania have developed a method for detecting the origin of sweet orange plants and derived products using molecular markers. This new approach has the potential to improve traceability along the supply chain. The method involves whole-genome sequencing of sweet orange accessions and the use of high-resolution melting assays to identify unique single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The researchers claim that their method can detect juice blending with other sweet orange varieties and can be employed by growers and the food processing industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers identified 13 group-specific SNPs and 30 genotype-specific SNPs that can be used to trace the varietal correspondence of plants and fruit-derived products.
  • The high-resolution melting assay was able to accurately identify SNPs in different food matrices, including leaves, hand-squeezed and commercial fresh-squeezed juices, processed orange juices, and beverages.
  • The identified SNPs can be used to detect juice blending with other sweet orange varieties with a detection limit of 5%.
  • The method was tested on a subset of 81 genotypes held in three ex-situ collections in Italy and Spain.
  • The researchers used whole-genome sequencing of 29 accessions representing the four varietal groups of sweet orange (i.e., Common, Navel, Acidless, and Pigmented) to detect unique SNPs.

Statistics:

  • 29 accessions of sweet orange representing the four varietal groups were sequenced.
  • 13 group-specific SNPs and 30 genotype-specific SNPs were identified.
  • 81 genotypes were tested using the high-resolution melting assay.
  • The detection limit of the assay for juice blending was 5%.
  • The method was tested on different food matrices, including leaves, hand-squeezed and commercial fresh-squeezed juices, processed orange juices, and beverages.

Sources:

  • "High Resolution Melting DNA analysis for the traceability of plants and juices of blond and pigmented sweet orange." Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2025, 21(): 101755. doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2025.101755
  • NewsRx. Study Findings on Agriculture and Food Research Reported by Researchers at University of Catania (High Resolution Melting DNA analysis for the traceability of plants and juices of blond and pigmented sweet orange). Life Science Weekly. June 24, 2025; p 4175.

Read more