fingerprinting

Q: WHAT IS DNA FINGERPRINTING? IS THIS A NEW TECHNOLOGY?
A: DNA fingerprinting is a molecular and bioinformatics technology that allows identification of individuals and family relationships based from a DNA sample. Fingerprinting technology in humans, or DNA profiling, has been in use since the early 1980’s for forensics, paternity testing, and other types of DNA-based identification. FGI adopted this technology in 2020 to provide additional protection for Roundup Ready® alfalfa products.

Q: HOW DOES FGI USE FINGERPRINTING?
A: We use fingerprinting as a tool to characterize and identify our proprietary genetics, and better understand the genetics of products or varieties developed using FGI germplasm. Basically, having genetic fingerprints of our germplasm base allows us to identify in a blind test whether alfalfa seed or plants originated within FGI. It also allows us to infer relationships among alfalfa populations, similar to genealogy and ancestry testing in humans. Another way to say this is that it is a forensics-based approach to tracing and protecting our germplasm through DNA analysis.

Q: WHAT DOES FINGERPRINTING DO? HOW DOES IT PROTECT THE GROWER?
A: By fingerprinting our germplasm, we can confirm that the seed going into the bag has the expected genetic makeup. This provides assurance to the grower that the product is developed from authenticated and quality-checked genetics, and therefore they are getting an added measure of quality and authenticity.

Q: HOW DOES FINGERPRINTING PROTECT THE SEED INDUSTRY?
A: DNA fingerprinting technology brings the power and precision of molecular tools to variety identification and differentiation. It adds to the tools available to product developers to ensure that patented seed varieties are unique. The DNA fingerprint is an objective measure of uniqueness because it is based on reportable DNA sequence information.

Q: HOW AND WHEN IS FINGERPRINTING DONE?
A: To generate a fingerprint for a given variety, alfalfa material is collected, and the DNA is extracted and isolated in a laboratory. The DNA sequence is then determined at over 5000 positions to generate a fingerprint, which is added to FGI’s bioinformatic database projected to represent over 50,000 plants by fall of 2023. Fingerprints are analyzed by statisticians to confirm the expected genetic makeup and relationships to other materials in the database.

Q: IS THERE AN ADDED COST ASSOCIATED WITH BUYING FINGERPRINTED PRODUCTS?
A: No, there is no additional cost associated with fingerprinted products. The fingerprinting process is part of FGI’s product development pipeline and quality assurance, and we will not pass that on to the grower. Growers that buy FGI alfalfa products can rest assured that the product meet strict performance standards, including trait purity and yield.