Novel method to detect a construct-specific sequence of the acetolactate synthase gene in genetically-modified flax...

During the fall of 2009, a trace of unauthorized genetically modified (GM) flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) line, CDC Triffid, which is resistant to sulfonylurea herbicides, was detected in many countries including Japan. A method to reliably identify the CDC Triffid line was urgently required. We developed a novel construct-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to identify the mutant acetolactate synthase gene in the CDC Triffid line. We confirmed that the method can detect 0.001% GM flax in DNA mixing solution. The study shows that the developed method is specific, sensitive and reliable way to monitor a trace of CDC Triffid.