Rice Variety Identification Through DNA Analysis

OMIC USA Inc. Rice Variety Identification Almost half of the world’s population consumes rice as a primary source of complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients. Rice plants are found in diverse growing conditions with a broad range of genetic diversity as reflected in the large number of varieties existing today.

It is estimated that there are more than one hundred thousand rice varieties — some with unique characteristics and tastes like Calrose, Jasmine, and Basmati. These varieties are synonymous with premium brand names and quality in the marketplace. Varietal adulteration with intent to gain premium-brand quality is still a delicate and challenging problem, and the need to protect the purity of these premium varieties is often a major factor in corporate business decisions.

OMIC USA, Inc. offers two levels of rice verification services: 1) the initial verification of variety — a qualitative screen where a positive verification of a given sample is established, and 2) the determination of contaminant — a quantitative assay to determine percent contaminant of known or unknown variety. Level 2 verification relies on the findings of the initial variety verification. Based on statistics and the available unique set of markers, we offer two types of quantitative assay analysis options, one at forty-eight (48) kernel level and the other at ninety-six (96) kernel level; statistical enumeration and sensitivity of detection differentiates the two.

We use simple sequence repeats (SSRs) that frequently exhibit variations in the number of repeats at a locus. Because of their abundance and inherent potential for variation, SSRs have become a valuable source of genetic markers. A set of selected SSR markers that was developed in-house and integrated into our rice verification program can differentiate between seventy-four (74) Japanese rice varieties and nineteen (19) California rice varieties.

Japanese Rice Varieties
Aichinokaori Ajikodama Akebono Akigeshiki Akiho Akinishiki Akinouta Akitakomachi Aoinokaze Asahi Asahinoyume Asanohikari Chiyonishiki Daichu Dontokoi Fusaotome Gohyakumangoku Goropikari Gunma-mochiNo.5 Haenuki Hakucho-mochi Hanaechizen Hananomai Hatsuboshi Hatsushimo	Himeno-mochi Hinohikari Hitomebore Hiyoku-mochi Hohohonoho Horei Hoshinoyume Kakehashi Karinomai Kazenoko-mochi Kibinohana Kinuhikari Kirara-397 Koganehikari Koganemasari Kogane-mochi Koganenishiki Koigokoro Koshihikari Koshiibuki Manamusume Matsuribare Menkoina Minamihikari Miyamanishiki	Mutsuhomare Nakateshinsenbon Nanatsuboshi Natsuhikari Nipponbare Okiniiri Omachikane Oseto Reiho Sasanishiki Satonouta Shirayukihime Tsugaruroman Tsukinohikari Tsukushiaka-mochi Wasejiman Yamahoushi Yukihikari Yukinosei Yumeakari Yumehikari Yumeminori Yumeohmi Yumetsukushi
California Rice Varieties
Akitakomachi Calhikari-201 Calmati-201 Calmochi-101 Hitomebore Kogane-mochi Koshihikari	L-204 L-205 M-103 M-104 M-201 M-202 M-204	M-205 M-401 M-402 S-102 S-201

Customer samples can be drawn during any stage of the production process — from seed to export shipment stages — depending on client needs. Samples measuring 500g or greater should be submitted. Upon completion of analysis, OMIC USA Inc. will issue a "Certificate of Analysis" verifying this sample.

Certification of Variety by DNA Analysis & Identity Preservation Documentation for Japanese Packaging Labels

This option provides customers with certification intended for merit labeling purposes. It allows the name of the rice variety to be printed on consumer packaging in accordance with Japan Agricultural Standard (JAS) regulations. OMIC USA Inc. verifies the rice variety by 1) analyzing the DNA of the composite sample (of the rice to be shipped to Japan) and 2) tracing the identity of the rice from seed to export shipment by reviewing identity preservation documents provided by the shipper: Declaration of Seed Usage (Grower's Statement) and Declaration of Lot Identity Preservation (Applicant's Statement).

In the case of U.S.-grown rice, if the Declaration of Lot Identity Preservation (Applicant's Statement) is submitted with the composite sample, other documentation is not required.

This analysis is performed in conjunction with the Food Safety Inspection required by the Food Department of Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).