Applied DNA Sciences, USDA enter R&D pact

DNA-security developer Applied DNA Sciences, Stony Brook, N.Y., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have entered a cooperative research and development agreement to identify cotton species and cultivars (subspecies), using Applied DNA’s fiberTyping®.

FiberTyping will genetically verify multiple types of individual cotton cultivars and assist the cotton industry in protecting quality, traceability and economic investments, a company representative said. For example, enhanced fiberTyping will be able to differentiate cotton based on country of origin and could ensure that cotton from countries known to use child labor would not be incorporated into tested products.

Applied DNA provides DNA-based supply chain, anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft technology, product genotyping and product authentication solutions. The agreement will enhance Applied DNA’s proprietary identification methods of cotton species and cultivars, collectively.

The USDA, through its Agricultural Research Service, Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture Research Unit, works to expand knowledge of the genetics and molecular biology of cotton.