Project Number: 1245-21000-264-06
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jan 01, 2009
End Date: Dec 31, 2012

Objective:
Develop a set of standardized genetic markers for coca DNA that will make it possible to conclusively identify the different coca species in Colombia.

Approach:
These coca leaf samples will be used for DNA and RNA extractions, as well as DNA and cDNA sequencing. Selected genes with unique regions from the resulting DNA and cDNA sequences will be used for identifying varietal and species differences. The project will look for short sequence repeats (SSRs) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers. Once identified these marker regions will be validated and screened for their ability to show varietal differences within the coca samples.