2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Develop a set of standardized genetic markers for coca DNA that will make it possible to conclusively identify the different coca species in Colombia. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 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. 3.Progress Report This interagency agreement provides funds to develop molecular markers and conduct the genetic diversity analysis of Erythroxylum species. Once identified, the molecular markers will be validated and screened for their ability to show differences within specific populations of coca plants. This project was started in January of 2009 and the initial development stages have started. Through this project, new plant material will be acquired in July for the Beltsville collection. This project was monitored by e-mail, and phone calls between the principal investigator and the principal collaborators listed for this project.