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Project Q01071 aims to optimise and assess these markers for suitability for use in a quantitative assay. The assay will then be streamlined and the markers which have the most appropriate allelic pattern and provide the most consistent ability to differentiate between rice types will be identified. The markers will then be tested and validated using blind samples.
Owing to its desirable characteristics, such as aroma and flavour, Basmati rice is sold in UK supermarkets at a premium price. This price incentive may lead to substitution or adulteration of Basmati rice with cheaper, lower quality varieties of rice by unscrupulous traders. Work at Nottingham University (Project Q01042) identified a number of microsatellite markers which are of use in distinguishing pure bred basmati, hybrid basmati and long grain rice types. These markers will need to be developed into a quantitative assay.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.