A DNA-BASED VARIETAL IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE FOR HOP LEAF TISSUE

Abstract

A DNA-based method was evaluated for varietal identification of immature hop plants. Total DNA was isolated from hop leaf tissue and used as a template for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to produce DNA fragments of various sizes. Specific patterns of DNA fragments were produced from DNAs of different hop varieties when short, random-sequence primers were used to direct the PCR. The unique patterns of DNA fragments produced with certain primers formed the basis for the varietal identification method described. This procedure would be most valuable for testing planting stock before establishing a new hop yard.