Establishment and application of a qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method for detecting genetically modified papaya line 55-1 in papaya products

Genetically modified (GM) papaya line 55-1, which is resistant to PRSV infection, has been marketed globally. Prompt and sensitive protocols for specific detections are essential for the traceability of this line. Here, an event- and construct-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was established to detect 55-1. Qualitative detection was possible for fresh papaya fruit up to dilutions of 0.005% and 0.01% for the homozygous SunUp and heterozygous Rainbow cultivars, respectively, in non-GM papaya. The method was applied in the qualitative detection of 55-1 in eight types of commercially processed papaya products. Additionally, papaya products were monitored to distinguish GM papaya using the P35S and T-nos RT-PCR detection methods. As expected, detection capacity was improved via modified sample preparation and the established RT-PCR detection method. Taking these results together, it can be suggested that a suitable method for the extraction and purification of DNA from processed papaya products was established for the detection of GM papaya.