Capacity building for genetically modified organism (GMO) detection in West Africa: Identifying a circulating GMO maize variety in Mali

DNA-based methodology employing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has been successfully used to examine the incidence of genetically modified (GM) maize in Mali. This study aims to ascertain whether screening elements could also be used to detect GM maize. Fourteen maize varieties and one unknown dark color seeded variety from Mali were tested. DNA was extracted from three seeds of each variety. Three screening elements were used for qPCR amplification, the 35s promoter of the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), the nopaline synthase (NOS terminator) from Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the 35s promoter from the Figwort mosaic virus (FMV). The 14 varieties were negative for P35s CaMV (forward) and T-NOS (reverse) markers. In contrast, the unknown dark color seeded variety was positive with 94 bp PCR product. While, no DNA fragments were amplified using the FMV as the screening element. These data were supported by Ct values in which the 14 varieties had values above 50; whereas, the unknown variety showed values of 24.5 for P-35s-CaMV and 30 for the T-NOS. The study demonstrates the ability in detecting GM maize using screening elements and the usefulness of our laboratory in training and reinforcing regional concern about GMO circulation. Key words: Genetically modified organism (GMO) detection, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), capacity building, maize, Mali.