Romer Labs' AgraStrip GMO RR test kit granted US approval

Romer Labs announced that its AgraStrip GMO RR Test Kit for the detection of CP4 EPSPS protein has received a performance verification by the USDA and has been approved and granted for official use at the US National Grain Inspection Facilities.

The AgraStrip GMO RR Test is a one-step lateral flow immunochromatographic assay which can detect as little as one transgenic CP4 EPSPS seed in 1,000 seeds and one transgenic CP4 EPSPS leaf in 100 leaves of cotton or corn.

Furthermore, as little as one transgenic CP4 EPSPS may be detected in toasted soy. The expression of CP4 EPSPS transgenic protein in plants results in a resistance to glyphosate, a broad spectrum, non-selective systemic herbicide.

Glyphosate, which is commonly known under the commercial brand name Roundup, is effective in killing all plant types including grasses, perennials and woody plants. As a herbicide, glyphosate works by being absorbed into the plant mainly though its leaves but also through soft stalk tissue. It is then transported throughout the plant, where it acts on various enzyme systems inhibiting amino acid metabolism in what is known as the shikimic acid pathway. Plants treated with glyphosate slowly die over a period of days or weeks, except for the Roundup Ready varieties, which have been genetically modified to resist.

Romer Labs is a niche provider of diagnostic solutions for the agricultural, food and feed industry.