DNA bar code to identify indigenous plants

Sandasen MARASINGHE

A DNA bar code system to identify indigenous plants in Sri Lanka has been introduced by the Industrial Technology Institute of Sri Lanka that operates under the Technology and Research Ministry.

Sources said the DNA bar code is a type of genetic ID which uses a part of genetic data of an organism, allowing fast and accurate identification of the species.

Sources said the system has been developed to verify the authenticity of Sri Lanka's plant products in the international market.

It is reported some traders sell substandard products in the international market claiming to be from Sri Lanka. Sources said this system could be supportive to identify substandard products from the genuine Sri Lankan products.