An event-specific qualitative and real-time PCR detection of 98140 maize in mixed samples

The purpose of this study is to establish a reliable detection method specific for event 98140, a type of multiple herbicide-resistant corn. Based on the 3′- flanking sequence of event 98140, qualitative and quantitative PCR detection assays were developed. The results revealed the LOD of 0.05% of GM maize for qualitative PCR assay and 4 transgenic haploid genome copies for quantitative PCR assay used in this study. The LOQ was 20 transgenic haploid genome copies, and based on this, as low as 0.05% of 98140 genomic DNA could be accurately and quantitatively detected by means of the quantitative method. Two mixed corn samples, with known 98140 contents (2% and 0.5%), were used to verify the developed real-time PCR system, and the expected results were observed. The results indicated that the developed event-specific PCR methods could be used for the identification and quantification of maize line 98140.