Applied DNA Sciences is doing important work for the high-grade cotton industry. The company has developed a DNA-based testing method that can accurately distinguish different types of cotton. Pima cotton is a highly sought-after, higher-priced product than traditional (also known as “Upland”) cotton. It is known for its excellent fiber length, and strength.
In the past, it was easy for Upland cotton growers to pass their product off as the superior Pima cotton. It became such an issue for Pima farmers that The American Pima Cotton Growers Association sought out Applied DNA Sciences for a solution. The company has just received the last research and development payment from Supima (stands for Superior Pima), a promotional arm of the Pima grower’s association. This represents the completion of the development of the tests, and will serve to protect the integrity of the Pima farmer’s operation.
Benjamin Liang, chief technology officer of Applied DNA Sciences, stated: “We have been successful in developing a genetic assay to distinguish between Pima (including Supima) and Upland cotton in fiber and fabric. The proprietary, patent-pending methodologies are very specific and robust and similar to what has been used to track human lineage of archaeological remains. This test, being marketed as FiberTyping™, can now be used to authenticate products for Supima, distinguishing Pima cotton from Upland cotton.”
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