Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS)-PCR for Waxy Sorghum Authentication with Single-Nucleotide Resolution

Waxy sorghum has greater economic value than wild sorghum in relation to their use in food processing and the brewing industry. Thus, the authentication of the waxy sorghum species is an important issue. Herein, a rapid and sensitive Authentication Amplification Refractory Mutation System-PCR (aARMS-PCR) method was employed to identify sorghum species via its ability to resolve single-nucleotide in genes. As a proof of concept, we chose a species of waxy sorghum containing the wx(C) mutation which is abundantly used in liquor brewing. The aARMS-PCR can distinguish non-wx(C) sorghum from wx(C) sorghum to guarantee identification of specific waxy sorghum species. It allowed to detect as low as 1% non-wx(C) sorghum in sorghum mixtures, which ar one of the most sensitive tools for food authentication. Due to its ability for resolving genes with single-nucleotide resolution and high sensitivity, aARMS-PCR may have wider applicability in monitoring food adulteration, offering a rapid food authenticity verification in the control of adulteration.

Automated summary

Waxy sorghum is more economically valuable than wild sorghum in food processing and brewing industry. The aARMS-PCR method can accurately identify sorghum species by resolving single-nucleotide in genes, with the ability to detect as low as 1% non-wx(C) sorghum in mixtures. It may have wider applicability in monitoring food adulteration and providing rapid food authenticity verification.