The use of plant DNA barcoding coupled with HRM analysis to differentiate edible vegetables from poisonous plants for food safety

摘要: Abstract Poisonous Urobotrya siamensis Hiepko has caused deaths of consumers due to misidentification in several cases past years. The poisonous plant shares the vernacular name Thai “Phak Wan” with two vegetables, Melientha suavis Pierre and Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr. morphology young leaves among these species is also similar. Therefore, consumer safety could be a major concern. We applied DNA barcoding coupled high-resolution melting (Bar-HRM) analysis differentiate from edible species. Four regions barcodes, rbcL, matK, ITS2 psbA-trnH intergenic spacer, were analysed. Bar-HRM primer pairs designed based on variable sites sequence chloroplast matK gene. Distinct temperatures for U. siamensis, M. S. revealed at 77.94 ± 0.06 °C, 77.47 ± 0.06 °C 76.80 ± 0.00 °C, respectively, confidence levels >99%. method sensitively identified as low 0.01 ng template. was capable identifying seedlings or plants local nurseries proved an efficient detection food processed by heat treatment, including 5 min stir-frying 15 min boiling. This study first report showing that concerns effectively differentiated plants. Moreover, may further other vegetables quality control, crop production control processes.