This volume offers a comprehensive collection of experimental approaches to study Solanum tuberosum (potato). Chapters are divided into five sections covering a general overview of potato, the research fields of molecular biology, omics approaches, and bioinformatics, and finally, the application of the generated knowledge for crop improvement. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each wet-lab chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and practical, Solanum tuberosum: Methods and Protocols aims to provide a collection of methods for the potato research community that will enable scientists gain insight into the world of the potato. Chapter 2 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This volume offers a comprehensive collection of experimental approaches to study Solanum tuberosum (potato). Chapters are divided into five sections covering a general overview of potato, the research fields of molecular biology, omics approaches, and bioinformatics, and finally, the application of the generated knowledge for crop improvement. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each wet-lab chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and practical, Solanum tuberosum: Methods and Protocols aims to provide a collection of methods for the potato research community that will enable scientists gain insight into the world of the potato. Chapter 2 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

The detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is becoming very complex, with new GMOs, approved and unapproved, constantly entering world markets. Traceability and labelling of GMOs is defined in regulations worldwide, demanding accurate and reliable testing to support the requirements of legislation.

ThisBrief provides the current state-of-the-art on all key topics involved in GMO testing and is a source of detailed practical information for laboratories. Special focus is given to qualitative and quantitative real-time PCR analysis relevant to all areas where detection and identification rely on nucleic acid-based methods. The following topics, important for testing laboratories, are also discussed: organization of the laboratory, focusing on aspects of the quality system and methods for testing, validation and verification of methods, and measurement uncertainty. The Brief also discusses the new challenges of GMOs and novel modified organisms, using new technologies, and the possible solutions for GMO detection, including bioinformatics tools. Finally, legislation on GMOs and sources of information on GMOs are provided, which are relevant not only to testing laboratories, but to anyone interested in GMOs.

The authors of this Brief have many years of experience in GMO testing, development of real-time PCR methods, implementation of quality system requirements, validations and verification of methods, and measurement uncertainty. The National Institute of Biology is a highly qualified research laboratory and a National Reference Laboratory, which also performs routine analyses of food, feed and seed. The Institute for Health and Consumer Protection of the European Union Joint Research Centre has extensive knowledge and experience of GMO detection. It hosts the European Union Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed in addition to chairing the European Network of GMO Laboratories.

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