Abstract
Species-specific PCR primers were developed from intergenic spacer regions of 5S ribosomal
RNA genes and used successfully in the detection of adulteration of cashew husk (Anacardium occidentale L.) in tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] samples. This is the first report of detecting adulteration in tea
using molecular tools. Application of this approach in detecting adulteration of other
biological materials in tea, medicinal herbs and the composition of admixtures of
ayurvedic herbs has been discussed.
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Mahipal Singh, Ph. D.
Agricultural Research Station
Fort Valley State University
1005, State University Drive
Fort Valley
GA 31030
USA
Email: mahipal55@hotmail.com
Fax: +1-478-825-6376
