Methods and systems using ftir for plant trait detection and trait introgression

Abstract

Provided are methods and/or systems having advantages of cost effective, time saving, and informative user-friendly characteristics to accomplish trait introgression. The methods provided comprise determining presence of omega-3 fatty acids (for example docosahexanoic acid or DHA; docosapentaenoic acid or DPA; Alpha linolenic acid or ALA; and eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA) using Fourier Transformed Infra Red (FTIR) spectrum. The use of FTIR enables analysis of the oil contained in the seeds using a multivariate-based Mid-FTIR model. The methods and/or systems provided advantages of non-destructive analysis to provide information to facilitate trait introgression and other breeding applications.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for plant trait introgression, comprising,
 (a) a database comprising existing reference Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results for samples containing at least one poly unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and for samples containing no PUFA;   (b) one or more viable plant seed;   (c) a sample holder configured to hold the one or more viable plant seed, wherein the holder is made of non-reflective metal alloy; and   (d) an FTIR spectroscopy instrument comprising a detector cooled using liquid nitrogen, wherein the instrument can detect absorbance at a first absorption band between about 3800 cm-1 wavenumber and about 2600 cm-1 wavenumber.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the instrument can further detect absorbance at a second absorption band between about 7400 cm −1  wavenumber and about 5400 cm −1  wavenumber. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plant seed is a canola seed. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the PUFA comprises an omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acid. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of docosahexanoic acid (DHA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plant seed is a soybean, sunflower, cotton,  Brassica , rapeseed, peanut, corn, wheat, rice, alfalfa, or oat seed. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plant seed is a transgenic plant seed.