Hi.  I have an unknown fig tree that I'd like to get DNA tested for no particular reason other than it is special
to me.  I've Google searched F4F and the internet and have found very little.  Searched to USDA website
for a contact and couldn't find any.  Does anyone know who I can contact to get this done?  Approximate Cost?  
Thanks for any help.  :)

Hey Danny I am sorry I cannot help you, but you should tell us why the fig is so important to you, I bet it is a great story!

The research director at USDA Davis told me recently that they weren't currently doing any DNA testing and that it would be too much work or too costly to get started for something I wanted tested.  They use SSR markers which I'm told is an old method and don't test that many markers.  Since May 2013 the number of DNA sequences showing up on the international genbank has skyrocketed from 360 to over 17,000 but somebody needs to determine which markers to be sampling for identification purposes.  A friend who works in genetics is keeping an eye out for anyone she thinks may be able to help.

Rafael - It's becoming a great story... hopefully with a happy ending.  I'll tell it when the time is right.

Harvey - Thanks for the response.  Is the USDA the only ones involved with DNA testing of figs or are there others that you know of?

Danny, not that I know of.  The most recent additions to the genbank database have come from researchers in Japan studying differences between common figs and caprifigs and from researchers in Israel studying Brown Turkey.  Like I said, I wanted to get something tested myself and am hoping a friend can find someone for me but I'm not holding my breath.  I was told that most work is done with annuals as seed companies make money from it.  Something like fig isn't very appealing to companies since there really isn't a source of revenue.

I wonder if there is some feature of a known fig cultivar that could be tested short of a DNA analysis that could determine it's identity. Of course, a data base would need to be established, but if some features or collection of features could be easily tested, that would obviate the cost and need and then venders could certify their inventory and buyers could verify their purchases.

I don't believe so.  Even figs of the same appear different in different environmental conditions.  USDA's geneticist at Davis (Malli) told a group of us (Jon, Sue, Marci, and myself) about five years ago about how DNA expresses itself differently in different environmental situations.  What is done in some breeding (not necessarily involving GMOs) different traits are associated with different DNA sequences so when new plants are formed then can quickly be tested to see if they carry the desired DNA for whatever characteristics are being sought and, if not, discarded.  DNA testing done at UC Irvine on pitaya in the past year selected a limited number of markers (similar to what USDA Davis had done for figs) but made no effort to determine if the DNA being sampled actually carried any significant traits of the plants.  Maybe research being done elsewhere like Japan or Israel will give some good information in the future.  My friend that works in software systems for genetics has told me that some day there may be a simple handheld device that we can carry out into the field to perform some of these variety confirmations.  Maybe someday....

Darn

So, all a criminal has to do is move to a different environment and not worry about their DNA matching the their DNA at the crime scene, because their DNA would express itself differently?? Am I understanding this correctly?

I think that is correct, if they are a fig.

Wayne, no.  The DNA will not change and DNA would match the crime, but they might look different, grow taller, darker skin, etc.  DNA expresses itself different in different environments but the DNA does not change.

Good explanation Harvey, I just did not want anyone to misunderstand. Thanks.

@ nycfig

hi Danny   why dont you start by doing the easy test...
post some photos of the fig and its  tree leaves and some one here in the forum might know and help you.
best of luck.

Andreas - Wish I could do that right now but I'm dealing with barely rooted cuttings.  It's going to be a few years.

Danny

What about the mother tree? No fotos??

Yes, but that will have to wait until the spring.  The tree died to the ground in the winter and did not start
suckering until the middle of the summer.  Very sad.  For the most part the tree is out of view for photos, 
being screened by weeds and other sorts of growth.  It is growing in a very tight area and the best I could
have done was take pictures of the dead tree and suckers from angles very close to the base.  The photos 
would not have added anything of value which would aid in ID.  I will have access to the tree again in late
spring.  That is when I will clear away the overgrowth, fertilize and mulch.  I'm hoping there will be some
good leaves by then.