Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeReal
... Today, genetic analysis can clear up many naming confusion and resolves also if cultivars are distinct. ...
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I've noticed that the general public thinks we can just take any life-form, submit it to genetic analysis and determine what species it is. Readers should be warned that at present this is not true: there is no "genetic bar-coding".
Example: if we have a genetic sample that is known to be from citrus, we can determine what citrus species it is derived from, and maybe tell you if it is lemon or grapefruit. We cannot tell you what cultivated variety it is; i.e., distinguish Washington Navel from Robertson Navel.
Worse yet, if we have a genetic sample which we know is from citrus but we give it to a team of experts and don't tell them what it is from (blind study), then many of them will probably decide it is a plant but beyond that there will be a lot of disagreement.