PCR-RFLP of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene: a simple method fordiscrimination between Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A DNA-based method (PCR-RFLP) has been developed for discrimination between Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for amplification of a 464 bp fra gment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) gene. Diges tion of the products with endonucleases Nci I and Sau 3AI, followed by agar ose gel electrophoresis of the digested products, yielded specific restrict ion profiles that enabled direct visual identification of the species analy sed. This PCR-RFLP methodology allowed clear discrimination of Atlantic sal mon and rainbow trout samples both in raw and smoked products. (C) 1999 Soc iety of Chemical Industry.