The use of AFLP in sturgeon identification

In this study a multilocus approach through Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) was applied to species identification of sturgeon commercial products (meat and caviar) and to identification of interspecific hybrids. Species identification of commercial products was simply performed by comparison of electrophoretic profiles with those of referring species. Concerning interspecific hybrids, the simultaneous occurrence of the diagnostic bands fixed in the parental species and a cluster analysis on both fixed and polymorphic bands allowed a correct identification. The results strongly suggest that this technique is highly suitable for analysis of market products as well as precise identification of species and interspecific hybrids.