Olive Oil Analysis
Agbiolab provides olive oil testing to determine grade based on trade standards specified by USDA and the International Olive Council (IOC). These tests meet the California Olive Oil Council's (COOC) requirements for Extra Virgin Olive Oil Seal Certification and for the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition.
We offer a these olive oil tests to assess quality and grade:
- Free Acidity
- Peroxide Value
- Ultra-violet (UV) Absorbency.
We also provide Total Phenol, which measures antioxidant properties in the oil, a means to assess potential shelf life, classify the oil’s style (robust, medium or mild) and ascertain health benefits.
We provide Sensory Analysis, an assessment of the organoleptic attributes of the oil, which are appreciated through the senses of smell and taste .
The California Olive Oil Council EVOO Seal Certification program requires:
- Production less than 50 gallons: Free Acidity, Peroxide Value
- Production greater than 50 gallons: Free Acidity, Peroxide
Value, UV
The Los Angeles International EVOO Competition requires Free Acidity and Peroxide Value.
See Olive Oil Analysis for further information and pricing.
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Services for Olive Growers and Mills
Olive growers and millers may benefit from measuring parameters in olive fruit, olive paste, pomace or waste water, which impact oil yield and quality:
- Olive Fruit moisture and oil content for optimal harvest time
(fruit maturity).
- Extraction Yield measures the difference in oil content
between the olive fruit and the pomace.
- Olive Pomace testing characterizes this by-product for
downstream uses such as composting or pomace oil extraction.
- Instrument Calibration assays provide reference
measurements for the recalibration of NIR and other instruments.
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Variety Identification
We apply DNA fingerprinting methods to identify cultivars based on molecular plant breeding techniques that were expanded in forensic medicine.
DNA fingerprinting is routinely used for varietal identification in several major field and horticultural crops: grapes, olives, walnuts, plums, melons and others.
Healthy young leaves are usually preferred as samples. DNA is extracted and then subject to amplification, an accelerated, time- compressed multiplication of specific regions of the DNA. By simultaneously analyzing several DNA regions that differ among cultivars, a unique pattern (a "fingerprint") can be assembled and then used to match against established cultivar fingerprints within a database.
We have compiled an extensive database that includes hundreds of varieties from northern and southern Italy, Spain, France, Middle East, Northern Africa, Greece and Australia.
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Plant Disease Diagnosis
Agbiolab specializes in diagnosing prevalent diseases in trees, vines and various crops using PCR and ELISA methodologies. These laboratory techniques, which are sensitive and robust, require scientific training and sophisticated equipment. PCR and ELISA are well-established, proven methodologiess that provide fast and accurate diagnosis of plant pathogens (fungi, bacteria, phytoplasms and viruses) such as anthracnose, Alternaria, and scab in almonds, or Fan Leaf Virus, crown gall, Xylella and vine decline in grape.
PCR and ELISA can be applied to many diseases and crops. We welcome your consultation about diagnosing specific pathogens of concern to you. At Agbiolab we are continually expanding our diagnostic services to cover other trees and field crops, such as rice.
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Plant Genetic Testing
GMO Detection Agbiolab tests can determine the presence of undesirable or adventitious Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in seeds, grains or fruits destined to export or domestic markets, as well as in food stuffs and oils.
Contact us for further information.
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Custom Projects
We can develop tests based on molecular technologies to address specific unmet needs of your agribusinesses. Testing can be integrated seamlessly with your existing production processes and provide you with timely results. We welcome your confidential consultation.
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