Statistical and Empirical Determination of the Optimal Sampling Method for Detecting Non-homogeneously Mixed Living Modified Organisms (LMO) Seeds

Abstract

The seeds of unapproved living modified organism (LMO) have caused environmental problems; therefore, there has been emphasis on intensive quarantine before complete seed import. For developing a proper sampling method, statistical analysis has been applied, but the current methods generally assume a homogeneous seed mixture and none of the studies have investigated a sampling method for the non-homogeneous case. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine an optimal sampling method applicable for an inhomogeneous mixture of LMO and normal seeds. By using both statistical and empirical approaches, we demonstrated that sampling on stratified and systemically compartmentalized positions with a unit size was the best option for the inhomogeneous case. Our results are expected to aid in developing a sampling strategy for practical use in quarantine agency.