Metagenomics from unprocessed sage leaves from wild collection metagenome

The identity and composition of biotic contaminants (plants and fungi) of two commercial sage samples (Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae) was determined by using ITS1 and ITS2. The main species in both was identified as Salvia officinalis. The spectrum of accompanying plant and fungal species, however, was completely different between the samples. The species composition was also depending on the primer set used what clearly shows the need for harmonization. This NGS approach for quality control is suitable for routine analysis and gives deeper insight into the real species composition of biological contaminations. Therefore, it would allow a better knowledge-based risk-assessment than any other method. However, the method is economically feasible in routine analysis only if a high sample throughput can be guaranteed.