I want to collect leaves from maize and wild grasses from the field but am not sure what method will be best to maintain the integrity of the viral RNA for extraction and RT-PCR. Should I use FTA cards, or liquid nitrogen? If I use FTA cards, how do I crash the grass samples to smear on the cards without contamination, bearing in mind that I will collect a large number of samples in a limited time?
Hi Elizabeth, normally you can collect the leave samples, cool it (don't freeze it) and then go to your lab and go on with your work or freeze-up your samples. Or do you need more than 2 days for sampeling them? I extracted RNA-viruses by sampling them on the field, stored them cool (not more than 2 days) and then go to my lab and worked with it. Cheers, Nadine
I use to Isolate RNA from Finger Millet and Brassica sp. but I Use Sterile DEPC treated( Gloves, scissors ) and after sampling i usually dip the samples in Liquid Nitrogen And I am Getting good results. but i haven't gone for RNA isolation from Virus...
If the samples will take a long time to be processed, it is a good idea to store them in a freezer. I used to store orange tree leaves in a -80oC freezer. RNA isolation with liquid nitrogen shows great results. And like Prakash mentioned, using DEPC treated/RNase free material during RNA extraction is extremely important.
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