Hi everyone- Currently I am optimizing my PCR conditions for cpDNA amplificationof bamboo species. I'm using primers of cpDNA regions: rps 16 Q , rps 16 intron, ndf, trnD-T, trn C-B- I tried using thermal gradient modifications to get perfect band but still I'm getting no band and fade bands which is below 100 bp (should be at least 800 bp)- The DNA templates that I'm using here -DNA extracted from bamboo species ( collected at 2012 & 2013)- According to my co-researchers-my extracted DNA gel image are showing degraded bands but they said its still can be used for PCR since the nanometer readings showing good concentration and quality thing. I add distilled water instead of TE to dilute my primers. Is it got any big effect on the primers? I repeat the PCR with new PCR buffer, dNTP mixtures, +/- DNA templates,+/- the PCR cycles-but still no bands. My denaturing tempearture is 95C for 30 s, annealing (depend on the primers), extensions 1 min for 35 cycles.  Any suggestions guys-Need some major help here because only left two months for my whole project.