Hi there,
I am having trouble extracting DNA from the Scrophulariaceae genus Diascia using Thermo scientifics GeneJet DNA extraction kit. I have tried modifying the protocol by increasing the incubation time from 10 to 30 minutes and the elution time from 5 to 10 but have had no luck.
Is there perhaps a kit more suited to the extraction of DNA from herbarium specimens? or perhaps other modifications to the protocol that I could attempt.
Any help is appreciated!
The results will depend on storage conditions of herbarium specimens and your special needs for current research. DNA in dried plants is often fragmented. Also, it can be damaged by some chemicals and heating to kill insects. But if you have not a need to get very long fragments or whole genome, in most cases you would get it isolated and amplified successfully. I used CTAB with several modifications and Qiagen DNAeasy Plant Kit with good results for 90 years old herbarium specimens (600-800bp. length)
Dear Wesley,
Will you please contact Dr. Carole Sinou ?
She has done molecular studies based on herbarium specimens.
I have attached one of her publications.
However, she takes time to reply.
Best wishes,
Subir.
Dear Subir,
Many thanks for the publication and the advice. I will most definitely contact her.
Kind regards,
Wesley
The results will depend on storage conditions of herbarium specimens and your special needs for current research. DNA in dried plants is often fragmented. Also, it can be damaged by some chemicals and heating to kill insects. But if you have not a need to get very long fragments or whole genome, in most cases you would get it isolated and amplified successfully. I used CTAB with several modifications and Qiagen DNAeasy Plant Kit with good results for 90 years old herbarium specimens (600-800bp. length)
Dear Andrii,
Thanks for the advice!! The vouchers I am attempting to extract from have not been poisoned, so that should not be an issue. I am looking at single regions. I will attempt to use the qiagen kits and hope for the best!
Hi Wesley,
I would suggest trying one of the kits developed for forensic studies, they perform reasonably well with old and destroyed material. We normally use one of those if working with tiny samples. Just an idea...
Good luck in any case!
- Badges
- Science method