An inexpensive and rapid genomic DNA extraction protocol for rosaceous species

Abstract

SummaryThe development of high-throughput DNA genotyping, as part of marker-assisted selection and other DNA-based applications, has led to the need for a cheap, rapid and simple method for extracting genomic DNA (gDNA) from plant material. Commonly available gDNA extraction protocols do not provide consistently good quality gDNA from a wide range of plant species, particularly those in families such as the Rosaceae, which contain variable concentrations of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds. Furthermore, although commercial DNA extraction kits are widely available, they are expensive for the preparation of large numbers of DNA samples. Here, we present an improved gDNA extraction method which we have tested on 12 different species from the family Rosaceae: apple, apricot, blackberry, strawberry, peach, sweet cherry, sour cherry, pear, plum, red raspberry, quince, and almond. The method employs a novel lysis buffer which is a crucial step in obtaining high quality gDNA. It does not require expensive or toxic reagents and can be performed in the open laboratory, rather than in an air-flow hood. The method is reliable and produces good quality DNA that can be used in a variety of DNA-based studies.