Project: 2008-03. Report - Herbarium specimens: opening the treasure trove
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Date: 2009 Author: Dr Rosie Bradshaw, Dr Arne Schwelm and Mr Tim Owen Publication: Final report Project reference: 2008-03 Full report is available from: |
Executive summary:
An improved method was developed for extracting DNA from pine needles. The best method involved using some components from a commercial DNA extraction kit, along with enzymatic lysis and a simplified purification step. A significant (> 4–fold) increase in yield was obtained using the new method compared to using either of two popular commercial DNA extraction kits. All DNA extracted was tested for suitability for PCR amplification using pinespecific PCR primers.The new extraction method was tested with needles infected with Dothistroma septosporum. It was possible to extract and PCR–amplify both fungal and plant DNA from single lesions. The method was then successfully used to extract DNA from single infected lesions of dried herbarium specimens and will underpin a future PhD project in which these samples will be investigated further.
Full report is available from:
Rosie Bradshaw
Massey University
Private Bag 11222
Palmerston North
