Ctab vs. Column-Based Dna Extraction From Old Herbarium Material

Abstract

Herbarium specimens have become a major source of information in molecular research of biodiversity. However, getting good DNA samples from old herbarium specimens is still a challenge. The purpose of this project is to test different DNA extraction methods for old material from herbaria that often exhibit high DNA fragmentation. We compared a CTAB-based DNA extraction that is followed by a clean-up with paramagnetic beads with a modified NucleoSpin Plant II protocol, based on silica columns. Our results demonstrate that silica column-based methods have less problems with contamination by polysaccharide and polyphenolic compounds. Taking practical considerations into account, the columnbased method is better especially when trying to reduce the amount of leaf tissue used since handling with a tiny pellet makes CTAB difficult.

DNA extraction from old herbarium material of Veronica subgen. Pseudolysimachium (Plantaginaceae)

“…However, testing of these additional methods is beyond the scope of the current project. Our preliminary results (see Höpke, Albach, 2018) were briefly reported at the International Conference 'Herbaria and Phytodiversity Conservation' (3-5 October 2018, Lviv, Ukraine). Here we provide a full report.…”