A rapid method for tissue collection and high-throughput isolation of genomic DNA from mature trees

Abstract

Collection of tissue and subsequent isolation of genomic DNA from mature tree species often proves difficult. DNA extraction from needles, leaves, or buds is recommended in many protocols. Collecting these tissues from mature trees generally requires the use of firearms or climbing if sampling is to be nondestructive. As a result, sample collection is a major expense of many tree-based projects. Tree (and plant) tissues generally contain large amounts of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds that are difficult to separate from DNA. Many methods aim to overcome these problems, with most involving extraction in buffers containing the nonionic detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), f..