Through systematic comparison of 19 DNA extraction protocols applied to only 2 mg of infected leaf tissue and testing 15 different DNA polymerases, the author could successfully amplify a mitochondrial DNA region (cox2; ,620 bp) from herbarium specimens well over a hundred years old. The author concludes that DNA extraction and the choice of DNA polymerase are crucial factors for successful PCR amplification from small samples of historic herbarium specimens. Therefore a combination of suitable DNA extraction protocols and DNA polymerases, only a fraction of the preserved plant material commonly used is necessary for successful PCR amplification.

In this field the innuPREP Plant DNA Kit convices regarding the yield and reliability and was recommended by the author due to this points.

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