Optimized protocol to isolate high quality genomic DNA from different tissues of a palm species

ABSTRACT The application of molecular techniques to tackle ecological and evolutionary questions requires genomic DNA in good quality and quantity. The quality of the isolated DNA, however, can be influenced by the tissue type and the way the sample was conserved and manipulated. Therefore, customizing protocols to improve the DNA isolation and locus amplification is crucial. We optimized a cheap and manual protocol of DNA extraction and microsatellites amplification using five different tissues of a palm species of the brazilian Atlantic Forest. We successfully extracted DNA from all five tissue types. Leaf, stem, and endocarp of non-dispersed seeds presented the highest rates of successful DNA extraction and microsatellite amplification; whereas root, endocarp of dispersed seeds, and embryo showed the lowest quality and quantity. Based on these results, we discussed the implications of using different tissues for studies about seed dispersal, pollination, and population genetics.