Researchers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines have evaluated six methods for extracting DNA from rice seedlings. The researchers were trying to find simple and cheap methods for extracting DNA from rice seedlings to be used in marker assisted breeding programs in research institutes in developing countries.

The six DNA extraction methods that were compared include the IRRI method, which utilizes a sodium dodecyl sulfate extraction buffer followed by chloroform/isoamyl alcohol extraction, the ultra simple method, sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-Tris method, water method, proteinase K method, and TE buffer method. These methods were evaluated in terms of effectiveness for PCR amplification, yield, purity, time required and cost.

The group of D.J. Mackill observed that both the IRRI-developed extraction method and the previously published method using the NaOH-Tris worked best. However, because the NaOH-Tris method is simpler, quicker and cheaper, they recommend it over the standard IRRI method for potential use in many applications of marker assisted selection or high-resolution mapping. The IRRI method costs about $1.375 per sample compared to just $0.486 when the NaOH-Tris method was used.

The abstract published by the journal Plant Breeding, with links to the full paper for subscribers, can be accessed at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1439-0523.2006.01272.x..