IITA MUSA IMPROVEMENT – MOLECULAR BREEDING STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) FOR ON-STATION BANANA LEAF SAMPLING, HANDLING, AND PROCESSING FOR DNA EXTRACTION

Genotyping involves studying an organism’s genetic makeup based on its DNA. Banana leaves are commonly used for DNA extraction due to their abundance, accessibility, and the relatively high yield of DNA they provide. Proper leaf sampling and handling are important for the yield and quality of the DNA extracted.
Banana experiments can be located near the research station, where the collected samples are taken to the molecular laboratory (hereafter referred to as “the lab”) on the same day for processing. Alternatively, the banana fields can be located away from the research station, and the collected samples cannot be processed or kept under cold conditions. This protocol covers the former situation, where samples are collected and handled in the lab for optimum DNA yield and quality.