African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (9), pp. 693-696, 2 May 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Optimization of FTA technology for large scale plant DNA isolation for use in marker assisted selection

Mbogori MN, Kimani M, Kuria A, Lagat M, Danson JW*

Biotechnology Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kenya.

 *Corresponding authors E-mail: j.danson@cgiar.org. Fax: 254-020-4444144, Tel: 254-733 794997

Accepted 6 February, 2006

Conventional methods for DNA acquisition and storage require expensive reagents and equipments.  Experimental fields located in remote areas and large sample size presents greater challenge to developing country institutions constrained financially.  FTA^TM technology uses a single format utilizing basic tools found in laboratory.  In this study, FTA^TM cards were used to collect over 3000 samples from a field located 130 km and used to screen progeny plants using PCR-marker-assisted selection.  PCR product yields and quality are sufficient for reliable scoring, distinguishing heterozygous from homozygous plants using ABI 3730 sequencer.  Results indicate that this method is faster, easier and in-expensive. 

Key words: FTA^TM, large-scale, DNA sampling, field set up, marker assisted selection.