May 29, 2020
Ambient sample storage system of field-collected insect samples for genomics
- Roland Wouters1,
- Sam Mugford1,
- Saskia Hogenhout1
- 1Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
- Low-cost, high-quality ...
External link: https://youtu.be/L2nlGcUvW14
Protocol Citation: Roland Wouters, Sam Mugford, Saskia Hogenhout 2020. Ambient sample storage system of field-collected insect samples for genomics. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.bgxnjxme
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol in our group for aphids and spittlebugs (froghoppers) and it is working
Created: May 29, 2020
Last Modified: December 12, 2020
Protocol Integer ID: 37582
Keywords: Insect, aphid, field collection, sample storage, DNA extraction, population genomics,
Abstract
Population genomics studies require the purification of high-quality DNA from field collected samples for subsequent analysis. Often it is impossible or impractical to snap freeze collected samples. Alternate storage methods have been used, such as preserving specimens in ethanol or DMSO. However, both are detrimental to the quality of the DNA recovered. We have found that dehydrating field-collected insect samples using silica gel is a simple, cheap and effective alternative. We can recover high quality DNA suitable for short-read sequencing approaches from samples that have been stored with silica gel for up to 8 weeks stored at ambient temperatures- suitable for the most remote field studies.
Here we present a method for the construction of low-cost sample collection and storage tubes from commonly available laboratory consumables.
Materials
1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes
200ul filter pipette tips
Silica gel granulate (0.2-1 mm)
Measure the pipette tip against the Eppendorf tube, and cut off the tip of the pipette tip. The remaining length of the pipette tip should fit inside the Eppendorf tube, with the wide end of the tube fitting tightly against the inside of the tube.
With the tip removed from the tube, add approximately 100ul of silica gel to the tube.
Push the tip into the tube through the silica gel. Close the tube.
When collecting samples, place the insect sample into the wide end of the tip, close the tube lid.