May 18, 2026
Version 2
American Beech Tissue Collection for DNA V.2
Version 1 is forked from Eastern Hemlock Tissue Collection for DNA
- 1University of Connecticut
Protocol Citation: Michelle Neitzey, Jill Wegrzyn 2026. American Beech Tissue Collection for DNA. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.14egn6z7ml5d/v2Version created by Michelle Neitzey
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 and it's working
Created: May 04, 2026
Last Modified: May 18, 2026
Protocol Integer ID: 316316
Keywords: genomics, beech, american beech tissue collection for dna step, american beech tissue collection, tissue from american beech tree, american beech tree, metadata in treesnap, american beech this protocol, treesnap, landscape genomics study of climate adaptation, plant computational genomics lab, landscape genomics study, american beech, dna analysis, tissue sample, dna step, genomic, dna, collecting tissue, metadata, researcher, climate adaptation, landscape genomics study of american beech, tissue from american beech, tree, fagus grandifolia, genetic diversity
Funders Acknowledgements:
NSF PRFB
Grant ID: 2410519
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER – FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY; USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
The protocol content here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, clinical, or safety advice, or otherwise; content added to protocols.io is not peer reviewed and may not have undergone a formal approval of any kind. Information presented in this protocol should not substitute for independent professional judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any action you take or refrain from taking using or relying upon the information presented here is strictly at your own risk. You agree that neither the Company nor any of the authors, contributors, administrators, or anyone else associated with protocols.io, can be held responsible for your use of the information contained in or linked to this protocol or any of our Sites/Apps and Services.
Abstract
Steps for collecting tissue from American beech, Fagus grandifolia, for DNA analysis.
The Plant Computational Genomics lab is conducting a landscape genomics study of American beech to assess population structure, genetic diversity, and climate adaptation across the range. This protocol is a step-by-step guide to collect a tissue sample, with metadata recorded in TreeSnap (https://treesnap.org). Trees must be wild/unplanted, but do not need to be disease-free.
Collection Materials
Provided via mail:
- Sample ziplock bags with sample ID card, tea bag, and silica gel packet
- Reusable mailer
- Canada only: APHIS Letter of No Permit
Required, but not provided:
- Smart phone with GPS capabilities. Download and install TreeSnap (App Store or Google Play) onto your smartphone; you will need to create an account. TreeSnap is a free, light weight app for collecting metadata for tree studies.
- Pen or pencil
Recommended, but not provided:
- Fabric measuring tape or other tool for measuring DBH
- Cutting shears or other tool for cutting leaves
- Alcohol or bleach to clean shoes and shears for preventing BLD spread
Finding a site
Choose a site based on these characteristics:
1. You have permission to collect. For managed lands, a permit or permission from the land manager is required. For collecting on private lands, always ask the land owner before collecting.
2. Trees are of wild provenance. Road side botany is fun, but be sure you aren't collecting a planted tree by going down a trail away from where landscaping may be taking place. Only trees of wild provenance will be used in downstream analyses.
3. Ideally at least 8km (5 miles) distant from any other collected samples
Identifying a tree to collect
Select a beech based on these characteristics:
- Adults or established juveniles >10cm DBH (>4" DBH). TreeSnap (step 5) will calculate DBH from circumference for you.
- Regenerating trees should be sampled only if no adult trees can be found.
- Leaf collection is accessible to you by hand, pole pruner, or other tools at your disposal.
If the above conditions are met, then select the healthiest tree. Trees do not need to be disease-free.
Learn how to differentiate from European Beech, which is not native, more likely to be planted, and found in urban areas.
American beech
Collecting tissue
Tissue and metadata collection are integrated in TreeSnap (step 5), but separated here to breakdown this important step. However, you may find it easier to start the TreeSnap observation and add tissue collection information along the way.
- Identify accessible green leaves without BLD or with the mildest BLD symptoms possible.
- Collect 3 leaves from the tree. Make the collection by cutting the leaves off with a knife, shears, or pinching off the leaves.
- Take a picture of the leaves, which will be added in TreeSnap
- Deposit the leaves into the tea bag. Do not pull strings closed, to allow air flow
- Label the sample ID card with your name, date of collection, latitude, and longitude of the tree (available in TreeSnap).
- Close ziplock with silica gel, tea bag with leaves, and sample ID card inside. Simply zip closed the bag without trying to force out all of the air; silica needs a closed area with some air to absorb moisture
- Take a picture of the collection bag with the sample ID card visible, which will be added in TreeSnap
Photo of leaves for TreeSnap
Example completed sample ID card
Photo of collection bag for TreeSnap
Metadata
Metadata should be collected in TreeSnap which allows revisiting the tree, general health characteristics, and a general description of the site. The location coordinates of the tree are automatically saved when you create the entry, so be sure to create the entry next to the tree.
1. Start the observation:
- Open TreeSnap and click on the American Beech button.
- Select "Collection Purpose", then "Adventure Scientists & UConn Beech Leaf Collection"
2. Complete the observation:
- Enter information into each field as applicable. The last photo below is a screenshot overview of the entire survey, but further instructions and details are provided within the app.
- "AS" or "Adventure Scientists" (highlighted in red in the last screenshot) are not applicable to anyone using this protocol. Enter "0"
- "Collection: Photos of Leaves" - add collection bag photo here, until "Collection: Photo of Collection Bag" is added to survey
- "Comments" things to note:
- Potential disease resistant / lingering tree
- Beech leaf-mining weevil (BLMW) presence (only known in Canadian Maritimes)
- Beech scale collected (scale collectors will be notified in advance)
3. Save and upload the observation:
- If you don't have cell phone reception in the field, once you've completed the survey select "Save" --> "Upload Later". The data will be temporarily saved on your phone. After you connect to cellular service or wifi again, open the app and select the yellow pop-up box to upload data to TreeSnap.
- Save the entry and move on the next tree, at least 8km (5mi) away.
Clean your shoes and/or shears with alcohol or bleach to prevent BLD spread.
After you've collected
Please send in samples as soon as possible.
If you're collecting multiple samples over an extended period, keep the samples in a cool, dry area and check the silica color periodically. If the silica turns from orange to mostly green, packets can be reactivated by placing in the oven for 0.5-2.0 hours at 200-250F or microwave for about 5-8 minutes at DEFROST. Don't use over 250F in the oven. Note: Packets may melt with high power oven or microwave. Once cooled, return to the sample ziplock.
Once collections are complete, put sample ziplocks in the mailer. For Canadian collections, include the APHIS Letter of No Permit. Tape the mailer closed and mail the samples to:
Rachel O'Neill
c/o Michelle Neitzey
ESB 209 Unit-3197
67 North Eagleville Rd.
Storrs, CT 06269-3032
Please email notify Michelle Neitzey (michelle.neitzey AT uconn.edu) when samples are mailed. Thank you!