A high-throughput plant DNA extraction method for marker analysis

The use of molecular markers to improve crops depends on the availability of rapid and efficient DNA extraction methods. Here we describe a simple and inexpensive method to isolate plant DNA suitable for RFLP, AFLP, and simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis. This procedure uses stainless steel ball bearings to grind 16 samples simultaneously using a high-speed flask shaker. The method used in routine laboratory exercises yields 120–144 DNA extractions in a day by a single person at a cost of $0.60 (AUD) per sample, doubling the throughput of conventional methods.