Evaluation and application of an efficient plant DNA extraction protocol for laboratory and field testing

Evaluation and application of an efficient plant DNA extraction protocol for laboratory and field testing 一种用于实验室和现场检测的高效的植物DNA提取方法的评价及其应用 1 first-author 2 1 3 1 2 1 corresp Huixia SHOU, huixia@zju.edu.cn Huixia SHOU, huixia@zju.edu.cn huixia@zju.edu.cn https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6890-5672 State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China Zhejiang Institute of Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou310023, China Zhejiang Institute of Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou310023, China Shanghai YouLong Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai200063, China Shanghai YouLong Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai200063, China Nucleic acids in plant tissue lysates can be captured quickly by a cellulose filter paper and prepared for amplification after a quick purification. In this study, a published filter paper strip method was modified by sticking the filter paper on a polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC) sheet. This modified method is named EZ-D, for EASY DNA extraction. Compared with the original cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method, DNA extracted by EZ-D is more efficient in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification due to the more stable performance of the EZ-D stick. The EZ-D method is also faster, easier, and cheaper. PCR analyses showed that DNA extracted from several types of plant tissues by EZ-D was appropriate for specific identification of biological samples. A regular PCR reaction can detect the EZ-D-extracted DNA template at concentration as low as 0.1 ng/μL. Evaluation of the EZ-D showed that DNA extracts could be successfully amplified by PCR reaction for DNA fragments up to 3000 bp in length and up to 80% in GC content. EZ-D was successfully used for DNA extraction from a variety of plant species and plant tissues. Moreover, when EZ-D was combined with the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method, DNA identification of biological samples could be achieved without the need for specialized equipment. As an optimized DNA purification method, EZ-D shows great advantages in application and can be used widely in laboratories where equipment is limited and rapid results are required. 目的 2 本研究旨在开发一种优化的滤纸法快速纯化DNA技术--EZ-D（EASY DNA），并将EZ-D与聚合酶链式反应（PCR）/环介导等温扩增（LAMP）技术相结合应用于实验室或室外不同类型植物材料的目的基因的快速鉴定，同时对EZ-D方法的DNA提取效率和所提取DNA的完整性和可扩增能力进行评价。 创新点 2 EZ-D试纸条采用PVC塑料板支撑纤维素滤纸，使滤纸在DNA提取过程更加稳定和高效。将滤纸快速提取DNA的技术与PCR/LAMP核酸扩增技术相结合，可应用于转基因植物材料外源基因的鉴定和中药超微粉的鉴伪。对滤纸所吸附的DNA浓度进行了评价。基于EZ-D得到的PCR产物的片段长度和GC含量，评价了经滤纸快速提取的DNA的完整度和可扩增能力。 方法 2 通过比较EZ-D试纸条和文献报道试纸条提取的DNA的扩增结果来评价EZ-D试纸条的优势；通过比较EZ-D和CTAB（十六烷基三甲基溴化铵）方法所提取DNA的扩增结果以及DNA提取时间来评价EZ-D提取DNA的效率；通过单个EZ-D试纸条所吸附的DNA可进行PCR的次数，来评价滤纸吸附的DNA浓度；通过PCR扩增具有不同GC含量或不同长度的基因片段来评价EZ-D提取的DNA的可扩增能力和完整度；使用EZ-D提取不同类型植物材料的DNA，通过观察目的基因的PCR扩增结果来评价EZ-D提取方法的可适用范围。 结论 2 相较于已报道的滤纸条，EZ-D试纸条对植物DNA的提取更高效和稳定；相较于CTAB法，EZ-D试纸条对植物材料DNA的提取所花时间更短，且DNA的扩增效率相近；一个EZ-D试纸条吸附的DNA可以进行至少16次PCR；EZ-D所提取的DNA可用于扩增片段长度达3000bp或GC含量高达80%的基因片段；EZ-D与PCR相结合可对多种植物材料的目的片段进行快速鉴定。 DNA extraction Cellulose filter paper Field test Genetically modified (GM) crops Chinese medicine ultra-fine powder Rapid molecular identification DNA提取 纤维素滤纸 转基因作物 田间检测 中药超微粉 快速分子鉴定 1 Introduction 1 Nucleic acid-based molecular diagnosis assays have increased in use in many fields in recent years, due to their outstanding sensitivity, specificity, and speed ( Liesenfeld et al., 2014 Liesenfeld et al., 2014 ). An essential first step for all subsequent analyses is obtaining DNA of high molecular weight and purity ( Moeller et al., 2014 Moeller et al., 2014 ). For DNA extraction from plants, the cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method is one standard way to isolate high-quality DNA ( Murray and Thompson, 1980 Murray and Thompson, 1980 ). The CTAB extraction protocol has been continuously optimized to reduce the polyphenols and polysaccharides present in plant tissues ( Peterson et al., 1997 Peterson et al., 1997 ; Hou et al., 2005 Hou et al., 2005 ; Moeller et al., 2014 Moeller et al., 2014 ). However, it is still difficult to extract DNA of high quality from plant materials that are rich in secondary metabolites or have a high degree of DNA degradation ( Chen et al., 2014 Chen et al., 2014 ). Moreover, the CTAB method requires high-end instruments, strict and time-consuming procedures, and well-trained personnel. It is time-consuming and cannot facilitate rapid molecular detection when results are needed urgently. Current rapid extraction methods include alkaline lysis and direct-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), both of which shorten the DNA extraction to about 10 min. However, these methods still require controlled heating, centrifugation, and other operations ( Jiang et al., 2013 Jiang et al., 2013 ; Zhang et al., 2017 Zhang et al., 2017 ). Another rapid method uses a disposable polymeric microneedle patch to puncture leaf tissue to extract intracellular DNA. This is suitable for rapid molecular diagnosis of plant diseases, but not for molecular identification of a plant's genetic material ( Paul et al., 2019 Paul et al., 2019 ). A cellulose filter paper purification method was reported for the extraction of DNA from plant tissues for rapid molecular detection ( Zou et al., 2017 Zou et al., 2017 ). The method uses a cellulose filter paper-based stick with a DNA-binding zone and a zone impervious to water, prepared by dipping half of the cellulose filter paper into molten wax. While these cellulose filter paper-based sticks (abbreviated to Z-Dipsticks in the following text) can absorb DNA efficiently, we have observed that when immersed in extraction buffer or a PCR reaction system, the filter paper at the DNA-binding zone readily becomes loose and soft. When this loosened filter paper is immersed in the PCR solution, a large amount of solution is sucked away, resulting in a decline in PCR efficiency. This situation is even more serious when a large number of samples need to be processed at the same time, requiring the test strips to be retained in the extraction or PCR system for a longer time. Here, we present a modified Z-Dipstick plant DNA extraction method named EASY DNA (EZ-D). Instead of imbedding the handle of the test strip with paraplast, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin material is used as the handle of the dipstick, as well as the support of the DNA-binding zone. EZ-D has been successfully used for DNA extraction from a variety of plant species and plant tissues and the DNA is suitable for a wide range of downstream applications including PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The method has great prospects for application in the field or market for easy and fast molecular identification. 2 Materials and methods 1 2.1 Sample materials 2 Six different types of transgenic plants and their corresponding non-transgenic controls were used in this study ( Table 1 Table 1 ). Transgenic plants included: Oryza sativa T51, containing the HPT and cry1Ab/Ac transgenes ( Tuet al., 2000 Tu et al., 2000 ); Zea mays ZC1, containing the cry1Ab and g10-epsps transgenes; Glycine max GC1, containing the cry1Ab and cp4-epsps transgenes; soybean SWEET15, containing the bar transgene ( Wanget al., 2019 Wang et al., 2019 ); soybean ZUTS-33, containing the g10-epsps transgene ( Luet al., 2014 Lu et al., 2014 ); and Larix gmelinii BADH, containing the 35S transgene ( Zhanget al., 2013 Zhang et al., 2013 ). Corresponding non-transgenic controls included the rice line MH63, the maize line HiII, the soybean lines Wandou28, Williams82 and HC-3, and the larch line WM. In addition, four kinds of Chinese medicines, prepared as ultrafine powders from Fritillaria spp. in the Lillaceae family, were used, namely Zhe Beimu (ZB, prepared from Fritillaria thunbergii ), Chuan Beimu 1 (CB1, from Fritillaria unibracteata ), CB2 (from Fritillaria przewalskii ), and CB3 (from Fritillaria delavayi ). According to industry standards, the sizes of the Chinese medicine ultrafine powders were from 25 to 48 µm. Plant species Name of the material Type of the material Content of the transgene cassette 2 Oryza sativa T51 Transgenic rice 35S::cry1Ab/Ac ; 35S:：HPT MH63 Non-transgenic control None 2 Zea mays ZC1 Transgenic maize 35S::cry1Ab ; 35S::g10-epsps HiⅡ Non-transgenic control None 2 Glycine max GC1 Transgenic soybean 35S::cry1Ab ; 35S::cp4-epsps Wandou28 Non-transgenic control None 2 Glycine max SWEET15 Transgenic soybean 35S::bar Williams82 Non-transgenic control None 2 Glycine max ZUTS-33 Transgenic soybean 35S::g10-epsps HC-3 Non-transgenic control None Fritillaria unibracteata CB1 Chinese medicine Without ZB1 gene Fritillaria przewalskii CB2 Chinese medicine Without ZB1 gene Fritillaria delavayi CB3 Chinese medicine Without ZB1 gene Fritillaria thunbergii ZB Chinese medicine With ZB1 gene 2.2 EZ-D stick 2 Whatman cellulose filter paper No. 1 (Whatman, UK) was cut into strips measuring 4 mm×20 cm. A commercial self-adhesive PVC sheet (YouLong Biotech, China) was cut into strips of 44 mm×20 cm. Four millimeters of tape on the bottom of the plastic sheet was peeled off manually and then a filter paper strip was attached to the exposed adhesive area. The plastic sheet with attached filter paper was cut into strips of 2 mm width to form the final EZ-D sticks ( Fig. 1 Fig. 1 a), which consisted of a 2 mm×44 mm PVC waterproof handle with a 2 mm×4 mm piece of Whatman No.1 filter paper on the end of it. After sticking to the PVC sheet, the filter paper was very stable during the experiments. To avoid contamination, filter papers were sterilized prior to the preparation. Only the PVC handle side of EZ-D stick was touched during the preparation. The ready EZ-D sticks were further treated with ultraviolet (UV)-light for 30 min, and then packed. 2.3 DNA extraction using EZ-D 2 The protocol for rapid DNA extraction from biological samples using EZ-D is presented in Fig. 1 Fig. 1 b. Twenty milligrams of young plant tissues (roots, stems, leaves, or flowers) were added to a 2-mL centrifuge tube containing 300 μL of DNA extraction solution (100 mmol/L Tris (pH 8.0), 1 mol/L NaCl, 10 mmol/L ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)) along with two zirconia porcelain balls (Z2359-05, I-Quip, USA). Plant samples were disrupted by hand shaking the tube for 10 s. For ultrafine powder samples, about 10 mg of powder was transferred directly by the EZ-D stick into the DNA extraction solution. Using the stick, the solution was stirred for 10 s. A TL2010S high throughput ball mill (DHS Life Science & Technology, China) was used for grinding a large number of samples or hard samples, such as the needle leaves of larch. In addition, we also tested drilling soybean seeds with a miniature electric drill fitted with a 1-mm diameter bit (P-500-3, Slite, USA) to obtain seed powder from the cotyledons, which allowed the seeds to retain their viability ( Chenget al., 2016 Cheng et al., 2016 ). After disruption, the EZ-D stick was dipped into the plant tissue lysate for 10 s and then transferred into 200 μL of wash buffer (10 mmol/L Tris (pH 8.0), 0.1% Tween-20) for 5 s. The stick was then dipped into the DNA amplification reaction system for 5 s, to elute the DNA. The whole protocol took about 30 s, after which the purified DNA was ready for amplification or other molecular identification. The quality of the DNA extracted by EZ-D was evaluated by a NanoDrop 1000 Lite spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific, USA). The DNA absorbed by the EZ-D stick was finally released by dipping the stick into 20 μL of double-distilled water (ddH 2 O) for 5 s. In this way, we could evaluate the quality of DNA released into the PCR solution. The UV absorption peaks of DNA, proteins, and polysaccharides were at 260, 280, and 230 nm, respectively. The ratios of absorbance at 260 nm to 280 nm ( A 260 / A 280 ) and A 260 / A 230 were recorded to evaluate the purity of DNA against proteins and polysaccharides, respectively ( Varma et al., 2007 Varma et al., 2007 ). 2.4 CTAB DNA extraction method 2 A modified CTAB method was used as the control, to represent a conventional DNA extraction method. One hundred milligrams of plant samples were finely ground using liquid nitrogen. The plant powder was mixed with 700 μL of extraction buffer (2% (20 g/L) CTAB, 0.7 mol/L NaCl, 10 mmol/L EDTA, 50 mmol/L Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 0.5% β-mercaptoethanol, which was preheated at 65 ℃). After 1.5 h at 65 ℃, 700 μL of chloroform was added to the mixture which was rotated gently at room temperature, followed by centrifugation at 12 000 r/min for 10 min. Three hundred microliters of supernatant was transferred to a new tube and mixed gently with 210 μL of isopropanol. After the DNA precipitated, the flocculent DNA was removed and transferred to a new tube and washed twice with 1 mL 75% ethanol. After washing, the DNA was suspended in 100 μL of ddH 2 O and quantified using the NanoDrop 1000 Lite spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific). 2.5 Detecting PCR sensitivity of EZ-D 2 Genomic DNA samples purified by the CTAB method were diluted in series by a factor of 10, with final concentrations ranging from 100 to 0.01 ng/μL. For the detection of PCR sensitivity of EZ-D DNA, dilutions of DNA were prepared by adding 1 μL of genomic DNA with diluted concentrations onto the DNA-binding zone of the EZ-D sticks, followed by washing. The resulting sticks were immersed into a PCR reaction mixture for testing. 2.6 Primer design and PCR reaction conditions 2 Specific primers for each of the genes were designed using the Oligo software (Version 7.0, Molecular Biology Insights, USA). The genes, primer sequences, corresponding amplicon lengths, and GC contents of the amplicons used for the tests are listed in Table 2 Table 2 . Genes bar , HPT , cry1Ab , cry1Ab/Ac , g10-epsps , and cp4-epsps refer to the transgenes encoding phosphinothricin acetyltransferase, hygromycin B phosphotransferase, Bacillus thuringiensis cry1Ab protien, B . thuringiensis cry1Ab/Ac fusing protein, and 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase, respectively ( Luet al., 2014 Lu et al., 2014 ). The primers for other genes were designed as follows: OsbHLH156 , according to Wang SD et al. (2020) Wang SD et al. (2020) ; trnL-trnF , according to Zhao et al. (2019) Zhao et al. (2019) ; ZB1 , according to Li et al. (2014) Li et al. (2014) ; 35S , cry1Ab , and cp4-epsps , according to unpublished work on new transgenic plants. * g10-1 , g10-2 , and g10-3 are three different fragments of g10-epsps . Gene Primer name Primer sequence (5'→3') GC content (%) Amplicon length (bp) 2 bar bar-F GTCAACCACTACATCGAGACAAGC 2 68 2 260 bar-R AGCAGGTGGGTGTAGAGCGT 2 cry1Ab/Ac cry1Ab/Ac-F GGCCATACAACTGCTTGAGT 2 49 2 1000 cry1Ab/Ac-R GCGTTTCCCATAGTTCCATA 2 cry1Ab cry1Ab-F GACAACAACCCCAACATCAACGAGTG 2 65 2 583 cry1Ab-R GGTCGTTGTAGCGGCTGTTGATGGT 2 cp4-epsps cp4-epsps-F TGATCCTCACGCTTCAGGAGATGGGAGC 2 63 2 488 cp4-epsps-R CAGATCCATGAACTCTGGGAAGCTCGTC 2 g10-1 * g10-1-F TCTAAGGTCATCGGAGGCAGTAGCT 2 54 2 604 g10-1-R TAGAGCACAGCCATCCAAGAACTAC 2 g10-2 * g10-2-F TCTCACCTCTGGCACCACTTTCG 2 70 2 703 g10-2-R CCACGTTCTCCCAGGTGGTGT 2 g10-3 * g10-3-F TTTGATGAGCCTTTGTACACAGC 2 39 2 468 g10-3-R AAGCAATAAAATAAAATGAAGACAAGGT 7 g10-epsps 33-F TAATTCGGGGGATCTGGATTTTAGTA 33-R1 CTCTTAGACTCAAGGAATGCGATAGA 44 500 33-R2 AGTACGCTTCCGCCCTTATGTTCCTC 48 1000 33-R3 CTCTTCCAGCTACCTTCGACGTTATC 50 1500 33-R4 GATGTGATATCTCCACTGACGTAAGG 48 2000 33-R5 TCAAAAGGACAGTAGAAAAGGAAGGT 48 2500 33-R6 GGGTTTTCCCAGTCACGACGTTGTAA 48 3000 9 GmActin Actin-F TTTGATGAGCCTTTGTACACAGC Actin-R1 AAGCAATAAAATAAAATGAAGACAAGGT 41 500 Actin-R2 ACCATCCTTAACATTATTTATGT 37 1000 Actin-R3 AGCATCGTCACCAGCAAATCCTG 37 1500 Actin-R4 ATAGATTGGTACAGTGTGACTCA 39 2000 Actin-R5 GGTGGAGCTACAACCTTAATCTT 40 2500 Actin-R6 TACAAAAAGAAAATGGAGGAAAAAGAGAT 40 3000 Actin-F7 TCAATGTGCCTGCCATGTATGTG 2 44 2 246 Actin-R7 CCAGCGAGATCCAAACGAAG 2 HPT HPT-F GAAGTGCTTGACATTGGGGAGT 2 58 2 472 HPT-R AGATGTTGGCGACCTCGTATT 2 OsbHLH156 156-F GGTCGCCGCGCTCGAGGAGGC 2 80 2 360 156-R GCCACGACGCGGTCCGGCGAG 2 trnL-trnF trnL-trnF-F GGGGATAGAGGGACTTGAAC 2 38 2 540 trnL-trnF-R CGAAATCGGTAGACGCTACG 2 ZB1 ZB1-F GCCCTTGAAAGATTCTGGTA 2 43 2 207 ZB1-R AGTTGGTGGACTCACTGG 35S 35S-F GCTCCTACA AATGCCATCA 50 195 35S-R GATAGTGGG ATTGTGCGTCA PCR reactions were performed in a total volume of 20 μL in a reaction mix that contained 10 μL of 2× Taq Master Mix Kit (CWBiotech, China) or PrimeSTAR ® Premix (TaKaRa Biotech, Japan), 0.4 μL of 10 μmol/L primers, 8.2 μL of ddH 2 O, and 1 μL of template DNA (the volume of template DNA transferred from the EZ-D stick was defaulted at 1 μL). The PCR cycling parameters were as follows: initial denaturation at 95 ℃ for 2 min, and then 40 cycles of denaturation at 95 ℃ for 20 s, 55‒60 ℃ for 20 s, 72 ℃ for 20 s, followed by final extension of 72 ℃ for 5 min or 98 ℃ for 2 min, 40 cycles of 98 ℃ for 20 s, 55‒60 ℃ for 20 s, 72 ℃ for 1‒3 min, followed by final extension of 72 ℃ for 5 min. For DNA fragments rich in GC content, the reaction mix consisted of 10 μL 2× GC Buffer Ⅱ, 3.2 μL 2.5 mmol/L deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), 0.2 μL La Taq (TaKaRa Biotech), 0.2 μL of 10 μmol/L primers, 6.2 μL of ddH 2 O, and 1 μL of template DNA (the volume of template DNA transferred from the EZ-D stick was defaulted at 1 μL). The PCR cycling parameters were initial denaturation at 94 ℃ for 5 min, followed by 40 cycles of denaturation at 94 ℃ for 30 s, 60 ℃ for 30 s, 72 ℃ for 20 s, and a final extension at 72 ℃ for 2 min. All the resulting DNA products were separated on a 1% (0.01 g/mL) agarose gel at 150 V for 30 min. 2.7 LAMP-HNB assay 2 Relevant LAMP primers ( Table 3 Table 3 ) were designed according to the sequences of the g10-epsps and ZB1 genes using Primer Explorer V5 ( http://primerexplorer.jp/lampv5e/index.html http://primerexplorer.jp/lampv5e/index.html ). LAMP reactions were performed using an LAMP-hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB) discoloration amplification kit (HaiGene, China), following the manufacturer’s protocol. LAMP reactions were performed in a total volume of 25 μL in a reaction mix consisting of 12.5 μL of 2× LAMP-HNB reagent, 2.5 μL of 10× LAMP Primer Mix (16 μmol/L each of forward inner primer (FIP) and backward inner primer (BIP), 2 μmol/L each of forward outer primer (F3) and backward outer primer (B3), and 8 μmol/L of left loop primer (LF)), 3 μL of 5 mol/L betaine, 1 μL of Bacillus stearothermophilus 2.0 (Bst2.0) DNA polymerase, 5 μL of ddH 2 O, and 1 μL of template DNA (the volume of template DNA transferred from the EZ-D stick was defaulted at 1 μL). The mixture was incubated at 63‒65 ℃ for 60 min. The LAMP amplification products were examined by directly observing the color change of the reactions. * F3, B3, FIP, BIP, and LF were forward outer primer (F3) and backward outer primer (B3), forward inner primer (FIP), backward inner primer (BIP), and left loop primer (LF), respectively. LAMP: loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Gene Primer type * Gene location (nt) Primer sequence (5'→3') Sample for detection 5 g10-epsps F3 718‒735 AAGAGGAGCGTGGGACTT 5 Transgenic soybean ZUTS-33 B3 926‒944 GACCTCAGGGTGACCTTCT FIP 742‒761/TTTT/784‒805 CGCTTCCGCCCTTATGTTCCTCTTTTACCGGTGAGTCTAAGTTCGA BIP 853‒874/TTTT/896‒915 TGGACCGGAAACGGAGATAGGGTTTTGAAAGACTTGGTGCTTGGGT LF 763‒863 GGTCCTCTTCTTCCTGACGGA 4 ZB1 F3 446‒465 GCCCTTGAAAGATTCTGGTA 4 Chinese medicine ZB1 B3 635‒652 AGTTGGTGGACTCACTGG FIP 466‒485/T/507‒526 ATTGCTACACGGTGATGCCCTATCAACCGTTGAAAAGTTGC BIP 533‒556/T/596‒614 CTAAGGGAGTAGTGAAACTGGTGTTTTTTGGATGCCTGTTCAG HNB in the LAMP amplification mixture is as a colorimetric indicator. A color change from violet to sky blue indicates that the tested sample contains the gene of interest ( Gotoet al., 2009 Goto et al., 2009 ). 3 Results 1 3.1 Comparison of DNA extraction with the EZ-D stick and the Z-Dipstick 2 Equipment-free nucleic acid extraction dipstick methodology using untreated cellulose-based paper to capture nucleic acids was reported by Zouet al. (2017) Zou et al. (2017) . While the "Z-Dipstick”-based protocol had great advantages for its simplicity, speed, and low cost, we found that the filter paper very easily became loosened at its DNA-binding zone and the loose filter paper sucked up a large amount of PCR solution, which reduced the PCR efficiency (Fig. S1). Moreover, during the preparation of the sticks, the coated wax in the handle was easily broken and could contaminate the filter paper in the DNA-binding area. This could reduce the PCR efficiency when the binding area contacted the PCR system. To solve these problems, we replaced the wax-coated filter paper handle in the Z-Dipstick with a handle made of PVC with filter paper attached (described in Section 2; Fig. 1 Fig. 1 a). To demonstrate the high efficiency of the EZ-D stick in rapid DNA extraction, we compared the PCR amplification efficiency of DNA extracted from the EZ-D stick and from the Z-Dipstick. The DNA of 20-mg leaves of ZUTS-33 was extracted using each of these two sticks. The concentration and quality of DNA extracted by the two types of sticks were the same. However, the results showed that significantly more PCR product was obtained by the DNA extracted from the EZ-D stick than from the Z-Dipstick (Figs. 1 1 c and 1 1 d). The concentration and quality of DNA extracted by EZ-D are shown in Table 4 Table 4 . Data are expressed as mean±standard deviation ( n =5). Type DNA concentration (ng/μL) A 260 / A 280 A 260 / A 230 Root 20.59±4.13 1.73±0.27 0.77±0.01 Stem 21.85±1.68 1.50±0.08 0.36±0.01 Leaf 24.10±6.05 1.41±0.16 0.43±0.08 Flower 22.13±5.16 1.47±0.15 0.58±0.06 Seed powder 9.38±1.86 1.50±0.31 0.40±0.09 Ultrafine powder 5.82±1.38 1.41±0.58 0.30±0.05 3.2 Comparison of EZ-D and CTAB DNA extraction methods 2 The advantages of the EZ-D method over a conventional CTAB method are listed in Table 5 Table 5 . Like the Z-Dipstick, EZ-D takes 30‒60 s to prepare amplification-ready DNA, while CTAB takes 1.5‒3.0 h. The cost of the EZ-D, including the cost of the stick, reagent, and other materials, is only 0.2 CNY (equivalent to 0.03 US dollar) per sample, while CTAB costs 0.9 CNY per sample. Thus, EZ-D is faster, simpler, and cheaper than the CTAB method for the purification of DNA from plant samples. EZ-D: EASY DNA; CTAB: cetyl trimethylammonium bromide. Method Total time cost Personal skill Organic reagent Electrical device Cost per sample (CNY) EZ-D 30-60 s Low No No 0.2 CTAB 1.5-3.0 h High Yes Yes 0.9 3.3 Amplifiability of the EZ-D-extracted DNA 2 To assess the quality of DNA extracted by EZ-D, the DNA samples were used to amplify eight DNA fragments of six different genes by PCR. DNA was extracted from leaves of transgenic plants or the corresponding non-transgenic control plants using the EZ-D method as described in Fig. 1 Fig. 1 b. Genomic DNA of the transgenic plants extracted by CTAB was diluted to 10 ng/μL as the positive controls. The amplified DNA from EZ-D DNA templates was as clear and bright as the bands obtained from the CTAB-extracted genomic DNA samples ( Fig. 2 Fig. 2 a), indicating that the DNA purified by EZ-D was sufficient for PCR detection. To determine whether the DNA captured by the EZ-D sticks could be used for multiple PCR assays, a single EZ-D stick was placed in the lysate of the transgenic soybean ZUTS-33 for 10 s, immersed in the wash buffer for 5 s, and finally dipped sequentially into each of 16 PCR tubes containing only water, for 5 s each tube. The 16 tubes were divided into two groups which were used to amplify the transgene g10-epsps and the housekeeping gene GmActin , respectively, by adding the rest of the corresponding components of the PCR reactions. The results showed that the DNA content in a single EZ-D stick could be used for at least 16 PCR reactions (Fig. S2). To further examine the amplifiability of the EZ-D-extracted DNA and take the GC content of the amplified fragment into consideration, a DNA fragment of OsbHLH156 ( WangSD et al., 2020 Wang SD et al., 2020 ) with an average GC content of 80% was tested. Results showed that the target fragment was successfully amplified (Figs. S3a and S3b). Sequencing of the PCR product showed that the target gene was amplified precisely (Fig. S3c). Thus, the EZ-D-based PCR method can be used for gene amplification of fragments with a wide GC content ( Table 2 Table 2 ). The concentration and quality of DNA extracted by EZ-D are shown in Table 4 Table 4 . 3.4 Sensitivity of EZ-D stick 2 To evaluate the sensitivity of EZ-D sticks, genomic DNA samples extracted by the CTAB method from four different transgenic plants were to be tested. One microgram of the diluted DNA, with final concentrations ranging from 100 to 0.01 ng/μL, was added into the EZ-D sticks and then applied to the PCR system. The first four concentrations of DNA could be amplified, while the 0.01 ng/μL DNA samples from either protocol could not be amplified. Therefore, the PCR detection limit for the DNA samples prepared by the EZ-D method is considered the same as that of samples prepared by the CTAB method, i.e., 0.1 ng/μL( Fig. 2 Fig. 2 b). 3.5 Integrity of DNA from the EZ-D 2 To evaluate the integrity of DNA extracted by EZ-D, the DNA extracted from the transgenic soybean plant ZUTS-33 using EZ-D was amplified by PCR using primer pairs targeting the soybean GmActin and g10-epsps genes ( Table 2 Table 2 ). Six DNA fragments of the GmActin gene and g10-epsps gene, ranging from 500 to 3000 bp, were successfully amplified using the DNA extracted by EZ-D ( Fig. 2 Fig. 2 c). This indicated that EZ-D can extract DNA with good integrity and that the length of amplification products can be as long as 3000 bp ( Fig. 2 Fig. 2 c). 3.6 Application of EZ-D to a variety of plant samples 2 To determine if EZ-D is suitable for DNA extraction from various herbaceous plant tissues, samples of roots, stems, leaves, flowers at flowering stage, and dry seeds were collected from transgenic soybean line ZUTS-33 and subjected to the EZ-D and CTAB DNA extraction protocols. The fragments of transgene g10-epsps and the housekeeping gene GmActin were amplified. Results showed that both fragments were successfully amplified from the EZ-D DNA from all five soybean tissues with amplification efficiency similar to those from using CTAB DNA ( Fig. 3 Fig. 3 a). To test if the EZ-D method can be used for DNA extraction from woody plants, needles of 11 putative transgenic larch accessions, possibly containing the transgene driven by the 35S promoter, were sampled. A chloroplast intergenic region, trnL-trnF , was chosen as an internal control ( Zhaoet al., 2019 Zhao et al., 2019 ). The PCR results using DNA extracted by EZ-D showed that none of the tested plants contained the transgene region (data not shown), while the trnL-trnF internal control fragment was successfully amplified ( Fig. 3 Fig. 3 b). Thus, EZ-D can be used for DNA detection in woody plants and for detecting DNA from organelles. Many Chinese medicines produced from plant materials are prepared as an ultrafine powder ( Fanet al., 2016 Fan et al., 2016 ). Rapid and accurate molecular identification of these ultrafine powders is important for quality control ( Liet al., 2017 Li et al., 2017 ). The EZ-D protocol was assessed for its ability to extract DNA from ultrafine powder of the Chinese medicine Beimu. Beimu is derived from various Fritillaria spp. The market value of CB is about 300‒500 times higher than that of ZB. ZB is often used as a counterfeit CB ( Liuet al., 2019 Liu et al., 2019 ). Species within the genus Fritillaria used for various Beimu preparations include ZB, CB1, CB2, and CB3. The ultrafine powder samples of four medicinal preparations (ZB, CB1, CB2, and CB3) were subjected to the EZ-D method for DNA extraction. For DNA molecular identification, PCR primers were designed to amplify a DNA fragment that was present only in ZB ( Table 2 Table 2 ). The DNA fragment, named ZB1 , is a molecular marker of ZB ( Li and Zhao, 2012 Li and Zhao, 2012 ; Liet al., 2014 Li et al., 2014 ). Results showed that the amplicon was only obtained from the DNA extracted from ZB, but not from the other three species ( Fig. 3 Fig. 3 c), indicating that the EZ-D protocol could be used for molecular identification of ultrafine powder samples. To further determine the sensitivity of the PCR reaction using the DNA extracted by the EZ-D protocol, CB powder mixtures with different percentages of ZB ultrafine powder were prepared. ZB could be detected when it was as low as 5% of the mixture ( Fig. 3 Fig. 3 c). The concentration and quality of DNA extracted by EZ-D are shown in Table 4 Table 4 . 3.7 Combination of EZ-D with LAMP for detecting DNA in the field 2 LAMP is one of the most powerful isothermal amplification techniques. It uses four to six primers and Bst DNA polymerase. The LAMP method does not require thermocycling since the amplification is performed at a constant temperature between 60 and 65 ℃ ( Notomiet al., 2000 Notomi et al., 2000 ; Tomitaet al., 2008 Tomita et al., 2008 ; Zhanget al., 2014 Zhang et al., 2014 ). It has been increasingly used outside of the laboratory for the molecular determination of transgenic crops ( Kiddleet al., 2012 Kiddle et al., 2012 ; Liet al., 2016 Li et al., 2016 ; Lanet al., 2019 Lan et al., 2019 ). To test whether the combination of the EZ-D DNA extraction method and the LAMP-HNB assay could rapidly obtain reliable results for genetic analysis, tissues from the transgenic soybean line ZUTS-33 and its non-transgenic control were tested. Results showed that the negative sample appeared violet, while the samples containing the transgene appeared sky blue ( Fig. 4 Fig. 4 a). Thus, the combination of EZ-D with the LAMP-HNB protocol can be used for the molecular identification in the field where instrumentation is not available. We also tested whether the LAMP-HNB technique can be used for identification of Chinese medicines as described in last section. While no visible color change was observed in the negative control or pure CB samples, CB powders mixed with as little as 5% ZB turned sky blue in the test tube and could be identified ( Fig. 4 Fig. 4 b). Therefore, combining the EZ-D method and the LAMP technique offers a novel and swift means for the authentication of Chinese medicine and can be used for quality control in the market. 4 Discussion 1 In this study, we optimized the cellulose filter paper DNA extraction method based on the protocol of Zou et al. (2017) Zou et al. (2017) . The main modification included in our EZ-D protocol is the use of a PVC waterproof handle to replace the wax-coated handle in the protocol of Zou et al. (2017) Zou et al. (2017) . Using the original Z-Dipstick, the DNA-binding area is easily loosened and the paraplast used to seal the filter paper in the handle can drop and contaminate the DNA sample. Our modified EZ-D stick overcomes these shortcomings. It is easier to handle and yield DNA with better amplifiability ( Fig. 1 Fig. 1 ). In addition, we found that the extraction buffer #1 used in Zou et al. (2017) Zou et al. (2017) ’s work was not efficient enough for DNA extraction from soybean. When we increased the NaCl concentration of the extraction buffer from 150 mmol/L, bright amplified bands gradually became visible (data not shown). Thus, we developed a new DNA extraction buffer (100 mmol/L Tris (pH 8.0), 1 mol/L NaCl, 10 mmol/L EDTA), with which DNA of soybean was stably extracted ( Fig. 3 Fig. 3 a). Although the concentration of DNA extracted with EZ-D was relatively low, it could still be sensitively detected by PCR for at least 16 times (Fig. S2). The standard values of A 260 / A 280 and A 260 / A 230 of pure DNA are expected to 1.8‒2.0 and > 1.8, respectively ( Varmaet al., 2007 Varma et al., 2007 ). However, the ratios of A 260 / A 280 and A 260 / A 230 of DNA extracted by EZ-D indicated that the DNA extracts may contain proteins and polysaccharides ( Table 4 Table 4 ). Paul et al. (2019) Paul et al. (2019) compared the quality of DNA extracted from tomato leaves by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) extraction and NaOH rapid extraction methods, finding that the ranges of A 260 / A 280 and A 260 / A 230 of isolated DNA were 1.4‒1.6 and 0.4‒0.8, respectively. The DNA extracted by EZ-D was similar to the results of the above two conventional methods in both ratios. Thus, EZ-D can isolate DNA with a quality comparable to that of conventional methods. In recent years, there have been a few reports on the method of rapid DNA purification using cellulose filter paper ( Zouet al., 2017 Zou et al., 2017 ; Yanget al., 2019 Yang et al., 2019 ; WangSS et al., 2020 Wang SS et al., 2020 ). However, these reports focused only on the use of rapidly extracted DNA to amplify multiple copies of genes up to 500 bp in length. It is unclear whether single-copy genes or long-segment DNA sequences can be successfully amplified with the DNA. Moreover, whether the extracted DNA can be used to amplify fragments with different GC contents is another key point that has not been explored. Solving these two problems will benefit the application of this DNA extraction method. Thus, the quality of DNA extracted by EZ-D for PCR amplification was evaluated. Results showed that the EZ-D-based genomic DNA could be amplified for the sequence of a transgenic gene with a single copy and also for DNA fragments up to at least 3000 bp with high sensitivity ( Fig. 2 Fig. 2 ). DNA extracted by EZ-D could be used for PCR of amplicons with high GC content (Fig. S3). The protocol can be employed for different tissues of herbaceous plant species, leaves of woody plants, and ultrafine powders of Chinese medicines ( Fig. 3 Fig. 3 ). Among the samples tested, soybean seed contains many polysaccharides, polyphenols, proteins, and esters, which hinder DNA purification ( Renet al., 2012 Ren et al., 2012 ). Thus, applying a fast protocol to extract DNA from soybean seed is considered to be difficult. The SDS extraction method is often used to extract DNA from soybean seeds, and the process is complicated ( Wuet al., 2015 Wu et al., 2015 ; Yuet al., 2016 Yu et al., 2016 ). In our study, using the optimized EZ-D method, we realized a rapid DNA extraction for soybean seeds ( Fig. 3 Fig. 3 a). In woody plant larch leaves, secondary metabolites present in high amounts, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and turpentine, often bind with their genomic DNA. These compounds are not readily removed, which inhibits the PCR amplification reaction ( Wanget al., 2012 Wang et al., 2012 ). The EZ-D method uses filter paper to absorb DNA. After washing, the inhibitors of the PCR reaction in samples from woody plants are greatly reduced so that the resulting DNA can be amplified efficiently ( Fig. 3 Fig. 3 b). Thus, EZ-D is suitable for DNA extraction to identify of wide range of plant species and tissue samples. The safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) plants in the field and products in the food market is one of the most important applications of molecular identification ( Liuet al., 2020 Liu et al., 2020 ). Our data demonstrated that EZ-D could simplify molecular diagnosis of the existence of transgenes. By combining EZ-D with the LAMP method, GM products can be identified in the field or market where specialized instruments are not available ( Fig. 4 Fig. 4 a). Similarly, the combination of EZ-D and LAMP can be used for the quality control of high-value market products, such as ultrafine powders of Chinese medicines ( Fig. 4 Fig. 4 b). 5 Conclusions 1 In this study, we have developed a modified filter paper stick, the EZ-D stick, for rapid DNA extraction from transgenic plants and Chinese medicine ultrafine powder, based on a published method. The EZ-D stick overcomes the three main disadvantages of the published Z-Dipstick, including the complicated production process, ease of contamination, and instability resulting from the loss of PCR compounds from deformed cellulose filter paper. The EZ-D method can extract DNA from a variety of plants and their tissues. The sensitivity of PCR based on the EZ-D extraction method can reach 0.1 ng/μL. Fragments of up to 3000 bp and with a GC content of up to 80% can be amplified. In terms of practicability, EZ-D has realized the application and popularization of cellulose filter paper for rapid DNA purification in laboratories and markets. References Chen SL , Pang XH , Song JY , et al. , 2014 . A renaissance in herbal medicine identification: from morphology to DNA . Biotechnol Adv , 32 ( 7 ): 1237 - 1244 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2014.07.004 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2014.07.004 A renaissance in herbal medicine identification: from morphology to DNA Cheng W , Xia ZJ , Feng XZ , et al. , 2016 . A rapid and nondestructive method for soybean DNA extraction and its application . Chin Bull Bot , 51 ( 1 ): 68 - 73 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.11983/cbb15057 https://doi.org/10.11983/cbb15057 A rapid and nondestructive method for soybean DNA extraction and its application Fan YH , Wang PL , Fan XS , et al. , 2016 . Research on application status of Chinese herbal decoction pieces based on clinical survey . China J Chin Mater Med , 41 ( 15 ): 2927 - 2931 (in Chinese) . Research on application status of Chinese herbal decoction pieces based on clinical survey Goto M , Honda E , Ogura A , et al. , 2009 . Colorimetric detection of loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction by using hydroxy naphthol blue . Short Tech Rep , 46 ( 3 ): 167 - 172 . https://doi.org/10.2144/000113072 https://doi.org/10.2144/000113072 Colorimetric detection of loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction by using hydroxy naphthol blue Hou SM , Duan JQ , Liang XN , et al. , 2005 . Optimized CTAB protocol for extracting the total DNA of ramie . Acta Bot Boreali-Occid Sin , 25 ( 11 ): 2193 - 2197 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1000-4025.2005.11.010 https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1000-4025.2005.11.010 Optimized CTAB protocol for extracting the total DNA of ramie Jiang C , Huang LQ , Yuan Y , et al. , 2013 . Rapid extraction of DNA from Chinese medicinal materials by alkaline lysis . Chin J Pharm Anal , 33 ( 7 ): 1081 - 1090 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.16155/j.0254-1793.2013.07.005 https://doi.org/10.16155/j.0254-1793.2013.07.005 Rapid extraction of DNA from Chinese medicinal materials by alkaline lysis Kiddle G , Hardinge P , Buttigieg N , et al. , 2012 . GMO detection using a bioluminescent real time reporter (BART) of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) suitable for field use . BMC Biotechnol , 12 : 15 . https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6750-12-15 https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6750-12-15 GMO detection using a bioluminescent real time reporter (BART) of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) suitable for field use Lan QK , Zhao X , Chen R , et al. , 2019 . Authentication of Fritillaria cirrhosa based on loop-mediate isothermal amplification . Chin J Pharm Anal , 39 ( 3 ): 551 - 556 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.16155/j.0254-1793.2019.03.25 https://doi.org/10.16155/j.0254-1793.2019.03.25 Authentication of Fritillaria cirrhosa based on loop-mediate isothermal amplification Li HJ , Zhao YC , Li LH , 2017 . The research progress of Chinese medicine superfine powder quality standard . Mod Anim Husbandry , 1 ( 2 ): 30 - 32 (in Chinese) . The research progress of Chinese medicine superfine powder quality standard Li JJ , Xiong C , Liu Y , et al. , 2016 . Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP): emergence as an alternative technology for herbal medicine identification . Front Plant Sci , 7 : 1956 . https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.01956 https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.01956 Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP): emergence as an alternative technology for herbal medicine identification Li M , Zhao X , 2012 . RAPD analysis of three species of Fritillaria in southern China . J Zhejiang Univ Technol , 40 ( 6 ): 634 - 638 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-4303.2012.06.010 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-4303.2012.06.010 RAPD analysis of three species of Fritillaria in southern China Li M , Huang LM , Zhao X , et al. , 2014 . Specific PCR identification of Fritillaria thunbergii . Chin Tradit Herb Drugs , 45 ( 12 ): 1754 - 1757 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.7501/j.issn.0253-2670.2014.12.020 https://doi.org/10.7501/j.issn.0253-2670.2014.12.020 Specific PCR identification of Fritillaria thunbergii Liesenfeld O , Lehman L , Hunfeld KP , et al. , 2014 . Molecular diagnosis of sepsis: new aspects and recent developments . Eur J Microbiol Immunol , 4 ( 1 ): 1 - 25 . https://doi.org/10.1556/eujmi.4.2014.1.1 https://doi.org/10.1556/eujmi.4.2014.1.1 Molecular diagnosis of sepsis: new aspects and recent developments Liu H , Wang JB , Li P , et al. , 2020 . Rapid detection of P‒35S and T-nos in genetically modified organisms by recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow strip . Food Control , 107 : 106775 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.106775 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.106775 Rapid detection of P‒35S and T-nos in genetically modified organisms by recombinase polymerase amplification combined with a lateral flow strip Liu XX , Li J , Zhang YB , et al. , 2019 . Rapid identification of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method . Chin J Pharm Anal , 39 ( 10 ): 1844 - 1851 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.16155/j.0254-1793.2019.10.13 https://doi.org/10.16155/j.0254-1793.2019.10.13 Rapid identification of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method Lu LH , Han Q , Li L , et al. , 2014 . Establishment of an efficient transformation protocol for soybean using glyphosate as selective agent and the development of glyphosate-tolerant transgenic soybean lines . Sci Sin Vitae , 44 ( 4 ): 406 - 415 . https://doi.org/10.1360/052014-47 https://doi.org/10.1360/052014-47 Establishment of an efficient transformation protocol for soybean using glyphosate as selective agent and the development of glyphosate-tolerant transgenic soybean lines Moeller JR , Moehn NR , Waller DM , et al. , 2014 . Paramagnetic cellulose DNA isolation improves DNA yield and quality among diverse plant taxa . Appl Plant Sci , 2 ( 10 ): 1400048 . https://doi.org/10.3732/apps.1400048 https://doi.org/10.3732/apps.1400048 Paramagnetic cellulose DNA isolation improves DNA yield and quality among diverse plant taxa Murray MG , Thompson WF , 1980 . Rapid isolation of high molecular weight plant DNA . Nucleic Acids Res , 8 ( 19 ): 4321 - 4326 . https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/8.19.4321 https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/8.19.4321 Rapid isolation of high molecular weight plant DNA Notomi T , Okayama H , Masubuchi H , et al. , 2000 . Loop-mediated isothermal amplification of DNA . Nucleic Acids Res , 28 ( 12 ): e63 . https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/28.12.e63 https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/28.12.e63 Loop-mediated isothermal amplification of DNA Paul R , Saville AC , Hansel JC , et al. , 2019 . Extraction of plant DNA by microneedle patch for rapid detection of plant diseases . ACS Nano , 13 ( 6 ): 6540 - 6549 . https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.9b00193 https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.9b00193 Extraction of plant DNA by microneedle patch for rapid detection of plant diseases Peterson DG , Boehm KS , Stack SM , 1997 . Isolation of milligram quantities of nuclear DNA from tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ), a plant containing high levels of polyphenolic compounds . Plant Mol Biol Rep , 15 ( 2 ): 148 - 153 . https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02812265 https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02812265 Isolation of milligram quantities of nuclear DNA from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), a plant containing high levels of polyphenolic compounds Ren LZ , Zhang CB , Zhao HK , et al. , 2012 . An improved method to rapid and high-quality of genomic DNA extraction from soybean . Chin Agric Sci Bull , 28 ( 9 ): 38 - 41 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-6850.2012.09.008 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-6850.2012.09.008 An improved method to rapid and high-quality of genomic DNA extraction from soybean Tomita N , Mori Y , Kanda H , et al. , 2008 . Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of gene sequences and simple visual detection of products . Nat Protoc , 3 ( 5 ): 877 - 882 . https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2008.57 https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2008.57 Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of gene sequences and simple visual detection of products Tu JM , Zhang GA , Datta K , et al. , 2000 . Field performance of transgenic elite commercial hybrid rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis δ-endotoxin . Nat Biotechnol , 18 ( 10 ): 1101 - 1104 . https://doi.org/10.1038/80310 https://doi.org/10.1038/80310 Field performance of transgenic elite commercial hybrid rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis δ-endotoxin Varma A , Padh H , Shrivastava N , 2007 . Plant genomic DNA isolation: an art or a science . Biotechnol J , 2 ( 3 ): 386 - 392 . https://doi.org/10.1002/biot.200600195 https://doi.org/10.1002/biot.200600195 Plant genomic DNA isolation: an art or a science Wang HM , Li YX , Weng HL , et al. , 2012 . Extracted Larix gmelinii DNA with improved DNA extraction kits . J Anhui Agric Sci , 40 ( 35 ): 17029 - 17030, 17041 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.13989/j.cnki.0517-6611.2012.35.156 https://doi.org/10.13989/j.cnki.0517-6611.2012.35.156 Extracted Larix gmelinii DNA with improved DNA extraction kits Wang SD , Yokosho Y , Guo RZ , et al. , 2019 . The soybean sugar transporter GmSWEET15 mediates sucrose export from endosperm to early embryo . Plant Physiol , 180 ( 4 ): 2133 - 2141 . https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.19.00641 https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.19.00641 The soybean sugar transporter GmSWEET15 mediates sucrose export from endosperm to early embryo Wang SD , Li L , Ying YH , et al. , 2020 . A transcription factor OsbHLH156 regulates Strategy II iron acquisition through localising IRO2 to the nucleus in rice . New Phytol , 225 ( 3 ): 1247 - 1260 . https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.16232 https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.16232 A transcription factor OsbHLH156 regulates Strategy II iron acquisition through localising IRO2 to the nucleus in rice Wang SS , Wang F , Zhang H , et al. , 2020 . Rapid extraction of DNA from Chinese herbal medicines by filter paper method . Mod Chin Med , 22 ( 2 ): 213 - 218 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.13313/j.issn.1673-4890.20190320004 https://doi.org/10.13313/j.issn.1673-4890.20190320004 Rapid extraction of DNA from Chinese herbal medicines by filter paper method Wu YY , Dai DY , Cai CM , 2015 . A modified UREA protocol for soybean DNA extraction . Soybean Sci , 34 ( 1 ): 112 - 115 (in Chinese) . A modified UREA protocol for soybean DNA extraction Yang L , Wu WR , Fu F , et al. , 2019 . Exploration and application of a new method for rapid extraction of DNA from Chinese medicinal materials . Chin Tradit Herbal Drugs , 50 ( 2 ): 502 - 509 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.7501/j.issn.0253-2670.2019.02.032 https://doi.org/10.7501/j.issn.0253-2670.2019.02.032 Exploration and application of a new method for rapid extraction of DNA from Chinese medicinal materials Yu ZX , Wei CJ , Li YM , et al. , 2016 . Study on DNA extraction method of genetically modified soybean . Guangdong Chem Ind , 43 ( 18 ): 23 - 24 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1007-1865.2016.18.010 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1007-1865.2016.18.010 Study on DNA extraction method of genetically modified soybean Zhang JJ , Xu H , Zhao SJ , 2017 . Rapid identification of medicinal herbs through plant Direct-PCR . Acta Pharm Sin , 52 ( 11 ): 1763 - 1769 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.16438/j.0513-4870.2017-0426 https://doi.org/10.16438/j.0513-4870.2017-0426 Rapid identification of medicinal herbs through plant Direct-PCR Zhang LF , Li SG , Han SY , et al. , 2013 . Establishment of larch transgenic breeding system and its industrial application . Biotechnol Bus , ( 3 ): 7 - 11 (in Chinese) . Establishment of larch transgenic breeding system and its industrial application Zhang XZ , Lowe SB , Gooding JJ , 2014 . Brief review of monitoring methods for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) . Biosens Bioelectron , 61 : 491 - 499 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2014.05.039 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2014.05.039 Brief review of monitoring methods for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) Zhao ZP , Yan Y , Zheng MM , et al. , 2019 . Genetic evaluation of Gentiana rigescens based on the chloroplast psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF sequence polymorphism . Lishizhen Med Mater Med Res , 30 ( 5 ): 1203 - 1206 (in Chinese) . https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1008-0805.2019.05.063 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1008-0805.2019.05.063 Genetic evaluation of Gentiana rigescens based on the chloroplast psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF sequence polymorphism Zou YP , Mason MG , Wang YL , et al. , 2017 . Nucleic acid purification from plants, animals and microbes in under 30 seconds . PLoS Biol , 15 ( 11 ): e2003916 . https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2003916 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2003916 Nucleic acid purification from plants, animals and microbes in under 30 seconds Qi WANG and Huixia SHOU designed the study and wrote the manuscript. Qi WANG, Xiaoxia SHEN, Tian QIU, Wei WU, Lin LI, and Zhi'an WANG performed the experiments and interpreted the results.All authors have read and approved the final manuscript and, therefore, have full access to all the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity and security of the data. The research was supported by the National Transgenic Major Program of China (No. 2019ZX08010-002), the China Agriculture Research System (No. CARS-21), and the Major Science and Technology Projects of Breeding New Varieties of Agriculture in Zhejiang Province, China (No. 2016C02058).We show our appreciation to Professors Zhicheng SHEN, Jumin TU, and Min WANG of Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, China) for providing plant materials. We also thank Ms. Anita K. SNYDER of Plant Science Copy Editor (USA) for language editing. 10.1631/jzus.B2000465 1673-1581（2021）02-0099-13 WANG Qi,SHEN Xiaoxia,QIU Tian et al., 2021. Evaluation and application of an efficient plant DNA extraction protocol for laboratory and field testing. Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE B(Biomedicine & Biotechnology), 22(2):99-111. WANG Qi,SHEN Xiaoxia,QIU Tian et al., 2021. Evaluation and application of an efficient plant DNA extraction protocol for laboratory and field testing. Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE B(Biomedicine & Biotechnology), 22(2):99-111. 2020-08-10 2020-10-08 2021-01-06 2021-02-15 2022-05-09 © Zhejiang University Press 2021 Qi WANG, Xiaoxia SHEN, Tian QIU, Wei WU, Lin LI, Zhi’an WANG, and Huixia SHOU declare that they have no conflict of interest. This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors. Compliance with ethics guidelines Supplementary information 1 Figs. S1-S3 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术） 2 22