©FUNPEC-RP www.funpecrp.com.br Genetics and Molecular Research 8 (1): 86-96 (2009) An eficient protocol for tissue sampling and DNA isolation from the stem bark of Leguminosae trees R.M.L. Novaes, J.G. Rodrigues and M.B. Lovato Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil Corresponding author: M.B. Lovato E-mail: lovatomb@icb.ufmg.br / milagresnovaes@gmail.com Genet. Mol. Res. 8 (1): 86-96 (2009) Received October 10, 2008 Accepted October 17, 2008 Published February 3, 2009 ABstRAct. Traditionally, molecular studies of plant species have used leaves as the source of DNA. However, sampling leaves from tall tree species can be quite dificult and expensive. We developed a sequence of procedures for using stem bark as a source of DNA from Leguminosae trees of the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado. Legumi- nosae is an important species-rich family in these two highly diverse and endangered biomes. A modiied CTAB protocol for DNA isola- tion is described, and details of the procedures for sampling and stor- age of the bark are given. The procedures were initially developed for three species, and then their applicability for 15 other species was evaluated. DNA of satisfactory quality was obtained from the bark of all species. The amounts of DNA obtained from leaves were slightly