Research Article

Optimization of DNA extraction from fresh and dried Pinus brutia needles using different homogenization methods: An approach for forensic botanical applications

Volume: 10 Number: 2 October 12, 2026
TR EN

Optimization of DNA extraction from fresh and dried Pinus brutia needles using different homogenization methods: An approach for forensic botanical applications

Abstract

Obtaining sufficient DNA from plant tissues is essential for molecular taxonomy, population genetics, conservation biology, and forensic botany. However, DNA extraction from conifer species remains challenging because their tissues contain high concentrations of polysaccharides, polyphenols, terpenoids, and resin compounds that may interfere with DNA isolation and downstream molecular analyses. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sample condition and homogenization method on DNA concentration obtained from fresh and dried needles of Pinus brutia, one of the most widespread conifer species in Türkiye. Needle samples were collected from 24 individual trees in Çanakkale, Türkiye. Samples from 12 trees were processed fresh, whereas samples from the remaining 12 trees were air-dried for 20 days. Within each sample condition, samples were processed using two homogenization methods: mortar grinding followed by TissueLyser homogenization and blender homogenization. Genomic DNA was extracted using the i-genomic Plant DNA Extraction Mini Kit and quantified using a Qubit™ 4 Fluorometer with the dsDNA High Sensitivity Assay. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Fresh samples showed higher DNA concentrations than dried samples, and mortar grinding followed by TissueLyser homogenization resulted in higher DNA concentrations than blender homogenization. Two-way ANOVA demonstrated significant main effects of sample condition and homogenization method on DNA concentration, as well as a significant interaction between the two factors. These findings indicate that both sample condition and homogenization method influence DNA concentration obtained from P. brutia needles and highlight the importance of sample-specific optimization of DNA extraction procedures for molecular plant research and forensic botanical applications.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Üsküdar University Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval was not required for this study because no human participants, animals, or personal data were involved.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, Üsküdar University, for providing the laboratory facilities and technical infrastructure that supported this study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Plant Biotechnology, Plant Cell and Molecular Biology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 12, 2026

Submission Date

July 30, 2026

Acceptance Date

October 1, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 2

APA
Ünsal Sapan, T., & Tanrıverdi, N. G. (2026). Optimization of DNA extraction from fresh and dried Pinus brutia needles using different homogenization methods: An approach for forensic botanical applications. Anatolian Journal of Botany, 10(2), 237-242. https://doi.org/10.30616/ajb.2006304
AMA
1.Ünsal Sapan T, Tanrıverdi NG. Optimization of DNA extraction from fresh and dried Pinus brutia needles using different homogenization methods: An approach for forensic botanical applications. Ant J Bot. 2026;10(2):237-242. doi:10.30616/ajb.2006304
Chicago
Ünsal Sapan, Tuğba, and Nur Gizem Tanrıverdi. 2026. “Optimization of DNA Extraction from Fresh and Dried Pinus Brutia Needles Using Different Homogenization Methods: An Approach for Forensic Botanical Applications”. Anatolian Journal of Botany 10 (2): 237-42. https://doi.org/10.30616/ajb.2006304.
EndNote
Ünsal Sapan T, Tanrıverdi NG (October 1, 2026) Optimization of DNA extraction from fresh and dried Pinus brutia needles using different homogenization methods: An approach for forensic botanical applications. Anatolian Journal of Botany 10 2 237–242.
IEEE
[1]T. Ünsal Sapan and N. G. Tanrıverdi, “Optimization of DNA extraction from fresh and dried Pinus brutia needles using different homogenization methods: An approach for forensic botanical applications”, Ant J Bot, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 237–242, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.30616/ajb.2006304.
ISNAD
Ünsal Sapan, Tuğba - Tanrıverdi, Nur Gizem. “Optimization of DNA Extraction from Fresh and Dried Pinus Brutia Needles Using Different Homogenization Methods: An Approach for Forensic Botanical Applications”. Anatolian Journal of Botany 10/2 (October 1, 2026): 237-242. https://doi.org/10.30616/ajb.2006304.
JAMA
1.Ünsal Sapan T, Tanrıverdi NG. Optimization of DNA extraction from fresh and dried Pinus brutia needles using different homogenization methods: An approach for forensic botanical applications. Ant J Bot. 2026;10:237–242.
MLA
Ünsal Sapan, Tuğba, and Nur Gizem Tanrıverdi. “Optimization of DNA Extraction from Fresh and Dried Pinus Brutia Needles Using Different Homogenization Methods: An Approach for Forensic Botanical Applications”. Anatolian Journal of Botany, vol. 10, no. 2, Oct. 2026, pp. 237-42, doi:10.30616/ajb.2006304.
Vancouver
1.Tuğba Ünsal Sapan, Nur Gizem Tanrıverdi. Optimization of DNA extraction from fresh and dried Pinus brutia needles using different homogenization methods: An approach for forensic botanical applications. Ant J Bot. 2026 Oct. 1;10(2):237-42. doi:10.30616/ajb.2006304

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