The objective of this study was to adapt a plant DNA preparation procedure for the isolation of biologically active DNA and DNA with a high molecular weight from the date palm and other related palms. Mature leaf tissue extractions of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., the coconut tree, Cocos nucifera, and the Mexican Fan Palm, Washingtonia robusta, were characterized for total genomic DNA yield, purity, integrity, as well as restriction digestion and ligation capabilities. It is demonstrated here that the DNA isolation procedure, modified for use with various palm leaf tissues, met the criteria for simplicity and low costs, and yielded DNA of high molecular weight (approximately 50 Kbp) and of sufficient purity suitable for molecular studies.
