Dittrich-Schroder, GudrunWingfield, Michael J.Klein, HildegardSlippers, Bernard2012-03-192013-01-312012-01Dittrich-Schroder, G, Wingfield, MJ, Klein, H & Slippers, B 2012, 'DNA extraction techniques for DNA barcoding of minute gall-inhabiting wasps', Molecular Ecology Resources, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1-19.1755-098X (print)1755-0998 (online)10.1111/j.1755-0998.2011.03074.xhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/18473DNA extraction from minute hymenopterans and their larvae is difficult and challenging because of their small size indicating a low amount of starting material. Hence, 11 DNA extraction methods were compared to determine their efficacy in isolating DNA. Success of each method was scored on a 2% agarose gel after PCR of the cox 1 mitochondrial locus. A silicamembrane- based approach was the most successful, followed by a method using a combination of incubation buffers and amethod using magnetic beads. The method using buffers was the most cost- and time effective. Using this method, larvae from Eucalyptus seed capsule galls could be assigned a role (parasitoid, gall former or inquiline) in the gall-inhabiting complex.en© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. The definite version is available at onlinelibrary.wiley.com. This article is embargoed by the publisher until January 2013.DNA extractionCox 1Minute insectsMtDNA barcodingAnimal genetics -- TechniqueHymenoptera -- GeneticsWasps -- GeneticsDNA fingerprinting of animalsPostprint Article