PDQeX PhytoGEM 1000

The PDQeX phytoGEM kit offers a simple hands-off method for DNA extraction and purification of a variety of plant samples.
Using MicroGEM’s PDQeX Nucleic Acid Extractor, there are only two simple steps – quick sample prep and closed tube automated DNA extraction and purification. The method provides quicker turn-around time for all plant sample types, even your toughest challenges.

Thermophilic proteinase and mesophilic cell wall degrading glycosyl hydrolases lyse cells, destroy nucleases, digest protein and release DNA

Streamlined approach provides plant to PCR-ready DNA from up to 24 samples of plant tissue, fungi or plant pathogens in less than 15 minutes

Easy sampling (such as crushing leaves onto a storage card) provides a long-term storage solution

Flexibility to use homogenized leaves or ground plant tissue – whichever sample prep suits your needs

Quick sample prep frees up technician time, reduces lab costs, and speeds up response time

Disposable, sealed tube protects the integrity of the sample

Superior removal of inhibitors

Simplified workflow and quick DNA extraction result in faster answers and interventions

Plant diseases cause an estimated 10-20% loss in agricultural productivity worldwide. Many pathogens go untreated resulting in unintended crop destruction due to disease or controlled crop destruction to contain spread. Early detection of pathogens is vital for successful crop management. It allows proactive control measures to be applied well before the establishment and spread of a disease.
Historically, a bottleneck to early detection and pathogen characterization is the DNA extraction process. Current extraction practices are time consuming, often requiring elaborate sample preparation followed by a laborious chemical lysis and purification process.
MicroGEM’s phytoGEM kit provides a simple hands-off approach to DNA extraction ideal for studying endophytic plant pathogens. Using MicroGEM’s proprietary extractor cartridge, precise temperature-controlled enzymatic lysis is performed on the automated PDQeX Nucleic Acid Extractor, helping you quickly find answers to urgent questions about your plant’s health.
phytoGEM has been validated for the detection of the following pathogens:

Bacteria- Xyllela fastidiosa from different fruit trees and berries, Pseudomonassyringae actinidiae (Psa) detection in kiwifruit, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum from vector Bactericera cockerelli.

Oomycetes- Phytophthora in kauri, pine and oak.

Phytoplasma in grapevines.

Viruses- Cassava Mosaic Virus, Cassava White Fly Virus.

Shaffer, L. (2019). Inner Workings: Portable DNA sequencer helps farmers stymie devastating viruses. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(9), 3351-3353. doi:10.1073/pnas.1901806116.
The article describes the ability to screen Cassava crops for Cassava Mosaic Virus (CMV) using MicroGEM's PDQeX for rapid DNA extraction.  The PDQeX was used as the enabling technology to complement DNA sequencing being conducted in the field in real-time.

PDQeX Nucleic Acid Extractor
phytoGEM Starter Kit
phytoCards
Punch Tool and Tip
Punch Tool Replacement

The PDQeX Nucleic Acid Extractor is  the ideal solution for processing tough samples such as plant stems and roots. Thermophilic proteinase and mesophilic cell wall degrading glycosyl hydrolases, used with MicroGEM’s innovative extraction cartridge, provide plant to PCR-ready DNA in less than 15 minutes.  MicroGEM’s phytoGEM approach to plant DNA extraction includes a convenient solution for crushing plant material onto a storage card. It is the ideal solution for extracting high-quality DNA for genotyping, sequencing, and the detection of pathogens.