Determination of efficient DNA recovery method in Pyracantha coccinea for use in forensic botany

Forensic Botany aims to uncover the connection between crime scenes, perpetrators, or victims using plant materials. Since the presence of metabolites in plants varies among different species, DNA isolation methods should be adjusted specifically for each plant species and even each plant tissue. In this study, the objective was to determine the most suitable DNA isolation method for the fruits of firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem.) growing in Türkiye without using liquid nitrogen. In the study, the fruits of Firethorn were divided into two groups as fresh (12 pieces) and dried (12 pieces), which each fruit was subjected to different homogenization methods using a single sample for each analysis. After completing the DNA isolation of the samples, the DNA quantities were measured to determine which method yielded optimal results. The highest DNA quantity of 4.80 ng/µl was obtained from dried fruits homogenized using a mortar and tissue lyser with beads, while the lowest DNA quantity of 0.13 ng/µl was obtained from fresh fruits homogenized only with a kitchen blender. The findings of the study indicate that for both fresh and dried fruits, homogenization with a mortar and tissue lyser with beads would result in a high recovery of DNA from plant materials. This study provides an optimization for DNA isolation in forensic cases where the Firethorn plant may be involved.