K, Rhinelander, WI, 54501. Desiccated spores are mixed with diatomaceous earth in microfuge tubes, frozen before use, then kept cold over ice.
Spores are ground using plastic mini-pestles mounted in an electric drill.
DNA obtained using this protocol does not become sheared as in protocols that grind spores in liquid, perhaps because the DNA is not released from cracked spores until after the liquid is added. Ingredient Final Conc. 27.5 ml Aliquot as needed into small tubes that can be tightly capped. I prefer sterile plastic culture tubes that hold 3.5 ml buffer. Use of a biological safety hood is optional but is recommended while measuring and grinding spores.