DNA Extraction from a Single Seed for Marker-Assisted Selection in Squash ()
1. Introduction
The three cultivated species of squash (Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata, C. maxima) constitute a major horticultural crop in the U.S valued for flesh and seed consumption, as well as ornamental purposes [1] [2] [3]. Breeding for improved yield, fruit quality, resistance to pests and diseases and tolerance to abiotic stresses is an important goal for squash breeders worldwide [4]. However, conventional methods for selection are resource intensive, especially for quantitative traits with low heritability [5] [6]. Availability of next generation sequencing technologies has facilitated development of applied genomic tools for improvement of Cucurbita species, including reference genomes [7] [8], linkage maps [9] [10] and transcriptomes [11]. To-date, many quantitative trait loci (QTL) and molecular markers associated with economically important traits in Cucurbita have been identified [5] [7] [9] [12] [13] [14] [15]. These genomic resources are important for accelerated development of improved squash cultivars for growers through marker-assisted selection.
Genotyping systems for marker-assisted selection primarily rely on leaf-derived DNA that require significant resource investment, including greenhouse facilities for seed germination and ultra-low-temperature freezers for tissue storage [16] [17] [18]. On the other hand, marker-assisted selection based on seed-derived DNA is a suitable alternative that not only allows selection prior to planting, but also helps reduce the cost associated with acquisition of expensive storage and greenhouse facilities [16] [19]. Seed-based genotyping requires development of a non-destructive sampling protocol that allows reliable germination of remnant seed-embryo, as well as a nucleic acid extraction method that yields DNA of sufficient quality and quantity for marker-assisted selection [20] [21]. Seed-based genotyping systems have been developed and applied for many crops, including watermelon [21], maize [16], soybean [22], barley [19], wheat [20], sesame and rice [17]. In the current study, a non-destructive seed-based genotyping system was developed for squash and applied in marker-assisted selection.
2. Material and Methods
2.1. Plant Materials, Germination, and Seed Size Determination
Six squash cultivars representing C. pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck), C. moschata (Butterbush and Fairytale), and C. maxima (Buttercup and Big Max) species were used in the experiment. Seed-chips for DNA extraction were obtained by cutting off 1/3 portion of the distal-end (cotyledon) using a steel blade (Figure 1) as previously described for watermelon [21].
The remnant proximal-end portions of the seeds containing the embryo were germinated in cells (5.98 × 3.68 × 4.69 cm) filled with Proline C/B growing mix (Jolly Gardener, Quakertown, PA, USA) amended with 14 N-4.2 P-11.6 K controlled-release fertilizer (Osmocote; Scotts, Marysville, OH, USA) in the greenhouse. Whole uncut seeds were germinated as controls for each cultivar. Germination data was determined 15 days after planting (DAP). Four germination experiments were conducted, with 8 seeds for each treatment-cultivar combination.
![]()
Figure 1. Whole and cut seeds of six squash cultivars belonging to Cucurbita maxima (Big Max and Buttercup), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck).
Seed size for each cultivar was determined by average seed weight of ten seeds on a portable weighing balance (Ohaus Corporation, Parsippany, NJ), while the average seed length and seed width of twenty randomly chosen seeds was measured using a digital electronic caliper (Marathon, Richmond Hill ON, Canada). The average weight of seed tissue used for DNA extraction for each cultivar was determined by measuring the weight of ten seed chips.
2.2. DNA Extraction
Eight seed chips per cultivar were used for DNA extraction using four methods. The seed chips were placed in individual 2 ml Eppendorf tubes with two 5-mm beads and immersed in liquid nitrogen for 4 minutes prior to grinding. The seed chips were then ground using a Harbil® Paint Mixer (The Cary Company, IL, USA) for four minutes.
2.2.1. CTAB Method
Samples were incubated with 500 μl of 3% cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and 0.2% (v/v) β-mercaptoethanol in a water bath at 65˚C for 30 minutes. The buffer also contained 100 mM Tris-HCl, 1400 mM NaCl, and 20 mM EDTA. After incubation, 400 μl of chloroform isoamyl (24:1) was added to each sample and centrifuged at 18,000 rpm for 15 minutes. A supernatant volume of 300 - 400 μl was transferred into new tubes and incubated with 5 μl RNAse at 37˚C for 15 minutes. A second wash with 400 μl of chloroform-isoamyl (24:1) was performed, and 300 - 400 μl of the supernatant was transferred into new tubes. A 0.7× volume cold isopropanol was added to each sample. DNA was allowed to precipitate for 30 min at −20˚C and collected by centrifugation at 21,000 rpm for 15 minutes. The pellets were washed twice with cold 70% ethanol and allowed to air dry before suspension in 50 μl Tris-EDTA (10 mM Tris-HCl and 1 mM EDTA).
2.2.2. SDS Method
Samples were incubated with 500 μl of 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 1% PVP, and 0.2% β-Meracaptoethanol in a water bath at 65˚C for 30 minutes. The buffer also contained 100 mM Tris-HCl, 3000 mMNaCl, and 20 mM EDTA. After incubation, 400 μl of chloroform isoamyl (24:1) was added to each sample and centrifuged at 18,000 rpm for 15 minutes. A supernatant volume of 300 - 400 μl was transferred into new tubes and incubated with 5 μl RNAse at 37˚C for 15 minutes. A second wash with 400 μl of chloroform isoamyl (24:1) was performed, and 300 - 400 μl of the supernatant was transferred into new tubes. A 0.7× volume cold isopropanol was added to each sample. DNA was allowed to precipitate for 30 min at −20˚C and collected by centrifugation at 21,000 rpm for 15 minutes. The pellets were washed twice with cold 70% ethanol and allowed to air dry before suspension in 50 μl Tris-EDTA (10 mM Tris-HCl and 1 mM EDTA).
2.2.3. Favorgen Method
DNA extraction from the seed chips was carried out using the FavorPrep Plant DNA kit (Favorgen Biotech Corp, Ping-Tung, Taiwan) according to the manufacturer’s instructions, with minor modifications. Briefly, samples were incubated with 500 μl of the FAPG1 buffer and 8 μl RNase in a water bath at 65˚C for 30 minutes. The precipitate was treated with 130 μl of the FAPG2 buffer and incubated in ice for 5 minutes. The sample was transferred to a Filter Column in a Collection tube and centrifuged at 18,000 rpm for 3 minutes. The clarified supernatant in Collection Tube was transferred to a new microcentrifuge tube and mixed with 1.5× volume of FAPG3 DNA-binding buffer by pipetting. An initial volume of 750 μl from the mixture was applied to a FAPG DNA binding column in a collection tube and centrifuged at 18,000 rpm for 1 minute. The flow-through was discarded. This step was repeated for the remainder of the mixture. Exactly 500 μl of W1 pre-wash buffer was added into the column and centrifuged for 30 seconds, and flow-through was discarded. The column was washed twice with 750 μl of Wash Buffer and centrifuged for 30 seconds each. DNA in the column was allowed to dry by centrifuging at 18,000 rpm for 3 minutes. DNA was then obtained by placing the column in a microcentrifuge tube, adding 50 μl Elution Buffer into the center of the column matrix, and centrifuging for 1 minute to obtain eluted DNA.
2.2.4. EZNA Method
DNA was extracted from the seed chips using the E.Z.N.A DNA extraction kit (Omega Biotek, Norcross, GA, USA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions, with minor modifications as follows. Samples were incubated with 600 μl P1 Buffer in a water bath at 65˚C for 30 minutes. The precipitate was treated with 140 μl P2 buffer and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes. Cleared lysate was transferred to a new microcentrifuge tube, mixed with 0.7× volume of 100% isopropanol, and immediately centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 2 minutes. The supernatant was discarded, and the pellet was allowed to dry in a paper towel for 1 minute. 300 μl sterile deionized water heated to 65˚C was added to the pellet and samples were incubated at 65˚C for 30 minutes. 4 μl RNase A was added along with 150 μl P3 Buffer and 300 μl 100% ethanol and briefly vortexed gently. The entire sample was transferred into a HiBind® DNA Mini Column in a 2 mL Collection Tube and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 1 minute. Collection tube was discarded, and the column was transferred to a new collection tube. 650 μl of DNA Wash Buffer was then added to the column and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 1 minute. The filtrate was discarded, and the step was repeated. The column was allowed to dry by centrifuging at 10,000 rpm for 2 minutes and then placed in a new microcentrifuge tube. 50 μl of Elution Buffer heated to 65˚C was added and centrifuged for 1 minute to obtain eluted DNA.
The concentration and quality of the DNA for all the methods was determined by absorbance measurements (NanoDrop 8000; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and agarose gel (0.8% w/v) electrophoresis.
2.3. Genotyping with Molecular Markers
2.3.1. SSR Genotyping
To determine utility for genotyping using microsatellite markers, the DNA extracted using the four methods was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with an SSR primer marker (CMTp109) [10]. PCR was performed in a 15-mL reaction containing 40 ng of template DNA, 0.4 mM each of forward primer (CAGAGCACCAGATCAGTGGA) and reverse primer (GCAAAGCCTCCGCTCTATT), and PROMEGA Colorless GoTaq mastermix (Promega, Madison, WI). Amplification was performed on a SimpliAmp™ Thermal Cycler (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) using an initial 3 min denaturation at 95˚C, followed by 35 cycles of 15 s at 95˚C, 20 s at 52˚C, and 30 s at 72˚C. The amplification was followed by a final extension step of 10 min at 72˚C. The PCR amplicons were run on an agarose gel (1% w/v) electrophoresis.
2.3.2. SNP Genotyping
A Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) assay was designed using BatchPrimer3 software (Albany, CA, USA) for a SNP marker (KASP-11) linked to a QTL for hull-less trait in Cucurbita. PCR assays were performed in 10 μl reactions containing 5 μl of 2× low ROX KASP master mix (LGC Genomics LLC., Teddington, UK), 0.16 μl each of forward primers (10 μM), 0.41 μl of reverse primer, 2 μl of genomic DNA (50 ng/μl) and 2.27 μl of H2O. The PCR conditions consisted of an initial incubation at 94˚C for 15 min, a touchdown PCR at 94˚C for 20 s, 61˚C for 60 s, with a 0.6˚C decrease per cycle for 10 cycles, followed by 26 cycles of 94˚C for 20 s and 55˚C for 60 s. Fluorescent end-point readings and cluster calling were performed using LightCycler® 480 Instrument II (Roche Life Sciences, Penzberg, Upper Bavaria, Germany). KASP assays were only performed for DNA extraction methods that successfully amplified with the SSR marker (CMTp109).
2.4. Statistical Analysis
Data was analyzed using the PROC GLM procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) and means separation was done using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test [23]. Pearson correlations between DNA concentration and seed-chip weight were calculated using JMP (Version 11; SAS Institute, Cary, NC).
3. Results
3.1. Seed Size Traits and Germination
Variation in seed size was observed across the six cultivars used in the current study. Seed length ranged from 10.88 mm to 18.89 mm (Table 1) and was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Big Max cultivar (C. maxima) when compared to the other cultivars. This trend was consistent for all the seed size traits measured (Table 1 and Figure 1). The amount of seed tissue (seed chip) used for DNA extraction was also significantly higher for the Big Max cultivar and least in small-seeded cultivars, Yellow Crookneck and Butterbush.
Germination for whole and cut seeds ranged from 87.5% to 100% and 59.38% to 98.44%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in germination percentage between the whole and cut seeds within cultivars (Table 2 and Figure 2).
![]()
Table 1. Seed size traits of six squash cultivars representing Cucurbita pepo (Black beauty and yellow Crookneck), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. maxima (Big Max and Buttercup).
Means within column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (p < 0.05).
![]()
Table 2. Germination percentage of whole and cut seeds of six squash cultivars representing Cucurbita pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. maxima (Big Max and Buttercup).
Means within row followed by the same letter are not significantly different (p < 0.05).
![]()
Figure 2. Seedling emergence for (a) whole seeds and (b) cut seeds at 15 days after planting for six squash cultivars belonging to Cucurbita maxima (Big Max and Buttercup), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck).
3.2. DNA Quantity and Quality
DNA was obtained from all the cultivars, regardless of the extraction method used (Table 3 and Figure 3). The average DNA concentration ranged from 11.6 ng/μL to 62.6 ng/μL and was significantly higher for CTAB method than the other methods. On the contrary, DNA quality for CTAB method was the lowest (A260/280 = 0.89) among the methods tested. The two commercial kit methods (EZNA and Favorgen) yielded the highest quality DNA with values between 1.76 and 1.88. Gel electrophoresis revealed slight DNA degradation for samples extracted using EZNA and Favorgen methods, while minimal migration from the wells was observed for samples extracted using CTAB and SDS methods (Figure 3).
The DNA concentration across cultivars was low for the EZNA method and ranged from 4.8 ng/μL (Fairytale) to 16.3 ng/μL (Buttercup) (Table 4). On the other hand, the DNA quality (A260/280) ranged from 1.57 (Fairytale) to 2.25 (Yellow Crookneck) for the EZNA method.
For the CTAB method, high DNA yields ranging from 23.2 ng/μL (Butterbush) to 126.2 ng/μL (Buttercup) were observed (Table 5). Conversely, this method recorded the lowest DNA quality (A260/280) with values ranging from 0.77 (Big Max) to 1.01 (Butterbush).
The DNA concentration for the Favorgen method was modest and ranged from 10.7 ng/μL (Fairytale) to 31.1 ng/μL (Big Max) (Table 6). On the other hand, the DNA quality (A260/280) ranged from 1.51 (Fairytale) to 2.17 (Butterbush) for this method.
The SDS method yielded DNA concentration between 7.9 ng/μL (Butterbush) and 22.0 ng/μL (Buttercup) (Table 7). The DNA quality (A260/280) for the SDS method ranged from 1.48 (Big Max) to 2.58 (Butterbush).
Correlation between DNA concentration and seed-chip weight ranged between 0.43 and 0.79 but was not significant (p < 0.05) across the extraction methods [(CTAB = 0.79), (SDS = 0.73), (EZNA = 0.45 and (Favorgen = 0.43)].
![]()
Figure 3. Quality of DNA samples extracted from six squash cultivars belonging to Cucurbita maxima (Big Max and Buttercup), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck) using Favorgen (1 - 5), CTAB 6 - 10), SDS (11 - 15) and EZNA (16 - 20) extraction methods. L represents λ DNA marker.
![]()
Table 3. Concentration (ng/ul) and quality (A260/280) of DNA extracted from seeds of six squash cultivars representing Cucurbita pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. maxima (Big Max and Buttercup) using CTAB, EZNA, Favorgen and SDS extraction methods.
Means within column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (p < 0.05).
![]()
Table 4. Concentration (ng/ul) and quality (A260/280) of DNA extracted from seeds of six squash cultivars representing Cucurbita pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. maxima (Big Max and Buttercup) using EZNA kit extraction method.
Means within column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (p < 0.05).
![]()
Table 5. Concentration (ng/ul) and quality (A260/280) of DNA extracted from seeds of six squash cultivars representing Cucurbita pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. maxima (Big Max and Buttercup) using CTAB extraction method.
Means within column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (p < 0.05).
![]()
Table 6. Concentration (ng/ul) and quality (A260/280) of DNA extracted from seeds of six squash cultivars representing Cucurbita pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. maxima (Big Max and Buttercup) using Favorgen kit extraction method.
Means within column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (p < 0.05).
![]()
Table 7. Concentration (ng/ul) and quality (A260/280) of DNA extracted from seeds of six squash cultivars representing Cucurbita pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. maxima (Big Max and Buttercup) using SDS extraction method.
Means within column followed by the same letter are not significantly different (p < 0.05).
Consistent amplification with SSR marker CMTp109 was obtained only for DNA derived from the EZNA and Favorgen methods (Figure 4).
Further genotyping with SNP marker (KASP-11) for DNA derived from EZNA and Favorgen methods was also successful (Figure 5). As expected, all the DNA samples contained the allele for hulled genotype, while the control DNA sample contained the allele for hull-less genotype.
4. Discussion
Implementing a seed-based genotyping system for squash requires a non-destructive sampling method that allows reliable germination, while the resulting DNA must be of sufficient quantity and quality for downstream applications [16]. In the current study, six cultivars of squash representing the major species of squash (C. pepo, C. moschata and C. maxima) and varying seed characteristics were used to develop a suitable seed-based genotyping system for the crop. The average seed size (seed length) across cultivars was 13.54 mm but ranged from 10.59 mm (Butterbush) to 18.89 mm (Big Max). Despite the vast differences in seed size among the cultivars, sampling 1/3 of the seed for DNA extraction did not significantly affect germination percentage for the remnant seed-embryo. Seed-size is an important consideration for a non-destructive sampling system, particularly for cultivars with small seeds. For example, in watermelon [21] and maize [16], sampling of larger portion of seeds for DNA extraction significantly affected germination percentage of remnant seed-embryo due to depleted energy reserves.
DNA yield across the four methods ranged from 0.5 μg (EZNA) to 3.13 μg (CTAB) and is of sufficient quantity for application in marker-assisted selection. The correlation (0.43 - 0.79) between DNA concentration and seed chip size was moderate to high but not significant, suggesting that the efficiency of DNA extraction across methods was independent of the amount of seed tissue. PCR with an SSR marker (CMTp109) was performed to determine the usefulness of the extracted DNA for marker-assisted selection. DNA extracted using the CTAB and SDS methods did not consistently amplify with SSR marker CMTp109, suggesting presence of PCR inhibiting contaminants such as proteins, polysaccharides, and polyphenols [16] [24]. On the contrary, DNA obtained using EZNA and Favorgen methods amplified successfully with SSR and SNP markers.
![]()
Figure 4. PCR amplification (SSR) of DNA extracted from six squash cultivars belonging to Cucurbita maxima (Big Max and Buttercup), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck) using Favorgen (1 - 6), CTAB (7 - 12), SDS (13 - 18) and EZNA (19 - 24) extraction methods. H and L represent water and 100 bp DNA ladder, respectively.
![]()
Figure 5. A KASP assay with a SNP marker targeting hull-less seed trait in Cucurbita using DNA extracted from six squash cultivars belonging to Cucurbita maxima (Big Max and Buttercup), C. moschata (Fairytale and Butterbush) and C. pepo (Black Beauty and Yellow Crookneck) using Favorgen and EZNA extraction methods. The green triangle represents the allele for hull-less seed genotype in a leaf DNA sample of control cultivar Kakai (C. pepo), blue triangles represent the allele for hulled seed genotype in the six cultivars and the gray circles represent no template controls.
5. Conclusion
In the current study, a non-destructive seed-based genotyping system for marker-assisted selection in squash was developed. Although DNA could be obtained using all the extraction methods, only EZNA and Favorgen methods yielded DNA of sufficient quality for marker-assisted selection. Additional research is required to improve the yield of DNA for the two methods.
Funding
This research was partially funded by the USDA NIFA REEU Program (#GRANT12124888).