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Updated: Sep 12, 2025

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Robust DNA Isolation and High-throughput Sequencing Library Construction for Herbarium Specimens
Published on: March 8, 2018
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Using herbarium collections to study genetic responses to global change
Lucas Eckert1,2, Isaac Eckert1,2, Olivia Rahn1,2
1Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada.
The New Phytologist
|August 8, 2025
Summary
Earth
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Earth's 406 million herbarium specimens contain vast untapped genetic data.
- DNA sequencing advances enable genetic data extraction from preserved plant specimens.
- Historical plant genomes offer insights into biodiversity and evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of herbarium collections for studying plant genetic responses to global change.
- To highlight research avenues for leveraging historical plant genomes.
Main Methods:
- Discussing the application of herbarium genetic data in various research areas.
- Reviewing existing literature and potential future research directions.
Main Results:
- Herbarium specimens provide a valuable resource for genetic monitoring of plant populations.
- Historical genetic data can illuminate local extinction dynamics and selection targets.
- Genomic predictions can be validated using historical data through hindcasting.
Conclusions:
- Herbarium collections are a unique, underutilized resource for understanding plant responses to global change.
- Mobilizing herbarium genetic data can significantly advance plant science and conservation efforts.
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