Description
The Qiagen QIAcard FTA PlantSaver Card is built for plant work, with a laminated flap that lets you crush leaf or insect tissue straight into the FTA matrix without tearing the card. DNA binds to the matrix as the sample is pressed in, and the card stores at room temperature in the field or the laboratory.
- Laminated Crush Flap – The flap takes vigorous crushing of plant or insect samples while protecting the card surface.
- Four Sample Areas – Four areas per card organize varieties, plots or replicates side by side.
- Field Friendly Storage – Samples collect and store at room temperature or higher, per the manufacturer.
About This FTA PlantSaver Card
Plant DNA work starts away from the laboratory, in greenhouses and fields where freezers are not an option. Only young leaves are required, which shortens growing time and speeds research, and the tissue is physically crushed onto the card so DNA binds to the matrix. The chemical coating protects that DNA from degradation during extended room temperature storage.
Back at the bench, purification takes about 30 minutes, with PCR-ready DNA prepared on the card in three steps in a single tube. A 1.2 or 2 mm disc of matrix provides enough template for PCR analysis. The manufacturer lists applications from GMO detection and marker assisted breeding to varietal identification and phylogeny analysis.
Features and Benefits
Sample Handling
- Crush-In Collection – Tissue is pressed directly into the matrix under the flap, so no homogenizer is needed at collection.
- Small Sample Need – Young leaves are sufficient, reducing the growing time before sampling.
Laboratory Workflow
- Fast Purification – PCR-ready DNA is purified on the card in three simple steps at room temperature.
- Broad Assay Fit – PCR-based assays, low copy number loci and multiple displacement amplification are listed applications.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Format: QIAcard FTA PlantSaver, non-indicating
- Sample Areas: 4 per card
- Sample Type: Plant tissue, insect samples and homogenate
- Flap: Laminated protective flap for crushing samples
- Long-Term Storage: Room temperature
- Intended Use: Molecular biology applications, not for diagnostic procedures
Packaging
- Options: 100 cards per pack
- Storage: Store at room temperature
Browse related categories: molecular biology supplies and Qiagen products.
Why Choose This PlantSaver Card
Plant programs sample where the plants are, and the collection tool has to survive field handling while protecting DNA for the trip back. The PlantSaver flap and matrix are designed for exactly that crush, carry and store sequence.
- No Field Equipment – Crush-in collection removes homogenizers and cold storage from field sampling kits.
- Faster Research Cycles – Sampling young leaves cuts the growing time needed before analysis can start.
- Purpose Built Flap – The laminated crush flap is unique to this format in the family, a differentiator over standard cards that tear under crushing.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What samples does this card collect?
Plant tissue and insect samples are crushed onto the matrix, and homogenate can also be applied. The flap protects the card during that crushing step.
How is DNA purified from the card?
The matrix is washed with two nontoxic aqueous buffers and the DNA stays bound. A small disc then provides template for PCR, with purification taking about 30 minutes.
What analyses use PlantSaver samples?
The manufacturer lists PCR-based assays, GMO detection, marker selected breeding, varietal identification and phylogeny analysis. Low copy number loci work is also listed.
How much plant material is needed?
Only young leaves are required, which reduces growing time before sampling. The tissue is crushed directly into the sample area.
How are cards stored?
Cards store at room temperature or higher for extended periods, per the manufacturer. That suits field collection far from laboratory freezers.
Is this card for diagnostic use?
No, the intended use is molecular biology work such as forensic and identity testing. The manufacturer states it is not for diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease.
