By R. Bourdeix, 2015
For DNA analysis, it was previously advised to collected leaflets from the youngest green leave (as shown in the picture). This technique have evolved with time. Now it is possible to send leaflets samples from any green leaf providing that 1) the leave is already full green and not very young with remaining yellow color (too much polyphenols) and 2) the samples are free of any damage, disease, fungus, bacteria or insect attacks attacks.
Easy SMTA is to be signed before the samples to be sent Abroad
Leaflets samples can be kept some days in a plastic bag in the fridge before being analysed (maximim number of days to be precised, but probably 6-8 days).
There are several ways to dry the leaflets.
If there is a powerful air conditioning system, or if the air moisture is low, leaflets They can be cut in pieces of 20 cm long and dry on a table in a air conditioned room out of direct sunlight. However in the tropics, despite the air conditioning, the air is often too humid for this drying to be carried out in good conditions. When the leaflets dry out, they fold in half in an attempt to preserve their moisture. this delays drying out and can cause mold.
In the toughest and most difficult conditions, when the team travels for a long time to collect varieties or samples, another drying method is possible. This method is to tie two leaflets together and to dry them away from the sun hanging on a rope, either in a hotel room, or outside, in a place out of the rain where the wind blows.
Take two leaflets, preferably from the center of the youngest green leaf. Write the code or the number of the coconut tree on the two leaflets with a blue ballpoint pen. Clean the leaflets with a dry paper towel to remove dust.
Once again, the leaflets will fold in two to try to limit their drying out. The use of hairpins placed on the leaflets at 25 cm intervals helps to keep them open. This makes drying easier. Then cut out 20 cm long pieces, excluding the areas covered by the hairpins. Place two pieces of leaflets in an envelope. The same numbers should be written on the leaflets and on the envelope for double checking.
Note: French old version was available at the URL:
https://cocotierpolynesie.blogspot.com/2010/10/8.html
