Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.P008
Published online: 22 April 2026
Comparison of three different RNA isolation strategies from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) leaves
Gabriela Czarkowska*, Wiktoria Jędrys, Justyna Leśniowska-Nowak, Michał Nowak and Krzysztof Kowalczyk
Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: gabriela.czarkowska@up.edu.pl
The isolation of high-quality, pure RNA is a critical step in many molecular research protocols. The purity and degree of degradation of the material directly affect the reliability of results. Therefore, it is essential to select an appropriate RNA isolation method. The chosen method must ensure both high yield and effective removal of contaminants. Plant tissues, including sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris), are characterized by high levels of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, which can negatively affect the efficiency of RNA isolation and the subsequent enzymatic reactions. These contaminants, particularly abundant in plant tissues, may inhibit enzymatic reactions and promote RNA degradation, significantly reducing the quality of the obtained data. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of three commercially available kits for RNA isolation from plant tissues: the E.Z.N.A. Plant RNA Kit (OMEGA), TRIzol (Thermo Fisher Scientific), and the Maxwell® RSC Plant RNA Kit, regarding RNA isolated from sugar beet leaves. The analysis evaluated isolation yield using the Qubit Broad Range kit and NanoDrop, RNA purity as indicated by A260/A280 and A260/A230 ratios, and material integrity assessed using Qubit RNA IQ, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
The methods differed in terms of duration, degree of automation, and susceptibility to inhibitors. The Maxwell® RSC system enabled rapid and reproducible RNA purification with minimal operator involvement and low levels of contamination. In contrast, the TRIzol method was characterized by high yield and versatility but was more labor-intensive and associated with a higher risk of secondary contamination. The E.Z.N.A. column-based method represented a compromise between ease of use and RNA quality, although lower yields were observed in some cases. Based on the obtained results, a ranking of the tested RNA isolation methods was established, considering yield, purity, and integrity of the material. The conducted research provides practical guidelines for selecting the optimal method for RNA isolation from challenging plant tissues, such as sugar beet leaves.
Keywords: RNA isolation; RNA quality; plant RNA
How to cite
Czarkowska G., Jędrys W., Leśniowska-Nowak J., Nowak M., Kowalczyk K., 2026. Comparison of three different RNA isolation strategies from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) leaves. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.P008