Tree roots are a major source of biomass in forests and important drivers of ecosystem processes. However, estimating the total amount of root biomass in forests remains a challenge. Recently, researchers have developed a new DNA test for measuring the fine root biomass of trees. The method has been tested on soil samples from Pinus sylvestris L. and Betula sp. in their natural environment and is based on the extraction of DNA from the soil.
XyloTron
XyloTron DNA tree root testing is a handy tool for forest managers and scientists. It is crucial in the fight against illegal timber trafficking. In Ghana, for example, endangered tree species are being harvested and passed off as common wood. In fact, about 90% of commercial timbers in the country come from ten or twelve species, according to Emmanuel Ebenyanle, PhD, a Ghanaian scientist. After earning his PhD from Michigan State University, he returned to his native country to join the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana.
While traditional methods for tree root identification require microscopic examination and extensive genetic testing in labs, XyloTron brings wood identification capabilities to the field. It will help forest managers, customs officials, and enforcement authorities identify illegal timber. People throughout the tree root testing world use a wide range of forest products. They benefit from the natural resources provided by forests such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and habitat for a variety of species.
JC A
Accurate tree root identification is vital when it comes to litigation relating to alleged damage caused by a tree. Active tree roots conduct water and cause shrinking or drying of clays and pipes, and can cause damage to property. Conventional methods of identification involve examining the cell structure of roots under a high powered microscope. However, this method is often not able to distinguish between different species of tree or different individuals of the same species.
DNA analysis can accurately identify unidentified tree roots by comparing them to known roots of the same species. Using ISSR technology, JC A DNA testing of tree roots can be performed on ungrafted tree roots.
AncestryDNA
If you’re interested in discovering more about your roots, you should try an AncestryDNA DNA test. This service offers DNA results for you and your family in one convenient location. It also offers two mobile apps for viewing your results. The app allows you to build your family tree and connect DNA and health insights, which can be useful when engaging in conversations with family members.
AncestryDNA DNA testing uses autosomal DNA testing, which surveys the entire genome. This means that it can cover your entire family tree, from paternal to maternal line. Unlike traditional Y-DNA tests, which only reflect direct father-to-son lines, AncestryDNA DNA tests are designed to give you an accurate picture of your family’s tree root.
The company provides ethnicity estimation for more than 1000 different ethnic regions, giving you a better understanding of your heritage. You can even get estimates of your ancestry centuries back. This is because the company divides ethnic regions by hundreds of thousands of DNA positions. This helps the company build a reference panel of DNA markers, which can help you determine your ethnicity and even map out historical migratory patterns.