Plant DNA and RNA extraction methods are well established, with a wide range of protocols, depending on the purposes of each laboratory/research. Nowadays, quick, inexpensive and easy plant DNA and RNA extraction methods are highly sought after. We developed an optimized protocol for plant DNA and RNA extraction that uses an inexpensive bench drill and plastic bags and does not require liquid nitrogen. DNA from leaves and RNA from leaves and roots of banana, pineapple, citrus, papaya, passion fruit and cassava, were extracted using a basic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method. Both nucleic acids were quantified and evaluated for quality based on agarose gel electrophoresis. The DNA and RNA extractions were successful for all species, and RNA quality in pellets was maintained after storage at room temperature for three weeks. This protocol can reduce costs considerably in laboratories wi...