Validation of the ITS2 Region as a Novel DNA Barcode for Identifying Medicinal Plant Species

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008613
• Publication Date: 2010-01-06T23:20:52Z
• Authors: Shilin Chen; Hui Yao; Jianping Han; Chang Liu; Jingyuan Song; Linchun Shi; Yingjie Zhu; Xinye Ma; Ting Gao; Xiaohui Pang; Kun Luo; Ying Li; Xiwen Li; Xiaocheng Jia; Yulin Lin; Christine Leon
• Keywords: Barcode; DNA Barcoding; Identification

The plant working group of the Consortium for Barcode Life recommended two-locus combination rbcL+matK as barcode, yet was shown to successfully discriminate among 907 samples from 550 species at level with a probability 72%. admits that barcode is far perfect due low identification rate, and search not over.Here, we compared seven candidate DNA barcodes (psbA-trnH, matK, rbcL, rpoC1, ycf5, ITS2, ITS) medicinal species. Our ranking criteria included PCR amplification efficiency, differential intra- inter-specific divergences, barcoding gap. data suggest second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) nuclear ribosomal represents most suitable region applications. Furthermore, tested discrimination ability ITS2 in more than 6600 belonging 4800 753 distinct genera found rate successful 92.7% level.The can be potentially used standard identify plants their closely related We also propose serve novel universal broader range taxa.