The low copy nuclear region, RPB2 as a novel DNA barcode region for species identification in the rattan genus Calamus (Arecaceae).

摘要: Taxonomic complexities, like environmental plasticity and homoplasy, make precise identification challenging in Calamus, the genus of spiny climbing palms subfamily Calamoideae (Arecaceae). In present study, species discriminatory power twelve potential DNA barcode regions (rbcL, matK, psbA-trnH, rpoC, rpoB, psbK-psbI, atpF-atpH, psbZ-trnfM, ITS1, ITS2, PRK, RPB2) were evaluated 21 Calamus from Western Ghats region India, using distance, tree, similarity based statistical methods. Except for low copy nuclear region, RPB2, none tested plastid loci or ITS, either singly combinations, could discriminate all due to substitution rate multiple copies ITS respectively. The RPB2 locus showed highest resolution with 96% accuracy analysis, indicating its efficiency as a genus. putative “Calamus gamblei complex” on overlapping morphology was successfully resolved six distinct, though closely related, species. analysis also indicates that C. delessertianus is morphological variant dransfieldii. spite being gene provided an efficient delineate has the further extend use prospective other Palm genera.