Evaluating the Feasibility of Five Candidate DNA Barcoding Loci for Philippine Jack (: ).

INTRODUCTION

The pantropical genus Jack is identified for high phenotypic plasticity making traditional taxonomic identification difficult. Having some members with important medicinal properties, a precise complimentary identification through DNA barcoding is needed for species delineation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 12 samples representing six Philippine species were used to determine the most efficient barcoding loci among the cpDNA markers (K, L, 16, and T-F) and nrDNA (ITS) based on the criteria of universality, discriminatory power, and resolution of species.

RESULTS

The results revealed that ITS has the recommended primer universality, greatest interspecific divergences, and average resolution of species. Among the cpDNA markers, K and L are recommended but with minimal resolution of species. While T-F showed moderate interspecific variations and resolution of species, 16 has the lowest interspecific divergence and resolution of species.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, ITS is the potential ideal DNA barcode for species.

SUMMARY

ITS, K, and 16 markers have the excellent amplification and sequence qualityITS marker has the highest interspecific divergence with the maximum values, followed by K, L, T-F, and 16, respectivelyAll markers except 16 yielded average resolution to Lasianthus speciesITS marker is the most ideal locus in terms of excellent universality, high interspecific discriminatory ability, and average species resolution. ITS: Internal Transcribe Spacer, K: maturase K, L: ribulose-1,5-biphospahte-carboxylase, 16: ribosomal protein 16 small subunit gene.