ABSTRACT
This study aims at developing fast and accurate species identification methods for the plants of Mussaenda L. In the present study, DNA barcoding analysis was carried out on 89 individuals representing 20 species of Mussaenda in order to evaluate the performance of the four candidate barcoding loci (matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA, and ITS) and ITS2 region. Based on sequence similarity and Neighbor-joining (NJ) tree reconstruction, we detected inter-and intra-specific genetic distances using Kimura 2-parameter (K2P). Inter-specific genetic distance of species in Mussaenda was significantly higher than intra-specific genetic distance. The region of ITS2 showed the highest discrimination power among the independent sequences. Comparably high species discrimination power was also revealed by the matK and ITS data set. The candidate barcode of rbcL displayed the lowest identification rate among the others. However, each individual candidate barcode demonstrated significantly lower discrimination power than the barcode of combined data set. Comparable discrimination power was revealed between the two barcodes of combined sequences matK + rbcL + ITS and matK + rbcL + trnH-psbA + ITS, which showed the values around 77% and 75% based on sequence similarity and NJ tree method. Totally 15 species were identified based on NJ analysis of matK + rbcL + ITS. Consequently, the combined sequence of matK + rbcL + ITS provides an effective and fast tool for the identification and authentication of medicinal plant species in the genus Mussaenda L.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the species and distribution of Mussaenda L. in Guangxi, and provide basis for protecting, developing and utilizing the local plant resources. Methods By field survey, specimens collection and identification and literatures consultion, Mussaenda L. in Guangxi was investigated. Results Mussaenda L. in Guangxi contains 8 species, and the majority of them are Mussaenda pubescens Ait.f and Mussaenda eros Champ. Conclusion The investigation results provide some basis for protection, development and utilization of the resources of Mussaenda L. in Guangxi.