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<p>The Western Ghats are recognized as an irreplaceable biodiversity hotspot with a unique endemic fern diversity within the Dryopteridaceae family. Unambiguous species identification is crucial for biodiversity conservation, but morphological resemblance in congeners hinders robust identification. Therefore, the current study employed DNA barcoding as a tool to authenticate endemic ferns using the chloroplast <i>rbcL</i> and <i>trn</i>H-<i>psb</i>A barcodes. A rapid DNA isolation protocol standardized for young fronds of ferns yielded the required amount of DNA for PCR amplification. The <i>rbcL</i> DNA barcode recovered 605&#xa0;bp without any size variation, and the <i>trn</i>H-<i>psb</i>A sequences varied from 525 to 550&#xa0;bp. A total of 40 reference DNA barcodes was assembled from five endemic ferns using <i>rbcL</i> and <i>trn</i>H-<i>psb</i>A markers. Analysis of inter-species genetic distance revealed that the <i>trn</i>H-<i>psb</i>A DNA barcode exhibited the highest genetic distance compared to the <i>rbcL</i>. The maximum inter-species genetic distance was found between <i>Elaphoglossum beddomei</i> Sledge and <i>Cyrtomium micropterum</i> (Kunze) Ching, and the minimum between <i>Bolbitis feeiana</i> (Copel.) Fraser-Jenk. &amp; Gandhi and <i>B. semicordata</i> (Baker) Ching. The phylogenetic tree constructed using <i>rbcL</i> and <i>trn</i>H-<i>psb</i>A DNA barcode showed the sub-familial genetic relationship in the Dryopteridaceae family. The phylogenetic trees consisted of <i>Dryopteris</i> Adans. and <i>Cyrtomium</i> C.Presl representing the Dryopteridoideae sub-family in Clade I. The Elaphoglossoideae sub-family in clade II consisted of <i>Bolbitis</i> Schott and <i>Elaphoglossum</i> Schott ex J.Sm. species. This study demonstrates the usefulness of DNA barcoding in endemic fern identification and unraveling the genetic relationship. The data could facilitate accurate identification of ecologically important endemic and threatened species for conservation.</p>

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DNA Barcoding As a Tool for Species Authentication and Conservation of Endemic Ferns From the Western Ghats

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月3日

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  • Stalin Nithaniyal,
  • Benniamin Asir,
  • Kaushik Sarkar,
  • Rajeshwar Dayal,
  • Jesubalan D.

摘要

The Western Ghats are recognized as an irreplaceable biodiversity hotspot with a unique endemic fern diversity within the Dryopteridaceae family. Unambiguous species identification is crucial for biodiversity conservation, but morphological resemblance in congeners hinders robust identification. Therefore, the current study employed DNA barcoding as a tool to authenticate endemic ferns using the chloroplast rbcL and trnH-psbA barcodes. A rapid DNA isolation protocol standardized for young fronds of ferns yielded the required amount of DNA for PCR amplification. The rbcL DNA barcode recovered 605 bp without any size variation, and the trnH-psbA sequences varied from 525 to 550 bp. A total of 40 reference DNA barcodes was assembled from five endemic ferns using rbcL and trnH-psbA markers. Analysis of inter-species genetic distance revealed that the trnH-psbA DNA barcode exhibited the highest genetic distance compared to the rbcL. The maximum inter-species genetic distance was found between Elaphoglossum beddomei Sledge and Cyrtomium micropterum (Kunze) Ching, and the minimum between Bolbitis feeiana (Copel.) Fraser-Jenk. & Gandhi and B. semicordata (Baker) Ching. The phylogenetic tree constructed using rbcL and trnH-psbA DNA barcode showed the sub-familial genetic relationship in the Dryopteridaceae family. The phylogenetic trees consisted of Dryopteris Adans. and Cyrtomium C.Presl representing the Dryopteridoideae sub-family in Clade I. The Elaphoglossoideae sub-family in clade II consisted of Bolbitis Schott and Elaphoglossum Schott ex J.Sm. species. This study demonstrates the usefulness of DNA barcoding in endemic fern identification and unraveling the genetic relationship. The data could facilitate accurate identification of ecologically important endemic and threatened species for conservation.