Molecular authentication of some rare Iris (Iridaceae) species from Uzbekistan

Abstract

The determination of nucleotide sequences in DNA, sequencing of chloroplast genomes techniques, based on the use of combinations a significant number genetic markers, as well as the nuclear genome are widely use for inventory of rare plant species, ecological monitoring and species diversity assessment. The results of our molecular analysis are used to examine the taxonomic identity and phylogenetic relationship of the studied Iris species collected in Uzbekistan. The genotyping of three-four functional loci of nrDNA and cpDNA was performed for efficient species identification and confident results. The nuclear ITS gene sequences and chloroplast trnL-trnF, rbcL, matK gene sequences were obtained from 10 Iris species and have proven to be useful as molecular markers for species identification. Sequences of cpDNA regions, have been used to assess interspecific relationships of Iris. Hierarchical clustering were constructed using 13 consensus matK gene sequences. In this study, we consider the possibility of successful application the DNA barcoding as a tool for assessment of wild Iris species diversity in Uzbekistan.