Abstract Detail

Biodiversity Informatics & Herbarium Digitization

Paradiso, Lydia [1], Haston, Elspeth [2].

DNA Barcoding for Identification of Unknown Herbarium Specimens.

Traditionally, specimens are identified based primarily on morphological characters. However, the increasing affordability and ease of genetic sequencing, paired with a increasing amounts of available molecular sequences, makes it possible to include molecular data in the process of identification. Comparison of a short "barcode" sequence for a completely unknown specimen to a database of knowns can provide high levels of taxonomic information to aid in de novo identification of a specimen. In this study, we identify 71 previously unknown herbarium specimens of varying ages based on a ca500bp fragment of the chloroplast gene rbcL. Barcode sequences were compared to the GenBank database using BLAST. Top identity matches were analyzed in conjunction with local floras, published monographs, local experts, and additional herbarium specimens. Using the rbcL barcode as a starting point, specimens were identified to family, genus, or species in 100%, 83%, and 45% of cases, respectively. The method presented provides an accessible framework to aid both experts and non-experts in the fundamental task of identification of specimens.

1 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States
2 - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Herbarium, 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR, UK

Keywords:
herbarium
DNA barcoding
identification.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Biodiversity Informatics & Herbarium Digitization
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PBI012
Abstract ID:944
Candidate for Awards:None