Application of DNA barcodes and spatial analysis in conservation genetics and modeling of Iranian Salicornia genetic resources

PLoS One. 2021 Apr 23;16(4):e0241162. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241162. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Iran is one of the origins of some Salicornia species. Nevertheless, comprehensive research has not been conducted on genetic potential, distribution, selection of populations, and the economic utilization of Salicornia in Iran. In the current study, Salicornia was collected based on the previous data available for 26 different geographical locations of provinces in Iran. We examined Salicornia plants' universality DNA barcodes, including rbcL, matK, trnH-psbA, and ITS, and their species identification abilities and identified six species groups. Subsequently, accurate modeling of distributed areas was provided with MAXENT and highlighted the valuable information on the diversity of specific geographical regions, conservation status of existing species, prioritization of conservation areas, and selection of Agro-Ecological areas. Together, this type of integrative study will provide useful information for managing and utilizing Salicornia genetic resources in Iran.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chenopodiaceae / genetics*
  • DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic / methods
  • DNA, Plant / genetics*
  • Genetics
  • Iran
  • Phylogeny
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Plant

Grants and funding

This project was supported by the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran, ABRII01-05-05-001-93001.