Abstract Detail

Molecular Ecology and Evolution

Neubig, K. M. [1], Abbott, J. Richard [2], Whitten, W. M. [3], Williams, N. H. [3].

BarFF: Barcoding the Flora of Florida.

The central premise of DNA barcoding is that each species has a unique set of DNA, of which a carefully chosen subset (a “DNA barcode”) can serve as a baseline reference for comparative identification. Plant identification is often based entirely on morphology, with the limitation that many species must be collected at a very specific time of the year so that reproductive features can be used for accurate identification. With DNA barcode data, identification of plants is possible at all life stages, from seed to mature plant with very little tissue necessary for identification. DNA barcoding has applied utility for all research, wildlife and land management, and conservation efforts that rely on identifying plant species, and it also has applications in forensics, biosecurity, trade in controlled species (or foodstuffs, herbals, and plant-based medicines), and scientific questions involving evolution, biogeography, and population structure. DNA barcoding is not meant to replace detailed population genetic studies, but it will provide a baseline of genetic data for comparative analysis. With sampling of multiple populations, barcoding studies can provide a first glimpse at genetic differences that could reflect underlying patterns of cryptic or incipient species differences. We are building the backbone for a Barcoding the Flora of Florida project and have already collected DNA material for over 2,000 plants in Florida, with plans to include all vascular plant species in Florida. As a preliminary examination of Florida plants, we have sequenced all of the most noxious weeds of Florida (according to Florida Exotic Plant Pest Council), including 136 species. Presently, we are working with other collaborators to sequence more Florida plant species to make the resolving identification power of barcoding more effective.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Florida, Department of Biology, 220 Bartram Hall, P.O. Box 118526, Gainesville, FL, 32611-8526, USA
2 - Eastern Illinois University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charleston, IL, 61920, USA
3 - University of Florida, Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida, 32611-7800, USA

Keywords:
barcoding
Florida
Invasive plants
Floristics.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PME003
Abstract ID:525