DNA barcoding for identification of exotic grass species present ineastern Australia

摘要

Grass identification traditionally relies on morphological examination of floral material, and often requires specialist knowledge of morphological characteristics diagnostic for the various genera and species. DNA barcoding may provide a rapid genetic screening tool to identify selected noxious grass weeds at the vegetative growth stage. We tested the utility of 18 chloroplast and nuclear genes as potential DNA barcodes for species identifications of introduced grasses present in Eastern Australia.Grasses examined (N = 417) included Masse/la neesiana (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth (Chilean needle grass), Nassella trichotoma (Nees) Hack, ex Arechav. (serrated tussock), Eragros-tis curvula (Schrad.) Nees (African love grass) and 26 other weed species collected from New South Wales (NSW), Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and other parts of Australia. Our preliminary results revealed three chloroplast genes, matK, ndhK and petL, which exhibit potentials as DNA barcodes for distinguishing and identifyingweeds species of interest.