A novel multiplex PCR assay for species identification in the Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) and Little Egret (E. garzetta)

摘要

A multiplex PCR assay is described herein for the species identification of juvenile egrets, Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) and Little Egret (E. garzetta), which colonially breed in a heronary and share similar exterior characteristics. In this new assay, the primers were designed to yield to a 101 bp positive control amplicon of partial ND6 and tRNA(Glu) gene, and the species-specific primers were designed for species identification in E. eulophotes and E. garzetta (partial ND6 and Control Region gene, about 278 and 302 bp, respectively). Using simple agarose gel electrophoresis the PCR products discriminates the two species unambiguously indicated that our new assay could be used for accurate and convenient species identification in E. eulophotes and E. garzetta.