2024 | Stavroula Letsiou, Panagiotis Madesis, Efstathios Vasdekis, Cinzia Montemurro, Maria E. Grigoriou, George Skavdis, Vassilios Moussis, Antonios E. Koutelidakis, Andreas G. Tzakos
DNA barcoding has become a significant tool in plant identification, offering a standardized method for species classification through genetic sequences. This review discusses the progress and challenges in DNA barcoding for plant taxonomy, highlighting the use of various barcode loci, the emergence of super barcodes from the chloroplast genome, and the impact of next-generation sequencing technologies. While a universal DNA barcode for plants has not yet been established, several markers such as ITS, rbcL, trnH-psbA, matK, and rpoB have shown promise in species identification. The combination of multiple markers enhances the accuracy and resolution of plant classification. Super barcodes, derived from the complete chloroplast genome, provide higher discriminatory power, especially for closely related species. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in complex plant materials where traditional barcoding techniques may fail. The development of species-specific primers and the integration of molecular techniques with traditional taxonomy are crucial for overcoming these limitations. The future of plant DNA barcoding lies in next-generation sequencing technologies, including super barcodes and short-read sequencing methods, which offer improved resolution and applicability in diverse plant species. These advancements contribute to the understanding of plant biodiversity and support applications in conservation, ecology, and forensic science.DNA barcoding has become a significant tool in plant identification, offering a standardized method for species classification through genetic sequences. This review discusses the progress and challenges in DNA barcoding for plant taxonomy, highlighting the use of various barcode loci, the emergence of super barcodes from the chloroplast genome, and the impact of next-generation sequencing technologies. While a universal DNA barcode for plants has not yet been established, several markers such as ITS, rbcL, trnH-psbA, matK, and rpoB have shown promise in species identification. The combination of multiple markers enhances the accuracy and resolution of plant classification. Super barcodes, derived from the complete chloroplast genome, provide higher discriminatory power, especially for closely related species. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in complex plant materials where traditional barcoding techniques may fail. The development of species-specific primers and the integration of molecular techniques with traditional taxonomy are crucial for overcoming these limitations. The future of plant DNA barcoding lies in next-generation sequencing technologies, including super barcodes and short-read sequencing methods, which offer improved resolution and applicability in diverse plant species. These advancements contribute to the understanding of plant biodiversity and support applications in conservation, ecology, and forensic science.