2025/07/01 by Yannick Woudstra, Paul Stromberg Rees, Solofo E. Rakotoarisoa +3 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Nursing · Psychology · #Animal and Plant Science Education #Food Science and Nutritional Studies #Phytochemistry and biological activity of medicinal plants
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/conl.13127
openalex publication_date 2025/07/01 · openalex created_date 2025/08/04 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/03
ABSTRACT DNA barcoding has revolutionized the identification of illegally traded material of endangered species as it overcomes the lack of resolution encountered with morphological identification. Nonetheless, in recently evolved and highly diverse clades, such as the relatives of Aloe vera , the lack of interspecific sequence variation in standardized markers compromises the barcoding efficacy. We present a new DNA barcoding tool using 189 nuclear markers, optimized for aloes (Asphodelaceae, Alooideae). We built a comprehensive sequence reference dataset from taxonomically verified sources for >300 species and validated its reliability for identification using phylogenomic inference. Seven anonymized samples from verified botanical collections and ten plants seized at London Heathrow Airport were correctly identified to species level, including a critically endangered species from Madagascar. Commercially purchased samples were confirmed to be the species as advertised. An accurate, reliable DNA barcoding method for aloe identification introduces new assurance to regulatory processes for endangered plants in trade.