Distinguishing two morphologically similar species of Asteraceae using a chloroplast DNA marker

Abstract

Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn and Calyptocarpus vialis Less are members of Asteraceae family that morphologically show high similarities. To genetically distinguish between them, a particular molecular marker should be employed. This study aims to present molecular comparison between both species using a chloroplast DNA marker, i.e. atpB – rbcL IGS. A pair of PCR universal primers was used to amplify the marker. Sequence alignment on the PCR products reveals longer S. nodiflora sequence in comparison to that of C. vialis. In addition, some transversions and transitions are also observed. This suggests that the two species exhibit considerable genetic difference despite their similar phenotypic appearance