Do taxon-specific DNA barcodes improve species discrimination relative to universal barcodes in Lauraceae?

Abstract The aim of DNA barcoding is to enable fast and accurate species identification. However, universal plant barcodes often do not provide species-level discrimination, especially in taxonomically complex groups. Here we use Lauraceae for the design evaluation strategies, considering: (1) efficacy taxon-specific barcode regions compared with discrimination; (2) how extent intra- interspecific sampling affects discrimination rates. To address these areas, targeted highly polymorphic, ycf1 + ndhH–rps15 trnL–ycf2 them against suite standard plastid loci used (rbcL matK trnH–psbA) nuclear ITS. highest success came from nrDNA ITS, whereas (ycf1 trnL–ycf2) showed limited inconsistent resolution. These results highlight that may gains discriminatory power complex, closely related groups like Lauraceae. Moreover, our study greatly depends on taxon scheme, relatively lower observed where there more comprehensive sampling. outstanding challenge development assays allow routine low-cost access large numbers markers facilitate sequencing individuals.