First data on DNA barcoding of representatives of the genus Cеntaurea s.l. (Asteraceae) from Bulgaria

The genus Centaurea s.l. is one of the richest and most taxonomically complex Asteraceae family. It includes between 400 700 species, which more than 70 are found in Bulgaria – a territory considered as secondary centers speciation genus. There large number endemics (Bulgarian Balkan) with endemism reaching up to 50% some groups, such Cyanus gr. Due ongoing active Balkans, boundaries closely related taxa cannot be easily established based entirely on morphological features. DNA barcoding cost-efficient reliable approach for identifying retrieving previously known species potential accelerate discovery new plant species. Despite huge method, no any Bulgarian population from this has been barcoded so far. present study presents first data 11 12 populations four regions ITS, matK, rbcL trnH-psbA. three barcodes promising whereas trnH-psbA somewhat lower resolution. preliminary results suggest that ‘ ’ group well separated s.str.’ corresponds their treatment different subgenera or genera. Within ’, grouping morphology s.str.’, although relatively low included, cases congruent characters. However, there incongruent tree topologies should investigated further both by repeating extraction sequencing samples, addition new, presumably study.