Abstract Artemisia vulgaris L. belongs to Asteraceae, is a herbal plant that has various benefits in the medical field, so that its use in the medical field can be explored optimally, the plant must be thoroughly identified. This study aims to identify A. vulgaris both in terms of descriptive morpho-anatomy and DNA barcoding using BLAST and phylogenetic tree reconstruction. The morpho-anatomical character was observed on root, stem, and leaf. DNA barcoding analysis was carried out through amplification and alignment of the rbcL and matK genes. All studies were conducted on three samples from Taman Husada (Medicinal Plant Garden) Graha Famili Surabaya, Indonesia. The anatomical slide was prepared by the paraffin method. Morphological studies revealed that the leaves of A. vulgaris both on the lower-middle part and on the upper part of the stem have differences, especially in the character of the stipules, petioles, and incisions they have. Meanwhile, from the study of anatomy, A. vulgaris has an anomocytic type of stomata and its distribution is mostly on the ventral part of the leaves. Through the BLAST process and phylogenetic tree reconstruction, the plant sequences being studied are closely related to several species of the genus Artemisia as indicated by a percentage identity above 98% and branch proximity between taxa in the reconstructed phylogenetic tree. L Asteraceae optimally identified A morphoanatomy morpho anatomy reconstruction morphoanatomical root leaf genes Medicinal Garden Surabaya Indonesia method lowermiddle lower middle differences stipules petioles Meanwhile 98 9

Resumo Artemisia vulgaris L., pertencente à família Asteraceae, é uma planta herbácea com diversos benefícios à área médica. E para que seu uso na área médica possa ser explorado de forma otimizada, a planta deve ser minuciosamente identificada. Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar A. vulgaris por meio de análise morfoanatomia descritiva, quanto de código de barras do DNA utilizando BLAST e reconstrução de árvore filogenética. As características morfoanatômica foram observadas na raiz, caule e folha. A análise do código de barras do DNA foi realizada através da amplificação e alinhamento dos genes rbcL e matK. Todos os estudos foram feitos em três amostras de Taman Husada (Jardim de Plantas Medicinais) Graha Famili, Surabaya, Indonésia. A lâmina anatômica foi preparada pelo método da parafina. Estudos morfológicos revelaram que as folhas de A. vulgaris, tanto na parte média inferior quanto na parte superior do caule, apresentam diferenças, principalmente nos caracteres das estípulas, pecíolos e incisões. Já o estudo da anatomia revelou que A. vulgaris possui estômatos do tipo anomocítico e sua distribuição é principalmente na parte ventral das folhas. Através do processo BLAST e da reconstrução da árvore filogenética, as sequências de plantas em estudo apresentam estreira relação com várias espécies do gênero Artemisia, conforme indicado por uma identidade percentual acima de 98% e proximidade de ramos entre táxons na árvore filogenética reconstruída. L L. Asteraceae otimizada identificada descritiva raiz folha matK Jardim Medicinais Famili Surabaya Indonésia parafina diferenças estípulas incisões 98 reconstruída 9

Resumen Antecedentes: El patrón evolutivo de las dinofitas es complejo y requiere estudios taxonómicos exhaustivos, en desarrollo y morfología, ecología, evolución y genética de las especies. Preguntas: ¿Qué tan reciente fue la transición de D. baltica de México hacia agua dulce con base en la filogenia calibrada temporalmente de las Kryptoperidiniaceae? Especies estudiadas y descripción de los datos: Durinskia baltica, Kryptoperidiniaceae y el registro fósil conocido de dinotomos (dinofitas con diatomeas endosimbiontes) Sitios y años de estudio: Xochimilco, Ciudad de México. 2010 a 2019. Métodos: Se usaron inferencias bayesianas y secuencias de hospederos calibradas con un método de reloj relajado para generar las filogenias. Resultados: Se obtuvieron secuencias genéticas del sector 18S rDNA en el hospedero y del sector rbcL en el endosimbionte. El endosimbionte es genéticamente distinto de otros endosimbiontes con el mismo tipo de diatomea. En cambio, considerando las especies de agua dulce conocidas de Durinskia, la relación genética entre hospedadores es robusta y de origen reciente. La antigüedad de la secuencia mexicana coincide con el origen geológico de la cuenca de Xochimilco, sugiriendo particularidades en la historia evolutiva de los dinotomos ligadas a las regiones geográficas que habitan. Conclusiones: Nuestro escenario evolutivo con una filogenia calibrada indica que la transición de Durinskia baltica hacia agua dulce en la cuenca de Xochimilco está geológicamente contextualizada. El cambio ambiental histórico del lago de Xochimilco con respecto a la salinidad corresponde con una colonización inicial de D. baltica en un ambiente salobre y su posterior adaptación al agua dulce.

Abstract Background: The evolutionary pattern of dinophytes is complex and requires comprehensive taxonomic studies addressing the species' development and morphology, ecology, evolution, and genetics. Questions: How recent was the transition of D. baltica from Mexico to freshwater based on a calibrated phylogeny tree of the Kryptoperidiniaceae? Studied species and data description: Durinskia baltica, Kryptoperidiniaceae and the known fossil record of dinotoms (endosymbiont diatom-host dinophytes). Study sites and dates: Xochimilco, Mexico City. 2010 to 2019. Methods: Phylogenies were constructed with Bayesian inferences and host sequences were calibrated with a relaxed clock method. Results: We obtained genetic sequences of the 18S rDNA sector in the host and the rbcL sector in the endosymbiont. The Nitzschia-type endosymbiont is genetically distinct from endosymbionts of other dinotomes with the same diatom type. In contrast, considering the known freshwater species of Durinskia, the genetic relationship between hosts is robust and of recent origin. The antiquity of the Mexican sequence coincides with the geological origin of the Xochimilco basin, suggesting particularities in the evolutionary history of dinotomes linked to the geographic regions they inhabit. Conclusions: Our evolutionary scenario with a calibrated phylogeny indicates that the transition of Durinskia baltica to freshwater in the Xochimilco basin is geologically contextualized. The historical environmental change of Lake Xochimilco with respect to salinity corresponds with an initial colonization of D. baltica in a brackish environment and its subsequent adaptation to freshwater.

Abstract Januaria is described as a new monospecific genus of Rubiaceae, based on material from Januária, northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new taxon is endemic to Brazil, occurring in a vegetation type that is known locally as “carrasco”, in the southern limit of the Caatinga biome. Morphological (including palynological and SEM analyses) and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear (ETS, ITS) and plastid (atpB-rbcL, peth, rps16, trnL-trnF) sequence data were performed in the Spermacoce clade (tribe Spermacoceae). The molecular position and morphological features (a unique fruit dehiscence type, and pollen exine with simple reticulum) support Januaria as a new genus, with Mitracarpus as sister group, from which it differs principally in calyx morphology, corolla shape, and fruit dehiscence. Additionally, a further comparison with other morphologically similar genera is presented. We provide a formal description of Januaria, together with a distribution map and comments on its conservation. In addition, a discussion about the Brazilian endemics of the Spermacoce clade is given, also with a key to all the genera of this group present in the country. Rubiaceae Januária Gerais Brazil carrasco, carrasco , “carrasco” biome including ETS, ETS (ETS ITS atpBrbcL, atpBrbcL atpB rbcL, rbcL (atpB-rbcL peth rps16 rps trnLtrnF trnL trnF trnL-trnF tribe Spermacoceae. Spermacoceae . Spermacoceae) reticulum morphology shape Additionally presented conservation addition given country “carrasco rps1

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine whether the overexpression of the nuclear Rubisco large subunit (rbcL) improves the drought tolerance of the genetically modified (GM) BRSMG Curinga upland rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar. GM and non-genetically modified (NGM) plants of the same cultivar were compared under the two following water treatments: well watered (WW) and water deficit (WD). The performance of the agronomic traits of GM plants, including grain yield, was superior to that of NGM plants in both treatments. By quantitative polymerase chain reaction, GM plants show a significantly higher expression of the rbcL gene in both WW and WD, as well as a larger amount of abscisic acid. With the RNAseq analysis, almost three times more upregulated genes are identified in GM plants in stage 2 after water restriction, indicating a greater protection against water deficit. The higher expression of genes related to the protection of the cellular metabolism and a series of physiological alterations may be involved in the increase in the drought tolerance of GM rice plants overexpressing the rbcL gene. (rbcL (GM Oryza sativa nongenetically non (NGM treatments (WW WD. WD . (WD) yield reaction acid analysis restriction (WD

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar se a superexpressão da grande subunidade nuclear da Rubisco (rbcL) aumenta a tolerância à seca da cultivar geneticamente modificada (GM) BRSMG Curinga de arroz (Oryza sativa) de terras altas. Plantas GMs e não geneticamente modificadas (NGMs) da mesma cultivar foram comparadas nos dois seguintes tratamentos de água: irrigação (WW) e déficit hídrico (WD). O desempenho dos caracteres agronômicos das plantas GMs, incluindo a produção de grãos, foi superior ao das NGMs em ambos os tratamentos. Por reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa, plantas GMs apresentam expressão significativamente maior do gene rbcL, tanto sob WW como sob WD, além de maior quantidade de ácido abscísico. Com a análise de RNAseq, quase três vezes mais genes regulados positivamente são identificados nas plantas GMs no estágio 2 após restrição hídrica, o que indica maior proteção contra o déficit hídrico. O aumento da expressão de genes relacionados à proteção do metabolismo celular e uma série de alterações fisiológicas podem estar envolvidos no aumento da tolerância à seca em plantas de arroz GMs que superexpressam o gene rbcL. rbcL (rbcL GM (GM Oryza sativa altas (NGMs água (WW WD. WD . (WD) grãos quantitativa abscísico RNAseq hídrica (WD

Abstract Safety regarding herbal products is very necessary; therefore, routine identification of raw materials should be performed to ensure that the raw materials used in pharmaceutical products are suitable for their intended use. In order for the identification-related data obtained to be accurate, the identification of various kinds of markers is also very necessary. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. based on qualitative morpho-anatomical markers and quantitative DNA coding. The morphology of this plant has herbaceous habit with a taproot and a stem with branches that appear from the middle. Leaves are single type imperfectly arranged oppositely, lanceolatus, finely serrated on the edges, tapered at the base, pointed at the end, and have a pinnate and hairy leaf surface. The flowers consist of ray flowers and tube flowers with a cup shape. Meanwhile, in terms of anatomy, E. alba has aerenchyma, which are scattered in the cortex of the root and stem. In addition, there are anisocytic stomata, glandular trichomes, and non-glandural trichomes with an elongated shape accompanied by ornamentation found on the leaf epidermis. The results of sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction show that the sample plants are closely related to species in the genus Eclipta. necessary therefore use identificationrelated accurate L. L (L. Hassk morphoanatomical morpho anatomical coding middle oppositely lanceolatus edges base end surface Meanwhile anatomy E aerenchyma addition stomata nonglandural non glandural epidermis (L

Resumo A segurança em relação aos produtos fitoterápicos é um fator de extrema importância, assim, a identificação rotineira dos materiais deve ser realizada para garantir que as matérias-primas utilizadas nos produtos farmacêuticos sejam adequadas ao uso pretendido. Para que os dados relacionados à identificação obtidos sejam precisos, a identificação de vários categorias de marcadores também é necessária. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características de Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. com base em marcadores morfoanatômicos qualitativos e codificação quantitativa de DNA. A morfologia desta planta tem hábito herbáceo com raiz principal e caule com ramos que surgem a partir do meio. As folhas são de tipo único, dispostas de maneira imperfeita e oposta, lanceoladas, finamente serrilhadas nas bordas, afiladas na base, pontiagudas nas extremidades e possuem superfície foliar pinada e peluda. As flores consistem em flores raiadas e flores tubulares em formato de taça. Enquanto isso, em relação à anatomia, E. alba possui aerênquimas, que estão espalhados no córtex da raiz e do caule. Além disso, existem estômatos anisocíticos, tricomas glandulares e tricomas não glandulares de formato alongado acompanhados de ornamentação encontrada na epiderme das folhas. Os resultados do alinhamento de sequências e da reconstrução filogenética da árvore mostram que as plantas amostrais estão intimamente relacionadas com espécies do gênero Eclipta. importância assim matériasprimas matérias primas pretendido precisos necessária L. L (L. Hassk DNA meio único oposta lanceoladas bordas peluda taça isso anatomia E aerênquimas disso anisocíticos (L

Abstract The Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC) is one of Brazil's largest southwest Atlantic estuarine systems, possessing a rich microalgae diversity that remains to be fully explored. Therefore, due to the increasing interest in the microalgae biotechnological potential, this study isolated and identified diatoms found in the PEC. The diatoms were purified and analyzed with light and scanning electron microscopy for morphological identification, while DNA sequences were used for molecular identification. Although a diatoms rich diversity was obtained, only a few were viable after the cultivation period. The two best-selected strains were identified as belonging to two genera, Nitzschia and Navicula. The rbcL region was found to be the most informative for species identification. Morphological and molecular analyses allowed for the identification of species Nitzschia inconspicua and Navicula pseudoantonii, which was understood as the first report of N. pseudoantonii in the American continent. PEC (PEC Brazils Brazil s systems explored Therefore potential obtained period bestselected best selected genera N continent

Abstract Background. The Gracilariaceae is one of the most diverse and abundant families of marine red algae. Most species in this family exhibit high morphological variability and overlapping of characters. In the Yucatan Peninsula 30 species have been historically recorded, but the phylogenetic identity for many of them is still unknown. Questions: Is the current diversity of the family in the area overestimated? Studied species: Crassiphycus caudatus, C. corneus, C. usneoides, Gracilaria flabelliformis, G. hayi, G. cf isabellana, G. microcarpa, G. occidentalis, G. suzanneae, Gracilariopsis tenuifrons. Study site and dates: Campeche: km 33 carretera Champotón, Bahía Tortuga, Puente Xen Kan III, Punta Xen, Sabancuy, 2017, 2018; Yucatan: Puerto Sisal, Puerto Progreso, Puerto Chicxulub, Puerto Telchac, 2018; Quintana Roo: Playa 88, Xcalacoco, Punta Esmeralda, 2019. Methods. Phylogenetic analysis (with COI-5P and rbcL sequences), supported by DNA species delimitation methods, genetic distances and morphological comparisons, allowed us to molecularly identify the specimens collected. Results. The phylogenetic identity of 10 species of Gracilariaceae was confirmed, two of which are new records for the Mexican Atlantic: G. hayi and G. suzanneae. Conclusion. The study demonstrated that the molecular assessment has proved to be very useful for the diversity evaluation, thus, the future phylogenetic identifies for the rest of morphospecies recorded in the area will allow a better approximation of Gracilariaceae diversity species.

Resumen Antecedentes. Gracilariaceae es una de las familias más diversas y abundantes de algas rojas marinas, la mayoría de sus especies exhiben una alta variabilidad morfológica y superposición de caracteres. En la Península de Yucatán se han registrado 30 especies, pero aún se desconoce la identidad filogenética de muchas de ellas. Preguntas: ¿Se sobreestima la diversidad actual de la familia en el área? Especies de estudio: Crassiphycus caudatus, C. corneus, C. usneoides, Gracilaria flabelliformis, G. hayi, G. cf isabellana, G. microcarpa, G. occidentalis, G. suzanneae, Gracilariopsis tenuifrons. Sitios y años de estudio: Campeche: km 33 carretera Champotón, Bahía Tortuga, Puente Xen Kan III, Punta Xen, Sabancuy, 2017, 2018; Yucatan: Puerto Sisal, Puerto Progreso, Puerto Chicxulub, Puerto Telchac, 2018; Quintana Roo: Playa 88, Xcalacoco, Punta Esmeralda, 2019. Métodos. Análisis filogenéticos (con secuencias COI-5P y rbcL), apoyados por métodos de delimitación de especies de ADN, distancias genéticas y comparaciones morfológicas, permitió identificar molecularmente cada especie recolectada. Resultados. Se confirmó la identidad filogenética de 10 especies de Gracilariaceae, dos de las cuales fueron nuevos registros para el Atlántico mexicano: G. hayi y G. suzanneae. Conclusión: El presente estudio demostró que la evaluación molecular resultó ser muy útil para la estimación de la diversidad, por lo que futuras identificaciones filogenéticas para el resto de las morfoespecies registradas en el área, permitirán una mejor aproximación de la diversidad de las especies de Gracilariaceae.

Abstract Here we sequenced and characterized the complete plastome of Bactris riparia, a species closely related to B. gasipaes and widely distributed in Western Amazonia. We performed a comparative genomic analysis with B. riparia and the other four Bactridinae species retrieved from GenBank. The plastome of B. riparia was 156,715 bp with a quadripartite structure. Gene content included 86 protein-coding genes (CDS), 38 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. Bactris riparia has 69 more base pairs than B. gasipaes, with identical numbers in IR, and more in LSC and SSC. The comparative analysis indicated that structure, collinearity, and IR/SSC borders of plastomes within subtribe Bactridinae are, in general, conserved. We predicted 69 SSRs in B. riparia plastome. Among them, ~80% consisted of A/T homopolymers. Among the 52 variable CDS, rbcL showed the highest non-synonymous rate, while the rps15 gene had the highest synonymous rate. Three genes (ccsA, cemA, and rpoC1) presented evidence of positive selection and 22 genes showed evidence of purifying selection. The phylogenetic tree based on plastome sequences set Bactris as more closely related to Astrocaryum than to Acrocomia. These new plastome data of B. riparia will contribute to studies about the diversity, evolutionary history, and conservation of palms.

RESUMO O durian, especialmente Durio zibethinus, é uma commodity agrícola com alto valor econômico, tanto no mercado local quanto global. Objetivou-se determinar a diversidade genética, relações e correlação de cultivares superiores de D. zibethinus (‘Likol’, ‘Sahang’ e ‘Si Japang’) nativas de Kalimantan do Sul, Indonésia, usando o marcador rbcL, e compará-las com outras 48 cultivares do banco de dados GenBank. Todos os marcadores durian rbcL foram analisados usando o software MEGA-X e flogeneticamente reconstruídos utilizando-se duas abordagens: máxima verossimilhança (ML) e agrupamentos vizinhos (NJ). A árvore flogenética do durian foi avaliada por análise de bootstrap, e suas relações pela correlação de Pearson e análise de componentes principais. O durian apresentou baixa diversidade genética (π% = 0,056); no entanto, relações únicas foram reveladas. Seguindo a região rbcL, esse germoplasma foi agrupado em cinco clados, utilizando-se ML e NJ. Nesse caso, ‘Si Japang’ e ‘Sahang’ mostraram-se intimamente relacionadas com ‘T16’ da Malásia, enquanto ‘Likol’ relacionou-se com ‘Monthong’ da Tailândia. No entanto, com base na análise de divergência genética, ‘Sahang’ apresentou o relacionamento mais distante com três durians da Tailândia (‘Metnai Kanyao’, ‘Chok Loi’ e ‘Malet Ar-Ri’).

ABSTRACT Durian, especially Durio zibethinus, is an agricultural commodity with high economic value, both in local and global markets. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity, relationships and correlation of superior cultivars of D. zibethinus (‘Likol’, ‘Sahang’ and ‘Si Japang’) native to South Kalimantan, Indonesia, using the rbcL marker, and compare them with other 48 cultivars from the GenBank database. All durian rbcL markers were analyzed using the MEGA-X software and phylogenetically reconstructed using two approaches: maximum likelihood (ML) and neighbor-joining (NJ). The durian phylogenetic tree was assessed by bootstrap analysis, and their relationships by Pearson’s correlation and principal component analysis. The durian showed a low genetic diversity (π% = 0.056); however, unique relationships were revealed. Following the rbcL region, this germplasm was grouped into five clades using ML and NJ. In this case, ‘Si Japang’ and ‘Sahang’ showed to be closely related to ‘T16’ from Malaysia, whereas ‘Likol’ was related to ‘Monthong’ from Thailand. However, based on the genetic divergence analysis, ‘Sahang’ had the farthest relationship with three durians from Thailand (‘Metnai Kanyao’, ‘Chok Loi’ and ‘Malet Ar-Ri’).

RESUMO O coco (Cocos nucifera L.) é uma das culturas arbóreas mais importantes do mundo, principalmente nos trópicos. Objetivou-se determinar a diversidade genética de germoplasma de coco nativo de Kalimantan do Sul, Indonésia, usando o marcador rbcL. Nove amostras de coco, sendo oito coletadas nativamente nessa região e uma como grupo externo (obtida do banco de dados GenBank), foram utilizadas no estudo. Segundo o marcador rbcL, o germoplasma de coco nativo de Kalimantan do Sul apresenta diversidade relativamente alta, com diversidade de nucleotídeos (π) de 0,51. O nível de diversidade está fortemente correlacionado com a mutação presente na região observada, rbcL. A análise filogenética mostrou que o germoplasma de coco caracteriza-se por uma relação única, onde a cultivar ‘Dalam’ é a mais próxima a três outros cocos anões, ou seja, ‘Genjah Kuning 1’, ‘Genjah Kuning 3’ e ‘Wulung’.

ABSTRACT Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most important tree crops in the world, especially in the tropics. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of coconut germplasm native to South Kalimantan, Indonesia, using the rbcL marker. Nine coconut samples, being eight natively collected from this region and one as an outgroup (obtained from the GenBank database), were used in the study. According to the rbcL marker, the coconut germplasm native to South Kalimantan has a relatively high diversity, with a nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.51. The level of diversity is strongly correlated with the mutation present in the observed region, rbcL. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the coconut germplasm has a unique relationship, where the ‘Dalam’ cultivar is the closest to three other dwarf coconuts, i.e., ‘Genjah Kuning 1’, ‘Genjah Kuning 3’ and ‘Wulung’.

Abstract Background: Astianthus is a monospecific arborescent genus of Bignoniaceae that occur in the Pacific Coast of central Mexico and northern Central America, where it grows in dense populations along riversides. Its phylogenetic placement has remained controversial since Astianthus has unusual morphological characters such as a four-loculed ovary, and simple, pulvinate, verticillate leaves. Methods: Here we used three plastid markers ndhF, rbcL, and trnL-F, wood, and bark anatomical data to investigate the phylogenetic placement of Astianthus and assign it to one of Bignoniaceae’s main clades. Results: Our molecular phylogenetic analyses indicated that Astianthus belongs in tribe Tecomeae s.s., where other charismatic Neotropical Bignoniaceae genera such as Campsis and Tecoma are currently placed. Wood and bark anatomy support this placement, as Astianthus reunites a unique combination of features only known from members of Tecomeae s.s., such as storied axial parenchyma, the co-occurrence of homo- and heterocellular rays, septate fibers, and scattered phloem fibers in the bark. Conclusions: The placement of Astianthus within Tecomeae s.s. provides further support to previous proposals for the Neotropical origin of this Pantropical tribe.

Resumen Antecedetes: Astianthus es un género monoespecífico y arborescente de Bignoniaceae cuya distribución abarca la porción occidental del centro de México y norte de Centroamérica. Astianthus suele crecer en poblaciones densas en ambientes riparios. La ubicación filogenética de Astianthus ha permanecido controversial, debido a que presenta una combinación de caracteres morfológicos que es inusual en la familia: ovario tetra-locular y hojas simples, verticiladas y pulvinadas. Métodos: Se utilizó una combinación de tres marcadores del plástido (ndhF, rbcL y trnL-F) así como datos anatómicos de madera y corteza para investigar la posición filogenética de Astianthus, y determinar su asignación a uno de los clados principales de Bignonicaceae. Resultados: Nuestros análisis filogenéticos indican que Astianthus pertenece a la tribu Tecomeae s.s., en la cual se encuentran otros géneros neotropicales y carismáticos de Bignoniaceae, como Campsis y Tecoma. La anatomía de madera y corteza apoyan los resultados moleculares, pues Astianthus reúne una combinación única de características que sólo se conocen de otros miembros de Tecomeae s.s., tales como parénquima axial estratificado, la co-ocurrencia de radios homo- y heteroceluares, fibras septadas y fibras individuales dispersas en el floema. Conclusiones: La ubicación filogenética de Astianthus como parte de Tecomeae s.s. proporciona evidencia que apoya la hipótesis de un origen neotropical de esta tribu pantropical.

ABSTRACT The green algal genus Bryopsis has simple morphology and high phenotypic plasticity, making it difficult to identify its species based on morphological characteristics alone. This study evaluated the diversity of Bryopsis in northeastern Brazil (the State of Pernambuco), based on morphological and molecular data using the markers tufA and rbcL. Molecular analyses were incongruent with morphology, demonstrating the existence of cryptic and polymorphic species in the genus. Of the four taxa cited for the area based only on morphological data (Bryopsis corymbosa, B. pennata, B. plumosa, Bryopsis sp.), only B. pennata was recorded. Typical specimens of B. pennata and B. plumosa were grouped with low genetic divergence, 0-0.21 % for tufA and no divergence for rbcL, indicating that B. pennata is an extremely plastic species that includes specimens with morphotype B. “plumosa”. Bryopsis pennata var. secunda is cited for the first time for northeastern Brazil, with divergence from the typical variety of 0.96-1.57 % for tufA and 0.4 % for rbcL. This study showed that broader sampling of Bryopsis is necessary in order to confirm the taxonomic status of the species referenced for Brazil, whose phenotypic plasticity may cause overestimation of diversity or reveal cryptic species.

ABSTRACT The red seaweed Chondracanthus chamissoi shows high morphological variability. Initially, three species were identified based on the width of the main axis of their blades. Later, all of them were included in a single species with two morphological groups. Recently, quantitative studies demonstrated the existence of two forms in C. chamissoi: f. lessonii and f. chauvinii. It was also shown that these two forms occur in sympatry, growing side by side. These forms were not associated with either a life cycle phase or the sex of the blades. This study aimed to determine whether the two forms could represent different species. We evaluated the forms’ taxonomic position using COI and rbcL markers, including samples from three localities in southern Chile. All specimens shared a single rbcL haplotype, whereas the two COI haplotypes differed by four base pairs and were present in blades of both forms and life cycle phases. The two morphological types correspond to intraspecific forms. This species is of commercial importance, and its main market is aimed at human consumption with a marked preference for f. lessonii.

Abstract Interspecific crosses between the more than 520 Passiflora species may or may not be compatible. The sequences ITS, matK, psbA-trnH, rbcL and trnL-F were used to confirm species identity and to estimate the genetic distances among 48 Passiflora accessions of a germplasm bank. Twenty species were used for crosses within and between distinct Passiflora subgenera. The phylogenetic resolution based on ITS data was superior to that of any single chloroplast marker, recommending it as a DNA barcode for this genus. However, the tree topology based on Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using the combination of the four chloroplast markers possessed greater support for subclades within the subgenus Passiflora, which contains more species of interest for breeders. We could not identify a clear cutoff value of pairwise Kimura two-parameter (K2P) distances to predict success or failure of crosses. Rather, the clustering of species pairs together within the same or closely related phylogenetic subclades predicted the probability of wide cross compatibility more reliably.

Abstract: The genus, Quercus L, Fagaceae has great relevance in terms of diversity, ecological and economic importance. However, the recorded taxonomic information does not always distinguish the classification. In this study, three DNA regions (rbcL, matK and ITS2) were used as barcodes to identify species of the genus Quercus. The analyzed data (56 rbcl, 51 ITS and 61 matK sequences) corresponded to 92 species (11 are from Mexican, and 81 are from Eurasia and North America). The universal primers (rbcL and ITS2) amplified 100% of Mexican oak samples. The BLAST analysis of the rbcL and ITS2 fragments of Mexican oaks, showed a high identification ability with 98.1 and 98.3% respectively. Genetic distance-based method resulted in extremely low discrimination rates, possibly due to overlapping genetic distances, as well as frequent inter-species hybridization and a low rate of variation. The neighbor-joining method provided a high discriminatory ability with matK (81.96%) and ITS2 (80.39%) markers, generating groupings based on geographic regions and sections of the Quercus subgenus in phylogenetic trees. According to the overall performance, ITS2 and matK are recommended to use as the most suitable DNA barcodes to identify Quercus species.

Resumen: El género Quercus L., Fagaceae, es de gran relevancia en cuanto diversidad, importancia ecológica y económica; pero la información taxonómica documentada no siempre permite distinguir entre los taxones. En este estudio se evaluó el poder discriminatorio de tres regiones de ADN (rbcL, matK e ITS2) como códigos de barras para identificar especies del género Quercus. Los datos analizados corresponden a 56 secuencias de rbcL, 51 de ITS2 y 61 de matK, provenientes de 92 especies (11 mexicanas y 81 de Eurasia y América del Norte). Los cebadores universales (rbcL e ITS2) amplificaron el 100% de las muestras de encinos mexicanos. El análisis BLAST de los fragmentos rbcL e ITS2 de encinos mexicanos, proporcionó un poder de identificación alto con 98.1 y 98.3%, respectivamente. Con el método basado en la distancia genética se tuvieron tasas de discriminación extremadamente bajas, posiblemente debido a distancias genéticas superpuestas, además de la frecuente hibridación entre especies y la baja tasa de variación. El método de unión de vecinos cercanos proporcionó un poder discriminatorio alto con los marcadores matK (81.96%) e ITS2 (80.39%), generando agrupaciones por regiones geográficas y por secciones del subgénero Quercus en los arboles filogenéticos. Según el rendimiento general de dicho método se propone el uso de ITS2 y matK como los códigos de barras de ADN más adecuados para la identificación de especies del género Quercus.