Türkiye'ye ait Verbascum L. türlerinin DNA barkodlaması yöntemi ile kimliklendirilmesi

The increasing industrialization and environmental degradation lead to a planetary biodiversity crisis further leading to species extinction, thus the loss of genetic resources and germplasm. By preserving the genetic resources, it is also possible to protect the ecosystem which highly depends on taxonomy and the accurate identification of the species. The climate, topography, and geomorphology of Turkey make it to be one of the centers for plant diversity and endemism. It is estimated that there are approximately 2700 endemic species in Turkey where the Verbascum L. genus is occupying an important role with its distinctive biodiversity. The distribution range of the Verbascum L. genus is narrow, and the increasing risk of its habitat destruction creates a requirement for a strict conservation policy considering its therapeutic qualities and ecological relevance. Due to the species physical similarity and possibility for hybridization, these endemic Verbascum L. species pose difficulties for correct identification and classification. In order to clarify the taxonomic relationships, boundaries and conservation of Verbascum L. germplasm, it is crucial to use DNA barcoding technique which utilizes short and conserved DNA sequences with sufficient variations known as DNA barcodes to enable the molecular-level identification and differentiation of species. The objective of this study is the molecular identification of key species of the Verbascum L. genus from Turkey by DNA barcoding. For this purpose, the Anatolian endemic species from the Verbascum L. genus were selected mainly from the herbarium collections. The recommended barcode regions by CBOL, namely rbcL, matK, ITS, and trnH-psbA, which enable detection with greater variation, were utilized. The DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were conducted following the established DNA barcoding standards. The barcode regions, ITS and matK, were identified in 15 and 11 Verbascum species respectively and used for the phylogenetic analysis. This study will enable the addition of Verbascum L. to Turkey's plant inventory and make molecular-level adjustments to correct taxonomic problems if necessary. Consequently, the involvement of the DNA barcodes will further contribute to the conservation of the Verbascum germplasm.