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Oliveira M, Azevedo L, Ballard D, Branicki W, Amorim A. Using plants in forensics: State-of-the-art and prospects. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 336:111860. [PMID: 37683985 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of plant evidence in forensic investigations gave rise to a powerful new discipline - Forensic Botany - that analyses micro- or macroscopic plant materials, such as the totality or fragments of an organ (i.e., leaves, stems, seeds, fruits, roots) and tissue (i.e., pollen grains, spores, fibers, cork) or its chemical composition (i. e., secondary metabolites, isotopes, DNA, starch grains). Forensic botanists frequently use microscopy, chemical analysis, and botanical expertise to identify and interpret evidence crucial to solving civil and criminal issues, collaborating in enforcing laws or regulations, and ensuring public health safeguards. The present work comprehensively examines the current state and future potential of Forensic Botany. The first section conveys the critical steps of plant evidence collection, documentation, and preservation, emphasizing the importance of these initial steps in maintaining the integrity of the items. It explores the different molecular analyses, covering the identification of plant species and varieties or cultivars, and discusses the limitations and challenges of these techniques in forensics. The subsequent section covers the diversity of Forensic Botany approaches, examining how plant evidence exposes food and pharmaceutical frauds, uncovers insufficient or erroneous labeling, traces illegal drug trafficking routes, and combats the illegal collection or trade of protected species and derivatives. National and global security issues, including the implications of biological warfare, bioterrorism, and biocrime are addressed, and a review of the contributions of plant evidence in crime scene investigations is provided, synthesizing a comprehensive overview of the diverse facets of Forensic Botany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Oliveira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Azevedo
- UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - David Ballard
- King's Forensics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wojciech Branicki
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland
| | - Antonio Amorim
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Ipatimup - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; FCUP - Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Huang CJ, Chu FH, Huang YS, Tu YC, Hung YM, Tseng YH, Pu CE, Hsu CT, Chao CH, Chou YS, Liu SC, You YT, Hsu SY, Hsieh HC, Wang CT, Chen CT. SSR individual identification system construction and population genetics analysis for Chamaecyparis formosensis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4126. [PMID: 35260700 PMCID: PMC8904461 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07870-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chamaecyparis formosensis is an endemic species of Taiwan, threatened from intensive use and illegal felling. An individual identification system for C. formosensis is required to provide scientific evidence for court use and deter illegal felling. In this study, 36 polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers were developed. By applying up to 28 non-linked of the developed markers, it is calculated that the cumulative random probability of identity (CPI) is as low as 1.652 × 10–12, and the identifiable population size is up to 60 million, which is greater than the known C. formosensis population size in Taiwan. Biogeographical analysis data show that C. formosensis from four geographic areas belong to the same genetic population, which can be further divided into three clusters: SY (Eastern Taiwan), HV and GW (Northwestern Taiwan), and MM (Southwestern Taiwan). The developed system was applied to assess the provenance of samples with 88.44% accuracy rate and therefore can serve as a prescreening tool to reduce the range required for comparison. The system developed in this study is a potential crime-fighting tool against illegal felling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiun-Jr Huang
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan. .,Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan. .,Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City, 23149, Taiwan.
| | - Fang-Hua Chu
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shiang Huang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Tu
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City, 23149, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Mei Hung
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City, 23149, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsin Tseng
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Chang-En Pu
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City, 23149, Taiwan
| | - Cheng Te Hsu
- Hualien Forest District Office, Forestry Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Hualien, 97051, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsiang Chao
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City, 23149, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shyang Chou
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City, 23149, Taiwan
| | - Shau-Chian Liu
- Department of Applied Science, National Taitung University, Taitung, 95092, Taiwan
| | - Ya Ting You
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shuo-Yu Hsu
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Chih Hsieh
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Ting Wang
- The Experimental Forest, National Taiwan University, No. 12, Sec. 1, Qianshan Rd., Nantou County, 55750, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tsong Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, Investigation Bureau, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City, 23149, Taiwan.
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Deklerck V, Price E, Vanden Abeele S, Lievens K, Espinoza E, Beeckman H. Timber identification of Autranella, Baillonella and Tieghemella in the taxonomically challenging Sapotaceae family. PLANT METHODS 2021; 17:64. [PMID: 34158085 PMCID: PMC8220841 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-021-00766-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To enforce timber import laws and perform timber species identification, the identity of the botanical species must be well-defined. Since the Sapotaceae family is known as a taxonomically challenging family, we focus in this study on the four most valuable Sapotaceae timber species from tropical Africa: Autranella congolensis (De Wild.) A.Chev., Baillonella toxisperma Pierre, Tieghemella africana Pierre and Tieghemella heckelii (A.Chev.) Pierre ex Dubard. The wood anatomical characteristic fiber lumen fraction and Direct Analysis in Real Time-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (DART-TOFMS) were used to differentiate the four species and to make inferences on species delineation and taxonomic identity. RESULTS We observed differences in the fiber lumen fraction measurements and discerned two groups: (1) A. congolensis and B. toxisperma, and (2) T. africana and T. heckelii. In addition, all Mann-Whitney U comparisons and differences in distributions (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) for the fiber lumen fraction measurements were significant between all species. When permutating the data between species within those two groups, significant differences were still found between the species within those groups. This could indicate that the fiber lumen fraction is not diagnostic to discern the species. DART-TOFMS analysis showed that A. congolensis and B. toxisperma have distinct chemotypes, while T. heckelii and T. africana have remarkably similar chemotypes. CONCLUSIONS Based on our observations of similar chemotype and weakly differentiated fiber lumen ratio, we support an alternative taxonomic hypothesis that considers Tieghemella monotypic, because of the strong resemblance between T. heckelii and T. africana. Larger sample sizes and further research is required to develop methodology for the identification of these species. A taxonomic study utilizing molecular genetics would be beneficial to assess the status of the genus and the species limits. This could have implications towards their potential inclusion on CITES appendices if there is ever need for them to be listed. If Tieghemella africana and T. heckelii remain two distinct species, they should both be listed. Screening agents should be aware that the morphological and chemical differences between T. africana and T. heckelii are minimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Deklerck
- Service of Wood Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), Leuvensesteensweg 13, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium.
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, United Kingdom.
| | - E Price
- U.S. Forest Service International Programs Wood Identification & Screening Center, Richardson Hall 109, 3180 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, 1490 East Main Street, Ashland, OR, 97520, USA
| | - S Vanden Abeele
- School of Integrative Plant Science, Section of Plant Biology and the L.H.Bailey Hortorium, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - K Lievens
- Service of Wood Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), Leuvensesteensweg 13, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - E Espinoza
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, 1490 East Main Street, Ashland, OR, 97520, USA
| | - H Beeckman
- Service of Wood Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), Leuvensesteensweg 13, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium
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Hartvig I, So T, Changtragoon S, Tran HT, Bouamanivong S, Ogden R, Senn H, Vieira FG, Turner F, Talbot R, Theilade I, Nielsen LR, Kjær ED. Conservation genetics of the critically endangered Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis): recommendations for management and sustainable use. CONSERV GENET 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-020-01279-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Dormontt E, Jardine D, van Dijk KJ, Dunker B, Dixon R, Hipkins V, Tobe S, Linacre A, Lowe A. Forensic validation of a SNP and INDEL panel for individualisation of timber from bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum Pursch). Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 46:102252. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Chemical Fingerprinting of Wood Sampled along a Pith-to-Bark Gradient for Individual Comparison and Provenance Identification. FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The origin of traded timber is one of the main questions in the enforcement of regulations to combat the illegal timber trade. Substantial efforts are still needed to develop techniques that can determine the exact geographical provenance of timber and this is vital to counteract the destructive effects of illegal logging, ranging from economical loss to habitat destruction. The potential of chemical fingerprints from pith-to-bark growth rings for individual comparison and geographical provenance determination is explored. Materials and Methods: A wood sliver was sampled per growth ring from four stem disks from four individuals of Pericopsis elata (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and from 14 stem disks from 14 individuals of Terminalia superba (Côte d’Ivoire and Democratic Republic of the Congo). Chemical fingerprints were obtained by analyzing these wood slivers with Direct Analysis in Real Time Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (DART TOFMS). Results: Individual distinction for both species was achieved but the accuracy was dependent on the dataset size and number of individuals included. As this is still experimental, we can only speak of individual comparison and not individual distinction at this point. The prediction accuracy for the country of origin increases with increasing sample number and a random sample can be placed in the correct country. When a complete disk is removed from the training dataset, its rings (samples) are correctly attributed to the country with an accuracy ranging from 43% to 100%. Relative abundances of ions appear to contribute more to differentiation compared to frequency differences. Conclusions: DART TOFMS shows potential for geographical provenancing but is still experimental for individual distinction; more research is needed to make this an established method. Sampling campaigns should focus on sampling tree cores from pith-to-bark, paving the way towards a chemical fingerprint database for species provenance.
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A geographical traceability system for Merbau (Intsia palembanica Miq.), an important timber species from peninsular Malaysia. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 44:102188. [PMID: 31648150 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To inform product users about the origin of timber, the implementation of a traceability system is necessary for the forestry industry. In this study, we developed a comprehensive genetic database for the important tropical timber species Merbau, Intsia palembanica, to trace its geographic origin within peninsular Malaysia. A total of 1373 individual trees representing 39 geographically distinct populations of I. palembanica were sampled throughout peninsular Malaysia. We analyzed the samples using a combination of four chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers and 14 short tandem repeat (STR) markers to establish both cpDNA haplotype and STR allele frequency databases. A haplotype map was generated through cpDNA sequencing for population identification, resulting in six unique haplotypes based on 10 informative intraspecifically variable sites. Subsequently, an STR allele frequency database was developed from 14 STRs allowing individual identification. Bayesian cluster analysis divided the individuals into two genetic clusters corresponding to the northern and southern regions of peninsular Malaysia. Tests of conservativeness showed that the databases were conservative after the adjustment of the θ values to 0.2000 and 0.2900 for the northern (f = 0.0163) and southern (f = 0.0285) regions, respectively. Using self-assignment tests, we observed that individuals were correctly assigned to populations at rates of 40.54-94.12% and to the identified regions at rates of 79.80-80.62%. Both the cpDNA and STR markers appear to be useful for tracking Merbau timber originating from peninsular Malaysia. The use of these forensic tools in addition to the existing paper-based timber tracking system will help to verify the legality of the origin of I. palembanica and to combat illegal logging issues associated with the species.
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Moore MK, Frazier K. Humans Are Animals, Too: Critical Commonalities and Differences Between Human and Wildlife Forensic Genetics. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1603-1621. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Katherine Moore
- Forensic Laboratory Conservation Biology Division Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston SC29412
| | - Kim Frazier
- Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Forensic and Fish Health Laboratory 1212 South Adams Street Laramie WY 82070
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Sebbenn AM, Blanc-Jolivet C, Mader M, Meyer-Sand BRV, Paredes-Villanueva K, Honorio Coronado EN, García-Dávila C, Tysklind N, Troispoux V, Delcamp A, Degen B. Nuclear and plastidial SNP and INDEL markers for genetic tracking studies of Jacaranda copaia. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-019-01097-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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10
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Tysklind N, Blanc-Jolivet C, Mader M, Meyer-Sand BRV, Paredes-Villanueva K, Honorio Coronado EN, García-Dávila CR, Sebbenn AM, Caron H, Troispoux V, Guichoux E, Degen B. Development of nuclear and plastid SNP and INDEL markers for population genetic studies and timber traceability of Carapa species. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-019-01090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Chaves CL, Blanc-Jolivet C, Sebbenn AM, Mader M, Meyer-Sand BRV, Paredes-Villanueva K, Honorio Coronado EN, Garcia-Davila C, Tysklind N, Troispoux V, Massot M, Degen B. Nuclear and chloroplastic SNP markers for genetic studies of timber origin for Hymenaea trees. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-018-1077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Chaves CL, Degen B, Pakull B, Mader M, Honorio E, Ruas P, Tysklind N, Sebbenn AM. Assessing the Ability of Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Gene Markers to Verify the Geographic Origin of Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) Timber. J Hered 2018; 109:543-552. [PMID: 29668954 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esy017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deforestation-reinforced by illegal logging-is a serious problem in many tropical regions and causes pervasive environmental and economic damage. Existing laws that intend to reduce illegal logging need efficient, fraud resistant control methods. We developed a genetic reference database for Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril), an important, high value timber species from the Neotropics. The data set can be used for controls on declarations of wood origin. Samples from 308 Hymenaea trees from 12 locations in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and French Guiana have been collected and genotyped on 10 nuclear microsatellites (nSSRs), 13 chloroplast SNPs (cpSNP), and 1 chloroplast indel marker. The chloroplast gene markers have been developed using Illumina DNA sequencing. Bayesian cluster analysis divided the individuals based on the nSSRs into 8 genetic groups. Using self-assignment tests, the power of the genetic reference database to judge on declarations on the location has been tested for 3 different assignment methods. We observed a strong genetic differentiation among locations leading to high and reliable self-assignment rates for the locations between 50% to 100% (average of 88%). Although all 3 assignment methods came up with similar mean self-assignment rates, there were differences for some locations linked to the level of genetic diversity, differentiation, and heterozygosity. Our results show that the nuclear and chloroplast gene markers are effective to be used for a genetic certification system and can provide national and international authorities with a robust tool to confirm legality of timber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila L Chaves
- State University of Londrina, Agronomy Department, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Bernd Degen
- Thünen Institut für Forstgenetik, Sieker Landstrasse, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Birte Pakull
- Thünen Institut für Forstgenetik, Sieker Landstrasse, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Malte Mader
- Thünen Institut für Forstgenetik, Sieker Landstrasse, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Euridice Honorio
- Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana (IIAP), Iquitos, Peru
| | - Paulo Ruas
- State University of Londrina, Department of Biology, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Niklas Tysklind
- INRA - UMR 0745 ECOFOG "Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane" Campus agronomique, KOUROU Cedex, French Guiana
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Blanc-Jolivet C, Kersten B, Bourland N, Guichoux E, Delcamp A, Doucet JL, Degen B. Development of nuclear SNP markers for the timber tracking of the African tree species Sapelli, Entandrophragma cylindricum. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-017-0872-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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A nearest neighbour approach by genetic distance to the assignment of individual trees to geographic origin. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2017; 27:132-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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15
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Hassold S, Lowry PP, Bauert MR, Razafintsalama A, Ramamonjisoa L, Widmer A. DNA Barcoding of Malagasy Rosewoods: Towards a Molecular Identification of CITES-Listed Dalbergia Species. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157881. [PMID: 27362258 PMCID: PMC4928830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Illegal selective logging of tropical timber is of increasing concern worldwide. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot and home to some of the world’s most sought after tropical timber species. Malagasy rosewoods belong to the genus Dalbergia (Fabaceae), which is highly diverse and has a pantropical distribution, but these timber species are among the most threatened as a consequence of intensive illegal selective logging and deforestation. Reliable identification of Dalbergia species from Madagascar is important for law enforcement but is almost impossible without fertile plant material, which is often unavailable during forest inventories or when attempting to identify logged trees of cut wood. DNA barcoding has been promoted as a promising tool for species identification in such cases. In this study we tested whether DNA barcoding with partial sequences of three plastid markers (matK, rbcL and trnL (UAA)) can distinguish between Dalbergia from Madagascar and from other areas of its distributional range, and whether Malagasy species can be distinguished from one another. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Malagasy Dalbergia species studied form two monophyletic groups, each containing two subgroups, only one of which corresponds to a single species. We characterized diagnostic polymorphisms in the three DNA barcoding markers that allow rapid discrimination between Dalbergia from Madagascar and from other areas of its distribution range. Species identification success based on individual barcoding markers or combinations was poor, whereas subgroup identification success was much higher (up to 98%), revealing both the value and limitations of a DNA barcoding approach for the identification of closely related Malagasy rosewoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Hassold
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Porter P. Lowry
- Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- ISYEB (UMR 7205), Département Systématique et Evolution, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Alex Widmer
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Iyengar A. Forensic DNA analysis for animal protection and biodiversity conservation: A review. J Nat Conserv 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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17
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Where did they come from? Genetic diversity and forensic investigation of the threatened palm species Butia eriospatha. CONSERV GENET 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-013-0552-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Degen B, Ward SE, Lemes MR, Navarro C, Cavers S, Sebbenn AM. Verifying the geographic origin of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) with DNA-fingerprints. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2012; 7:55-62. [PMID: 22770645 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Illegal logging is one of the main causes of ongoing worldwide deforestation and needs to be eradicated. The trade in illegal timber and wood products creates market disadvantages for products from sustainable forestry. Although various measures have been established to counter illegal logging and the subsequent trade, there is a lack of practical mechanisms for identifying the origin of timber and wood products. In this study, six nuclear microsatellites were used to generate DNA fingerprints for a genetic reference database characterising the populations of origin of a large set of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King, Meliaceae) samples. For the database, leaves and/or cambium from 1971 mahogany trees sampled in 31 stands from Mexico to Bolivia were genotyped. A total of 145 different alleles were found, showing strong genetic differentiation (δ(Gregorious)=0.52, F(ST)=0.18, G(ST(Hedrick))=0.65) and clear correlation between genetic and spatial distances among stands (r=0.82, P<0.05). We used the genetic reference database and Bayesian assignment testing to determine the geographic origins of two sets of mahogany wood samples, based on their multilocus genotypes. In both cases the wood samples were assigned to the correct country of origin. We discuss the overall applicability of this methodology to tropical timber trading.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Degen
- Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Institut für Forstgenetik, Sieker Landstrasse 2, D-22927 Grosshansdorf, Germany.
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