DNA barcoding as an effective tool to complement wetland management: A case study of a protected area in Italy

In recent years, DNA barcoding has been suggested as a useful molecular technique to complement traditional taxonomic expertise for fast species identification and biodiversity inventories. In this study, in situ application of DNA barcodes was tested on the plant community of a wetland area in central Italy. Four cpDNA markers (trnH–psbA, rbcL, rpoC1, and matK) were tested on 40 plant species, 26 of which strictly connected to the aquatic habitat. Universality of the method, ease of data retrieval, and correct assignation of the genetic markers to each species were evaluated. The markers showed different prospects of reliable applicability. The obtained sequences were blasted against the NCBI database to verify the correct species identification. A score ranging between 32% and 67% was achieved. Overall, eight species remained unidentified with all the tested barcodes due to the absence of conspecific sequences in the available databases. This work demonstrates some limitations in the applicability of DNA barcoding to accomplish complete taxonomical surveys. Difficulties encountered in this study urge refinement of technical protocols and accessibility to wider databases. Future technological advances and larger sample sets will certainly reinforce DNA barcoding as a useful tool to address knowledge and conservation of wetlands.