Looking to the past to inform the future: What eDNA from herbarium specimens can tell us about plant-animal interactions.

ABSTRACT:

Premise

The importance of natural history collections in modern ecological and genetic research cannot be overstated. Herbarium specimens provide historical information that can be used to investigate community ecology, phenology, and population genetics. In this study, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and next-generation sequencing were used to test the efficacy of detecting historical plant-animal interactions from herbarium specimen flowers.

Methods

A modified eDNA isolation method and standard Illumina sequencing protocols were used. Animal eDNA was amplified using both cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S primers to increase detection probability. The relationship between specimen age (0-69 years) and target taxa read depth was also investigated.

Result

SUBMITTER: Waters C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12038733 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature