Museomics resolve the systematics of an endangered grass lineage endemic to north-western Madagascar.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Recent developments in DNA sequencing, so-called next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods, can help the study of rare lineages that are known from museum specimens. Here, the taxonomy and evolution of the Malagasy grass lineage Chasechloa was investigated with the aid of NGS.

Methods

Full chloroplast genome data and some nuclear sequences were produced by NGS from old herbarium specimens, while some selected markers were generated from recently collected Malagasy grasses. In addition, a scanning electron microscopy analysis of the upper floret and cross-sections of the rachilla appendages followed by staining with Sudan IV were performed on Chasechloa to examine the morphology of the upper floret and the presence of oils in the appendages.

Key results<

SUBMITTER: Silva C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5314640 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature