Trade in Zambian Edible Orchids-DNA Barcoding Reveals the Use of Unexpected Orchid Taxa for Chikanda.

ABSTRACT: In Zambia, wild edible terrestrial orchids are used to produce a local delicacy called chikanda, which has become increasingly popular throughout the country. Commercialization puts orchid populations in Zambia and neighbouring countries at risk of overharvesting. Hitherto, no study has documented which orchid species are traded on local markets, as orchid tubers are difficult to identify morphologically. In this study, the core land-plant DNA barcoding markers rbcL and matK were used in combination with nrITS to determine which species were sold in Zambian markets. Eighty-two interviews were conducted to determine harvesting areas, as well as possible sustainability concerns. By using nrITS DNA barcoding, a total of 16 orchid species in six different genera could be identified. Both rbcL

SUBMITTER: Veldman S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6315803 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature