DNA Barcoding Identifies Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa in Derna Region, East Libya

Abstract

Many methods are accessible that apply diverse criteria for the reasons of identifying taxonomic specialization depending on DNA sequencing information. It is crucial for the studies of taxonomy and biodiversity using DNA barcode technology to fast and accurately make species identification in the forests. According to the Encyclopedia of Earth, many wonderful and rare plants are destroyed. In the tropics and subtropics, numerous evergreen conifers are jeopardized. These plants grow in remote places of our planet, which are inaccessible. It merits referring to that Juniperus spp. an imperative part of Mediterranean arid and semi-arid biological communities. Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa is a rare woody species found in Jebel Al-Akhdar, Libya in only one peripheral site north-west Derna. A robust analysis presented based on using morphological traits of needles, seeds and cones, and DNA technology. Along these lines, jeopardized plant populations could be recognized more effectively. This study universality of tree species DNA barcodes. such as the rbcL and matK plastid markers, and examined their abilities of species identification. The morphological and genetic results strongly support the recognition of J. macrocarpa at the subspecies J. oxycedrus.