Species Identification and Phylogenetic Reconstruction in Acer Linn. by Restriction Site-Associated DNA Sequencing

Abstract

Acer Linn. is a genus with high variation in species morphology in Sapindaceae, its phylogeny and intrageneric classification remain undefined. Here, 93 samples including 1 Dipteronia species and 52 Acer species were used for restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). The basic characteristics were evaluated, and the high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data were used for genotyping, clustering and phylogenetic tree construction. The results showed that 12 sections of Acer was monophyletic except section Lithocarpa; it was supported to classify A. wardii into section Macrantha and become one series; it was supported to combine section Pentaphylla and section Trifoliata. It was not supported to revise A. yangjuechi and A. olivaceum into A. miaotaiense and A. elegantulum, respectively. The systematic relationships of some taxa of Acer was clarified based on population genetic structure analysis, PCA clustering and phylogenetic tree analysis, and the origin, evolution and distribution of some taxa of Acer were also discussed in combination with data such as morphological characteristics, fossil evidence, and distribution information of Acer. The results confirmed that SNP data generated by RAD-seq can be used for species identification and phylogenetic analysis of Acer. It also indicated that it is feasible in complex group classification and phylogenetic studies.