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oa DNA barcoding based assessment to differentiate Thymus capitatus genotypes collected from Libya
- Source: QScience Connect, Volume 2024, Issue 2, Dec 2024, 3
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- 22 September 2024
- 01 December 2024
- 31 December 2024
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Abstract
Background: The indigenous wild thyme (Thymus capitatus) population in Libya exhibits a conspicuous and unique floral attribute, characterized by polymorphic flower coloration, which is discernible within a singular population. Thyme is classified as a Taxonomically Complex Group since it is a genetic combination of related individuals. Methods: Fifteen tender leaf samples were collected to capture regional floral diversity. Samples represented five flower colour categories (white, spotted-white, violet, pink, pied). Leaves were thoroughly washed with running distilled water for DNA extraction and sequencing. Sequences were then analysed and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Results: Alignment of matK gene sequences from Libyan thyme samples exhibited that those with violet flowers displayed the highest similarity (96.67%) to the genus Thymbra capitata, whereas samples with white flowers demonstrated the lowest similarity (85%), while the rbcL sequences of white flowers displayed the highest similarity (99.63%), whereas the remaining tested samples exhibited a slightly lower similarity of 98%. Notably, the sequences of 14 thyme samples amplified using rbcL A primers have been deposited in the NCBI GenBank with accession numbers MW051762 to MW051775. In the context of analysis via matK and rbcL gene sequences using MEGA software, an unequivocal similarity was observed across the majority of examined thyme samples. Conclusion: DNA barcoding may not be the only key component required for species discrimination of Thymbra capitata developed in Libyan.