Article
Plant Sciences
Ria Cahyaningsih, Lindsey Jane Compton, Sri Rahayu, Joana Magos Brehm, Nigel Maxted
Summary: DNA barcoding has emerged as a scientific breakthrough in plant identification and conservation, especially in the field of medicinal plants. This study focused on analyzing the effectiveness of different DNA barcoding regions for Indonesian medicinal plant identification, with matK being recommended as the main region. Findings from this study have implications for forensic studies and the conservation of medicinal plants on a national and global scale.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Meng-Yue Zhou, Ran -Ran Xing, Ke-Han Liu, Yi-Qiang Ge, Ying Chen
Summary: This study aimed to develop a DNA barcoding method for the species identification of culinary spices. Five barcodes were evaluated to detect 19 culinary spices, but they could not definitively identify all the species. The combination of ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcodes improved the identification ability, successfully identifying all tested spices except for Cambodian cardamom. The method can be used to standardize labels on commercial culinary spices.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Courtney J. Kitch, Amanda M. Tabb, Grace E. Marquis, Rosalee S. Hellberg
Summary: Ready-to-eat seafood products are popular globally but are susceptible to species substitution and mislabeling. A study was conducted in Orange County, CA to investigate the mislabeling of sushi, poke, and ceviche dishes. DNA barcoding identified species substitution in 23.3% of samples and unacceptable market names in 45.6% of samples. Ceviche had the highest mislabeling rate at 85.3%, followed by poke at 61.8%, and sushi at 42.9%. The study highlights the need for proper labeling and further research in the seafood supply chain.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Christina Pei Pei Choy, Benjamin J. Wainwright
Summary: Shark fin soup is a popular dish consumed by Asian communities worldwide, driving the demand for shark fins and leading to a decline in shark populations by up to 70%. This research used molecular techniques to identify shark species in bowls of soup collected in Singapore and found endangered species with high levels of mercury. The consumption of shark fin soup likely exposes consumers to unsafe levels of mercury and further contributes to the decline of global shark populations.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dutrudi Panprommin, Rittikai Manosri
Summary: The lack of regulations and enforcement in the traceability of fishery products, particularly species substitution, is a cause of food fraud in some countries. Thailand is one of these countries where regulations are not fully enforced. This study investigated the labeling situation of fish fillet products by assessing the molecular identity of 54 samples using a DNA barcoding technique. Results showed that 18 samples (33.33%) were mislabeled, mainly because the scientific names did not match the product labels.
Article
Food Science & Technology
S. Sameera, Deepak Jose, M. Harikrishnan, A. Ramachandran
Summary: The trade flow of the fisheries sector is complex, posing challenges for traceability and leading to safety issues in the final products. DNA analysis offers specific and reliable species identification, with mtCOI gene being a robust genetic marker. Limited regulations in India highlight the need for stricter labelling and authentication measures.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pablo Dufflocq, Maria Angelica Larrain, Cristian Araneda
Summary: Research in Chile identified food fraud incidents in the swordfish market, with vulnerable shark species being mislabeled or substituted. It is recommended to raise stakeholder awareness on shark conservation, establish specific labeling regulations, and enforce them effectively with DNA-based methods.
Article
Fisheries
Jason R. O'Bryhim, E. C. M. Parsons, Stacey L. Lance
Summary: Elasmobranchs, including sharks, are a highly imperiled group, but due to difficulties in identifying species, few countries have implemented catch limits. Research in Costa Rica's fisheries found that scalloped hammerhead sharks were the most commonly caught species by artisanal fishermen, mainly consisting of juvenile individuals. The study also revealed that the sharks caught in these fisheries do not match those sold in markets around San Jose.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ian French, Benjamin J. Wainwright
Summary: Shark populations have declined by more than 70% over the past 50 years largely due to increased fishing efforts. Despite increased public awareness, three-quarters of oceanic shark species are at risk of extinction. DNA barcoding was used to identify shark DNA in pet food purchased in Singapore, revealing the presence of sharks protected by CITES and IUCN. Vague ingredient descriptions and mislabeling in pet food prevent informed and environmentally conscious decisions, potentially contributing to overfishing of endangered sharks.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Elham Taghipour, Manuela Bog, Fateme Frootan, Sadegh Shojaei, Nima Rad, Mahdi Arezoumandi, Mahyat Jafari, Ali Hatef Salmanian
Summary: Duckweed, a type of plant in the Lemnaceae family, has potential biotechnological applications due to its high protein content. DNA barcoding was used to identify four species of duckweed in Iran. Experimental results showed that the growth rates and yields of selected duckweed clones were higher than those of wild plants and common crops.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Jones, Alex D. Twyford, Col R. Ford, Tim C. G. Rich, Helena Davies, Laura L. Forrest, Michelle L. Hart, Heather McHaffie, Max R. Brown, Peter M. Hollingsworth, Natasha de Vere
Summary: DNA barcoding and metabarcoding offer new avenues for research in biological systems but require well-curated reference libraries. A national DNA barcode reference library for native flowering plants and conifers of the UK was established, with herbarium collections providing the majority of specimens. Sanger sequencing of plant DNA barcode markers retrieved at least one barcode from 98% of UK flora, with species coverage ranging from 75% to 96% for different regions.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Jacopo D'Ercole, Roger Vila, Leonardo Dapporto, Mikko Pentinsaari, Gerard Talavera, Vlad Dinca, Paul D. N. Hebert
Summary: This study examined mitochondrial DNA sequence variation in introduced insect species and found that genetic variation is significantly lower in introduced populations compared to native populations. The study suggests that these genetic patterns are likely a result of general processes. Understanding the molecular evolution of introduced species is crucial for managing their impact on ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Maria Pia Miglietta, Sarah Pruski
Summary: Sampling in multiple localities and molecular barcoding reveal the presence of local cryptic species in allopatry in wide-ranging nominal species. However, cryptic species in sympatry can easily be missed if they have different seasonality and require long-term frequent sampling for identification. This study investigates the presence of cryptic species within a temporal gradient and on a spatial scale in Hydrozoa using mitochondrial sequencing and finds a high number of sympatric cryptic species. The bi-dimensional cryptic diversity highlighted in this study is crucial for understanding evolution processes, biogeography, and biodiversity assessments in the sea.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Vanessa Nascimento Brito, Janaina Lana Alves, Kaliane Sirio Araujo, Tiago de Souza Leite, Casley Borges de Queiroz, Olinto Liparini Pereira, Marisa Vieira de Queiroz
Summary: In this study, 30 endophytic Trichoderma isolates obtained from wild Hevea spp. in the Brazilian Amazon were analyzed. The analysis revealed known Trichoderma species as well as four new species. This study contributes to our understanding of the diversity of endophytic Trichoderma species in Neotropical forests and identifies potential biocontrol agents for plant disease management.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lia Juliana Halim, Iradhatullah Rahim, Shahid Mahboob, K. A. Al-Ghanim, Asmiaty Amat, Darlina Md Naim
Summary: This study analyzed the molecular signatures and phylogenetic relationship of lutjanids in Malaysia and identified five distinct species. Significant genetic structuring was found between different regions of the South China Sea, possibly due to loss of gene flow caused by oceanic currents. However, population and species showed genetic homogeneity between the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Marine Cusa, Katie St John Glew, Clive Trueman, Stefano Mariani, Leah Buckley, Francis Neat, Catherine Longo
Summary: The increasing global demand for seafood products has led to more complex supply chains and challenges in tracing their origin and ensuring legal, sustainable sources. DNA-based methods can verify seafood authenticity at the species level, while verifying geographic origin remains more complex. Both genetic and stable isotope analyses have been used to determine point-of-origin with varying degrees of success, but selecting the right tool for each application is crucial. Ongoing research is needed to improve the application of these techniques for seafood point-of-origin validation.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maria Cavedon, Bridgett VonHoldt, Mark Hebblewhite, Troy Hegel, Elizabeth Heppenheimer, Dave Hervieux, Stefano Mariani, Helen Schwantje, Robin Steenweg, Megan Watters, Marco Musiani
Summary: The study found differences and specialization in habitat selection and use among different ecotypes of caribou, as well as individual variations within the same ecotype. Genetic variation in SNPs played a key role in habitat selection in caribou, related to habitat and dietary specialization, and climatic adaptations. The associations between habitat and genes detected may lead to lack of resilience in the species, contributing to caribou endangerment.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Maria Cavedon, Bridgett VonHoldt, Mark Hebblewhite, Troy Hegel, Elizabeth Heppenheimer, Dave Hervieux, Stefano Mariani, Helen Schwantje, Robin Steenweg, Jessica Theoret, Megan Watters, Marco Musiani
Summary: Habitat fragmentation and loss pose significant threats to wide-ranging animals, including migratory species. The genetic basis of migratory behavior in endangered terrestrial mammals has not been studied before. In this study, the researchers found a genetic subdivision of caribou into Northern and Southern clusters and detected multiple genetic variants associated with migratory behavior. The propensity to migrate in caribou depends on their ancestry, suggesting that the loss of migratory trait in isolated populations may have long-lasting effects. These findings highlight the importance of genetic factors in understanding and conserving migratory behavior in endangered species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andjin Siegenthaler, Owen S. Wangensteen, Chiara Benvenuto, Riccardo Lollobrigidi, Stefano Mariani
Summary: This study investigates the niche overlap between two dominant epibenthic predators, the brown shrimp and the European green crab, in European estuarine soft-bottom environments using trophic DNA-metabarcoding. The results show differences in diet composition between the two predators, with the European green crab having a richer and more consistent diet compared to the brown shrimp.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina Di Muri, Christos Arvanitidis, Alberto Basset, Raffaele De Giorgi, Ilaria Rosati, Lucia Vaira, Giorgio Mancinelli
Summary: LifeWatch ERIC launched an initiative to investigate Non-indigenous Species and Invasive Alien Species (NIS-IAS), which are major drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem change. This case study focuses on the trophic biogeography of invasive crustaceans, using stable isotope data to determine their trophic position and modeling it based on environmental predictors. The study provides analytical tools and a user-friendly interface for future e-science platforms focusing on NIS-IAS.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Linda Albonetti, Giulia Maiello, Alessia Cariani, Paolo Carpentieri, Alice Ferrari, Alice Sbrana, Peter Shum, Lorenzo Talarico, Tommaso Russo, Stefano Mariani
Summary: Conservation and management of chondrichthyans are important due to their vulnerability to fishing activities, and using eDNA metabarcoding can accurately assess bycatch composition and detect rare species. Chondrichthyan diversity is influenced by environmental variables and fishing effort. As DNA metabarcoding becomes a staple tool for biodiversity monitoring, it can provide additional insights into threatened and elusive megafauna.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
L. McGill, A. D. McDevitt, B. Hellemans, F. Neat, H. Knutsen, S. Mariani, H. Christiansen, T. Johansen, F. A. M. Volckaert, I Coscia
Summary: This study focuses on two commercially important gadoid species, the common ling and the blue ling, which have overlapping geographical distribution but different depth habitats. Genotyping-by-sequencing analysis revealed genetic differentiation in both species, with two major groups identified for each species. Fine-scale genetic structure was found along the coast of Norway for the common ling, while the blue ling showed stronger signals of differentiation related to adaptation to different depth habitats and cold temperatures.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giorgio Aglieri, Federico Quattrocchi, Stefano Mariani, Charles Baillie, Davide Spatafora, Antonio Di Franco, Gabriele Turco, Marco Tolone, Rosalia Di Gerlando, Marco Milazzo
Summary: By combining eDNA surveys, public registers, and Automatic Identification Systems data, we found significant positive relationships between fishing fleet activities and the taxonomic fish assemblage composition in eleven Mediterranean fishing ports. We identified 160 fish and 123 invertebrate OTUs, including non-indigenous species, suggesting that eDNA assessments of fishing harbours' waters can rapidly monitor marine biodiversity and reconstruct underreported fishing catches.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biology
Sara Gonzalez-Delgado, Owen S. Wangensteen, Carlos Sangil, Celso A. Hernandez, Beatriz Alfonso, Ana Z. Soto, Rocio Perez-Portela, Stefano Mariani, Jose Carlos Hernandez
Summary: Metabarcoding techniques have revolutionized ecological research by revealing hidden biodiversity. This study used DNA metabarcoding to assess the effects of ocean acidification on marine benthic communities. The results show that subtropical communities are expected to maintain high biodiversity levels under future ocean acidification.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cristina Di Muri, Tamara Lazic, Ilaria Rosati, Cataldo Pierri, Angela Boggero, Giuseppe Corriero, Alberto Basset
Summary: Biological invasions pose a major threat to ecosystem structure and functioning, particularly in Italian marine and transitional ecosystems. The arrival of alien species can significantly impact native biodiversity and socio-economic activities. However, comprehensive information on both alien and native species diversity is often dispersed across various biodiversity information systems and databases.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Thomas I. Gibson, Gary Carvalho, Amy Ellison, Enrica Gargiulo, Tristan Hatton-Ellis, Lori Lawson-Handley, Stefano Mariani, Rupert A. Collins, Graham Sellers, Marco Antonio Distaso, Carlo Zampieri, Simon Creer
Summary: Fishes are important components of estuarine ecosystems, and assessing their biodiversity is crucial for understanding the health of these ecosystems. This study used environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to investigate fish assemblage composition in the River Dee estuary in Wales. The results showed that eDNA metabarcoding could enhance existing fish sampling methods by providing more comprehensive information on fish biodiversity.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Gert-Jan Jeunen, Miles Lamare, Jennifer Devine, Stefano Mariani, Sadie Mills, Jackson Treece, Sara Ferreira, Neil J. Gemmell
Summary: Given the challenges of monitoring the Southern Ocean through visual observations, this study explores the potential of marine sponge eDNA monitoring to assess the fish community in the region. The findings show that eDNA provides a more comprehensive view of the fish community compared to catch records, highlighting its potential for improving our understanding of this understudied ecosystem and aiding conservation efforts.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andhika P. Prasetyo, Joanna M. Murray, Muh. Firdaus A. K. Kurniawan, Naiara G. Sales, Allan D. McDevitt, Stefano Mariani
Summary: Illegal fishing, unregulated bycatch, and market demand for certain products are causing a rapid decline in shark and ray populations. Controlling the trade of endangered species is challenging due to various factors, but a new genetic approach using trace DNA fragments retrieved from trade leftovers shows promise in identifying traded species, even those that are difficult to recover from tissue samples. This approach could become a powerful and cost-effective monitoring tool in wildlife trade.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Davide Cicala, Maria Teresa Guerra, Roberta Bardelli, Cristina Di Muri, Alessandro Ludovisi, Salvatrice Vizzini, Giorgio Mancinelli
Summary: Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were used to estimate the pairwise niche overlaps between non-indigenous and native consumers in Lake Trasimeno. The results showed a relatively low overlap between non-indigenous and native species, except for the Louisiana crayfish, which had a high overlap with other native invertebrates. This suggests a high niche divergence between non-indigenous and native species, indicating the need for additional control measures for the Louisiana crayfish.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Charalampos Dimitriadis, Erika F. Neave, Peter Shum, Stefano Mariani, Manuela D'Amen, Ernesto Azzurro
Summary: In 2021, the presence of three Lessepsian yellowstripe barracuda and eight Indo-Pacific needle-spined sea urchin specimens were observed along the coasts of Zakynthos Island, with some of them found within the Marine Protected Area.