Validation of nrDNA ITS as a DNA barcode for Marshallia (Asteraceae)

Abstract

We examine the utility of nrDNA ITS as a barcode marker in the southeastern endemic wildflower genus Marshallia, sequencing multiple individuals of all species. With the exception of the putative hybrid M. mohrii, all species had a unique ITS sequence and intraspecific variation was very low. Intragenomic polymorphism was also quanti- fied using high-throughput sequencing reads. The ITS data support specific status for the recently described M. legrandii and indicate a relationship between M. trinervia and the federally listed M. mohrii.